Being Safe
Okay, it's relatively safe, but not THAT safe. The tourist areas (Times Square) are all fine. They have a policeman every three feet. You can't help but be safe. (The only danger you're in is the danger becoming impatient with the unbelievable crowds of gawking tourists -- who have the collective IQ of a turnip -- and whacking one over the head in frustration). Be aware: There are always a number of scam artists working. If someone comes up with a sob story needing help (they'll even offer to PAY YOU), just direct them to a policeman. (I personally had a scam tried on me, except I tend with argue with everyone, including helpless looking little old ladies -- and at the time I didn't know it was a scam, I only found out later).
It's really common sense. DON'T go walking around Harlem (125 St and up). Outside the tourist area, be very aware of what's happening around you. Be assertive but not pushy. Don't walk down side streets in Little Italy or Chinatown (what there is of it). Stay on the main roads in that area. New York is funny that way, one block in the wrong direction and you're suddenly in a very dangerous area. For some reason, the "bad guys" don't tend to cross certain boundaries. Be careful in the village at night (although it's always very crowded). Don't stand too close to the tracks at the Subway station (I'm serious), and after hours, stay in the "safety zone" (they're marked -- they're safety zones because you're on video). You WILL hear at least one gunshot, usually at night, (if you're there for longer than 5 days anyway). Hey, it's New York. Shots happen. Don't let it freak you. And it doesn't hurt to carry a whistle on your key chain and wear shoes you can run in, if needed.
It's really common sense. DON'T go walking around Harlem (125 St and up). Outside the tourist area, be very aware of what's happening around you. Be assertive but not pushy. Don't walk down side streets in Little Italy or Chinatown (what there is of it). Stay on the main roads in that area. New York is funny that way, one block in the wrong direction and you're suddenly in a very dangerous area. For some reason, the "bad guys" don't tend to cross certain boundaries. Be careful in the village at night (although it's always very crowded). Don't stand too close to the tracks at the Subway station (I'm serious), and after hours, stay in the "safety zone" (they're marked -- they're safety zones because you're on video). You WILL hear at least one gunshot, usually at night, (if you're there for longer than 5 days anyway). Hey, it's New York. Shots happen. Don't let it freak you. And it doesn't hurt to carry a whistle on your key chain and wear shoes you can run in, if needed.
- homeless/beggars in NY are aggressive. They are NOT generally dangerous but they will close in on your personal space and tug at your sleeves or your body and shake their coin filled cup at you. This is especially true at outside ATMs
- ATMs. There are plenty of ATMs all over NY. Use only the ones associated with a bank (any bank). Do NOT use the stand alone ones in the bodegas or delis. The services fees will be high (between $3-$5 per transaction). For safety purposes, use the ones inside the bank doors, not the outside ones. The outside ones are where the homeless loiter and they are super aggressive. I have personally mastered the "don't fuck with me" death stare, but most of you will just not want to deal with them at all. They are usually harmless but you don't want to take chances
- scan your passport and driver's license and e-mail them to yourself (at an account that you can access anywhere). In case you lose your stuff or get mugged, you'll be able to go to the Canadian consulate and be processed much more quickly. I also keep a copy on my ipad (do NOT name the file or e-mail "passport" for crying out loud)
- you are in a foreign country (I'm assuming the majority of the readers I have are my Cdn friends). DO NOT do anything stupidly illegal. No underage drinking (age is 21), no buying of controlled substances (which are offered to you at an astonishing rate -- just be polite when saying no). That drug dealer who is so nicely offering you a tourist discount may also be an undercover officer. You do not want to be deported/jailed/kicked out of the US forever. I do not presume that any of my friends are itching to break the law, but the above has to be said. The latest is pot shops offering free samples. Just don't. If you partake, go INSIDE the store (age 21)
- the dressed up mascots in Times Square are aggressive and pushy. (the people dressed like Mickey Mouse, Superman, Batman, Minions, Cookie Monster etc). If you take a photo with them, you are expected to "tip" them (a dollar will do if you smile when you say thank you). Please note, they have a tendency to photo bomb your photo and expect to be paid. They have been known to punch people when not tipped. Go ahead and take the photo if you must, but be assertive about who is in and out of the photo by loudly proclaiming that no one but the Minion (or figure of your choice) will be paid, so don't bother (which is what I did on our last trip when we needed a minion photo for my friend's grand-nephew). You kinda have to be assertive in New York. Also don't be surprised when they talk to you in a thick Spanish accent and swear at you when you turn down their offers to take a photo. You've been warned. Mastering the "don't fuck with me" face helps.
Subways
As a general rule, they are safe, however one must always be aware.
- There is a "how to" video on the "getting around" page
- Do NOT wear your earphones on the subway. Be alert
- Put that cel phone/tablet away. There have been record numbers of snatchings of these items in NY. Especially is you are sitting near the door.
- Keep a tight hold on your packages, especially if sitting/standing near the door. The thief waits until the train is "just" stopped, then snatches and runs.
- When waiting for the train, stay inside the yellow marked lines. This is the area that is under video surveillance. At least they can see who it was that either kidnapped you or pushed you onto the tracks (only half kidding)
- Stay away from the edge of the platform. The nutjobs are aplenty. It doesn't even have to be a nutjob. I personally find it so hot and muggy in the summer months my own mood is bad enough to start pushing people in front of trains.
- Watch out for schedule changes on weekends/evening. "Your" train may not run after certain hours or there may be maintenance. Double check before waiting futilely. Especially true if you are going on/off Manhattan island to another borough. These are posted right in the station. You can also check their website (in the link above)
- If you find yourself going the "wrong" way (eg. uptown instead of downtown), don't panic. Check for the next "express" stop (where the train doors open on the "inside" platform instead of the "outside" platform), exit the train, and prepare to do a maze of stairs and tunnels to "cross over" to the other side of the tracks. It's do-able, but its a hike (and the signage is really really bad and confusing -- ask people)
- At least one subway ride will be interrupted by a group of aggressive hip hoppers looking for money to "fund their next album". I find it best to just give them a few coins so that they move on. Unlike homeless, they can be somewhat scary and I've seen them single out someone.
- The subway is the fastest way to get anywhere and so I highly recommend it. There is no need to be scared on it.
- There is a gorgeous, unused subway station at the end of the 6 line. It's used as a turn around. Worth checking out.
- Take the bus if you must (your metro card will work on it) but it's painfully slow and it's faster to walk. Buses are generally safe.
Good Video on How Not to Get Scammed
Pretty photo of the abandoned subway stop on the 6 line
The Barb Does New York Page Links