Re: Essentials
Jersey City's ideal location, stimulating nightlife, landmark attractions and the unmatched quality of its communities combine to create a standout among the cities that line the Hudson River. With historic Ellis Island within its borders, it is not surprising that Jersey City is renowned for her diversity. Its own impressive skyline, growing economic sphere and multiple modes of transportation yield a city, steeped in rich history, well-equipped and looking to the future.
Experience Jersey City. Delve into our history and heritage, our theaters and galleries, our numerous green spaces, our 8 unique neighborhoods that hold stories of lifetimes. Take the tips below with you for good measure, and enjoy your visit to Jersey City.
Seasons
There is something to see and do in every season in Jersey City, but spring and fall offer the most moderate temperatures, and striking foliage. Spring weather often has brief periods of rain, and temperatures that can still hit the low 40s in the evening. The average daily temperature in spring and fall nears 60°F, making for fabulous weather to be out on foot exploring the city.
Summertime weather can be very warm and humid; we often have brief thunderstorms bringing a welcomed relief to those very sticky days. It is the perfect season for festivals, concerts, and outdoor movies; or relaxing out on the Hudson River. Winters in Jersey City are generally cold, with an early sunset (4:30PM). It is not uncommon to see a snowstorm as a Nor’easter rolls on by. The holiday season in Jersey City and the NYC metro area is not to be missed! It’s the perfect time to learn how to ice skate, have a romantic candlelight dinner, and of course to take advantage of our no sales tax on clothing and post holiday sales!
For those trying to economize, rates tend to be lowest at our hotels from January – April, when we have fewer tourists.
Attire
Most restaurants and theaters, Broadway included, allow for relatively casual attire (sweats, shorts or jeans may bring some unwanted glares for an evening theater performance). Weekend evenings tend to be more of a fashion statement. First and foremost you will need a good pair of comfortable walking shoes; between Jersey City and NYC…you will do a lot of walking. There are 192 steps to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and another 354 to her crown! Always wear multiple layers, as the winters are cold, and the summers tend to be well air conditioned in public spaces.
Safety
Official statistics show that crime in Jersey City has reached a thirty year low, with a few practical steps, you too can safely enjoy all Jersey City has to offer.
Tips for Travelers
• Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep your personal belongings with you at all times. Do not leave your camera, bags or any personal items unattended, not even to hold a seat.
• Walk confidently and try to avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist. Study maps before setting off rather than reading them on a street corner.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Use your best judgment…you can always stop in and ask a shopkeeper, or a restaurateur if you can’t find someone you trust to assist you.
• In crowded subways, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear; keep your handbag closed with your arm blocking off access for someone to reach into any open exterior pockets.
• Don’t draw attention to jewelry, cash, cell phones or any other electronic device in public. Feel free to use them, (although photography in the PATH and NYC subway systems is strictly prohibited), just don’t flaunt them.
• Riding public transportation late at night is perfectly safe! As always, use caution and be aware of your surroundings, choose a PATH/subway car with other people in it. If you have been out celebrating…consider returning by taxi.
• When retrieving money from an ATM (Automatic Teller Machines), use caution and be aware of your surroundings, make sure that you put your money safely away before leaving the ATM machine. Don’t count your money on a street corner or on a subway platform. Try and limit the amount of cash that you are carrying around, and don’t keep all of your money in one location.
• After dark, stick to busy streets that are well lit. If you feel uncomfortable or lost, duck into a restaurant or shop for assistance. Always keep an eye on the scene by watching your reflection in storefront glass as you pass.
We hope you have a wonderful and crime-free stay in Jersey City. Should you find yourself the victim of a petty crime, please contact a police officer. In case of an immediate emergency, call 911.
Department of Police
8 Erie Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Tel: (201) 547-5300
Fax: (201) 547-4283
Web: www.njjcpd.org
Credit cards & Debit Cards
Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores throughout Jersey City. You will need a major credit card in order to rent a car in the United States. Using your credit card will often get you the best rate while traveling internationally. You may also use your bank debit card, linked to your bank account in any location that advertises Visa or MasterCard. Be sure to check with your bank to confirm that your debit card will be accepted in other states or countries.
For more information, contact:
• American Express (800-528-4800)
• Diners Club (800-234-6377)
• Discover (800-347-2683)
• MasterCard (800-826-2181)
• Visa (800-336-8472)
Local Customs
Tipping- Gratuities for service are expected in any situation where someone serves you: in bars, restaurants, your taxi drivers, a spa clinician, hotel attendant etc. Generally, in the United States the practice is to leave 15% of the bill as a gratuity for service, however, in both Jersey City and the NYC metro area it is more common to leave between 18 -20% for service if you were treated well.
Hand holding- Average to large families will find navigating the city streets a bit challenging as there is not enough room for a family of four to walk on a city sidewalk holding hands, without causing the natural flow of traffic to come to a staggering halt. Stick together, but remember that the sidewalks are a two way street.
Smoking - Smoking is not permitted indoors in any public building, nor permitted in restaurants, bars, PATH or subways stations, subway cars, buses, or at indoor or open arenas. Cigar and hookah bars as well as outdoor cafes are often exceptions to this rule (see Sky tobacco and Abbey’s Pub and Hookah Bar…outdoor café seating available at some restaurants).
Diversity - Jersey City is proud of its rich history of immigration and its cultural diversity! Please be respectful of the various religious and cultural differences that you may encounter.
US Customs - International Visitors
All persons arriving at a port-of-entry to the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers. CBP Officers will conduct the Immigration, Customs and Agriculture components of the Inspections process. If a traveler has health concerns, he/she will be referred to a Public Health Officer for a separate screening.
Port of Entry – US Aiport
When arriving at an airport, the airline will give all non-United States citizens a form to complete while still en route to the United States, either Form I-94 (white), Arrival/Departure Record, or Form I-94W (green), Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Form and Customs Declaration form 6059B. The forms ask for basic identification information and the address where you will stay in the United States. Note that completion of the paper Form I-94W remains a requirement at the port of entry for Visa Waiver Travelers even if a travel authorization has been obtained via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. For more information on ESTA visit the Electronic System for Travel Authorization page.
For more information please visit the Department of Homeland Security: cbp.gov