Insider New York

New Yorkers refer to the lines by letter or number - 'Take the 1/9 to Christopher Street' or 'Transfer from the C local to the A express at West Fourth Street station' - and subway and area maps are posted at most stations. Even though the city is friendlier these days, don't sit on the subway holding an unfolded full-size map as you work out your route. You may attract scam artists (who are more annoying than menacing) and you'll definitely look like a dork. Instead, study the map that's posted near one of the doors in every subway car. If someone is sitting below it, just act like a true local and lean in to read it over their head.

Fare for a subway or local bus ride is $2, for an express bus, $4. There are reduced fares for mobility-impaired and senior citizens, and up to three children under 44 inches in height ride free with a paying adult. Buy a Metrocard, which you can use on the subway or bus and comes in unlimited ride or pay-per-ride versions. The $7 one-day and $21 seven-day unlimited ride Metrocards are a great value for exploring the city and they work on buses too. You can buy these from token booths or kiosks at subway stations.

• When calling numbers in New York City, you have to include the area code: 212 for Manhattan, 718 for Brooklyn and Queens.
• Always ask for the cross street when getting addresses. It will save you loads of shoe leather.
• Know your order before you get in line at the deli.
• Learn these important phrases:
  'That place is so bridge-and-tunnel' - A derogatory description for bars, restaurants, etc because of their popularity with New Jersey and outer borough residents
  'I'm on the list' - Please, as if they need to ask.
  'Thank you, darling. Fancy a snog?' - The appropriate response to cute New Yorkers who say they 'love your accent'.

For more information, visit New York's official tourism website.

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