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Is Las Vegas safe? What you should know

Las Vegas view with palm trees, the MGM and New York-New York Hotels on a sunny day with a colorful skyline and cars

Las Vegas isn’t just about neon lights and slot machines, it’s a desert oasis of glitz, glamour, and surprising quirks! Whether you're here for the jaw-dropping shows, high-stakes tables, or the dancing fountains, Vegas has something for everyone! Did you know there's even a replica of the Eiffel Tower? And no, you don’t need a passport to visit it!

But hey, let's not roll the dice with your safety while you’re having fun. Stick around as we dive into how to enjoy Vegas responsibly. Let’s dive into staying safe while soaking up the nightlife, keeping cool (literally) in the desert heat, and exploring its epic nature spots without stumbling into cacti! In this guide, you’ll get the lowdown on staying healthy, navigating the local culture, and making sure your adventures are stress-free!

Vegas is a city of surprises, where Elvis impersonators might join your breakfast and the desert sun is just as fierce as its nightlife. So, buckle up (or lace up your dancing shoes), and let’s make sure your time in Sin City stays fabulous and safe! And remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

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Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Las Vegas

If you're wondering about safety, we've got some fabulous Las Vegas safety tips for you! Read on to find out which safety measures you can take to be as safe as possible while visiting Las Vegas!

Getting from the airport to Las Vegas city center

If you're flying to Las Vegas, you might get confused by the airport's name. Vegas airport used to be called McCarran International Airport, but they switched it up to Harry Reid International Airport in 2021. And if you want to get to downtown Las Vegas, just hop on the 109 bus and you'll be there in about 40 minutes! You can follow the Las Vegas Boulevard to the Strip or to North Las Vegas.

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Las Vegas

So, you made it to Vegas and want to see what all the fuss is about. You go into a casino, can't win a single game, and you're wondering what went wrong. Well, you might have been scammed. Let's break it down:

  • Card switch scam: If you play games like blackjack or poker, expert scammers have incredible sleight-of-hand skills. They switch cards and shift the odds in their favor leaving you in the dust. Make sure you're going into reputable casinos!
  • Chip theft: Say you're having the time of your life, you're winning big, drinking, smoking a cigar, and then you notice some of your chips are gone. You might just be missing one or two, but the highest-value chips are $5k. Always pay attention to where your chips are and how many you have.
  • Marked deck scam: Back to the cards. Some scammers bring their own decks with marked cards. You wouldn't notice those marks if you don't know what to look for and they give the scammer an edge. Always make sure the decks’s brand new and sealed when you start playing!

Is tap water in Las Vegas safe to drink?

Yes! Las Vegas has some of the cleanest water in the country! The US has rigorous tap water quality standards and tests it regularly! If you don't like the flavor, it's not contaminated, it just has different mineral and pH levels.

Safe accommodation options in Las Vegas

Here are three of the safest neighborhoods and hotels if you don't know where to stay in Las Vegas:

  1. Anthem (Henderson Area) is a suburban haven with parks, country clubs, and a family-friendly atmosphere! You can crash at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa for around $180 a night. It's a whole resort with stunning views of the lake, a relaxing spa, and outdoor activities like kayaking!
  2. Green Valley Ranch has a strong community vibe, with parks, trails, and very low crime rates! You'll definitely feel safe here! Check out the Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa for around $200 per night with a casino and a beautiful pool! And if you're looking for some shopping ops in Las Vegas, you’ll find them here!
  3. Summerlin (Sun City Summerlin) has panoramic views, great dining, and plenty of shopping options! The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa is around $250 per night and boasts spacious rooms, a casino, and lush gardens!

It's best to stay away from downtown Vegas because of the constant noise and safety issues at night.

Pro tip: Most casinos won't let you bring in extra bags or large items, so why not stash them? Maybe this is your last day in Vegas and you can't keep your stuff at the hotel. Or maybe you're here for just half a day and need a place to dump your stuff while you explore. Bounce can help with that! Just find one of our many storage locations around, stash what you don't need, and gamble the night away or enjoy its nature spots worry-free!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Vegas has a culture (and maybe too much of it) that you might not know how to interact with properly. So, here’s what you can expect in Sin City:

  • It's not all fun and games in Vegas! Most people have busy jobs and lead busy lives. So, if they seem like they don't have time, it's just the daily grind!
  • Vegas is one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive cities in the world!
  • You can smoke in most casinos, but ask for smoking zones in restaurants.
  • Tipping in Vegas, just like the rest of America, is expected. A 15-20% tip is standard.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Las Vegas is super easy to get around, but you should always keep safety and comfort in mind. Here are some tips for getting around safely:

  • The RTC buses run 24/7 and connect major attractions on the Strip and downtown. They’re affordable, reliable, and even wheelchair-friendly!
  • The Las Vegas Monorail is another great option, it connects key hotels along the Strip and is safe at night!
  • You can walk the Strip, but distances can be deceiving! It's over 4 miles long!
  • Biking is the better option, it takes a while just to explore downtown Vegas.
  • Is the famous Las Vegas Strip safe at night? You won't necessarily be in danger since it's always crowded, but it's best to stay clear to avoid uncomfortable situations.
  • Fremont Street is also very popular, with a strong police presence, and security cameras everywhere. But that won't stop a weird situation from happening!

Nature and Las Vegas: Tips to keep in mind

Las Vegas has plenty of outdoor opportunities! But since it's in the desert, you'll need some preparation.

  • Lake Mead is the go-to spot for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding!
  • Willow Beach also has calm waters and beautiful surroundings!
  • Watch out for sharp rocks and glass! Sometimes, you don't even feel the cut till you get out of the water.
  • Red Rock Canyon is perfect for hiking and climbing, with trails that range from easy walks to expert climbs!
  • The Hoover Dam and surrounding areas have breathtaking views and family-friendly exploration ops!
  • The scenery is stunning, but stick to marked trails to avoid slippery rocks and cacti surprises!
  • The Vegas desert has critters like snakes, scorpions, and occasionally coyotes. Seek medical attention if anything bites you.
  • Temps in Vegas can get extreme! They're often above 40 degrees C, so you should always have water, an umbrella, and sunscreen on hand.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Emergency? No problem! Here are some tips:

  • Travel insurance is a must, especially for the USA.
  • If you're looking for where to eat in Las Vegas, the street food scene is pretty good!
  • 911 is the number for all emergency services.
  • Remember, if, on the off chance you do get injured, personal injury law states that you’re entitled to fair compensation! So, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases and get what you deserve!

So, is Las Vegas safe?

Yep, no need to worry! As long as you follow the tips about casinos, healthcare, and navigating the city, you won't have any problems! Bounce is here for you 24/7 if you need any help with your storage location. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority and we aim to make your every trip as enjoyable and baggage-free as possible!

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Use Bounce to find nearby bag storage in 4,000+ cities worldwide.

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