My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Rio end november but everyone is telling us that we are crazy. We are planning to stay about 8 days just visiting the city and famous beaches without any night time wanderings. Any advice would be appreciated as we may change our plans and go somewhere safer.

Monica, I go to Rio twice a year and I hear that from people all the time too. Especially during the day I have never felt that there was any reason to feel unsafe. Rio has about as much danger as any big city, just exercise some caution like don't leave anything on your towel at the beach or flash money or jewelry and you will be all right. There are plenty of women who post on this board about Rio and I am sure they will jump in at some point and back up what I say. I too will also be in Rio the end of November to the first week of December. Rio has great lively beaches with great restaurants and night life and at bargain prices now considering the vale of the real. At night know where you are going and take a taxi and you will have no problems. I have been going to Rio for many years and have seen and heard of minimal problems, I have friends there right now and they tell me things are fine. You can email me for any additional info you may need.

I have been to rio three times in three years. I traveled with my mother. You will have no problem there--only fun. Just use common sense precautions--don't bring jewelry with you. Lock important stuff in the hotel safe. Plan to take a side trip away from Rio for one or two days--maybe to Buzios.--Rio is a small city and 5 days is probably enough time there--unless you just want to kick back on the beach.

Erbutler<BR><BR>where do you live if you think Rio is a small city?

Hello Monica,<BR>Listen to the advices above.I live in Sao Paulo-400 Km. from Rio.Prefer take a taxi in your hotel and don`t go to distance places.Bring your credit car and travel checks.Take cash just enough to go out.Try to know a taxi driver in the hotel and ask him to go anywhere you wish.If you need something in Brasil,it will be a pleasure to help.<BR>Sergio

I agree with Sergio. When you first arrive, you negotiate with a certain taxi driver from your hotel to chauffeur you around everywhere at night or to distant areas, like climbing Corcorvado (Christ the Redeemer). Daytime you can walk safely on the beach and all the touristy places. Pick a hotel with a nice pool as it is VERY HOT now and you will want to spend the peak hours in the shade, under an umbrella. Some hotels have beach service with umbrellas, etc. I think you will have lots of fun and it is certainly safer than Miami!

Hi Monica,<BR><BR>I've just returned from a few weeks in Rio with a girlfriend. If you're looking for a beach holiday I'd go some place else. I didn't feel safe there. I only went on the beach once because the thought of what could happen (and did) put me off. <BR><BR>Many people say that Rio is an unsafe as any other big city, but that isn't quite true, the population of Rio is far greater than many other cities because of all the favelas (slum areas). <BR> <BR>Make from that what you will, but I'm only telling the truth...<BR><BR>Though if you do want to visit Brazil and want gorgeous beaches I'd recommend going to Angra dos Reis just 2 hrs down the coast from Rio.

What did happen to you then Monica?<BR><BR>Rio is a densly populated city but is no bigger than London in terms or population. Besides, most tourists only go to Leblon, Ipanema or Copacabana anyway.

The previous poster (me) is writing about an unsubstantiated event. She says she didn't go on the beach because of the thought of what might happen? Well I would like to know about any other phobias she might have. Also she didn't &quot;Feel&quot; safe, well where did she get that feeling? I wonder how she feels in general about other situations in her life. She sounds like an alarmist and I wouldn't put any credence in what she says. If your going to go or not going to go do not base it upon what this poster says, she does not know what she is talking about. Her post is full of mis information.

Monica, Wife and I just got back from Rio last month. Had the same concerns you did about crime, etc. Never had a problem once! Just use common sense. Also type in favela tour into a search engine....go on this tour! You will see two favelas (shantytowns) and see how 20% of ppl in Rio live......amazing! You should have no problems in Rio, GL!

Don't go on the favela tour unless it really interests you. The favela the tours go to is no longer considered to be a favela by most Cariocas. If it was a proper favela you would be stripped and shot within a few seconds of entering it! You can see real favelas if you take a bus or car out of Rio, although you would be a fool to get out of your car near to one.