Practical tips for travellers

Safety

Bay Watch, Miami Vice, Chips, and more recently, Superman, Spiderman and the likes? Their common goal: your safety. But this is all Hollywood fiction. Why don't you take a couple of "real" tips about safe behavior?

 

Forget the 'horror' stories, the USA is safe! Just follow some of our tips and you will enjoy a very safe and fantastic visit to the US.

 

By car:

Remember to lock your car doors, store valuables in the trunk, and do not stop for strangers. Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always be in a marked police car and will be in uniform. You should be careful about a "bump and rob" attack. Although it is rare, some criminals steal cars and valuables by bumping a target car. When the driver gets out to assess the damage and exchange information, the thief and his companions rob the victim. If you are bumped by another car, pull into a well-lit area with other people around before getting out. If you are uncomfortable with the situation, call 911 on your mobile phone.

Carjacking tends to be a crime of opportunity. Don't give criminals a chance. Keep your car doors locked and don't drive in bad neighborhoods late at night. Check your maps before setting out. Carjackers look for cars which slow down or stop to ask directions. It is best to park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas. Always check with local residents to find out which parts of town are unsafe.

 

By foot:

The typical crime victim in the USA is not a sweet little grandmother or a European tourist. Most crime victims are single, unemployed, young men. Members of their own families usually kill murder victims. Our gun crimes scare people. Some people even avoid a trip to the USA for fear of a bullet. Don't worry, you will find little danger. All cities have "good" and "bad" areas. Talk to locals to get an idea of where the "bad" areas are located and avoid them especially at night. "Drive-by" shootings only occur in the neighborhoods full of gang conflicts. Most Americans have never seen a shooting except in the movies.
 
Stay of private property! Privacy is hihgly respected in the States, so be careful where you park your car or where you decide to camp. The police will arrest you when you are on privity property, or, even worse, the property owner could shoot you!
 
 
Finally, a special note for women:

Attitudes toward women in the USA are different from customs in some other countries. Women entering a bar or even a restaurant or café alone can be perceived as "looking for company." Women alone, or even in pairs, may wish to avoid places that have a mostly male crowd. If a place makes you uncomfortable - leave!