17.) Pedicabs

I wrote earlier about New Yorkers being able to spot a tourist from a mile away, but you don't have to be from New York to realize only tourists ride around in pedicabs. It has to be the biggest scam in the city, yet there are over 1,000 pedicabs and growing.

In case you're wondering, a pedicab is like a horse and buggy, but instead of a horse, there is some foreign guy riding a bike. They usually charge a $5 initial fee, plus $1 per block ($3 per avenue) per person. Unless you're trying to win the award for "Saddest Person Alive," there's probably going to be more than one of you. So, to travel 10 blocks, you're looking at $15 plus tip. Some of the more evil pedicabs charge a flat rate, which they basically make up and don't have to tell you what it will be until after your trip. One couple reported being charged $90 for a 15 block trip.

So, if a pedicab seems like a really fun idea, do yourself a favor and get in a regular cab and just roll down the windows. It will save a lot of money and dignity.

By Joe Lankheet