Miami Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Miami has about double the national murder rate and three times the national aggravated assault rate. Although criminals don’t tend to target strangers, it’s best to keep your wits about you, especially in Overtown, Liberty City and Little Haiti. Dangers run from aggressive vagrants to calculating muggers. Try not to walk around alone at night in these neighborhoods.

In Downtown Miami, use particular caution near Overtown, the Greyhound station and around causeways, bridges and overpasses where homeless people and some refugees have set up shantytowns. The main danger in Miami Beach is drunk tourists.

Natural dangers include strong sun (have high SPF sunscreen), mosquitoes (use a spray-on repellent) and hurricanes (between June and November). There’s a hurricane hot line (305-229-4483), which gives information on all the things you need to make a decision about if and when you leave.

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While you're there

Clinics

For physician referrals 24 hours daily, contact the Visitor’s Medical Line (305-674-2222) of the Mount Sinai Medical Center. The Miami Beach Community Health Center (305-538-8835; 710 Alton Rd; 7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri) charges fees based on your income. Arrive early since walk-in clinic lines are usually very long. Bring ID. If you’re foreign born, bring your passport and I-94 card, the arrival/departure document for nonimmigrant visitors that’s issued by the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). United States citizens should bring proof of residence and income. For more information, contact the INS (305-536-574; 7880 Biscayne Blvd). If you need dental attention, try 800-DENTIST (800-336-8478).

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Emergency rooms

In a serious emergency, call 911 for an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital’s emergency room (ER). Mount Sinai Medical Center (305-674-2121; 4300 Alton Rd) is the area’s best. Whatever your deal – visitor, no insurance, etc – the hospital must treat you. But, in return, you must eventually pay. And the ER fees are stellar. Then there are additional charges for X rays, casting, medicines, analysis…everything, so the cost of a visit can easily top $1000.

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Pharmacies

The most ubiquitous drugstores are blue-signed Eckerd (305-538-1571) and the red-signed Walgreens (305-261-2213), both of which have some 24-hour branches. Call for the nearest location.

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