United States Safety Tips: What Every Traveler Should Know

Most visits to the United States go smoothly, and the main tourist areas are busy, welcoming places. Like anywhere, it pays to know a few local realities, from city street smarts and common scams to healthcare costs, extreme weather and wildlife in the national parks.

General safety in cities

Popular tourist districts in US cities are generally safe during the day. Use the same habits you would in any big city:

• Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowds, on public transit and at busy events.
• At night, stick to well-lit, busy streets and take a ride app or taxi rather than walking long distances through quiet areas.
• Never leave bags or valuables visible in a parked car; car break-ins are a common problem in some city tourist areas and at trailheads.
• Ask your hotel or host which nearby areas to avoid after dark, as the feel of a neighborhood can change within a few blocks.
• On late-night subways, ride in a car with other passengers rather than an empty one.

Scams to watch for

• Fake text messages: texts claiming you owe a toll, parking fine or delivery fee, with a payment link. Don't tap; check through the official website or app instead.
• Costumed characters and "free" gifts: in busy squares, performers or street sellers may hand you something or pose for a photo and then demand money. Agree on any payment first or politely walk on.
• Unofficial taxis: at airports, ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal and use the official taxi line or your ride app's pickup zone.
• Card skimmers: use ATMs inside banks where possible, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN at ATMs and gas pumps.
• Ticket resellers: buy tickets for shows, games and attractions from official sellers.

Health and insurance

Medical care in the US is excellent but can be very expensive for visitors, so travel insurance with solid medical cover is strongly recommended. For minor problems, urgent care clinics and pharmacies are quicker and less costly than hospital emergency rooms. Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription. In summer, heat is a real risk in the South and the desert Southwest: drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and avoid strenuous hikes in the middle of the day.

Nature, wildlife and weather

The national parks are a highlight, but they're wild places. Stay on marked trails, keep a safe distance from wildlife such as bison, elk and bears, and follow park rules on food storage. Tell someone your plans before remote hikes, as there may be no signal on the trail. Depending on season and region, follow local advice on hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, tornadoes in the central states, wildfires in the West and flash floods in desert canyons. Official emergency alerts are broadcast to phones in affected areas, so keep alerts enabled in your settings.

Emergency numbers and help

• 911 is the number for police, fire and ambulance anywhere in the US.
• Many large cities use 311 for non-emergency city services and information.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your country's embassy or consulate.
• Save your accommodation address and your insurer's emergency line in your phone before you set off.

Areas to take care in

Some downtown business districts empty out after office hours, which can make them feel uncomfortable at night. Areas around certain big transit hubs have visible homelessness and drug use, so stay aware of your surroundings, keep moving and avoid confrontations. Beaches can have strong currents, so swim at lifeguarded spots and follow the flag warnings. In remote areas, the main risks are long distances, heat or cold and limited signal rather than crime.

Stay connected in the United States

Being able to pull up a map, share your live location with a travel companion or read an official alert is one of the simplest safety tools you can carry. A HelloSIM eSIM gives you prepaid data from the moment you land. It's data-only, so keep your own SIM switched on for calls and texts, and install the eSIM at home before the trip.