What newcomers commonly notice about working in New York: employment that can end without notice, vacation that depends on the employer rather than the law, and the City and State rules that do guarantee some protected time off.
Everyday culture in United States
Unwritten rules and everyday habits newcomers to United States often notice — with context, regional differences and practical tips.
Choose where you are moving from to see notes written for that contrast, where our editors found one.
At work
Neighbours and home
What newcomers commonly notice about living in a New York City apartment building: the super, using 311 for problems, heat season, and the City's rules for setting out trash, recycling and compost.
Tipping
Why tipping is part of how many service workers in New York are paid, what newcomers commonly notice about tip prompts and service charges, and what the law says about who keeps the tip.
Public transport
What newcomers commonly notice on the New York City subway: tapping to pay, uptown and downtown, express and local trains, letting people off first, keeping to one seat, and the safety rules the MTA asks every rider to follow.
Shopping
Why the price at the register is higher than the price on the shelf in New York City, which purchases are exempt from sales tax, and other things newcomers commonly notice when shopping and paying.
Sundays and holidays
The eleven federal holidays, why many fall on a Monday, how holidays on weekends are observed, and why a federal holiday is not automatically a day off in a private-sector job.