NYC 2026: Practical Guide for International Visitors

Everything first-time visitors need to know about New York City for the World Cup.

NYC Practical Guide for International World Cup Visitors

Millions of international fans will visit New York for the 2026 World Cup — many for the first time. New York is one of the world's great cities but it has its own rules, rhythms, and surprises. This guide covers what actually matters for a first-time visitor.

Before you arrive

Visas and entry

The United States has strict entry requirements. Check your situation early:

• ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Citizens of 42 countries — including most of Western Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea — can enter with an approved ESTA. Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before travel. Costs $21.
• B-2 Tourist Visa: Required for many countries. Apply at your nearest US Embassy — wait times can be months. Start this process now if you need one.
• Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. For the July 19 Final, that means valid through January 2027.
• FIFA Fan ID: Check FIFA's official requirements — a Fan ID or equivalent documentation may be required for match entry.

Currency and payments

The US dollar (USD) is the currency. The exchange rate changes daily — check xe.com for current rates. Practically speaking:

• Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere — more so than most countries
• Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay cards) works on the subway and in most stores
• ATMs are widely available — use your bank's network to avoid fees
• Carry $20–$40 in small bills for tips, street food, and situations where cards aren't accepted
• Currency exchange at airports is convenient but expensive — your bank card at an ATM gives you better rates

Tipping: the most confusing thing for visitors

Tipping in the US is not optional — it's how service workers are paid. This surprises many international visitors. Here's the standard:

• Restaurants (sit-down): 18–22% of the pre-tax bill. The card machine will show you suggested amounts.
• Bars: $1–$2 per drink, or 15–20% if you run a tab
• Coffee shops: $1 per drink is common, though not always expected
• Taxis / rideshare: 15–20% (suggested in app)
• Hotel housekeeping: $2–$5 per night, left in room
• Food delivery: 15–20% suggested in apps

Not tipping at a restaurant will confuse and upset your server. The suggested amounts on card machines are not a scam — they reflect the actual norm.

The subway

The NYC subway is your most important tool. It runs 24/7, costs $3 per ride, and goes almost everywhere you need. Tap your contactless credit/debit card or phone directly on the yellow OMNY reader at the turnstile. That's it. No ticket machine needed.

Google Maps gives excellent real-time subway directions. Download it before you arrive and use it constantly. See our full subway guide.

Getting to MetLife Stadium

The stadium is in New Jersey, not New York City. The official route: subway to Penn Station → NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction → Meadowlands event service to stadium. World Cup special tickets cost $98 round trip and must be purchased in advance. See the full transit guide.

Neighborhoods: where things are

New York City is five boroughs. For most visitors, Manhattan is the center. Key areas:

• Midtown Manhattan: Times Square, Penn Station, Rockefeller Center Fan Village. Most hotels, most tourist activity, most expensive.
• Downtown Manhattan: Financial District, Lower Manhattan fan events. Less crowded, closer to some fan zones.
• Brooklyn: Williamsburg (soccer bars), Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope — cooler, cheaper than Manhattan, 20–30 minute subway to Midtown.
• Queens: Jackson Heights (Ecuadorian, Colombian, Argentine communities), Flushing (Korean, Chinese communities, USTA fan zone), Astoria (Greek, Moroccan communities). Real neighborhood atmosphere.
• Jersey City / Hoboken: Across the Hudson River, cheaper hotels, PATH train to Manhattan in minutes.

Safety

New York is a safe city for tourists. Normal precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like Penn Station and Times Square — pickpockets are rare but not unheard of
• Use Uber, Lyft, or official yellow/green taxis. Never accept rides from people approaching you at airports or transit hubs
• Times Square is very safe but aggressively commercial — costumed characters ask for tips and vendors push tours
• The subway is safe during the day and evenings; late-night (after 1am) use normal judgment about which car you get in
• Emergency number: 911 (police, fire, medical)

What surprises most visitors

• How large it is. "NYC" is 302 square miles across 5 boroughs. Things that look close on a map can be 45 minutes apart.
• How expensive food is. A sit-down lunch for two can easily be $60–$80 with tip. Budget for this.
• How hot June and July are. NYC summers are hot and humid — 85°F (30°C) with high humidity is common. Stay hydrated at outdoor events.
• How international it already is. You will hear more languages than you can count. You will find food from virtually every country. Your national community is probably already here.
• How good the pizza and bagels are. Not a surprise — just confirmed.

Weather in June and July

• June: Average 75–82°F (24–28°C), occasional rain showers, humid
• July: Average 80–88°F (27–31°C), high humidity, occasional thunderstorms
• What to pack: Light breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, sunscreen
• Fan zones and outdoor events are in the heat — bring water and sunscreen for daytime sessions

Language

English is the primary language, but New York is extraordinary in its linguistic diversity. Spanish is spoken widely, especially in Queens and the Bronx. In neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Flushing, and Astoria, you'll encounter dozens of languages. Most service workers in tourist areas speak English; many also speak Spanish, Mandarin, or other major languages.

Essential apps to download before you arrive

• Google Maps — subway directions, walking, real-time transit
• Uber or Lyft — rideshare
• NJ Transit — buy and store your $98 World Cup rail tickets
• OpenTable or Resy — restaurant reservations (book popular places in advance)
• Weather app of choice — NYC weather can change quickly

Explore the neighborhoods

• Jackson Heights — South American soccer culture
• Astoria — most diverse soccer neighborhood
• Bay Ridge — Norwegian and Arab communities
• Harlem — West African and Senegalese community

Visiting from another city?

• From Boston
• From Philadelphia
• From Washington DC

✈️ Flying to New York for the World Cup? Find flights and compare fares on Expedia. Search flights to NYC →

🎭 Things to do between matches: Best NYC Experiences During the World Cup — helicopter tours, Statue of Liberty, Candlelight, ARTE Museum, food tours →