Safety Tips for Travelers to New York

Michael McConkey - Local Expert! 

If ever you come to New York I would love for you to say "hi!" so let's meet and share our euphoria over coffee. Have fun, and I hope you'll be able to make a lot of good memories. So here are my safety tips for New York, or for any other big city that you plan on visiting.

At 14th Street 9th Avenue - Blending in while instagraming

Sadly, it seem many people suffer from ‘holiday amnesia’ and leave their common sense behind, although I believe common sense is not so common, so use "good sense" when applying these tips.

It is irritating to get lost in this Big Apple, believe me, I've done that many times. Try to avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist by standing on a street corner while looking at maps. Do your best to walk confidently, as this will deter many criminals. Be aware of your surroundings and try not to gawp at the majestic buildings that surrounds you.

Every corner has a street sign

 Union Square 14th Street

City Hall Park

Do not succumb to the charms of New York, and all it trappings. In the States, carrying an ID is expected, and when asked, it must be produced. When you are in a crowded subway, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side at all times. It will be even more than an irritation to lose your ID and cards.

Unlike the pop diva, Rihanna, try not to flaunt your valuables  around

We all want to look our best! Do not be naive and flaunt jewelries, cameras, your smart phones or cash in public. If you need to organize your wallet, duck into a store.

Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you -- most places accept credit cards (let your card company know you are visiting New York), and there are ATMs everywhere.

By now your adrenalin is running high, New York can do that to you, so after dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going.

If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions. Do what I’ve done on many occasions, find a helpful cop, be polite and remember, no sudden movements…

One of New York Finest

When in doubt of your destination or you question the safety of a neighborhood, take a cab, especially late at night. Many business districts are desolate at night -- keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a cab. A cab is a good way to travel around NYC if you are only in town for a few days.

New York Yellow Cab

If taking the subway late at night, stand near the "During off hours trains stop here" sign or in view of the Metro-Card booth. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor's car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops). Its rare to see an empty car (carriage to my UK friends)

Pick a car with lots of other passenger

All said and done, should you find yourself the victim of a crime, contact a police officer. In case of an immediate emergency, call 911. Otherwise, contact 311 (free from any pay phone) and you will be directed to an officer who will be able to take a report. 311 calls are answered 24 hours a day by a live operator (don’t get me going on this one). Speak slowly not all will understand your British accent! I know!!

A relic? Two of New York's Telephone Booths