Page 178 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Boston

176  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health If you have your medical
insurance properly arranged,
Boston is one of the U.S.’s safest cities and its low crime rate you need not worry about
reflects its visitor-friendly environment. This has made its medical costs. Depending on
police force and community relations programs models the limitations of your insur-
for other American cities. Nonetheless, it is still prudent ance, it is better to avoid the
overcrowded city-owned
to take a few simple precautions and to keep to the tourist hospitals listed in the phone
areas. The main sights are all located in safe parts of the book Blue Pages, and opt
city with lots of people and where serious crime is rare. instead for one of the private
If you are unfortunate enough to be taken ill during your hospitals listed in the Yellow
visit, healthcare in Boston is world-class. This does not Pages. Alternatively, ask at your
hotel desk or at the nearest
come cheaply, however, and it is recommended to have pharmacy for information
adequate insurance coverage before you travel. on your nearest hospital. For
dental referrals contact the
Massachusetts Dental Society.
Law Enforcement before you set off. Avoid You can also ask your hotel to call
and Police wearing expensive jewelry, a doctor or dentist to visit you.
The most visible and carry your camera If you lose your credit cards,
uniformed law or camcorder securely. most card companies, for
enforcement personnel Only carry small example American Express,
in Boston are the amounts of cash; have toll-free numbers for
National Park Service credit cards are the reporting a loss or theft.
(or Boston Park Service) most secure option.
rangers, usually dressed Before you leave Lost Property
in olive green or khaki, home, take a photo-
and the members of the copy of all important Although the chances of
Boston Police Department documents, including retrieving lost property are
(BPD), dressed in blue. your passport and visa, slim, you should report all
You will also see City and keep them and any stolen items to the police. Use
Parking and Traffic officers, other valuables in your the Police Non-Emergency
who deal exclusively hotel safe. Keep an eye Line. Make sure you keep a
with traffic violations. on your belongings at copy of the police report, which
Should you encounter all times, whether you will need for your insurance
any trouble as a visitor, checking into or out claim. In case of loss, it is useful
approach any of the Boston police of the hotel, waiting to have a list of your valuables’
blue-uniformed BPD officer at the airport, or sitting serial numbers or a photocopy
officers who regularly in a bar or restaurant. of any relevant documents or
patrol the city streets. receipts as proof of possession.
Park rangers can often This should be kept separately.
help with directions and Emergencies It is also useful to try and
general information. If you are involved in a medical remember the taxi companies
If you need to report a emergency, go to a hospital or bus routes you use, as it
crime, call the Boston Police emergency room. Should you might make it easier to retrieve
non-emergency line or need an ambulance, call 911 lost items. If your passport is
call 911 in an emergency. (toll-free) and one will be sent. lost or stolen, get in touch
Also call 911 for police or with your country’s embassy
fire department assistance. or consulate immediately.
What to be Aware of
Serious crime is rarely
witnessed in the main
sightseeing areas of Boston.
However, avoid wandering
into areas that are off the
beaten track, during the day
or at night. Police officers
regularly patrol the tourist
areas, but it is still advisable
to use common sense, and to
stay alert. Try not to advertise
the fact that you are a visitor;
prepare the day’s itinerary in
advance, and study your map Mounted Boston Park Service ranger, Copley Square

176-177_EW_Boston.indd 176 09/01/17 12:15 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm