5. Forget that the majority of the prices are displayed excluding local taxes
How can you post a price and bill me another? This was the question I asked during my first stay in the USA in 2002. I did not understand why in the shops, all the prices displayed were never the prices paid.
What are New York City taxes for goods and services?
The state and the city of New York impose taxes on services and the sale of goods, like V.A.T in Europe. As mentioned above, the displayed prices are not the final prices to be paid, it will be necessary to add 8.875% of taxes which constitute:
- the New York City Tax : 4.5%
- the New York State Tax : 4%
- the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District Tax (MCTD) : 0.375%
Clothing and footwear under $100 are exempt from New York City and New York sales tax. Purchases over $110 are subject to taxes.
Finally, check carefully your hotel reservation, that it displays the price with all taxes included to avoid surprises on the day of departure from the hotel with taxes to pay or resorts fee.

Reead is a French travel blogger based in Las Vegas and the founder of Reead.com, a blog launched in 2009. Specializing in miles, points, and travel credit cards, he shares strategies to optimize loyalty programs, earn points faster, and travel in better conditions for less.
He also publishes guides and practical tips for Americans traveling to France, along with analyses of American Express cards and real travel experiences with airlines and hotels.
