Lincoln Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Lincoln.
Healthcare System
Lincoln has high-quality healthcare facilities with modern medical technology and well-trained staff. The U.S. healthcare system is private, meaning services can be very expensive without insurance. Most facilities accept various forms of payment including credit cards, but payment is typically expected at time of service or shortly after.
Hospitals
Bryan Health (Bryan Medical Center East and West) and CHI Health St. Elizabeth are the main hospital systems serving Lincoln. Both have 24/7 emergency departments. Several urgent care clinics (Bryan Urgent Care, CHI Health Urgent Care) handle non-life-threatening issues with shorter wait times and lower costs than emergency rooms. Most facilities have experience with international patients.
Pharmacies
National pharmacy chains (Walgreens, CVS, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy) are widely available throughout Lincoln, with some locations open 24 hours. Most prescription medications available internationally can be obtained, but you'll need a U.S. prescription. Over-the-counter medications are readily available and inexpensive.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended as medical care in the U.S. is extremely expensive without coverage. A simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation if needed. Most facilities will require proof of insurance or payment guarantee before non-emergency treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ in the U.S.
- Keep your travel insurance information and policy number easily accessible
- For minor issues, consider urgent care clinics rather than emergency rooms to save significant costs
- If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately - do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital
- Many pharmacies offer basic health services like flu shots, COVID tests, and blood pressure checks
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Theft from parked vehicles is the most common property crime in Lincoln, particularly items visible through windows like bags, electronics, and GPS devices. This occurs in both parking lots and street parking.
Lincoln has an active cycling community, but bicycle theft is common, especially around the university campus and downtown areas. Both secured and unsecured bikes are targeted.
Theft of delivered packages from porches and doorsteps occurs occasionally, though this primarily affects residents rather than tourists.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are rare in Lincoln compared to larger cities, but opportunistic theft can occur in crowded areas during events.
Driving under the influence occurs in Lincoln, particularly late at night on weekends and during major sporting events. This poses a risk to other motorists and pedestrians.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Particularly around University of Nebraska football games (Huskers games), scammers sell fake or invalid tickets online or near the stadium. Lincoln's Memorial Stadium creates high demand for tickets to sold-out games.
Scammers post fake vacation rental listings with attractive prices, collecting deposits for properties they don't own or that don't exist. This can affect visitors looking for accommodations during peak times like football weekends.
Individuals may approach tourists claiming to collect for local charities, disaster relief, or personal hardship stories, but pocket the money themselves.
Some private towing companies may tow vehicles from private lots with unclear signage, then charge excessive fees for retrieval.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Lincoln is a car-dependent city; renting a vehicle is recommended for convenient travel
- Use ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) for evening outings, especially if consuming alcohol
- Be cautious of deer on roadways, particularly at dawn and dusk in areas near parks and outskirts
- Winter driving requires extra caution; rent a vehicle with all-wheel drive if visiting November-March
- Drivers are generally courteous but watch for distracted drivers, especially near the university campus
- Use marked crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets
Personal Security
- Lock hotel room doors and use security latches; use hotel safes for valuables
- Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded in case of poor signal
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and garages
- Don't advertise expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
Weather Preparedness
- Check weather forecasts daily, especially during spring tornado season and winter
- Download the NOAA Weather Radio app and enable location-based alerts
- Know where tornado shelters are located in your hotel or accommodation
- Dress appropriately for the season - layers in winter, sun protection in summer
- Keep weather-appropriate emergency supplies if driving (ice scraper in winter, water in summer)
- Be flexible with outdoor plans and have indoor backup activities ready
Game Day Safety (Football Weekends)
- Book accommodations well in advance for home football games; prices increase and availability decreases
- Expect heavy traffic and crowds around Memorial Stadium on game days; plan extra travel time
- Stay hydrated if tailgating in hot weather; heat-related illness is common during early season games
- Be extra cautious of impaired drivers after games, especially in the evening
- Keep belongings secure in crowds; pickpocketing risk increases during major events
- Purchase tickets only from official or verified sources to avoid scams
- Be respectful of local customs - Nebraska fans are passionate but generally friendly to visitors
Money and Valuables
- Credit cards are widely accepted; carry minimal cash
- Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations like banks or inside stores
- Be discreet when handling money or accessing ATMs
- Keep emergency cash separate from your wallet
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Use contactless payment when available for added security
Communication
- Cell phone coverage is generally excellent in Lincoln
- Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, restaurants, and the public library
- Emergency services (911) can be called even without cell service or a SIM card
- Learn basic emergency phrases if English is not your first language, though most services have translation assistance
- Keep hotel contact information and address written down in case your phone dies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Lincoln is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has a respectful culture and violent crime against tourists is rare. Women commonly travel alone, dine alone, and explore the city independently without issue. Standard urban precautions apply, and the same safety measures recommended for all travelers will serve women well.
- Solo dining and activities are completely normal; you won't receive unwanted attention in most establishments
- Use ride-sharing services rather than walking alone late at night, especially in less-populated areas
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts when out alone
- Hotel staff are generally helpful; don't hesitate to ask for escort to parking areas if you feel uncomfortable
- The university campus has blue light emergency phones throughout; these can be used in any emergency
- Jogging and walking are popular activities; stick to well-traveled paths and trails during daylight hours
- Bar and restaurant staff are generally attentive; don't hesitate to speak up if someone is bothering you
- Consider joining group activities or tours if you prefer company while exploring
- Downtown and Haymarket areas have good foot traffic during evening hours on weekends, making them relatively safe for solo exploration
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage is legal throughout the United States, including Nebraska. Federal anti-discrimination laws provide some protections, though Nebraska state law has limited explicit LGBTQ+ protections. Lincoln has city ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- The downtown and Haymarket areas, as well as the university campus area, are generally the most LGBTQ+-friendly
- Lincoln has LGBTQ+ organizations like OutNebraska and the UNL LGBTQA+ Resource Center that host events and provide resources
- Several businesses and establishments display pride flags or inclusive signage indicating welcoming spaces
- June Pride celebrations occur annually with community events, though smaller scale than major cities
- Medical providers in Lincoln are generally professional and non-discriminatory; Bryan Health and CHI Health have non-discrimination policies
- While most interactions will be positive, some rural attitudes persist; use discretion based on your comfort level in different settings
- Dating apps and online LGBTQ+ communities can help connect with local community members
- Hotels and major establishments are professional and welcoming regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
- If you experience discrimination, OutNebraska and local advocacy groups can provide support and resources
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for visiting Lincoln, primarily due to the extremely high cost of healthcare in the United States. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, and a serious medical issue requiring hospitalization could result in bills exceeding $100,000. Additionally, weather-related disruptions (tornadoes, winter storms) can cause trip delays or cancellations. Insurance provides essential financial protection and peace of mind.
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