Phoenix, Arizona

• Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and one of the largest cities in the United States, spread across a flat desert valley with mountains around the edges. It is built for cars, not walking, and distances between neighborhoods are long. A few pockets - Downtown, Roosevelt Row, Midtown, the Melrose District, Arcadia and the Biltmore area - are compact enough to cover on foot or by light rail.
• Eating alone is normal here. Coffee shops, patios, wine bars and restaurant counters have plenty of people on their own, and staff in the central neighborhoods are used to visitors. English is the main language, and Spanish is widely spoken.
• The desert is the biggest everyday risk. Summer heat is severe, so plan hikes and walks for early morning or evening, carry more water than seems necessary, and never leave a person or pet in a parked car.
• Crime is concentrated in particular areas, and most places visitors go feel fine in daylight. After dark the city is quieter than many people expect outside the entertainment districts. Take a rideshare between neighborhoods and be selective about where you walk at night, especially in the service-agency area south and west of Downtown's core.

English is the main language, and Spanish is widely spoken across the city. Call 911 for any emergency; the operator can connect you to an interpreter if you don't speak English. Call or text 988 for crisis support at any hour.

• Dress is casual almost everywhere, and shorts, sundresses and sandals are normal. Bring a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen, plus a light layer since indoor air conditioning is strong and winter nights can be chilly.
• Tipping is expected: roughly 18-20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink at a bar, and a few dollars for rideshare drivers and hotel staff. Menu prices do not include tax or tip.
• Carrying firearms is legal and common in Arizona, and open carry is allowed. It rarely comes up in daily life, but avoid confrontations, including road-rage situations, and don't photograph strangers.
• Hydration is a safety issue here. Drink water constantly, start hikes at sunrise, and tell someone your route. Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak get treated as casual walks, but both are steep and rescues are common.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Phoenix is built around the car. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) is the easiest way to get around at night, and it is safer to wait for your car inside a venue or hotel lobby than on the street. Check the license plate and driver's name before getting in.
• Valley Metro Light Rail runs along Central Avenue through Downtown and Midtown and on to Tempe and Mesa. It connects to the PHX Sky Train at 44th Street for Sky Harbor Airport. Pay with the Copper Card or the mobile app. It is fine in daylight and early evening; late at night, stay near other riders and sit close to the operator.
• Downtown, Roosevelt Row and the Melrose strip are walkable within themselves, but the streets empty out after dark. Many sidewalks have little shade, and walking at midday in summer can be dangerous. If you rent a car, park in lit, attended lots and keep valuables out of sight.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Phoenix with local guides and curated experiences.