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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Chinatown Summary
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Chinatown, United States
Lunar New Year parade and firecracker ceremony, late January to mid February, very crowded
Don't miss
- 🥢 Taste authentic dim sum at a traditional Cantonese teahouse
- 🏮 Wander through lively streets filled with lanterns and markets
- 🛍️ Shop for herbal remedies and colorful souvenirs on Mott Street
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Chinatowns in the United States are vibrant neighborhoods filled with a blend of traditional Chinese culture and bustling urban life. The most famous, like San Francisco's Chinatown, is rich with history – it’s the oldest in North America, established in 1848. Visitors are greeted by iconic gates, lantern-lined streets and a myriad of shops, eateries and markets.
These areas often showcase stunning architecture including temples such as the Tin How Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the U.S. and beautifully preserved historic buildings. Cultural events like the annual Chinese New Year parade feature dragon dances, martial arts and colorful costumes, bringing the neighborhood to life.
While Chinatowns are tourist favorites, visitors should be mindful of typical urban concerns such as crowded areas and occasional petty crime like pickpocketing. Tourists are advised to stay aware of scams including overcharging in some shops and restaurants and to avoid accepting unsolicited offers from strangers. Despite this, these neighborhoods offer a fascinating cultural experience and a chance to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and traditions in America.
Overall, Chinatowns remain cultural treasures, places where heritage thrives amid modern city life, inviting exploration and appreciation of a rich diaspora legacy.
Knowledge before you go
- Visit Mott Street for authentic markets and shops.
- Observe locals playing mahjong and tai chi in lively Columbus Park daily.
- Eat dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor, America's first, since 1920.
- Explore hidden alleys off Canal Street where street vendors sell freshest exotic fruits.
How to travel to Chinatown
Chinatowns are often located in the heart of major cities and are accessible by various means. Most visitors fly into the major airports serving San Francisco, New York or other cities with prominent Chinatowns. Public transit, including metro subway and buses, connects easily to Chinatown neighborhoods. Walking is frequently the best way to soak up the atmosphere once there.
Access summary
- From JFK (JFK): AirTrain + subway to Lower Manhattan, about 60–80 min.
- From Midtown Manhattan: Subway to Canal St/East Broadway stations, roughly 15–25 min.
- From Newark (EWR): AirTrain + NJ Transit + subway into Chinatown area, 60–90 min.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Chinatown
Accommodation near Chinatowns varies widely with options ranging from budget hotels to boutique stays in the adjacent city areas. Many travelers choose central city hotels for easier access to multiple attractions including Chinatown.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Chinatown
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
👛
Cash in small denominations
for small purchases
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 2% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Manhattan’s Chinatown is generally safe, with a visible police presence and active community watch groups. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets, so keep valuables secure. Avoid isolated alleys after dark, stay on main streets and follow local advisories for peace of mind.
Accessibility
Manhattan’s Chinatown offers many accessible features: curb‑cut sidewalks, elevators in most buildings and wheelchair‑friendly public transit stops. However, narrow alleys, uneven cobblestones and limited signage can pose challenges for mobility‑impaired visitors. Plan routes ahead.
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