The Boy Scouts can teach you how to survive if youre lost in the woods.

Heres how to get by when you should probably hail a cab instead of start a fire.

Big cities face a lot of unique survival challenges.

Sure, youre not going to have to defend your jugular from bear attacks, or navigate by moss.

This changes once you reach a city.

Heres how to navigate each.

How to Read Public Transit Maps

Every city has a different approach to public transit.

Many major cities have some combination of subways and buses.

Reading the maps and schedules for public transit can be confusing and overwhelming, though.

The lines run in both directions simultaneously and include connections to intersecting lines.

Local vs. Express:A common problem newcomers have with train lines is mixing up local and express.

Be sure you check the legend on your map to confirm which one youre going to get on.

Google Maps is super helpful here.

Buses require a similar approach.

For that reason, their schedules can be slightly more important to follow.

Miss your bus and youll be waiting for a while.

Be sure to check your local citys bus schedules for variations, though.

Finding a cab, on the other hand, can be harder.

The Chicago Tribune hassome tipson how to get the attention of a driver successfully.

Slightly raising your hand isnt going to cut it.

Put your hand in the air and reach out in the direction of the traffic.

The better the driver can see you, the more likely they are to pull over.

Be in position:If you want a cab to pick you up, give them a space.

Once they pick up a fare, the lights go out.

Focus on getting the attention of an empty cab to improve your chances of success.

Go to the front door and look for the cab queue.

Hop in line and the next available cab will be happy to pick you up.

Stick to licensed cabs:Travel blogGo See Write recommendsavoiding unlicensed taxi operators.

you’re free to usually tell either by markings on the license plate or the car panels.

Of course, this is 2015.

Waving your arms isnt the only way to get a cab.

you’re able to also use a good old fashioned phone call.

Just give them an address and wait for them to show up.

Bike sharing systems like New YorksCiti Bikeor BostonsHubwaytypically operate on a pass system.

You purchase a pass that you could use to borrow a bike from stations scattered around the city.

you might ride the bike around for a while and then return to the closest bike rental station.

For example, Citi Bike allows visitors to buy 24 hour and 72 hour passes.

This doesnt mean you could grab a bike and keep it for three days, though.

If you keep the bike longer than that, you have to start paying overages.

If you opt for a bike sharing system, dont forget to download any accompanying apps, where available.

Heres how to solve the biggest tech-related survival challenges youll face in the city.

How to Find Free Wi-Fi

Just because youre in the city doesnt guarantee youll have signal.

At some point, youre going to lose signal on your smartphone.

Or youll need to download something thats too big for a mobile connection.

In that situation, youll have to forage for Wi-Fi.

There are a few ways you’re free to do this that are more effective than others.

Some even haveapps that can find a spot near you.

While some may make you buy something, many will offer it for freeespecially the big chains.

Be careful, though: tethering will drain your batteryveryquickly.

Often, helpful users ofsites like Foursquarewill share passwords to help give you access.

When youre in the city, youre rarely far from a Wi-Fi online grid.

This can save you a ton of hassle.

Most of the time, youll be able to find free access.

That doesnt mean you have to be completely stranded, though.

Google Maps allows you todownload sections of its map data for offline use.

To do so, do these things:

Open Google Maps on your phone.

Search for the area that you want to download.

Tap the card at the bottom with the name of the area.

Tap the menu button in the top-right corner.

Select Save Offline Map.

Drag and resize the map to encompass the entire section of the map you want to save.

If you lose internet entirely, apps likeSMSmart can simulate certain apps using SMS.

Because big cities are walking and transit-friendly, though, you may not have that option.

To keep your battery life up, you might have to get creative.

The easiest option is to getan external battery pack.

Alternatively, you’re free to use something that generates its own power.

While this may be an overly goofy caricature, crime and scamsdohappen in cities.

Here are some tips on how to walk the streets without making yourself a target.

How to Avoid Getting Mugged

Muggings may be a Hollywood trope, but they do happen.

If you want to reduce the likelihood youll be targeted, make like The Rock andwalk tall.

If someone walks with confidence, like theyre comfortable in their surroundings, theyre less likely to be targeted.

Oh, and walk fast.

Doesnt hurt to weigh a little more, either.

Of course, other factors enter into it, as well.

Also, assafety blog Circle 911 suggests, venture to avoid wearing too much flashy stuff.

The more you look like you have money, the more likely you are to become a target.

How to Avoid Pickpockets

Pickpockets are a much more subtle threat to your personal belongings.

The best pickpockets will be in and out before you notice.

If youre traveling abroad, dont keep your passport in your pocket.

Leave it in in the hotel room.

Dont carry around excessive amounts of cash, either.

If you have a wallet, keep it in your front pocket.

Whenever possible, keep an eye (or hand) on those valuables until you get somewhere less crowded.

In the event that you do get targeted, alert the police immediately.

The longer you wait, the less likely youll have a shot at getting anything back.

And in some cases, they may not be.

Scammers often present elaborate stories hoping to get sympathy and, eventually, money.

We all have to do what we think is right, Winans says.

The cards can be given instead of cash, or with money wrapped inside.

Says Winsan: Its great to connect that person with a community that can help them.

If you dont want to give, just politely say No, or continue walking.

In the event that it starts to turn into harassment, head to the nearest well-lit, public place.

Photos byBen Garney,Mike Mozart, andGary McCabe.