Taking the subway as a tourist begins with understanding the payment system, which has shifted significantly toward contactless technology in 2026. In cities like New York (OMNY), London (Oyster/Contactless), and Tokyo (Suica/Pasmo), you can simply tap your smartphone or contactless credit card at the turnstile. If you prefer physical tickets, look for multi-lingual vending machines; buying a 24-hour or 72-hour pass is often the most cost-effective for sightseeing. Before you travel, download a local transit app or use Google Maps to identify the line color and the "terminus" (the final station) to ensure you are heading in the correct direction. Once on the platform, stand behind the yellow line and let passengers exit the train completely before you attempt to board. On escalators, the universal rule of "stand on the right, walk on the left" applies in most cities. Finally, keep your belongings secure and be mindful of the gap between the train and the platform edge.