In New York City, it is illegal to give tours of any kind without a valid New York City Sightseeing Guide License. Unfortunately, it is far too easy for unlicensed guides to offer tours to unsuspecting visitors. Below are a few helpful things to know before you book a tour in NYC.
Why should you book a licensed guide?
Booking a tour (of any kind) with an unlicensed guide does a disservice to licensed tour guides who are working hard to follow the rules, but it also hurts the consumer. Licensed guides must pass a rigorous examination on New York City history, geography, architecture, food, culture, transportation, and more. You're paying good money for a tour, so don't you want to make sure your guide can provide insightful, accurate information?
Booking a tour (of any kind) with an unlicensed guide does a disservice to licensed tour guides who are working hard to follow the rules, but it also hurts the consumer. Licensed guides must pass a rigorous examination on New York City history, geography, architecture, food, culture, transportation, and more. You're paying good money for a tour, so don't you want to make sure your guide can provide insightful, accurate information?
What can you do to make sure your guide is licensed?
- Ask to see their license. If your guide is unwilling to produce this document, there is a good chance that they don't have one. A valid New York City Sightseeing Guide license should look like this.
- Check the expiration date. Far too many NYC tour guides let their licenses lapse and continue to give tours anyway.
- The Department of Consumer Affairs furnishes a list of all currently licensed guides. If your guide's name does not appear on the DCA's list, they are not licensed in NYC and are giving tours illegally.
- Be wary of "cheap" tours. If a tour operator's prices seem too good to be true, they probably are.
