Even more than an air of confidence and comfortable walking shoes, a MetroCard is your most valuable tool for getting around New York City. The thin plastic card is required to ride the subway and bus, and like any New York native, it plays by its own rules. Before you start swiping, here’s everything you need to know about using a MetroCard in New York City.

FUN FACT: In 1989, when Global Kids started, it was only $1 to go one way on the subway or bus.