Rochester Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Rochester.
Healthcare System
Rochester has a world-class healthcare system anchored by the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), consistently ranked among America's top hospitals. The city offers numerous hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialized medical facilities. Healthcare operates on a private insurance model with costs that can be extremely high for uninsured visitors.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Strong Memorial Hospital (601 Elmwood Ave), Rochester General Hospital (1425 Portland Ave), and Highland Hospital (1000 South Ave). All have 24/7 emergency departments. Urgent care centers like Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care are available throughout the area for non-life-threatening issues with shorter wait times and lower costs than ERs.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, Wegmans, and Rite Aid pharmacies are widely available throughout Rochester, many with 24-hour locations. Most common medications are readily available, though prescriptions from foreign doctors may not be honored—consult a local physician or urgent care. Bring sufficient prescription medications for your trip with original packaging and documentation.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs in the US can be extraordinarily high. A simple ER visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation. International visitors should verify their coverage works in the US.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions and a list of medications with generic names, as brand names may differ in the US
- Keep your insurance card and policy number readily accessible
- For minor ailments, consider urgent care centers which are significantly less expensive than emergency rooms
- Many pharmacies offer walk-in clinics for minor health issues like colds, flu, and minor injuries
- Emergency rooms are required to stabilize patients regardless of ability to pay, but will bill you afterward
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Car break-ins are the most common crime affecting visitors, particularly in parking lots and street parking areas. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables, GPS devices, bags, or out-of-state plates.
While not as common as in larger cities, opportunistic theft can occur in crowded areas, particularly during festivals and events. Unattended belongings in restaurants, cafes, or public spaces may be taken.
Rochester experiences severe winters with heavy snowfall (averaging 100+ inches annually), ice storms, and temperatures well below freezing. These conditions create driving hazards, sidewalk ice, and potential for hypothermia or frostbite.
Some Rochester neighborhoods experience higher rates of property crime and occasional violent crime, though these areas are typically residential and not tourist destinations.
As in many US cities, impaired driving and aggressive driving behaviors occur, particularly late at night on weekends and during poor weather when visibility is reduced.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers place fake parking tickets on vehicles or claim your car will be towed unless you pay immediately in cash or via payment app. They may pose as parking enforcement or towing company employees.
Individuals approach tourists in parking lots or on streets claiming to collect for local charities, youth sports teams, or personal hardships, often with laminated cards or clipboards that appear official.
Scalpers sell overpriced, fake, or already-used tickets outside popular venues and events, particularly during festivals or concerts. Tickets may be photocopies or for different dates.
Scammers create fake listings on rental sites or send emails appearing to be from hotels requesting payment through unusual channels or asking for excessive personal information.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals bags, wallets, or phones from distracted victims.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Rochester is a car-dependent city; renting a vehicle is recommended for exploring beyond downtown
- Use rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) for evening activities if you plan to drink; they're readily available in most areas
- Winter driving requires experience; if unfamiliar with snow driving, avoid renting a car during storms or consider hiring drivers
- Always lock your car and never leave it running unattended, even to warm up in winter
- Be cautious at intersections; Rochester drivers may run red lights shortly after they change
- Park in well-lit areas and note your location; large parking lots can be confusing
Personal Safety
- Downtown Rochester is generally safe during business hours and evening events, but use caution late at night
- Travel in groups when possible, especially after dark
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends or family when exploring unfamiliar areas
- Be aware of your surroundings; avoid using headphones or being absorbed in your phone while walking
- Trust your instincts—if an area or situation feels unsafe, leave
- Keep hotel room doors locked and use deadbolts and security chains; verify identity before opening door to anyone
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy locations; be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing cash
- Split cash and cards between different locations on your person and in luggage
- Use credit cards over debit cards when possible for better fraud protection
- Photograph important documents (passport, ID, insurance cards) and store digitally in secure cloud storage
- Don't carry large amounts of cash; credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere
- Be discreet with expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics in public areas
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in established areas like downtown, Henrietta (near RIT), or Victor for safer, well-traveled locations
- Read recent reviews on multiple platforms before booking accommodations
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Check that windows and doors lock properly upon check-in; report any issues immediately
- Be aware of fire exits and emergency procedures in your hotel
- Don't advertise your room number in public or on social media
Health Precautions
- Tap water in Rochester is safe to drink and of high quality
- Bring or purchase hand sanitizer; use frequently, especially during cold and flu season (October-March)
- Rochester has high pollen counts in spring; bring allergy medications if sensitive
- Sun protection is necessary in summer; UV rays are strong even on cloudy days
- Ticks can carry Lyme disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks after hiking
- Stay hydrated in summer heat and humidity; carry water bottles when exploring
Communication
- Emergency services operators speak English; language barriers may exist with some service providers
- Download offline maps of Rochester in case of poor cell signal in some areas
- Major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) have good coverage; international visitors should verify roaming plans or purchase local SIM cards
- Free WiFi is available at most hotels, cafes, libraries, and many public spaces
- Save important local numbers in your phone: hotel, embassy/consulate, insurance provider
- Learn basic US address format and how to give location information to emergency services
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Rochester is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has a progressive culture, strong women's presence in business and education, and women traveling alone is completely normal and accepted. Standard urban precautions apply, particularly regarding evening activities and transportation. Women should feel comfortable dining alone, exploring attractions, and moving about during daylight hours in tourist areas.
- Solo dining is common and accepted; you won't receive unwanted attention in restaurants or cafes
- Use rideshare apps rather than walking alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with friends or family when out in the evening
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation
- Hotel staff can recommend safe areas and transportation options; don't hesitate to ask for assistance
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer not to explore alone
- Dress according to your comfort; Rochester has no specific dress code, though practical clothing for weather is important
- Be aware that unwanted attention can occur in bar/nightlife areas; stay with groups and watch your drinks
- Emergency contraception is available at pharmacies without prescription; many clinics offer women's health services
- Rochester has active feminist and women's support communities if you need assistance or resources
LGBTQ+ Travelers
New York State has strong LGBTQ+ protections including marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws in employment and housing, and legal protections for transgender individuals. Rochester has local ordinances protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex couples have all legal rights of opposite-sex couples.
- Park Avenue and South Wedge neighborhoods have LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, bars, and restaurants
- The Out Alliance (875 East Main Street) is a community center offering resources and information
- Rochester Pride occurs annually in July with parade, festival, and events throughout the city
- Major hotels and tourist businesses are welcoming and trained in LGBTQ+ sensitivity
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe; meet in public places first
- Healthcare providers, including URMC, offer LGBTQ+-affirming care and specialized services
- Legal protections exist if you experience discrimination; contact the Out Alliance or legal aid
- Gender-neutral restrooms are increasingly common in newer buildings, universities, and progressive businesses
- Same-sex couples can request double beds at hotels without issue; specify preferences when booking
- Rochester's universities (University of Rochester, RIT) have active LGBTQ+ communities and host events open to public
- While generally safe, use judgment in unfamiliar areas; public affection may draw attention in some locations
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Rochester visits, particularly for international travelers. US healthcare costs are among the world's highest, and a single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Medical evacuation or serious illness could result in bills exceeding $100,000. Winter weather can cause flight cancellations and trip interruptions. Rental car damage, lost luggage, and trip cancellations are additional concerns that insurance can address.
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