While the days of getting thumbs chopped
off for not paying a gambling debt are done and over, Las
Vegas still has its dangers as any city has. The moniker
“Sin City” refers mainly to gambling and an enormous number
of Strip Clubs throughout Vegas (which some would argue is
hardly that sinful). The name does not allude to some notion
you may have your purse snatched at any second. Overall Las
Vegas is relatively safe, but here are some tips:
-
If you have small children never
leave them alone while mommy and daddy get their
Blackjack on. This is true anywhere but especially in a
city with a large concentration of people in one area.
-
If you don’t know the area you are
in, stick to the tourist spots. Most of Las Vegas is
safe as Mayberry, however there are places just outside
of Downtown and on the north end of the Strip that have
a seedier element.
-
Always carry a cell phone so you can
get in touch with your group if you do happen to get
lost.
- Ask for directions. Most people working in any service role
in Vegas are expected to know how to direct lost tourists. Don’t
simply start wandering around hoping to find whatever, ask
someone.
- Try using traveler checks instead of large amounts of cash,
and don’t carry all of it with you at once.
- Make sure you have written your credit card numbers down, or
have them memorized incase you lose your wallet.
- Don’t leave purses or wallets lying around... should go
without saying but you’d be surprised how many think they can
leave a purse on the chair by the slot machine while they go to
the bathroom and everything will be fine.
Keep track of your room keys. If you lose your room key ask the
hotel security for an escort to your room.
- Don’t flash your money. It’s not impressive but it is
tempting to thieves.
- Don’t play “Three Card Monty” outside of the casino or “help
someone cash their chips.” These are scams and hundreds fall for
them every year.
Mostly common knowledge stuff, but easy to forget when you’re
having a good time. Other tips include traveling to a remote
monastery in the Himalayas and training to become a ninja before
your trip, or you could bring a trained fighter chimp escort. These
are more difficult though so stick to the tips above and you should
be okay.
