The United States does not have a public healthcare system and medical assistance, although excellent, is mostly privately managed, greatly increasing its cost. It is advisable to take out a travel health insurance policy to defer any expenses incurred by an accident or unexpected illness. In terms of safety, some of the major cities suffer from a higher crime rate than rural areas, so it is necessary to take a series of basic precautions to enjoy a trouble-free visit. It is advisable to ask which city areas are best to avoid.
Personal Safety
Traveling inherently raises questions about how safe our destination will be. Although most tourist areas are reasonably safe, it is advisable to take certain precautions to avoid becoming a victim of a crime. As a general rule, most crimes occur outside the areas frequented by tourists. It is always advisable not to wander around neighborhoods far from the usual itineraries, not to display ostentatious jewelry, to carry small amounts of cash, and to carefully monitor your cell phone and camera or video camera.
It is just as good to be cautious as not to fall into the mistake of thinking that any place outside our environment can pose more danger. The United States is not an insecure country at all. However, you should be more careful if:
- Walking through the downtown at night (city center). They are large neighborhoods with large buildings for businesses. They usually form the famous skyline of North American cities. As a general rule, they are deserted at night and it will be common to see more than one homeless person on the streets.
- Do not frequent the suburbs or ghettos of cities at night. If you have an interest in visiting these neighborhoods for any reason, do not be afraid. If you act logically, nothing will happen to you. The care will be marked by your own reasoning and common sense. What we can emphasize is that the people who live in these areas are not a tourist attraction. The best thing is to go on your way with a completely normal behavior but if possible, try not to easily betray yourself as a tourist. Leave the camera behind for a while and enjoy the walk!
- In the USA national parks, remember that animals are wild and free. You are in their territory, not in a zoo. Follow the precautions indicated by the rangers at the entrance of the park. Do not get out of the car when you have wild animals crossing and treat them with respect and caution.
Other safety measures
- As a precaution, it is advisable to carry small amounts of cash. And store credit cards in a special belt rather than in a backpack or in your pants pocket. ATMs should only be used during the day and in busy, well-lit streets.
- Hotel robberies are uncommon, but it is better not to leave valuable items in sight when leaving the room. It is safer to store them along with the money in the room or hotel safe. While in the room, it is advisable to lock the bolt, and you should familiarize yourself with the emergency exits in case of fire. Never let strangers into the room or give details about the accommodation.
- A rented car can be a magnet for criminals, especially in parking lots at major tourist attractions or hiking routes. When leaving the car, always lock it and store suitcases and valuable items in the trunk. At night, it is advisable to park the car in the hotel parking lot.
- Before starting the trip, it is advisable to make two photocopies of important documents such as the passport and visa, carry a copy with you, and leave the other in a safe place or with a friend. In case of losing any of the documents, the procedures to obtain new ones are facilitated if you keep a copy.
- Although the chances of recovering lost or stolen items are slim, it’s important to always report their disappearance to the police. Most public transportation companies, such as taxis, buses, subways, and airlines, have a lost and found department. Without a police report, a claim cannot be made to the insurance. In case of loss or theft of credit cards, contact the issuer immediately.
