We know you will enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer ... from its unsurpassed beauty to its myriad of world famous attractions and activities. Unfortunately, no city or town is exempt from crime. We offer suggestions to ensure that your stay here is enjoyable and safe.

• Plan your route in advance; consult maps indoors before leaving your hotel.
• Locate places on your route where you can go for help.
• Be aware of your surroundings; leave an area if it appears unsafe.
• Ask directions from service providers, hotel desk staff, telephone or power company employees, police or traffic officers. Avoid asking strangers on the street.
• If you get lost, find an open business and ask for directions.
• Remember, alcohol consumption diminishes awareness.

Avoiding Pickpockets

• Use travelers checks whenever possible, and carry only cash and credit cards you will need. Do not display cash.
• Do not discuss plans with strangers.
• Carry your wallet in the inside front pocket of your pants or your jacket.
• Carry shoulder bags or other hand-bags under your arm, not by the handle. While sitting, keep the bag in your lap. In a restaurant, keep your purse in your lap, not over the back of the chair. Keep your bag next to you in the public restroom instead of using door hooks.
• Consider using a fanny-pack or a concealable money-belt to carry cash and credit cards.
• Carry some cash and credit cards in a second wallet, besides your purse or fanny-pack.
• Be alert, particularly in crowded situations. Staged distractions are a favorite ploy of pickpockets.

Hotel And Motel Security

• Watch your luggage when checking in and out of your hotel.
• Make sure no one hears your name and room number while at the front desk.
• Don't invite strangers to your room.
• Find out your hotel's policy on key control and the room cleaning schedules.
• Call the desk to verify the identity of room service, repair persons, etc., especially if you did not call for them. Know what the hotel identification badge looks like.
• Deposit your valuables in the hotel safe and keep an inventory of what was deposited; never leave cash or other valuables in your room.
• Lock your luggage when it is left in the room.
• Know how to double lock your room door.
• Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry to your room; report any suspicious activity to hotel staff.
• Keep the key with you at all times; never leave it at the front desk.
• Return your key to the front desk when you check out; if you leave it in your room it could be copied.
• Familiarize yourself with the fire exit routes posted in your room.

Shopping Alerts

Be Aware....

• Stores do not have to make refunds. Each store may set its own refund or exchange policies. Check them out before making purchases.
• When buying with a credit card -- stores cannot charge you an extra fee.
• When buying with cash -- stores may offer you a cash discount.
• A non-refundable 8.25% state sales tax must be paid on every item unless you have the merchant ship the product outside of California. This tax will not be refunded at the airport upon departure.

Before You Buy....
(Cameras, film, clothing, video or music equipment, jewelry, etc.)

• Compare prices and quality. Merchants may sell products for any price they want.
• Request written refund or exchange policy.
• Get warranties or guarantees in writing.
• Inquire about electrical compatibility for use in other countries.

• Get an itemized receipt, and check for accuracy.
• Inspect packages thoroughly for correct contents.
• Beware of additional credit card fees.

Should you have questions or problems regarding a business transaction in San Francisco, contact:

The Better Business Bureau, Inc.
510 16th Street
Suite 550
Oakland, CA 94612-1584
Phone: 510-238-1000

-or-

San Francisco District Attorney's
Consumer Fraud Unit
732 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-553-1814

(Complaint lines open Monday through Friday, between 9 am - 4 pm)

Vehicle Safety

• Do not advertise that you are a visitor. Place maps, travel brochures and valuables out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk. Never leave wallets, credit cards, checkbooks and/or purses in the vehicle.
• Looking lost may make you look like an easy target for crime. When checking your map, remain especially aware of your surroundings.
• If your car is bumped, do not stop. Drive to the nearest public area and call 415-553-0123 to report the incident to the police.
• Always lock your vehicle and take the keys. Never hide a key on your vehicle; a thief could find it.
• Check the interior of your vehicle before getting in.
• Park in well-lighted, busy areas.
• When parking the vehicle for the night, remove all luggage and other valuables and bring them to your room.

Homeless/Displaced Persons

Like every major city in the world, San Francisco has a homeless population. Most homeless people are harmless; however, some street people are chronic law violators who may infringe upon the rights of others. Demonstrate a combination of respect and caution around panhandlers and strangers.

If you feel inclined to financially assist someone in need, it is suggested that contributions not be given to individuals on the street, but rather to one of the many charitable organizations that address such needs. Your hotel should be able to direct you to such organizations.

Property Lost In A Taxi

Write down or remember the number, color and company name of the taxi you left your property in. The police department has a list of all cab companies.

Call the police at 415-553-0123 if the cab has pulled away with your possessions inside. Do not call 9-1-1.

Credit Card Loss

Keep a separate list of your credit cards and their numbers. Notify the police at once if your credit cards have been lost or stolen, by calling 415-553-0123.

If credit cards are not reported missing, they can be used. Don't be lulled into not reporting the loss by someone who calls and asks where to mail your credit cards to.

Parking & Traffic Tips

The best advice to those visiting San Francisco by automobile: park it! Rely on your feet and Muni. If you must drive, remember: cable cars and pedestrians always have the right of way.

Curbing Wheels

There's only one way to rest easy with your car parked on San Francisco's roller coaster hills - curb your wheels. Turn the tires toward the street when facing uphill, and towards the curb when facing downhill, to effectively use the curb as a block. Even the best brakes sometimes give in to our famous grades. Thus, this is the law in San Francisco, and citations can be issued if you do not follow this practice.

Curb Colors

Colored curbing indicate reserved parking zones:

• Red - No stopping or parking anytime.
• Yellow - Half hour limit loading vehicles with commercial plates only.
• Yellow & Black - Half hour loading limit for trucks with commercial plates only.
• Green, Yellow and Black - Taxi zone.
• Blue - Reserved for vehicles marked with a California issued disabled placard or plate.
• Green - 10-minute limit for all vehicles.
• White - Passenger loading, with only a five minute limit, effective during the adjacent business' hours of operation.

Contacting Emergency Services

In an emergency call 9-1-1. An emergency exists when there is a life-threatening police matter, a medical emergency or fire, or a person who has fallen and is unable to get up. 9-1-1 will get you police, fire and medical services.

If it is not an emergency call:

Police at 415-553-0123
Fire Department at 415-861-8000

Prepared in cooperation with:

San Francisco Police Department,
San Francisco District Attorney's
Consumer Fraud Unit, and
Better Business Bureau
of San Francisco