House Rules for Participants of New York City Tours
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I. ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES & LIMITATIONS OF THE TOUR GUIDE
1. Role of the Tour Guide:
The tour guide is responsible for leading the group, providing information, managing the daily schedule, overseeing logistics, and ensuring group safety.
2. The Tour Guide Is Not a Personal Assistant:
The guide is not required to handle personal errands, shopping, private requests, or individual programs.
3. Private Escort Services for an Additional Fee:
Anyone needing all-day personal assistance may request a private escort/assistant for an extra charge.
4. Additional Services Require Extra Payment:
Any task outside the official program—shopping assistance, supermarket visits, waiting, escorting someone home, or any similar request—comes with an additional fee.
5. Airport Transfers:
Airport transfers are usually handled by Uber or taxi services, as the guide may be leading tours or assisting other groups at the time of arrival or departure.
6. Late Arrivals & Personal Schedule Changes:
The tour guide is not required to delay or modify the group’s schedule due to an individual’s lateness or private plans.
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II. SCHEDULE, MEETING POINTS & TIME MANAGEMENT
7. Punctuality:
All participants must arrive on time for every meeting and departure.
8. Respecting Meeting Points:
Always return to the exact designated meeting spot.
9. Handling Delays:
The group will leave at the scheduled time. Late participants must reach the group on their own.
10. Program Adjustments Due to Weather or Traffic:
The itinerary may change when safety or local conditions require it.
11. Waiting Times & Lines:
Long lines are common in NYC; the group must remain together and wait accordingly.
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III. TRANSPORTATION & URBAN BEHAVIOR
12. Traffic Rules:
No jaywalking, no crossing on red lights, and always follow the guide’s instructions.
13. Subway & Bus Etiquette:
The group boards and exits together. No one should be left behind.
14. Group Movement:
Stay within visible distance of the guide. Do not walk ahead of the group leader.
15. Crowded Areas (Times Square, Bryant Park, etc.):
Fast, organized movement is required in highly crowded zones.
16. Elevator & Escalator Etiquette:
Always stand on the right side; the left must remain open for those walking.
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IV. SAFETY & LOCAL REGULATIONS
17. Restricted Zones:
Entering construction sites or restricted areas is strictly prohibited.
18. Nighttime Safety:
Do not wander alone in unfamiliar areas after dark.
19. Avoid Street Vendors and “Helpful Strangers”:
Many are scammers or overpriced sellers—do not engage.
20. Protecting Personal Belongings:
Bags must be closed at all times; backpacks should be worn in front on the subway.
21. Reporting Health Issues:
Notify the guide at the first sign of discomfort or illness.
22. Following Local Laws:
NYC strictly penalizes littering, illegal smoking, fare evasion, public drinking, and other violations.
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V. MEALS & DINING RULES
23. Meal Break Timing:
Return exactly at the specified time.
24. Ordering Efficiently:
Choose meals quickly to avoid delays.
25. Special Diets & Allergies:
Must be communicated in advance to ensure smooth group dining.
26. Restaurant Seating:
Large groups are often seated at multiple tables; flexibility is required.
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VI. RESTROOM USE
27. Limited Public Restrooms:
Free restrooms are rare in NYC.
28. Purchase-Based Restroom Access:
Many cafés require a small purchase to use the restroom.
29. Scheduled Restroom Breaks:
Restroom stops are typically aligned with meal or technical breaks.
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VII. PHOTOGRAPHY & OPTIONAL PHOTO PACKAGES
30. Photography Restrictions:
Some locations prohibit photography—these rules must be respected.
31. Professional Photo Package:
A private photographer is available upon request for an additional fee.
32. Wardrobe for Photo Sessions:
Participants booking photo sessions should bring the appropriate clothing.
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VIII. PAYMENTS, SHOPPING & TIPPING
33. Shopping Time Is Limited:
Shopping is only allowed during designated times.
34. Prices Do Not Include Tax:
Displayed prices do not include sales tax (approximately 8–9%), added at checkout.
35. Payment Methods:
Credit/debit card payments are standard; minimal cash is needed.
36. Tipping Culture:
A 15–20% tip is standard in restaurants and service industries.
37. Online Tickets in Advance:
Many attractions require pre-booked timed tickets; late purchase may result in missing the activity.
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IX. TECHNICAL PREPAREDNESS
38. Charged Phone Required:
Participants must ensure their phone is fully charged.
39. Mobile Data Needed:
Navigation and communication require mobile internet access.
40. Saving the Emergency Contact Number:
All participants must save the designated emergency number.
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X. GENERAL BEHAVIOR STANDARDS
41. Avoid Loud Behavior:
Excessive noise on public transport or in the streets must be avoided.
42. Respectful Conduct:
Courtesy toward the group and New Yorkers is essential.
43. Children’s Supervision:
Parents/guardians are fully responsible for their children.
44. Weather-Appropriate Clothing:
Layered clothing, rain gear, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
45. Alcohol & Energy Drinks:
Excessive consumption is not allowed before or during tours.
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XI. HEALTH, COMFORT & ENDURANCE
46. Long Walking Distances:
Expect 10–15 km (6–10 miles) of walking per day.
47. Reporting Discomfort Immediately:
Any health issue should be reported to the guide right away.
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XII. INFORMATION IN CASE A HUNGARIAN TOUR GUIDE IS NOT AVAILABLE & LONG-DISTANCE TOURS
48. If a Hungarian-speaking tour guide is not available, a YouTube video will be provided, containing detailed explanations about the sights and all essential information.
49. Long-distance sightseeing tours (Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, Niagara) are conducted by car or minivan.
50. If parking is not possible, the driver will drop off the group as close to the attraction as legally possible, and the location must be approached on foot.
51. The driver will clearly indicate in advance whether the pick-up will occur at the same location or at a next, specifically designated meeting point.
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XIII. CANCELLATION POLICY
52. Tours may be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Cancellations within 24 hours, failure to appear, or missing the tour due to lateness will result in the full program fee being charged.