Practical information about Newark

The fortunes of Newark have ebbed and flowed. It was a thriving industrial city in the 19th century while today much of its economy rests on tourism and its proximity to New York City. Newark is the cultural heart of New Jersey with plenty to do whether your passion is for shopping, fine dining, culture or the great outdoors.

Newark is divided into six distinctive neighbourhoods, each with something to offer the visitor. The New Jersey Performing Arts Centre and Newark Museum are in Downtown Newark while Central Ward is home to the university which gives its nightlife a buzz. Ironbound is where to go for fine dining with many restaurants having strong Hispanic influences. Branch Brook Park with its cherry trees and the fine Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart are in North Ward.

South Ward is home to Newark's port, an important travel link while Ivy Hill Park with its host of outdoor activities can be found in West Ward. With sensible precautions and the right planning, you will have a safe, healthy and exciting holiday. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Newark!

Essential Newark information for visitors

Emergency numbers: If you require any of the emergency services in Newark, dial 911.

Government and tourist offices: Embassies and consulates from around the world can be found in New York, approximately 14 kilometres from Newark. The Consulate General of Canada in New York is on Lexington Avenue. In Newark itself, there is a tourist information office on Appleton Gate.

Temperature and weather: Newark has over 200 sunny days a year with temperatures averaging 30 °C in the summer months. Its rainfall is slightly higher than the American average although it has less snowfall. Temperatures can fall to minus five degrees celsius in the winter.

Currency: America uses the United States dollar ($, USD or US$). There are 100 cents to the dollar. ATMs and currency exchange bureaus can be found in Newark, both in the city and at the airport.
Local time: Newark is on Eastern Daylight Time GMT-4. The city is five hours behind London, 14 hours behind Sydney and in the same time zone as Ottawa.

Electricity: In the USA, power plugs and sockets are type A and B, the same as in Canada. The standard voltage is 120V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. If you are travelling from Europe you will need a power adapter and voltage converter.

Language: English is the official language of Newark and the first language of approximately half the population. Many people speak Spanish as their first language.

Required travel documents: To enter the USA from most areas of the world a visa is required. If you are travelling across the border from Canada you must have a valid passport and, if entering by plane, a valid NEXUS card to use at the airport. All passports must be valid for the duration of your visit.

Health: Levels of health, hygiene and sanitation are high in Newark and there are no endemic diseases to worry about. No vaccinations are required although if you are high risk, you might want to consider Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. It is worth ensuring you have appropriate travel insurance, just in case.

Tipping and taxes: America has a strong culture of tipping. It is voluntary but in a country where most hospitality personnel receive the minimum wage, tips are important. In restaurants, tip from 15% to 25% of the total bill and if you are dining in a high-end restaurant be sure to give maitre d' a few dollars as well. Always check your bill, especially if dining with a group, as a service charge might already have been added. In bars, add a dollar to each drink at the bar and 10% to any table order. For taxi drivers and hairdressers the normal tip is 20% of your bill. Give hotel porters a few dollars for each bag they deliver safely to your room.

The peak season for travel to Newark in New Jersey is spring and early summer before temperatures get too high. This is the time when flights and hotels get booked up quickly and they are probably at their most expensive. At BudgetAir, we get you our best deals on flights and hotels no matter what time of year you plan to visit Newark.