How safe is Rio??
 

We hear stories about how Rio de Janiero is unsafe. But can someone give me the "real" story? I'm thinking of taking a cruise that ends in Rio, and I'd like to spend a couple of days there at a beach resort. Of course, I'd like to take a trip (daytime with hubby) into town and see some of the standard sights. Any input on whether this is going to pose a safety problem? Advice? Thanks

It's unsafe, for the uninitiated. Good areas located ajacent to bad, etc. Strip yourself of all valuables before moving about town and surrender anything a mugger asks for, or risk your life. There are lots of organized tours to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, and other areas - have the concierge or front desk staff of your hotel help you arrange these for you. Fodor's and other guides, and the www, cover Rio well - have a look. I love Rio - but worry about my safety when there more so than I do traveling elsewhere. I think Rio's the most beautiful setting I've been in.

My opinion can be considered biased as I live in Rio and love this city. For instance, I had never had any problem with safety in Rio and fully agree with gomexico that can be dangerous for the "unitiated". Don´t walk with cameras, wallets, passports that can be spotted. Don´t walk in areas where you are alone. Use taxis. Mix with locals and you will be fine. Seems quite obvious, right?

The most famous sights (Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Christ) don´t pose any problems. If you go to a beach resort (recommend Angra dos Reis region or Buzios) then absolutely no problem. What a wonderful way to finish a cruise. Hope you enjoy.

Like any other busy city in the world, exercise common sense. Don't deck yourself out in designer clothes & jewelry, or carry a lot of cash on your person. Don't wander with your head in the clouds--be aware of your surroundings and walk with confidence.

If you go to the Hippie Fair on Sunday, keep your bag/belongings close in case of pickpockets since the crowd is packed.

I was there earlier this year and wandered by myself for a couple of days and did fine. Be careful with your camera! Especially if it's digital.

If you don't have time and have to choose, I think I'd do Corcovado over Sugar Loaf. You can see Sugar Loaf from Corcovado!

Check with your concierge--on Rua Vicinius de Moraes, there is a music store called Toca do Vicinius. (Vicinius de Moraes wrote "The Girl From Ipanema.") The music store has free concerts at least once a week at 8 p.m. I got some good bossa nova CDs there, too!

We were interested in the comments about cameras. Is it unwise to take a digital camera with us when out and about in Rio? We would obviously like to be able to take photos, but not if at serious risk of losing our camera for the rest of our trip. Is it unwise to take a camera, even to sights like Corcovado?

Taking a camera to Sugar loaf and Corcovado is no problems at all. Actually, I doubt there will be anyone without a camera up there. In the streets, again use commom sense and keep it inside yr bag (when not using it of course).

For instance, I would not take it the beach (1st because of the sand 2nd because a bag on the beach is a very easy target). That does NOT mean the beaches are not safe. If you go to the beach with yr shorts or bikini and some pocket money, you look like a local and will face no problems (people don´t steal bikinis and shorts here!). Be smart and beware of "safety neurosis". Enjoy.

I should clarify, as mot says--don't be overly paranoid, or you won't be able to enjoy yourself! Just be aware of your surroundings. I can't guarantee anything regarding safety, but 3 out of 4 of us brought disposable cameras and the guy who brought his digital had it stolen on the beach. Of course, he had been showing it off while on the beach, in addition to his iPod, and that got stolen too! Don't go flashing your stuff around like my friend did, just exercise good common sense.

Many thanks for the advice!

Now that we are back from our trip, we wanted to comment on safety in case anyone searches this thread in the future. We visited Sao Paulo, Salvador and Rio and felt the most at ease in terms of safety in Rio. We stayed in Ipanema and felt completely safe walking in the area, both day and night. We never felt any unease (we did follow the advice not to walk around with a camera or bag).