Safety in Washington, D.C.

Safety

Washington, D.C., is a fairly safe city, but as with any major metropolitan area it's best to be alert and aware. Be aware of your surroundings before you use an ATM, especially one that is outdoors. Move on to a different machine if you notice people loitering nearby. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are rare in D.C., but they do occur, especially in markets and other crowded areas. Keep an eye on purses and backpacks.

Panhandlers can be aggressive and may respond with verbal insults, but otherwise are usually harmless. If someone threatens you with violence, it's best to hand over your money and seek help from police later.

The Metro is quite safe, with very few incidents reported each year. Buses are also safe, but be aware that a few petty crimes have occurred at bus stops. Stick to those along busy streets.

Local Scams

The only scam you'll encounter in D.C. is an elaborate story from a panhandler. To evoke sympathy, a well-dressed panhandler may pretend to have lost his wallet and need money to get home or a woman may say she needs cab fare to take a sick child to the hospital. A simple "I'm sorry" is usually enough to send them on their way.