If you’re not street smart, here are a few tips:
•I never wear jewelry. Not even a watch or tie clip. If it glitters it attracts the wrong attention.
•Camera? Not unless it is disposable or I am in the presence of someone who looks like a bouncer or linebacker.
•Lap top case? Carry one if you are looking to help the less fortunate. All the more reason to back up those personal files.
•High heels are not sensible for a variety of reasons. (see sidewalks, mountainous regions)
•Don’t offer to make change for anyone you do not know.
•If you are given to indulging the panhandlers, don't produce your wallet or purse. Hand them pocket change.
•Philly has some amazing architecture. Gawk at the edifices from the safety of your hotel, rental car or taxi. No need to tip-off the local street urchins you are ripe for fleecing.
•Avoid back alleys and small streets especially after dark.
•I have heard three suggestions of being out after sundown. The most conservative is Don’t. The most liberal is, not after 11:00pm. The other is be in by 10:00pm. Especially if you are alone, regardless of gender.
•Problem with pan-handlers (beggers)? Visit this site: http://www.centercityresidents.org/Panhandlers.htm
I recommend taking a self-defense class to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of where they live. A refresher a year later and every few years after that is important. If nothing else if makes you aware that you are a target. Awareness is important in a city.
•Carry an umbrella. My macho and physically fit neighbor prefers a golf umbrella and he is not afraid to use it. A stubby fold-up one is better than none. It doubles as a baton. And if it rains or snows, you can use as an umbrella!
Just as you never ask a Virginian if they live in DC, or Washington (it’s primarily a Black ghetto) you never suggest to a Philadelphian that s/he live in North, Philly. They will correct you: Northeast, Philly.
•Never admit to a Pennsylvanian you are from Jersey. Do not spout desires to gain employment in Camden.
•Do not utter “Jersey Driver” in mixed company. Jersey residents say the same of Philly & Pennsylvania drivers.
•Watch where you are walking. The sidewalks can be treacherous, bricks are missing from the street, miscellaneous hardware as stand pipes that are not brightly painted and trap doors, and dog droppings abound. See Mountainous regions.
•When riding a moving sidewalk (at airport) or riding an escalator, stay to one side so that people may pass you. The convention is stay to the right, pass on the left.
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