Safety in Rio de Janeiro

Safety

Although there has been a real effort to crack down on tourist-related crime, particularly in Rio, petty street thievery is still prevalent in urban areas, especially in places around tourist hotels, restaurants, and discos. By day the countryside is safe.

Note that Brazilian law requires everyone to have official identification with them at all times. Carry a copy of your passport's data page and of the Brazilian visa stamp (leave the actual passport in the hotel safe).

For many English-speaking tourists in Brazil, standing out like a sore thumb is unavoidable. But there are some precautions you should take, even in churches:

Don't bring anything you can't stand to lose.

Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches -- stories of thieves yanking chains or earrings off travelers aren't uncommon.

In cities, don't carry expensive cameras or lots of cash.

Don't let a camera hang around your neck while you wander around. Keep it in a secure camera bag, preferably one with a chain or wire embedded in the strap.

Carry backpacks on your front; thieves can slit your backpack and run away with its contents before you notice. Be attentive while walking around and when riding on buses.

Don't wear a waist pack -- thieves can cut the strap.

Distribute your cash and any valuables (including credit cards and passport) among a deep front pocket, an inside jacket or vest pocket, and a hidden money belt. (If you use a money belt, carry some cash in your purse or wallet so you don't have to reach for the hidden pouch in public.)

Keep your hand on your wallet if you are in a crowd or on a crowded bus or boat. Do not keep it in your back pocket.

Don't let your purse just dangle from your shoulder; always hold on to it with your hand for added security. If you cross the strap over your body, you run the risk of being dragged with your bag if you're mugged.

Keep car windows rolled up and car doors locked at all times in cities; elsewhere, roll up windows and lock doors whenever you leave your car.

Park in designated parking lots if possible.

Never leave valuables visible in a car, even in an attended parking lot: take them inside with you whenever possible, or lock them in the trunk.

Padlock your luggage.

Talk with locals or your hotel staff about crime in the area. They will be able to tell you if it's safe to walk around after dark and what to avoid.

Never walk in a narrow space between a building and a car parked on the street close to it; a prime hiding spot for thieves.

Do not walk in parks or on the beach at night.

Never leave a drink unattended in a club or bar: scams involving date-rape drugs have been reported in the past few years, targeting both men and women.

Never leave your belongings unattended anywhere, especially at the beach.

If you're traveling by bus or boat, or just walking in crowded areas, carabiners come in handy for clipping your bag or other items to a luggage rack, your belt loops, or any other ingenious place to provide extra security.

If your hotel room has a safe, use it, even if it's an extra charge. If your room doesn't have one, ask the manager to put your valuables in the hotel safe and ask him or her to sign a list of what you are storing there.

If you are involved in an altercation with a mugger, immediately surrender your possessions and walk away quickly.

If the worst happens and you want to make a police report, be prepared to wait hours for an English-speaking officer and to see justice done. Many people prefer not to make a police report unless their passport is stolen, but this will depend on the area and on the police officer you talk to. If your credit card is stolen, call your credit-card company using the numbers we provide.

Local Scams

Most tourist-related crimes occur in busy public areas: beaches, sidewalks or plazas, bus stations (and on buses, too). In these settings pickpockets, usually young children, work in groups. One or more will try to distract you while another grabs a wallet, bag, or camera. Beware of children who suddenly thrust themselves in front of you to ask for money or who offer to shine your shoes. Another member of the gang may strike from behind, grab whatever valuable is available, and disappear in the crowd. It's best not to protest while being mugged. Those on the take are sometimes armed or will tell you that their backup is, and although they're often quite young, they can be dangerous.

On the other hand, some of these children are only looking for handouts; 50 centavos is an average amount to give. Usually these kids will show up when you park your car on a street and will ask to "take care of your car" so that nothing happens to it; that's why they expect to be paid. We strongly recommend that you give a few cents to these kids, especially in São Paulo, otherwise they might damage your car. Depending on the neighborhood, however, these so-called guardadores de carros (car guardians) charge much more, from R$1 to R$10. An alternative to this is to park in paid parking lots, which can be more expensive, but much safer.