Arriving in a new city
Photo: N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
When arriving in a new city, it's often good to make some practical preparations. If you're visiting friends or family, asking them to pick you up can make your arrival much smoother and may also make immigration formalities (if applicable) a lot easier, as your "I am visiting X" story is much less likely to be doubted.
UnderstandArrival can be the hardest part of a trip. It's late, you're jet lagged or road-weary, and everything is new and strange.
TalkIf you are arriving in a country where you don't know the language and they don't know yours (presumably English if you're reading this), learn six phrases - "Hello", "Please", "Thank you", "Sorry", "Yes", and "No".
ConnectProbably the most important thing about travelling - check whether your phone and internet connection will be working.).
Get inThanks to the Internet and sites such as Wikivoyage, you can do all the homework you need, and the city won't be as intimidating.
Get aroundBefore arriving in a new city, consider how you will be getting around. Do you want a 24- or 72-hour travel or tourist card right away? Can you trust taxis? Is public transport safe and comfortable?
BuyCash for two days. No matter what city in the world you are arriving in, you won't get too far on an empty wallet. A good rule of thumb is four times your hotel cost for one night.
SeeMake some idea about things to see, do and experience in the city, and their locations can also be a good idea.
DoSometimes you arrive in a city at times where there is not much to do, such as late at night or early morning.
EatKnowing the typical opening hours of your arrival city is also important for getting yourself fed.
SleepIf you are arriving after dark or after noon during the high season, having a lodging reservation for the first night can save a lot of running around.
Stay safeRead up beforehand about some common scams you may encounter when you arrive.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Arriving in a new city" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons