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Any street intersecting with Las Vegas Boulevard South means slow traffic, but drivers should avoid the Tropicana–Las Vegas Boulevard intersection altogether, if possible: it is the busiest intersection in the city and can take 15 minutes or more to get through.

Although the Strip and the five-block Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall are considered safe at any time, certain areas in North Las Vegas and on S. Maryland Parkway, around Sunrise Hospital, are not. The area north of Las Vegas library on Las Vegas Boulevard North is perhaps the roughest neighborhood in town. Do not walk there.

Rings of confidence tricksters – men and women – frequently operate in Nevada, with all sorts of scams. They prey primarily, but not exclusively, on the elderly. Beware anyone who approaches you with an offer that seems too good to be true, and never agree to collect jackpot winnings for another person on the promise that you’ll be paid for doing so. Card sharps in particular look for suckers. Don’t be one: if a deals sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Men are lured inside with bold promises, persuaded to pay extraordinary amounts for watered-down drinks, then sent on their way, not necessarily with the promised sexual favors. Prostitution is legal in the state of Nevada except in five counties, including Clark County. Las Vegas is in Clark County, so apprehended prostitutes and their customers are subject to fines and imprisonment.

Don’t wear expensive jewelry: it alerts robbers or pickpockets to the fact that you would be a lucrative target. Keep valuables in your room safe if there is one, or in the hotel’s safe if there isn’t. Keep your belongings with you at all times: the excitement of the bright lights, music, and carnival atmosphere can be distracting. If you win a large amount of money, ask for it in the form of a check rather than cash. Casinos will also provide security escorts for customers who request them.

Do not allow youngsters under the age of 16 to go out on their own; children under 12 should not go without adults to malls or game arcades, even if they are in a group.

Avoid poorly lighted garages and parking lots at night, especially when they seem deserted. Lock your car doors even when you are driving. Put all packages and luggage in the trunk. When you leave your car at valet parking, it’s wise to remove anything of value and have only your car and trunk keys on the key-ring.

Cold soup and warm potato salad are potential sources of food poisoning, so when eating at buffets make sure that the food that is supposed to be hot is hot, and the food that is supposed to be cold is cold.

It’s up to you, of course, whether you give money to panhandlers (beggars), but you might consider contributing instead to charities that provide food and shelter for the homeless.

Despite the carefree atmosphere of Las Vegas, the police department is strict about enforcing the city’s laws. Don’t do anything here that you wouldn’t do in your own home town.