Safety

Stay alert and guard your belongings at all times. Avoid wearing expensive sneakers or watches and flashy jewelry, or carrying cameras or laptops—all of which attract attention. Muggers love to target Centro and Liberdade nieghborhoods. Crimes often occur at ATMs throughout the city and at the airports, particularly if you're carrying a laptop.

If you're driving, stay alert during traffic jams and at stop signs, especially at night, and don't deviate from the main streets and beltways. Watch out for motorcycle drivers—there are many who are express couriers, but some are robbers. You should always be wary when there are two people on one bike. It's best to keep your windows up and doors locked.