Richmond Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Richmond.
Healthcare System
Richmond has a robust healthcare system with multiple nationally-ranked hospitals and medical facilities. The U.S. healthcare system is private and fee-for-service, meaning medical care can be extremely expensive without insurance. Emergency rooms are required by law to treat patients regardless of ability to pay, but bills will follow.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include VCU Medical Center (1250 E Marshall St), Henrico Doctors' Hospital (multiple locations), Chippenham Hospital (7101 Jahnke Rd), and Johnston-Willis Hospital (1401 Johnston-Willis Dr). All have 24/7 emergency departments. VCU Medical Center is located downtown and is the primary trauma center.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger pharmacies are widely available throughout Richmond, with many locations open 24 hours. Most common over-the-counter medications are readily available. Prescription medications require a U.S. prescription, though some pharmacies may fill foreign prescriptions at pharmacist's discretion for short-term supplies.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for international visitors, as medical costs can be extraordinarily high—a simple emergency room visit can cost $1,500-$3,000 or more. U.S. visitors should verify their health insurance covers out-of-state care.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep copies of prescriptions and bring sufficient medication for your trip, as U.S. prescriptions are required for refills
- Urgent care centers (like Patient First and MedExpress) are less expensive than emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues
- Many hospitals require payment or proof of insurance before non-emergency treatment
- Download your insurance company's app and keep policy numbers readily accessible
- Telemedicine services are widely available and can be cost-effective for minor issues
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Car break-ins are the most common property crime affecting tourists in Richmond, particularly vehicles with visible valuables or rental car indicators
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur occasionally in crowded areas, though less common than in larger cities
While Richmond has higher violent crime rates than national averages, most incidents are concentrated in specific neighborhoods and involve individuals known to each other; random tourist-targeted violent crime is rare
Richmond drivers can be aggressive, and the city has confusing one-way streets and traffic patterns downtown; pedestrian accidents occur
Richmond summers are hot and humid (often 90-100°F with high humidity), leading to potential heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially for those unaccustomed to the climate
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers place fake QR codes on parking meters directing users to fraudulent payment sites that steal credit card information
Individuals approach tourists with sob stories requesting cash, sometimes becoming persistent or following tourists; occasionally working in teams for distraction theft
Unofficial guides approach tourists offering historical tours at inflated prices or request large tips after providing unsolicited information
Scammers call hotel rooms claiming to be front desk, saying there's a problem with payment and requesting credit card information
Counterfeit tickets sold outside venues or through unofficial online sources for events at Altria Theater, The National, or VCU sporting events
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Safety
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark, especially downtown and in Shockoe Bottom
- Use rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) rather than walking alone at night
- Keep your phone charged and accessible for emergencies
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Trust your instincts—if an area feels unsafe, leave
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics conspicuously
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like phone use while walking
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxi services or rideshare apps; avoid unmarked cabs
- If renting a car, familiarize yourself with downtown's one-way street system
- Don't leave GPS devices or rental agreements visible in parked cars
- Be cautious at gas stations in unfamiliar areas, especially after dark
- The GRTC bus system is generally safe during daytime hours
- Allow extra time for travel—Richmond traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm)
- Pedestrians should be extra cautious; Virginia law favors drivers in many situations
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in safe neighborhoods: Downtown, Museum District, Short Pump, Shockoe Slip, or near VCU
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Verify caller identity before opening your door or providing information
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public areas
- Familiarize yourself with emergency exits upon arrival
- Use deadbolts and security latches when in your room
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, monitored locations
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cards and cash secured
- Use credit cards over debit cards for better fraud protection
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized charges
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water in Richmond is safe to drink and meets federal standards
- Food safety standards are high; restaurants are regularly inspected
- Never leave drinks unattended in bars or clubs
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers
- Richmond has excellent restaurants; food poisoning is rare but possible—choose busy, well-reviewed establishments
- Be aware that Southern portions are often large; pace yourself
Event and Attraction Safety
- Large events (Richmond Folk Festival, Friday Cheers) attract crowds; keep valuables secure
- Stay hydrated at outdoor summer events
- Know your exits at indoor venues
- Be aware of your alcohol consumption, especially in hot weather
- Keep groups together and establish meeting points if separated
- Follow all posted safety guidelines at historical sites and museums
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Richmond is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has a progressive culture, particularly in urban areas, and women will find themselves welcomed in all establishments. Standard urban precautions apply, with particular attention to nighttime safety and awareness in bar/nightlife areas.
- Avoid walking alone after dark in poorly lit areas; use rideshare services
- The Museum District, Carytown, and Short Pump areas are particularly safe and female-friendly
- If going out at night, stay with groups and watch your drinks
- Trust your instincts—if someone makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation
- Hotel staff can provide guidance on safe areas and transportation options
- Richmond has active women's groups and networks; locals are generally helpful if you need assistance
- Catcalling is uncommon but can occur; ignore and keep walking
- Exercise normal caution when using dating apps; meet in public places
- Jogging alone is common in safe neighborhoods during daylight but use populated trails
- Keep phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts when out alone
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage is legal throughout the United States, including Virginia. LGBTQ+ individuals are protected from discrimination in employment and public accommodations under Virginia law as of 2020. Richmond is significantly more progressive than rural Virginia.
- The Fan District, Museum District, and Carytown are especially LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods
- Popular LGBTQ+ venues include Babe's of Carytown, Barcode, and various inclusive bars in Scott's Addition
- Richmond Pride (September) and other LGBTQ+ events occur throughout the year
- While urban Richmond is accepting, exercise discretion in rural areas outside the city
- Virginia banned conversion therapy for minors and has inclusive anti-discrimination laws
- Same-sex couples can book hotel rooms without issue in all major hotels
- The city has LGBTQ+-owned businesses and openly gay city council members
- Healthcare providers are generally LGBTQ+-competent, especially at VCU Medical Center
- Exercise normal urban caution; bias-related incidents are rare but can occur
- Richmond's universities (VCU, UR) have active LGBTQ+ communities and resources
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Richmond, particularly international travelers. U.S. healthcare costs are among the highest in the world, and a single emergency room visit or ambulance ride can cost thousands of dollars. Trip cancellation coverage is also valuable given potential weather disruptions (hurricanes, winter storms) and the non-refundable nature of many bookings.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries