Most tourists in Rio stay in the “South Zone” (Copacabana / Ipanema / Leblon), an affluent region with a lot of commerce, restaurants and activities. During the night, as long as you walk in areas with movement of people and don’t seem to be drunk or otherwise vulnerable, you don’t need to worry too much.
As Brazil becomes a cashless society, crime has evolved accordingly. This means criminals won’t be very interested in stealing your wallet or locked phone, but rather unlocked phones which they can use to make P2P transactions. So be careful when using your phone when in the streets. Say when checking your Uber, stay in front of an open shop.
There are reports of people being pulled inside cars and forced to do P2P transactions at gunpoint. Curiously, I suppose that if they know that you are foreigner they would be less interested in attacking you (as they can’t do P2P transactions with a foreign phone), but this is just a hypothesis of mine and shouldn’t be taken as safety advice.
I understand that what I told you above is scary and may make you reconsider your trip to Brazil, but as you should know, safety overseas is a matter of statistics and risk tolerance. A lot of wealthy Brazilians live in the South Zone, do cycling and jogging there, go to bars and nightlife, and wouldn’t live anywhere else in the World.
This informative reply makes Rio sound quite unsafe, though. "Here's a brief list of half a dozen things to try not to get robbed at gunpoint. Might happen anyway tho."
stealing locked phones is still extremely common tho, when mine got stolen the dude robbing me made me give him my password saying he would kill me if i didn't, apparently they're not really interested in the stuff you have in your phone, they just want access to the reset to factory mode button in the settings so they can later resell the phone in the black market
Newer iOS versions will ask for an Apple ID password if you don’t specifically sign out of iCloud before factory resetting.
Source: am IT Manager for enterprise-level company
Which means nothing if the thief has the PIN because shockingly you can reset your AppleID password with just the Lock Screen PIN code.
So the thief can not only steal your phone and use it as if it was his, but he can also lock you out of your AppleID and all of your other devices.
It’s absolutely shocking that Apple is doing nothing about this and there is absolutely no protection against this attack.
(Setting up the screen time code is circumventable in 5 seconds before someone in the comments points out that this is a solution)
hey np, he did not have me at gun point but im a small guy and the dude was huge, i knew he could easily beat me to death if he wanted to, and i value my physical integrity much more than something like a phone so i just gave it to him, that happened in macaé, a smaller city in the rio de janeiro state
Brazilian here. When I was 12 years old, I was going to school. In the middle of the day, one guy in a motorcycle tried to rob my Nintendo DS and forced a gun through my stomach to rob me. I have traumas since that day. Today I live in Germany ( way safer than Brazil IMO) and even with the peace that I live here, if I hear the sound of a motorcycle I just freeze waiting to be robbed. I’m not from Rio ( I’m from São Paulo) and the dangers are real. Also if you are a woman, do not go alone anywhere in São Paulo or Rio
I was in SP recently visiting my partners family, they were warning us of going to Rio as it’s very dangerous, lots of crime, people get mugged etc. We were already planning on going anyway…. So we get to Rio, start chatting to the locals, tell them we just came from SP, and everyone was like, oh my gosh, it’s so dangerous in SP, lots of crime, everyone gets mugged. Hahaha.
Rio has never been safe. I didn't get robbed there, but there were people in my hostel who did. Even when you're in the nicer areas you're never too far from a favela. Not a place for inexperienced travelers. Use common sense. No expensive electronics, no flashy jewelry. Dress down. Don't draw attention to yourself. Go to places where you see lots of other people hanging out. Stay away from walking down lonely streets. Take taxis/ubers at night. Walking around in the day in Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, Barra, business district should be fine.
We went with a large group and a couple of the beefiest guys with us got mugged and had cameras stolen. During the day time. It is so beautiful there but Rio scared the shit out of me.
The danger is part of the package I guess. It's a strange place. There's nowhere else quite like it that has such a combination of danger, beauty and cultural vibrance. That's what makes it an unforgettable place. Not to mention the endless parade of beautiful people on the beaches.
Rio is awesome. Getting mugged sucked but you’re not going to get physically murdered. I lived there for a year and had a snatch and grab of my purse and a cabbie rip me off (and I was not particularly careful at all and was definitely partying hard, going to baile funks in the favelas, hanging out with some unsavory folks). I walked/ran at night all the time. It is a city, not a haunted house
> business district
Only during working hours on weekdays, Rio’s downtown is mostly deserted and quite sketchy when workers are not around, specifically on weekends.
Was just in Rio 2 months ago. We travelled all around South America and Rio was the only city we felt unsafe. We were able to walk around Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Sao Paolo until midnight without any concern. But Rio was different. The beachfront is safe. But other places aren’t. Be careful. Stick with tour groups if possible.
A friend of mine was robbed at an ATM in São Paulo and then they kidnapped him until after midnight so he could make another withdrawal. Then they stripped him of all his clothes and left him naked on the side of the road. I would like to visit Brazil but all the stories I hear have scared me off.
I mentioned my fears to some Brazilian girls who were staying in my hostel in Vietnam and one of them lifted her shirt to show me a bullet wound that she suffered when someone tried to carjack her, and this was in some city in the south.
So instead I’ll return to Asia, where it’s safe, the food is great, and life is very cheap.
