New York is a tough city populated by badasses, known for their no-nonsense attitude and indomitable spirit.
The reason for this is little wonder; NYC is one of the most expensive and sought-after cities in the world, which means that competition in every industry there is sky-high. Only the best of the best of each field—be it in the financial, retail, technology or arts industry—manage to carve out a living in this dog-eat-dog town.
Being able to call oneself a New Yorker is a point of pride, but fret not—even if you’re just in town for a short visit, you can blend in with the tough Yankees and behave like one of them by avoiding these common faux pas.
1. Crossing the street only when the light changes
Speed and efficiency are highly-prized assets in NYC, so time wasted dawdling on street corners for no reason is a big no-no. That’s not to say you should be dashing across traffic dodging cars Hollywood-style—instead, look both ways and take the liberty of crossing the street when there’s no traffic even if the pedestrian-crossing light isn’t on yet.
2. Walking slowly or in a distracted manner
Foot traffic is high on the streets of New York City, and especially so in midtown Manhattan—where you as a tourist would most likely be! Whilst many of the city’s best tourist attractions are located in this part of town, so are the offices and homes of many resident New Yorkers.
Drifting about on the street, daydreaming or gazing upwards at the skyscrapers are activities best done in a park or at a beach. Whilst walking on the streets of Manhattan, try to match the brisk stride of everyone else and keep your eyes straight forward to avoid bumps, elbow-hits and nasty looks.
If you need to consult a map, move off the main sidewalk to a secluded corner before doing so. Walking with your eyes down fixated on your phone or up at the sky is a surefire way to get a bump or a sharp word from an annoyed local.
3. Speaking softly or shyly
New Yorkers in general are known to be assertive, direct, and self-assured (they would have to be, in order to hold their own in this city!) This comes off nonverbally in the way they communicate as well—locals tend to express themselves rather decisively, a trait which is sometimes construed as aggression by tourists from other parts of the world unused to this direct manner of speech.
However, there’s no need to be cowed by self-assuredness. Although travellers from Asian countries are usually more accustomed to a gentler form of communication, you too can hold your own by speaking confidently and with conviction whenever addressed. Do be prepared also to be randomly spoken to by strangers—unlike most Asians, Americans in general have no qualms about making conversation with total strangers on the street, in cafes or on public transportation.
4. Fumbling at the Metro station turnstile
The pace of life in New York City is a hectic one, and the high population density does not help make things easier. Hordes of tourists share the same pathways and streets as locals hurrying about on their busy day, so efficiency in movement as a crowd is a choreographed dance.
Don’t stick out or interrupt the flow of movement whilst you’re in it, especially at the turnstiles of the metro. Stopping or slowing down to fumble for your MetroCard holds up the human traffic and causes uncomfortable pile-ups at the turnstiles. Have your card ready in your hand or pocket before you reach the turnstile, observe in advance how the people before you swipe their cards, and you’d be able to join this communal dance without missing a step.
