Buffalo Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Buffalo.
Healthcare System
Buffalo has a robust healthcare system with several major hospitals and medical centers. The U.S. operates on a private healthcare model, meaning services can be extremely expensive without insurance. Buffalo is home to excellent medical facilities, including specialized trauma centers and teaching hospitals affiliated with the University at Buffalo.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Buffalo General Medical Center (Level 1 Trauma Center), Oishei Children's Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Sisters of Charity Hospital, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. All emergency rooms must treat patients regardless of ability to pay, though bills will follow. For non-emergencies, urgent care centers are widely available and less expensive than ERs.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid pharmacies are abundant throughout Buffalo, many open 24 hours. Common over-the-counter medications are readily available. Prescriptions from foreign doctors may not be honored; you may need to visit an urgent care clinic for a U.S. prescription. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications in original containers.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and potentially essential. Medical costs in the U.S. can be extraordinarily high—a simple ER visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep copies of prescriptions and a list of medications with generic names
- Urgent care centers (like GoHealth, UBMD) are cheaper alternatives to ERs for non-life-threatening issues
- Many pharmacies offer walk-in clinics for minor ailments at lower costs
- Always carry your insurance information and emergency contacts
- If uninsured, ask about self-pay discounts and payment plans before receiving non-emergency care
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Car break-ins and theft from vehicles occur, particularly in parking lots and street parking areas. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables or out-of-state plates.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are relatively uncommon but can occur in crowded tourist areas, events, and on public transportation.
Buffalo experiences severe winter weather including heavy lake-effect snow (sometimes several feet in hours), extreme cold, ice, and blizzard conditions. Driving can become dangerous or impossible.
Buffalo drivers can be aggressive, and winter conditions increase accident risk. Potholes are common, especially after winter. Pedestrians must be cautious as drivers don't always yield.
Some neighborhoods experience higher rates of property crime including theft and burglary. These areas are generally away from tourist zones.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals may approach tourists in parking areas offering to 'watch' their car for money, or directing them to unofficial parking spots while claiming to be attendants. Fake parking tickets may be placed on windshields with payment instructions.
People claiming to represent charities approach tourists on the street asking for donations or signatures, sometimes becoming aggressive or using emotional manipulation.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at the airport or tourist areas may offer rides at inflated prices or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
For Bills or Sabres games, scalpers may sell fake or invalid tickets at inflated prices outside venues.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Urban Safety
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in unfamiliar areas
- Keep valuables concealed and don't flash expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave
- Let someone know your itinerary when exploring alone
- Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded
- Carry a card with your hotel address written in case you need help getting back
Transportation Safety
- Use rideshare apps or official taxis rather than accepting rides from strangers
- If renting a car in winter, ensure it has good tires and you're comfortable driving in snow
- Don't leave your car running unattended to warm up—car theft can occur
- Metro Rail is safe during daytime; exercise more caution on late-night buses
- When walking, be visible to drivers, especially in winter when visibility is reduced
- Don't drink and drive—Buffalo police actively enforce DUI laws with checkpoints
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Keep your room door locked and use the deadbolt and security latch
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors—verify through hotel front desk
- Note emergency exits when you check in
- Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods: downtown, Elmwood Village, Allentown, or near the waterfront
- Read recent reviews focusing on safety and neighborhood comments
Money and Documents
- Carry copies of important documents separately from originals
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy locations
- Monitor your credit card statements for unauthorized charges
- Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card freezes
- Carry some cash as smaller establishments may not accept cards
- Keep emergency cash separate from your daily wallet
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Buffalo
- Buffalo has strict health codes—restaurants are regularly inspected and generally very safe
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers in bars
- Never leave your drink unattended in bars or clubs
- Buffalo's famous wings are safe but can be extremely spicy—ask about heat levels
- Food allergies: always inform servers as cross-contamination can occur
Winter-Specific Safety
- Download the Buffalo Snow app for parking ban and snow emergency information
- Never use a car's exhaust pipe for warmth if stuck—carbon monoxide is deadly
- Keep ice melt or kitty litter in your car for traction if stuck
- Dress warmer than you think necessary—hypothermia can set in quickly
- Watch for falling ice from buildings, especially during thaws
- Sidewalks can be icy and uneven—wear appropriate footwear with traction
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Buffalo is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The city is accustomed to independent travelers, and women will find the atmosphere welcoming in tourist areas. Standard urban precautions apply. Harassment is not common but can occur, particularly in nightlife areas late at night. Women hold prominent positions in Buffalo's business and political spheres, and gender equality is the norm.
- Trust your instincts—if a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Use rideshare apps rather than walking alone late at night, especially in less-populated areas
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- In bars and clubs, watch your drink being made and keep it with you at all times
- Consider staying in hotels in well-populated areas like downtown, Elmwood Village, or near the waterfront
- Join group tours or activities if you want to meet other travelers
- Buffalo women are generally friendly and approachable—don't hesitate to ask for help or directions
- Dress for Buffalo's weather rather than fashion, especially in winter—locals respect practical dressing
- The Elmwood Village and Allentown neighborhoods are particularly welcoming for solo women with many cafes and shops
- Hotel staff can recommend safe walking routes and areas to avoid
LGBTQ+ Travelers
New York State has strong LGBTQ+ protections including anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Same-sex marriage is legal. Gender identity is protected. Buffalo is in a progressive state with comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights.
- Allentown is Buffalo's historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood with gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and businesses
- Pride Week (usually June) features parades, events, and celebrations throughout the city
- Popular LGBTQ+ venues include Cathode Ray, Fugazi, and various bars along Allen Street
- The LGBTQ+ community is well-integrated into Buffalo's arts and cultural scene
- University areas (University at Buffalo campuses) are very accepting
- Downtown hotels and major chains are welcoming and professional
- Buffalo United for Marriage Equality and The Pride Center of Western New York are local resources
- While generally safe, use discretion in areas outside the city center and progressive neighborhoods
- Dating apps are widely used and generally safe, but take normal precautions when meeting people
- Healthcare providers in Buffalo are professional and non-discriminatory; several practices specifically advertise LGBTQ+-friendly care
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Buffalo visits, particularly for international travelers. The primary concern is medical coverage—U.S. healthcare costs are among the world's highest, and a single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Winter weather can also cause significant travel disruptions requiring trip cancellation or interruption coverage. Car rental insurance is important if driving, especially in winter conditions.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries