Providence Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Providence.
Healthcare System
Providence has excellent healthcare facilities with multiple major hospitals and urgent care centers. The U.S. healthcare system is private and can be extremely expensive without insurance. Medical care is high-quality but costs are among the highest in the world.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Rhode Island Hospital (593 Eddy Street), Miriam Hospital (164 Summit Avenue), and Women & Infants Hospital. Multiple urgent care centers throughout the city offer walk-in service for non-emergency issues at lower cost than emergency rooms. CVS MinuteClinic locations provide basic care for minor ailments.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are abundant throughout Providence, with many open 24 hours. Prescriptions from foreign countries typically cannot be filled; you'll need a U.S. doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter medications are widely available and inexpensive.
Insurance
Health insurance is not required for entry but is STRONGLY recommended. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical coverage with high limits ($100,000+ recommended).
Healthcare Tips
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medication names (generic names) in case you need refills
- Urgent care centers cost significantly less than emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues
- Many hospitals require payment information before non-emergency treatment
- If uninsured, ask about self-pay discounts which can reduce bills by 30-50%
- Dental emergencies can be treated at Hasbro Children's Hospital (for children) or private emergency dental clinics
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Vehicle break-ins are the most common crime affecting visitors, particularly in parking lots and on-street parking. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables or rental car indicators.
Bicycle theft is common, especially around university areas. Package theft from porches occurs but is less relevant to hotel-staying tourists.
Pickpocketing is relatively uncommon but can occur in crowded events and tourist areas. Distraction techniques may be used.
Muggings and street robberies are uncommon in tourist areas but can occur late at night in poorly lit areas or isolated streets. Most violent crime is concentrated in specific residential neighborhoods.
Some individuals may ask for money, occasionally persistently, but aggressive panhandling is relatively rare and typically non-threatening.
Providence drivers can be aggressive, and some streets lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure. Drivers may not yield to pedestrians even in crosswalks.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals may approach you in parking lots claiming to be attendants and requesting cash payment, when the lot is actually free or pay-by-machine.
Some establishments may add unauthorized charges, extra drinks, or higher prices than menu-listed. Automatic gratuity may be added without clear disclosure.
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or claim the meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates, particularly from the train station or airport.
Scalpers may sell counterfeit tickets to WaterFire events, concerts, or sporting events, particularly outside venues.
Individuals with clipboards or tablets claim to represent charities and request donations or credit card information.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Urban Safety
- Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid using phones while walking in crowded areas
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight; use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
- Trust your instincts—if an area or situation feels unsafe, leave
- Save offline maps on your phone in case you lose cell service
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down separately
Transportation Safety
- Use ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft) late at night rather than walking
- RIPTA buses are generally safe but avoid Kennedy Plaza late at night
- If driving, be aware that Providence has aggressive drivers and confusing one-way streets
- Don't leave GPS devices or rental car paperwork visible in vehicles
- When using bike-share programs, wear helmets and follow traffic laws
Accommodation Safety
- Use door locks and security latches; don't open doors to unexpected visitors
- Store valuables in room safes or hotel security
- Be cautious about sharing your room number or hotel name publicly on social media
- Know emergency exits and evacuation routes in your hotel
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, established areas like downtown, Federal Hill, or College Hill
Financial Safety
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy locations
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Carry a mix of payment methods; credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit
- Keep copies of credit cards and emergency contacts separate from originals
- Be cautious of card skimmers at gas stations and standalone ATMs
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Providence
- Food safety standards are high; follow normal food safety practices
- Check restaurant health inspection scores online (Rhode Island Department of Health website)
- Be cautious with food trucks only if they lack proper permits or appear unsanitary
- Alcohol laws are enforced; drinking age is 21 and ID is required
Event Safety
- WaterFire events draw large crowds; keep groups together and establish meeting points
- Stay hydrated during summer events and dress appropriately for weather
- Be extra vigilant about belongings in large crowds
- Follow instructions from police and event staff
- Plan transportation in advance as ride-sharing surge pricing occurs after major events
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Providence is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has a progressive culture, strong student presence, and women are commonly seen dining, walking, and traveling alone. Standard urban precautions apply, and most women report feeling comfortable exploring the city. Harassment is relatively uncommon but can occasionally occur, particularly late at night or in bar districts.
- Trust your instincts and don't feel obligated to be polite if someone makes you uncomfortable
- Use ride-sharing apps rather than walking alone late at night, especially from bars or restaurants
- Stay in well-populated areas and stick to main streets after dark
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible
- Be assertive if experiencing unwanted attention; most bystanders will support you
- The East Side neighborhoods (College Hill, Wayland Square) are particularly safe and walkable
- Federal Hill is generally safe but can be crowded with bar-goers on weekend nights
- Consider staying in hotels near Brown University or downtown for safer walking areas
- Solo dining is completely normal and common; don't hesitate to eat alone at restaurants
- Join group activities or walking tours to meet other travelers if desired
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Rhode Island has strong LGBTQ+ protections including marriage equality (since 2013), anti-discrimination laws in employment and housing, and legal protections for transgender individuals. Same-sex couples have full legal rights.
- Federal Hill and downtown have several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and nightlife venues
- The Dark Lady and Mirabar are popular LGBTQ+ venues
- AS220 and other arts venues host LGBTQ+ events and are welcoming spaces
- Brown University and RISD contribute to a progressive, inclusive atmosphere
- Public displays of affection are generally safe in tourist areas and downtown
- While Providence is very accepting, exercise normal caution in isolated areas late at night as you would anywhere
- Rhode Island Pride occurs annually in June with events throughout Providence
- The city has LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers and resources
- Hotel staff at major chains are professional and welcoming to all guests
- Wedding services and vendors are accustomed to serving same-sex couples
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Providence visits, primarily due to the extremely high cost of healthcare in the United States. A single emergency room visit can cost $3,000-$10,000+, and hospital stays can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Even with travel insurance, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. Trip cancellation coverage is also valuable given winter weather that can disrupt travel plans.
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