Trip prep: United Kingdom → New York
A complete checklist for traveling from United Kingdom to New York, United States. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Online ESTA required before travel — usually $7-25. ESTA required online before travel ($21).
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in United States: Tip 18-22% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 911 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Single number for all emergencies. ER visits without insurance can cost $3,000-30,000+ — travel insurance is essential.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Different plug (Type A) AND different voltage (230V → 120V). Pack a Type A adapter; you'll need a voltage converter for hair dryers/curling irons.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for United States — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
4°C / -3°C
cold · rainy
May
22°C / 13°C
mild · rainy
September
25°C / 17°C
warm · moderate rain
- Light layers — t-shirts + 1 light jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Rain jacket and umbrella
6 Once you're in New York
- Public transit: MTA Subway + Bus — single fare $2.90, day pass $8.25. Tap your contactless credit card or phone on the OMNY reader — same fare as MetroCard. Free transfer between subway and bus within 2 hours.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Midtown West (Hell's Kitchen + Theater District) — Times Square + Broadway + Penn Station. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Storm King Art Center (Hudson Valley), Beacon (Dia + walking tour), Cold Spring + Bear Mountain. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Most 'scams' in the US are aggressive tipping pressure, taxi over-charging at airports, and Times Square character/performer hustles.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for United States in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation