Whether you are living in New York or just visiting, street smarts will definitely help you feel more at home.

• Finding a Bathroom: First things first. If you have to go to the bathroom, try a Barnes & Nobles, or a Starbuck's Coffee. Both usually have reasonably clean bathrooms, but your mileage may vary. At Starbuck's you'll need to ask for a key, maybe even buy something.

• Avoid empty subway cars, ride with many people or in the conductor's car (usually the middle car of the train).

• Never display large amounts of cash out in the open.

• Don't keep your wallet in the back pocket of your pants or in a backpack. Moving the wallet to the front pocket of your pants will reduce your chance of being pick-pocketed.

• Be aware of your wallet or purse in commotions Pick pockets often use helpers to create a disturbance nearby.

• Telephone information from a payphone is free. Simply dial 555-1212 on any pay phone and ask for the number of the business or person you are looking for. You don't need to put in any change.

• More general safety tips for first time visitors...

SEE ALSO

• Bus Safety Guide
• City Driving Laws and Car Safety Tips
• Hospitals and other Medical Information
• Common scams