Tucson Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tucson.
Healthcare System
Tucson has a high-quality American healthcare system with multiple major hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialized medical facilities. Healthcare is privately operated and can be very expensive without insurance. No universal healthcare is available, and payment or insurance verification is typically required before non-emergency treatment.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Banner University Medical Center, TMC (Tucson Medical Center), Northwest Medical Center, and St. Joseph's Hospital. All have 24/7 emergency departments. Urgent care centers like NextCare and MedExpress are available for non-life-threatening issues at lower costs than emergency rooms.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Tucson, including major chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Fry's Pharmacy, many open 24 hours. Most over-the-counter medications available internationally can be purchased without prescription. Prescription medications require a US doctor's prescription. Pharmacists can provide advice for minor ailments.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs in the US are among the highest in the world. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Most hospitals require payment information or insurance verification before treatment for non-emergencies.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a list of medications with generic names, as brand names may differ in the US
- If you need medical care, urgent care centers are significantly cheaper than emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues
- Keep your travel insurance information and policy number easily accessible at all times
- Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are common; seek medical attention immediately if experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms
- Many healthcare facilities offer online check-in for urgent care to reduce wait times
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Theft from parked vehicles is the most common crime affecting tourists in Tucson, particularly at trailhead parking areas, popular tourist sites, and hotel parking lots. Thieves target rental cars and vehicles with out-of-state plates.
Extreme heat during summer months (May-September) with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C) can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. This is a serious risk for unprepared tourists, especially during outdoor activities.
While less common than in larger cities, pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded tourist areas, at events, and on public transportation.
Desert wildlife including rattlesnakes, scorpions, Gila monsters, javelinas, and coyotes are present in natural areas and occasionally in residential neighborhoods. Most wildlife will avoid humans but can be dangerous if surprised or provoked.
Tucson has busy roads with aggressive drivers, high speeds, and unique challenges like dust storms (haboobs) that reduce visibility. Pedestrian accidents occur, particularly at unmarked crossings.
During monsoon season (July-September), sudden intense rainfall can cause dangerous flash floods in washes, arroyos, and low-lying areas, even when rain is falling miles away.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers place fake parking tickets on vehicles in tourist areas that direct victims to pay via unofficial websites or phone numbers, stealing payment information.
Aggressive towing companies monitor private lots and quickly tow vehicles, then charge excessive fees for release. Some use unclear signage to trap tourists.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals belongings from your vehicle or person.
Unlicensed individuals or companies offer discounted tours to attractions like Saguaro National Park or Kartchner Caverns but provide poor service, unsafe transportation, or disappear with deposits.
Scammers call hotel room phones claiming to be front desk staff saying there's a problem with your credit card and requesting card details.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Desert Safety
- Carry at least twice as much water as you think you need - minimum 1 gallon per person per day for hiking
- Tell someone your hiking plans, route, and expected return time
- Start hikes early (before 7am in summer) to avoid peak heat
- Turn back if conditions worsen; summits aren't worth your life
- Download offline maps as cell service is unreliable in remote areas
- Carry a first aid kit, whistle, and emergency supplies on all hikes
- Wear appropriate footwear - hiking boots, not sandals - to protect against cacti and rocks
Vehicle Safety
- Always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables visible, even for brief stops
- Rent cars without obvious rental company markings if possible
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in case of detours or emergencies
- Store belongings in the trunk before arriving at your destination, not in parking lots where thieves watch
- Take photos of your rental car's condition and any existing damage
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle: water, flashlight, first aid kit, phone charger
- Be cautious at rest stops along I-10; don't leave vehicle running while inside facilities
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable electronics
- Check door locks and window security upon arrival; request room change if concerned
- Don't advertise your room number; be discreet about which room is yours
- Use deadbolts and security chains at night
- Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening door
- Keep a list of emergency contacts and hotel information in your phone and written down
- Choose accommodations in well-reviewed areas; research neighborhood safety before booking
Personal Safety
- Stay aware of your surroundings; avoid using phones while walking in unfamiliar areas
- Travel in groups when possible, especially at night
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals; store digitally in secure cloud storage
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Trust your instincts; leave situations that feel uncomfortable
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness of surroundings
- Use well-lit, populated ATMs preferably inside banks or stores during daytime
Health Precautions
- Stay hydrated constantly - drink before you feel thirsty in the dry desert climate
- Use sunscreen even for short outdoor exposure; reapply every 2 hours
- Bring any prescription medications in original containers with labels
- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Be cautious with spicy local cuisine if you have a sensitive stomach
- Avoid tap water if you have a sensitive stomach; bottled water is widely available
- Recognize altitude effects; Tucson is at 2,400 feet and surrounding mountains reach over 9,000 feet
Money and Valuables
- Use credit cards instead of cash when possible for better fraud protection
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cards and cash secured at hotel
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels rather than standalone street machines
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from your wallet
- Photograph credit cards and important documents (store securely in cloud)
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash in public
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Tucson is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has a progressive, welcoming atmosphere with many women traveling alone for both business and leisure. Standard urban safety precautions apply, and women should feel comfortable exploring the city's attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Harassment is relatively uncommon but can occur, particularly in bar districts late at night.
- Solo hiking is popular but inform someone of your plans and expected return time; consider joining group hikes through Meetup or local hiking clubs
- Use rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft) rather than walking alone at night; verify driver and vehicle details before entering
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed areas; read recent reviews from other solo female travelers
- 4th Avenue and downtown areas are busy and generally safe, but be aware of surroundings late at night
- Keep drinks in sight at bars and restaurants; accept drinks only from bartenders directly
- The University of Arizona area has good lighting and foot traffic but be cautious during summer when campus is less populated
- Dress practically for outdoor activities; heat safety takes priority over fashion
- Many local women hike, bike, and explore alone; you'll see other solo female travelers and locals
- Consider joining women's outdoor groups or tours to meet others and explore safely
- Emergency contraception is available at pharmacies without prescription; women's health services are widely available
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage is legal throughout the United States, including Arizona. Federal anti-discrimination laws provide some protections. Arizona state law does not explicitly protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in all contexts, though Tucson city ordinances provide additional local protections.
- Downtown Tucson, 4th Avenue, and the University area are particularly LGBTQ+-friendly with rainbow flags visible at many businesses
- IBT's (a popular LGBTQ+ bar on 4th Avenue) and other venues host regular events and are welcoming gathering spots
- Tucson Pride Festival occurs annually in September with thousands of attendees
- The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) and LGBTQ+ community centers offer resources and support
- Most hotels and major businesses in tourist areas are LGBTQ+-welcoming; many display equality stickers
- Healthcare providers in Tucson generally provide competent, respectful care to LGBTQ+ patients
- While Tucson is accepting, some rural areas outside the city may be more conservative; use discretion
- Same-sex couples can typically request double beds at hotels without issue
- The city has anti-discrimination ordinances protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in employment and housing
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ groups on social media for current events and recommendations
- Transgender travelers can use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity; Arizona has no bathroom bills
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Tucson visits due to extremely high US healthcare costs, outdoor activity risks, and potential weather-related disruptions. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, and medical evacuation from remote hiking areas can exceed $50,000. Insurance is not legally required but is essential financial protection. Many international visitors are shocked by US medical costs, making comprehensive coverage critical.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries