Jim

I found this travel advisory from Kroll Travel Watch ... as a US tourist who would be bringing my wife for a relaxing romantic vacation, is this report accurate, and should I avoid Rio as a recreational vacation destination? FYI: I walk the streets of New York with confidence and safety thanks to Major Guiliani, but it sounds like Rio is like NYC back in the 1970s ... I don't want to put my wife uneccessarily in harms way, for whats supposed to be a pleasant winter vacation. <BR> <BR>----------------------------------------------- <BR> <BR>Travel Advisory <BR> <BR>From: Kroll Travel Watch <BR> <BR>Foreign travelers should take greater than normal precautions on the streets due to frequent incidences of petty crime, muggings, and armed robberies. Stick to major pedestrian thoroughfares, and do not walk alone, even during daylight hours. Copacabana beach and district should be avoided due to high crime. Business centers and tourist attractions are numerous and easily reached from most parts of the city. Travelers are advised to sign up for regular commercial tours available at the major hotels rather than try to visit tourist sites on their own.

Mark

My wife and I just got back this morning from South America, our first trip there, with the last four days in Rio, staying at the Copacabana Palace. <BR> <BR>Some things said in the Kroll travel advisory are overblown, specifically the warning to stay completely clear of Copacabana and the idea that you should go everywhere escorted as part of a group. <BR> <BR>Copacabana in the summertime (i.e., now) is probably the greatest beach scene in the world, with vast numbers of people (at least as many locals as tourists) enjoying an enormous, beautiful spread of sand, with Rio's mountain peaks and offshore islands framing the scene. Both the scenery and the people-watching is world class, and you can certainly wander the beach during the daytime without excessive worry, guarding against pickpockets and purse-snatchers as you would in Rockefeller Plaza. <BR> <BR>And Rio of course has many other attractions, like the scenic overlooks, the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car, the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado, Carnival and the samba schools, that make it an utterly unique destination, worth anyone's visit beyond question. (We will be going back again someday) <BR> <BR>Now, all that being said, be aware that for most Americans, Rio is a place to experience a slightly adventurous, culturally interesting vacation, not a totally carefree, 'relaxing romantic' one. It is a very large city in what used to be called the 'Third World'; it has lots of ugly graffiti just about everywhere except in the ritziest locales (primarily Ipanema); it has huge slums you wouldn't want to go anywhere near (except in an organized favela tour); and it has quite a few kids who will approach you for handouts and, possibly, pickpocket opportunities. Rio is kind of edgy. In general, touring there does call for a somewhat higher level of vigilance than Manhattan does these days. The tone of the safety/security tips in the new Rough Guide to Brazil seemed perfectly on target to us. (This is an excellent no-BS guide to Rio in every other aspect, as well). The main danger seems to be of pilferage and pickpocket scams, and every guidebook will tell you to leave your jewelry at home, keep travel documents and cash reserves in the hotel safe, and be discreet with expensive cameras. <BR> <BR>Bottom line: go there if you want to experience all that is unique and spectacular about Rio, and take the appropriate precautions. Don't go there if you're looking for a generic, carefree beach holiday.

Roberto

Hi, Jim. <BR> <BR>My name is Roberto Bezerra, I am 44 years old. I live in Rio de Janeiro in a good house, with my wife and children. I have a free room that would like to rent for people that want to know Rio de Janeiro. The advantage of being at a family house is the friendship that you will do with us and the easiness to obtain all the necessary information on the city. <BR>The cost is much cheaper than a hotel. And you will feel much safer being living together with a Brazilian family. <BR>In case this proposal interests it, please, enter in contact with me and we will talk more. <BR>Excuse me for the language mistakes. I am still learning English.

Ribert kearbey

<BR>This was my second <BR>trip to rio. Last year had my pocket picked. This year exchanged money with cab driver. He gave us counterfit 50.00 real,they looked a little darker than the real ones if you realy looked, and they felt a <BR>little difrent .Watch out.

Dave

I just returned from Rio where I spent time with my wife and in-laws. If you avoid the Copacabana Beach -- you may as well stay home. It is a beautiful strech of property with great restaurants and an exciting energy to it. We strolled both the Copacabana and Ipanema regions at day and night. Not once did I feel threatened. Treat Rio like any other big city, with appropriate caution. However, I found the Brazilian people, including taxi drivers, to be most helpful and friendly during my stay. If you are used to NYC -- then Rio is no problem. For future trips, consider Salvador de Bahia. It is about a two hour flight from Rio but has a more relaxed pace. Great food, cultural site and beaches. Have a great trip!