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New York
Culture
Gastronomy
Romance
Shopping
Snow
Feel like you're in the movies
Five boroughs — The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island — take some time (and make a plan) to see everything that matters. But if from among everything that matters you can only see the best, then Times Square, Broadway, Central Park and Fifth Avenue will make it all worth it!
Feel like a New Yorker
These three iconic museums are musts: the Met, MoMA and the Guggenheim. And the very popular Museum of Natural History. But also the skyline view on top of the Empire State Building and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. And after climbing up to the Statue of Liberty, there's nothing like Fifth Avenue for some world class shopping.
Culture and Business
Before leaving
Make sure you have your passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, take care of your visa or other necessary documentation ahead of time.
Climate
Due to its large geographical area, the US climate is very diverse. Generally speaking, summers are hot and humid in the plains and southern states, while the southwest is very hot and quite dry.
Time zone
Boston, Miami & New York = GMT - 5
Geography & politics
The US is a federal presidentialist republic made up of 50 states. The US shares land borders with Canada and Mexico and maritime borders with Russia, Cuba, and the Bahamas, in addition to Canada and Mexico.
Tipping & paying
The currency is the US Dollar (USD). You are expected to leave a tip of 10 to 15%.
Languages & useful phrases
The official language in English. In English: “hello” = hello, “please” = please; “thank you” = thank you; “sorry” = sorry.
What you should do
Business breakfasts, lunches and dinners are very common. Americans are direct in their communication, and like eye contact when talking to someone. It is usually not important to develop a personal relationship to establish a successful business relationship.
What you shouldn’t do
Don’t smoke in public places. If in doubt or if you are at someone's house, always ask before smoking. Don’t invade someone else's personal space too much—Americans usually like to leave some space between them when they are talking.
What to wear
Depending on the part of the country where you are and the industry you are in, you can choose different levels of formality. When in doubt, go for a conservative style, and adapt it as needed.
First impressions
When meeting someone in a business context, greet them with a firm handshake. In social situations, it is normal not to greet each person individually. A general "hello" or "hi" is often enough. If you are invited to someone's house, take a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine as a thank you gesture. Addressing people by their first name is normal—if in doubt, use the appropriate title and surname.