Newark Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Newark.
Healthcare System
Newark operates under the U.S. healthcare system, which is private and insurance-based. Healthcare quality is excellent but extremely expensive without insurance. Emergency rooms must treat patients regardless of ability to pay, but bills will follow.
Hospitals
University Hospital (150 Bergen Street) is the primary trauma center. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (201 Lyons Avenue) offers comprehensive services. Several urgent care centers like CityMD provide non-emergency treatment. Wait times in emergency rooms can be 2-6 hours for non-critical cases.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid pharmacies are widespread throughout Newark, many open 24 hours. Most medications require prescriptions from U.S.-licensed doctors. Over-the-counter medications are readily available and inexpensive.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Medical costs in the U.S. are among the world's highest - a simple ER visit can cost $1,000-3,000, ambulance rides $500-2,000, and hospital stays $10,000+ per day. Ensure your policy covers U.S. healthcare.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry your insurance card and identification at all times
- Keep a list of your medications with generic names, as brand names differ in the U.S.
- Urgent care centers are much cheaper than ERs for non-emergencies ($100-200 vs $1,000+)
- Many pharmacies offer walk-in clinics for minor ailments at lower cost
- Prescriptions from other countries generally aren't honored; you'll need a U.S. doctor consultation
- If uninsured, ask hospitals about financial assistance programs or payment plans before treatment when possible
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Newark has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the U.S., particularly targeting rental cars and vehicles with out-of-state plates. Break-ins for valuables left in vehicles are also common.
Opportunistic theft occurs in crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist spots. Distraction techniques and bag snatching are most common methods.
Muggings and robberies can occur, particularly in less-traveled areas after dark. Most incidents involve opportunistic criminals targeting distracted or isolated individuals.
Persistent requests for money, sometimes aggressive or following tourists. While usually not dangerous, can be uncomfortable and occasionally escalate.
Relevant primarily for longer-term stays in Airbnbs or residential areas. Packages left outside are sometimes stolen.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed drivers at Newark Airport or Penn Station approach travelers offering rides, then charge excessive fares or take longer routes. Some pose as rideshare drivers without actually being ordered.
Someone poses as a parking attendant, directs you to park, collects payment, then disappears. You may return to a ticket or towed vehicle.
People with clipboards approach claiming to represent charities, asking for signatures and donations. They may request credit card information or cash, with money going to scammers.
Scammers call hotel rooms claiming to be front desk, saying there's a problem with your credit card and requesting card details to 'verify' information.
Fake tickets sold outside Prudential Center or Red Bull Arena for concerts and sporting events. Tickets may be counterfeit or already used.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber/Lyft) rather than accepting rides from strangers
- On NJ Transit trains and PATH, sit in the conductor's car or near other passengers, especially at night
- Keep belongings close on public transit; don't place bags on empty seats
- At Newark Penn Station, stay in well-lit areas and don't linger outside after dark
- If driving, keep doors locked and windows up, especially at red lights in unfamiliar areas
- Use GPS navigation to avoid getting lost in unfamiliar neighborhoods
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in downtown Newark, the Ironbound District, or near the airport for better safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify with front desk first
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Check that doors and windows lock properly upon check-in
- Note emergency exits and evacuation routes when you arrive
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels rather than street machines
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extras in hotel safe
- Use credit cards when possible; they offer better fraud protection than debit cards
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Don't count money in public or display large amounts of cash
- Make copies of important documents and keep them separate from originals
- Use RFID-blocking wallets to prevent electronic pickpocketing
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone after 10 PM; use ride-sharing services
- Stick to well-lit main streets like Broad Street, Market Street, and the Ironbound's Ferry Street
- Be especially cautious around Newark Penn Station after dark
- Travel in groups when possible for evening entertainment
- Stay aware of your surroundings; avoid using headphones or phone while walking
- If you feel unsafe, enter a business or hotel and request they call you a taxi
Communication
- Keep your phone charged; consider a portable battery pack
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before arriving
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Consider a local SIM card or international plan for reliable communication
- Know your hotel address in English; carry a business card with the address
- Download offline maps in case you lose internet connection
General Awareness
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Don't accept food or drinks from strangers
- Be cautious when strangers approach with questions or requests; it may be a distraction technique
- Keep your belongings in sight at restaurants and cafes
- Be wary of anyone who seems to be following you; enter a business if concerned
- Avoid displaying tourist maps or looking lost; step into a store to check directions
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women traveling to Newark should exercise standard urban precautions. Street harassment (catcalling) can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods, but is generally limited to verbal comments. Most women travel Newark without serious incident by following common-sense safety measures. The city has good gender equality, and women are commonly seen traveling alone for business and leisure.
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft
- Stay in well-populated, well-lit areas and stick to main streets
- Consider staying in hotels in downtown Newark or the Ironbound District for better safety
- If experiencing harassment, walk confidently and don't engage; enter a business if feeling threatened
- Keep your phone accessible and charged for emergency calls
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- On public transit, sit near other women, families, or the conductor when possible
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared in bars
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) if you want to deter unwanted attention
- Book ground-floor rooms with caution; higher floors can be safer
- Share your itinerary and check in regularly with someone back home
LGBTQ+ Travelers
New Jersey has strong LGBTQ+ protections. Same-sex marriage is legal, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The state recognizes gender identity in official documents.
- Newark is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers; same-sex couples can book double beds without issue
- The nearby New York City (20 minutes away) has extensive LGBTQ+ nightlife and resources if desired
- Newark LGBTQ+ Community Center (1 Washington Place) offers resources and events
- While generally accepting, use discretion in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night
- Major hotels and businesses in Newark are LGBTQ+-friendly and trained on inclusivity
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe, but take standard precautions when meeting people
- Transgender travelers should have no issues using facilities matching their gender identity, as protected by state law
- Healthcare providers in Newark are generally LGBTQ+-competent, especially at major hospitals
- If experiencing discrimination, New Jersey law provides strong protections; contact local LGBTQ+ organizations for support
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for Newark visits, primarily due to astronomical U.S. healthcare costs. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, and serious medical issues can result in bills exceeding $100,000. Additionally, Newark's vehicle theft rates make rental car coverage essential. Trip cancellation coverage is also valuable given potential weather disruptions (winter storms, summer heat emergencies) that can affect flights.
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