Brazil Tourist Safety tip request
 

We are off to Brazil at the end of the year and would appreciate some general and specific information about the CURRENT state of safety in Fortaleza, Recife, and Rio. Additionally, are jeans worn regularly (or only shorts)? Do men regularly carry purses ("murses")? Thanks

Unless you grew up somewhere where 90-100 degrees is a daily temp, you might want to leave the denim at home in favor of lighter weight fabrics for more formal occasions. Surf type shorts are seen in those 3 cities, not so cargo shorts. Men sometimes carry a "pochette", a very small fanny pack worn strap over the shoulder and pouch held securely between side and elbow.
Current safety can be summed up by saying: don't bring anything you can't afford to lose, don't wander in deserted areas (rundown OR upper class neighborhood) and remain vigilant at all times.

Thanks. I grew up in Philadelphia, where the summer temps. go to 100 F+- w/ 90% humidity. I usually travel w/ a cut-proof travel "purse" over the shoulder and under the arm. The straps are steel-cabled. Do any of the locals carry similar bags?

IMO It would scream "tourist" and attract attention to what you might be carrying, the last thing you want in Brazil. And it's no protection against an armed assault. You'd be better off with a passport sized pocket pinned inside your waistband for valuables, and cutting down on whatever else you think you "need" to carry around all day.

Got it. We have a full suite of travel pouches, etc. Thanks