how safe is USA for outsiders, like when using public transport, cabs or subways? and how bad is the racism?

Answer 1

In New York no matter where you're from you're just another face in the crowd.

It is true that a lot of cabbies don't like to pick up black people, though.

Answer 2

For the most part, it is very safe here but like all places, you must be aware of your surroundings and look to see who is around you. As a woman, I would not enter a train or light rail or subway if only men were in the compartment. Same with an elevator. You would probably be safe but it is better to be safe than sorry. Racism? Again, it depends on where you are and what time of day or night. You rarely hear of someone acting out in a racist way or hurting someone. In most large cities, it is such a mixture of people and many people have been raised in a mixed neighborhood and the same with the schools, that you just don't see or hear of incidents of racism. If you are sensible and not hanging out in a downtown area or secluded place at night and all alone, you will find that a trip to the USA would be a fun and memorable one. You will also meet some of the nicest people in the world here. Even Washington D.C. is supposed to be unsafe at night and yet we did not have a problem at all. We met some of the kindest people there. When we rode on the Metro, people actually got off the train with us in order to show us where we should go. One lady even walked me up to the street and pointed me in the right direction. If you are friendly, most people will respond in kind. Again, the safety issue is where you are, are you alone and the time you are out. I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Come for a visit. You may not want to go home!!!

Answer 3

I am British and spend a considerable amount of time in the U.S on business. Subways are a no no but I have never had a problem with cabs. I find American Cities more 'threatening' than ours, and whereas I would walk around London, Paris or Athens at night, I wouldn't in any one of the large Cities there (although the centre of Chicago isn't too bad).. It's the racism which takes my breath away. You really will NOT believe it. I stayed in a hotel recently where ALL the 'Bell Hops' were black, ALL the Maids were Hispanic or Eastern European and ALL the Managers were white. I was not in the sticks or the Bible belt. When I asked an educated American friend why this was so, he replied 'They (who the hell are 'they?!') don't want to be educated!'. I was relieved to get back on European soil.

Answer 4

If you are going somewhere with public transport you are probably ok. It's when you get into the back woods hick area with people who's mother is their sister and thier grandma all in one then your gunna find a little bit more racism. There are too many people that live in America that are from different parts of the world that truly no one will be able to tell if your not a citizen unless you tell them.

Answer 5

The US is one of the saftest places in the world. Of course every city has their own "shady" neigborhood where you wouldn't want to be lost in after dark, and of course there are going to scammers and pick pockets at tourist type areas, but as long as you stay aware of your surroundings you'll be fine :)

And don't worry about racism. Yeah, there's still a few racist people, but everyone is so worried about being politically correct they never say or do anything in public anymore

Answer 6

come on over as fare as am concerned you are welcome.I hope you have the time of your live.you wouldn't be an outsider you would be a visitor.what that stuffy upper crust Brit said is true people in America with collage educations don't become bell hopes or maids after they graduate from collage.collage educated people in America generally go on to do jobs that they were trained to do in school after they graduate.

Answer 7

The racists in America are wimps, they'll talk alot of **** behind someone's back, but they're too scared to do anything. So, there's no need to be afraid. Most racists come from the south, where they are uneducated and like to screw their sisters and cousins. Go figure.

Answer 8

It depends where you are. NY is completely different from Chicago, or Los Angeles, and even parts of those cities are different. And then if you go away from the city it's different there too. There's always some idot racist somewhere. But in most places in the US, it doesn't get violent.

Answer 9

Pretty darn safe as far as I know. Racism isn't bad except in isolated areas, and if you are there, you are missing all the good spots.

Answer 10

whoa !!! I never thought of that!! Let's just say if I wanted to visit another country outside of america , and it's like that , I'd be afraid to visit!! And I am an american.