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Unregulated cars whose drivers solicit passengers at airports or in front of hotels have no safety regulations and no metered limits on what they can charge you. Be patient, and stand in line for a licensed yellow cab instead. (More on tips on taxi know-how.)

The “lost our lease” or “going out of business” signs you might see in shops – particularly along 5th Avenue or on Broadway – have been up there for years. The signs are intended to lure unwary customers into stores with, typically, overpriced electronics.

Just as in most large cities around the world, New York has its share of pickpockets hoping to take advantage of distracted visitors. Be especially alert in crowds and when getting on and off crowded buses and subway trains. Even better, use hidden travel wallets to keep your money secure at all times. Leave your valuable jewelry at home or back at the hotel, and never stop to count your money on the street.

You may be more than happy to pay the extra price for tickets to sold-out sporting events or shows, but be aware of the risk you run; sometimes the tickets peddled by scalpers turn out to be counterfeit, and you could wind up with no money and no seat.

You’ll see these card games on the street, especially around Broadway. Sometimes it seems as though a player has won big, but be warned – the winner is usually an assistant. You will only win these games if the dealer wants you to.

Most workers have no choice and have to ride the subway at its busiest hours. But you do not need to get caught in the crush; avoid the rush hours between 7am and 9am, and between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, and you’ll have a much pleasanter ride. (More information on subway routes.)

Unfortunately there is no regulation on what hotels can charge for telephone calls made by their guests. Read carefully the card that explains your hotel’s phone surcharges, since they can be hefty, even if you use a credit card. You can save money by patronizing the telephone booth in the lobby or sometimes by buying a phone card (see Telephones).

Hotels notoriously overcharge for their breakfasts, counting on the fact that their guests will find it easier and pleasanter to stay in. But you can save more than half – and often have a better breakfast – just by seeking out a coffee shop down the block.

One tip that might help you to avoid luggage hassles: Discourage break-ins by making it harder for thieves; use tape to seal your bags shut and make any tampering obvious. You can also put your travel itinerary inside any bags, so that if they go astray, the airline will be able to track you down.

It may seem tempting to save a few minutes by cutting across traffic in the middle of the street rather than crossing at the traffic lights on the corner, but it could cost you dearly if a speeding, inattentive New York driver comes along. It is much better to follow the city slogan, “Cross at the green, not in-between.”