North America·USA

Is Memphis Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Memphis is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 15 scams, with only 2 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

15

Scams documented

2

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

15

High severity

2

Medium severity

9

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Memphis

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Short-Term Rental Listing Fraud Near Beale Street

high

Fraudulent vacation rental listings targeting visitors wanting to stay near the Beale Street entertainment district are listed on third-party platforms at prices below comparable hotels. After the deposit is paid the host becomes unresponsive, the property does not exist, or the listing was cloned from a legitimate property. Victims often discover the fraud only on arrival night.

How to avoid: Book only through platforms with verified host programs and do not pay outside the platform via wire transfer or Zelle. Request video confirmation of the actual space before submitting any payment.

Where: Listings falsely claim proximity to Beale Street, South Main Arts District, or the FedExForum arena

Drink Spiking at Beale Street Bars

high

Drink spiking incidents on Beale Street have been documented by Memphis police, primarily on Friday and Saturday nights when the strip is at peak capacity. Individuals posing as friendly locals or bar staff add substances to unattended drinks, typically in open-air bars between 2nd Street and 4th Street. Victims report memory loss and theft of valuables.

How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended on Beale Street. Use closed-lid containers when possible. If a stranger offers to buy you a drink, accompany them to the bar and watch it poured.

Where: Open-air bars and street sections of Beale Street between 2nd Street and 4th Street, particularly after 11 PM on weekends

By traveler type

Is Memphis safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Memphis.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Memphis before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Memphis

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Memphis. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Short-Term Rental Listing Fraud Near Beale Street

Listings falsely claim proximity to Beale Street, South Main Arts District, or the FedExForum arena

high

Fake Graceland tour and ticket resellers on Elvis Presley Blvd

Elvis Presley Blvd near the Graceland entrance and official shuttle area, hotels adjacent to the Graceland complex.

medium

Unlicensed "Memphis music tour" bus operators

Beale Street hotel lobbies, downtown tour booths, street-side sign flippers near Peabody Hotel.

medium

Fake parking attendants on Beale Street

Side streets off Beale including Gayoso Ave, Peabody Pl, 2nd St and 3rd St north of Union.

medium

Beale Street photographer demanding payment after the photo

Beale Street between 2nd and 4th Streets, W.C. Handy Park, corner of Beale and Main.

low
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Memphis?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

4

27% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

3

20% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

13% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

2

13% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

7% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

7% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

7% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

7% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Memphis

2 High — 13%
9 Medium — 60%
4 Low — 27%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Memphis

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Memphis, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Memphis — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Memphis's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Memphis safe — answered

Is Memphis safe for tourists in 2026?
Memphis is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 15 documented scams. 2 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport. Millions of tourists visit Memphis safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Memphis safe for solo travelers?
Memphis has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Memphis before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Memphis for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Memphis include: Listings falsely claim proximity to Beale Street, South Main Arts District, or the FedExForum arena. Elvis Presley Blvd near the Graceland entrance and official shuttle area, hotels adjacent to the Graceland complex.. Beale Street hotel lobbies, downtown tour booths, street-side sign flippers near Peabody Hotel.. These areas are associated with accommodation scams, tour & activities, money & atm scams incidents.
Is Memphis safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Memphis is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Memphis safe for female travelers?
Memphis is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Memphis?
The top documented scams in Memphis are: Short-Term Rental Listing Fraud Near Beale Street, Fake Graceland tour and ticket resellers on Elvis Presley Blvd, Unlicensed "Memphis music tour" bus operators, Fake parking attendants on Beale Street, Beale Street photographer demanding payment after the photo. The full database covers 15 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Memphis?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Memphis. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is USA safe to visit in 2026?
USA as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Memphis specifically has 15 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full USA country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Memphis is based on 15 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →