10 Tips for Staying Safe in New York City in 2022
Almost 70 million people visit New York in the US each year. The five boroughs of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan make up the entirety of the city. Each region is culturally and architecturally unique. And although they are amazing places to visit, they aren't without their issues if you aren't careful. Here are 10 tips for staying safe in New York City.
Beware the Traffic
If there's one thing you will notice straight away, it's the sea of yellow cabs around the city. The famous Yellow Cab Co. is a staple of city life in the Big Apple, and cabs are everywhere. With all the cabs available, you would think no one would bother with a car. But personal and commercial vehicles are everywhere. And the overwhelming amount of cars increases the chance of personal injury if you aren't careful. Additionally, if you drive, you need to be aware of Manhattan's alternate one-way grid system, which can be confusing at first.
Be Vigilant About Cabs
Further to traffic and New York cabs, you should be careful when hailing a taxi. Almost all cab drivers are friendly and helpful, especially to tourists. However, there are many undocumented and unlicensed taxis operating throughout the city. Some are workers trying to make a living. But unscrupulous and criminal individuals hide within the taxi system to rob unsuspecting citizens, or worse. All Yellow Cab Co taxis have a yellow light attached to the roof and a clear ID number on the hood. Outside Manhattan, you should use green Street Hail cabs.
Follow Covid Advice
New York is home to over 8 million people. That's almost 4 times bigger than the second most populated city of Los Angeles. Therefore, the chances of contracting Covid-19 are greater if you are in public. The state of New York's policies are changing all the time, so keep an eye on the local news about Covid restrictions. But for the most part, you can get by following the Covid advice and guidelines, which by now you have become accustomed to. Stay 2 meters apart from someone outside your household, always wear a mask, and wash your hands regularly.
Secure Your Travel Cards
The New York subway is the easiest way to get around and is used by millions each day. You can reach the most popular destinations within minutes, and it will save your feet a lot of aching. For instance, Brooklyn Bridge alone is over 1 mile long. While that doesn't sound fair, it's an extra mile to an already long distance if you were to walk everywhere. You can commute around NYC with a MetroCard for travel on the subway at different prices. However, only purchase from qualified and genuine vendors and keep it close to your person. There are fakes around, and criminals look to steal genuine passes to sell on.
Keep Your Phone Close
Like your travel card or wallet, your phone is a target for criminals. Cell phones are one of the most stolen devices these days, and they are sold on to others when taken. You might not realize it, but you expose your phone all the time. For instance, when using it in public, it's effortless for someone to run or ride past and swipe it from your hands. Also, many people store their phones in an open handbag or in their back pocket. Try not to do this. City pickpockets are pretty good at taking things without you noticing and could steal your ID and personal data.
Try Not to Look Like a Tourist
Although it is advised that you stick to tourist areas, it is also recommended you not look like one. This sounds a little contradictory, but you become a target for a low-level crime like pickpocketing and scamming if you look too "touristy." However, you can try the following:
Don't look up at buildings too much
Never wear a fanny pack
Dress like the locals
Don't point at things
Don't ask too many questions
Be friendly but keep to yourself
Secure your belongings
Suppose you look like you are on vacation. In that case, you could also be extensively hounded by panhandlers looking to take advantage of newcomers.
Be Wise About Neighborhoods
New York is among the most astonishing cities in the world. There's something for everyone here such as entertainment, street shows, shopping and some of the best restaurants from super famous chefs. However, New York isn't without its problems like all cities, and some neighborhoods are markedly worse than others. You will stick out like a sore thumb if you find yourself in a particular area you aren't familiar with. And this makes you a prime target for street gangs and those with malicious intent. So stick to tourist areas and never use alleys.
Manage Your Airport Visit
Because it is so large, NYC is host to multiple airports. JFK and LaGuardia are the largest and most used. While you should do this at all airports, make sure your luggage is easily identifiable. Perhaps choose brightly colored cases and bags, or stick specific labels on them. This makes it easier to grab them when leaving and avoids any confusion. Also, keep your luggage close, and be aware of someone asking to carry your bags for you. Airport employees don't do this, and you may have your stuff stolen. Finally, don't accept offers on transportation and use a parked cab.
Stay at a Reputable Hotel
There are over 600 hotels in New York City. The vast majority offer excellent accommodation at affordable prices. However, some are no better than a hostel, with terrible service, criminal activity, and poor utilities. If in doubt, stay at a reputable hotel chain such as Marriott. If that's a little out of your price range, look for accommodation with good reviews on sites like Yelp or Google that offer 24-hour security, secure internet, and a safe for valuables. You should also be vigilant about who you let into your room, such as someone claiming to be housekeeping.
Keep an Eye Out for Scams
Like all major cities, New York is no stranger to low-level crime. And although being scammed is considered low level, it can leave you without money or valuables and in real danger. An example is the multitude of entertainers around Times Square and Central Park. Don't allow entertainers to perform for you without asking first. This is a well-known scam whereby they will demand money immediately following a performance. Additionally, purported panhandlers might give you a story about their life and ask for money. There are genuine people in need of help, but there's also a large community of false homeless looking to scam.
