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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, arrange your visa or other required documentation well in advance.
Climate
The US climate is very diverse due to its large geographical area. Generally speaking, summers are hot and humid on the plains and in the southern states, while the southwest is very hot and quite dry.
Time zone
Boston, Miami and New York = GMT - 5
Geography and Politics
The US is a federal presidentialist republic composed of 50 states. It shares land borders with Canada and Mexico and maritime borders with Russia, Cuba and the Bahamas, as well as Canada and Mexico.
Tips and Payment
The US currency is the US Dollar (USD). It is expected to give a tip of 10 to 15%.
Language and expressions to memorize
The official language is English. Some useful phrases in English are: “hello” = hello; "Please” = please; "Thank you very much” = Thank you very much; “Sorry” =Sorry.
What to do
Business related breakfasts, lunches and dinners are common. Americans are direct in their communication, and they like eye contact when they are talking to someone. Typically, it is not important to develop a personal relationship to establish a successful business relationship.
What not to do
Do not smoke in public locations. If in doubt or if you are in someone's home, always ask before smoking. Do not invade someone else's personal space too much - Americans usually like to leave some space between them when they are talking.
What to wear
You can choose different levels of formality depending on the part of the country where you are and the industry. When in doubt, opt for a conservative style, and adapt it as needed.
First contact
When meeting someone in a business context, greet him or her with a firm handshake. In social situations, it is normal not to individually greet all the people. A general "hello" or "hi" is sometimes sufficient. If you are invited to someone's house, offer a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine to show your appreciation. Addressing people by their first name is normal - if in doubt, use the appropriate title with the surname.