Coins Tossed into the Air While Living in New York

New York, New York... New York is a state that is beloved by Hollywood and attracts many visitors. However, living here requires a certain level of resilience and adaptability. Are you up for the challenge?

Absolutely. Residing in New York demands fortitude, determination, and composure. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to living in this city, I will mention a few without inundating you. In a separate article, I will provide guidance for visitors, scholars, and professionals in New York.

My Interesting Stories in New York

If you take an Uber in Manhattan, be prepared for surprise taxes.

Let me give you an example that illustrates my point: Uber. Although Uber is currently banned in our country, it is still available in some parts of the world. In fact, during my recent trip to New York, I found myself using Uber to get around. However, I was surprised to see the amount of taxes that were added to my fare. I remember taking a short ride from Chelsea to the Upper East Side, which lasted between 15 to 20 minutes. When I received the receipt, I was taken aback by the high taxes that were added to my fare. As you can see in the image below, the total fare was $38.65, but the taxes made up a significant portion of the total amount.

When you open Uber, the total fare, taxes, and other charges are displayed automatically. Additionally, you have the option to view the invoice sent to your last email address. In New York, the fare includes the NY Congestion Fee, New York Traffic Jam Tax, State Sales Tax (equivalent to VAT), and New York Black Car Fund (a fundraising initiative for the organization). The total fare for this ride is $32.23, which includes an official air fee of $6.42. However, the tax rates and types may vary depending on the state.

Mandatory Gratuities

When you go out, it's expected that you tip, even for self-service coffee purchases. In New York, the average tip should range between 15% and 20% of the total bill. For example, if the bill is $100, you should leave a tip of at least $15 or $20. While you usually have to enter the tip amount manually, some places attach the tip to the receipt automatically. It's unfortunate that tipping is still expected even when the service is bad, but it's important to remember that it's customary and shows appreciation for the work that is being done.

Why should you tip like this? Because bosses hire waiters for a low wage and expect customers to make up the rest. The minimum hourly wage in New York is $15, but many restaurants and businesses still follow this practice, especially those that employ immigrants. By tipping generously, you can ensure that your server is properly compensated for their hard work and dedication, and help support a fair and just system for all workers.

When visiting New York, it is important to understand that tipping is a common expectation when receiving services. Be confident in your preparedness to handle this cultural norm accordingly.

The city never sleeps and offers endless opportunities for fun

Spending Friday and Saturday nights at home can lead to feelings of depression and isolation, especially when you see your friends enjoying themselves on Instagram. It can be a difficult experience, but it's important to socialize and make plans to avoid these negative emotions.

The nightlife here is remarkably affordable, with drinks and entrance fees being quite cheap. However, it's worth noting that men may be subject to different pricing due to the common practice of free entry for women. As a result, when purchasing drinks, men should factor in the added cost of the women accompanying them, effectively doubling the overall expense.

I have some fantastic suggestions for you while I write this. The first is PHD Lounge located in Chelsea, Manhattan. It's a great club that opens after 10:30 PM. The atmosphere is lively, especially after midnight. You can enter without a reservation, but you must be over 21 years old and dress nicely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

LAVO Nightclub is an exclusive venue located in a prime location on 58th street. For male guests, a ticket purchase is required for entry, while well-dressed women can enjoy free admission. The restaurant on the upper floor offers excellent cuisine, though it may not be the ideal choice for a romantic dinner. LAVO is predominantly a nightclub, and thus offers the ultimate clubbing experience at night - an event not to be missed.

A different date each week

Looking for a serious relationship? You may want to consider other states besides New York. While it is possible to meet someone and have a positive experience, relationships tend to be short-lived. It is not uncommon for individuals to keep their options open while dating. Although some people advocate for monogamy, it may take some time to establish that level of commitment.

When going on a date as a man, it is expected that you will pay for both yourself and your companion. Although this expectation does not necessarily represent gender equality, some women have grown accustomed to it. However, Turkish girls tend to be more appreciative and while some may express gratitude to foreigners on a date, most do not and expect men to pay.

I strongly recommend Hinge as a dating app, in comparison to Tinder, which I perceive to have low quality. From my own experience, I find that the women on Hinge are more poised and of higher quality. Hinge's tagline, "Made to be erased," is not only beautiful but also signifies that the app is intended to assist users in finding love. The situation on Tinder, however, is a bit different 🙂

That's all for now. Rest assured, the next New York post is just around the corner. If you're keen on discovering more about language schools in New York, I highly recommend checking out my previous article. You can find it by clicking here.