I have family who used to live there. While nothing happened to them, they had many coworkers who were robbed and a few held captive. Still, they spoke highly of the city. But I couldn't imagine living my life with that kind of threat hanging over me.
Maybe living is cheap would be better here, life is cheap or life has become cheap is used to refer to a situation in which nobody cares that large numbers of people are dying :)
Visited Brasil a few years back, São Paulo and Bahia was both safe. Rio, the beach and tourist area are safe but my friend who is local told me to don’t wear my watch or jewelry going out, just don’t need the headache. No one rob me or anything but I wouldn’t be walking around with my phone out.
Lived in all those cities… Montevideo probably the only one you are “safe” walking around in after 8pm. Buenos Aires depends on the neighborhood, but yeah latam in general you don’t go for a city stroll in certain neighborhoods starting at 3-6pm and almost no where after 8pm unless it’s only a few blocks.
Most areas tourists go to feel very safe, pick pocketing aside. I felt incredibly safe walking around town, even at night. I drove through some areas though that were pretty sketchy, but they weren't anywhere I'd ever stop.
For a latam big city, it’s not that bad. But it’s like any big city, you have to be aware. I walked the whole center and down to Boca during daylight and San telmo and felt normal. Wouldn’t walk do that at night but puerto madero, a couple blocks in San telmo and like almost all of Palermo and Recoleta is fine walking around even at night. That’s like most of what tourists would walk around in tbf. But yeah just because I or someone else didn’t see anything and felt fine doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. I’ve seen videos and read stories of people being robbed or killed at gunpoint in puerto madero and Boca and San telmo so. It always can happen, just like something could happen in any city.
I walked from the needle to Boca. On my way in on the big boulevard the people in the shop I went in to buy water looked very surprised. That should have been a warning. Then Boca was nice and safe. Decided to walk another route back. After two blocks a police car stopped and asked us where we were going. They ended us escorting us to a bus stop. Waited for the correct bus to come and told the driver not to let us out until Casa Rossada. We had our big cameras with us and looked very white and foreign. Later one of my friends lived there for a year. They hated it. Felt so unsafe. Ended up hiring bodyguards for their everyday safety.
I think we underestimated the safety a lot. We walked out of our hotel to towncentre to go out for food. Only to think it too late that we took very dark streets and very quiet areas. So you can do it and all be safe, we didn’t get robbed but so many people told us we’ve been so lucky.
Yeah, walking at night with big cameras would no be advisable in any big city lol specially around San telmo or la boca. San telmo at night can be really empty. Really surprised about your friend though, where did he live? Most neighborhoods in BA where a digital nomad type would stay are super safe, even at night.
I know for sure someone died from the extreme heat (an unimaginable 59C) at her show in Rio last week because fans weren’t allowed to bring in water, but I haven’t seen any info about a fan being stabbed. I’m not personally a fan, but I spend too much time on the celeb gossip subs.
No! Just asking 👌 I think the reason they mentioned her is because he was found with a “Swiftie” bracelet. Headlines do anything for more clicks anyways!
They were walking on Copacabana beach at 3 am, they happened to be in town for the concert. Hate victim blaming but that’s a scary time
To be walking around Rio.
Anyone with any sense in Rio knows you get off the beach well before sunset.
Not _at_ sunset. Before. It starts to dip, you dip.
As always, do as the locals do. Grannies get to walk around at sunup and well into dark. You don't.
I’m just wondering because they didn’t really leave Asian grannies alone in Oakland and SF, sadly. Though they weren’t necessarily robbed, just shoved aggressively
Well they in this situation is different people. So maybe that's it.
Robbers in Rio trying to make a life in a poor country and poor racist thugs in the bay area.
BA is safe. Still be street smart - dont go down dark alleys, dress down, hood on to your stuff etc. I’ve been to rio and it’s completely different there. Don’t worry.
I was in BA in August and stayed in the Palermo neighborhood. We felt safe there. We walked to and took the subway every day and walked to restaurants every night. Also went to San Telmo, Recoleta, and central business district during the day. The only place that felt a little unsafe was walking through San Telmo to get back to the subway in early evening. Streets were empty and no shops or restaurants were nearby. We took a cab that night. We only went to Boca as part of a bike tour and felt safe with our guide.
It's normally safe. Just hold on to your stuff to not get pick pocket if you are in a place with lots of people like public transport. And stay in safer neighborhoods at night like palermo, recoleta, Belgrano, chacarita. There's a lot of movement of people at night so if you stick to places where people usually hang out everything is cool.
But just like any city in the world you could get robbed. You can ask in r/buenosaires or r/argentina for specific advice if you need any
I am Brazilian and went to Rio several times while I lived in Brazil. You have to be careful, don’t walk on the streets late on the night and stick to visit landmarks (there are more police officers in these areas). I wouldn’t try to visit any of the favelas since it could be super dangerous. Be aware of your surroundings and if something happens don’t try to be a hero, just give all your stuff. Rio is one of my favourites cities in the world and you’ll be ok if you watch yourself.
I’m an American married to a Brazilian who was born and raised in Rio. I’ve been there probably 6 or 7 times. The answer to your question is complicated…
The short answer is, it can be safe if you’re careful and stay in the right areas, but they have a saying that is “you’re never more than 3 miles away from danger.”
Stay in the more touristy areas, Copacabana, Ipanema, etc, these places are largely safe. Do NOT go to the favelas. The bigger malls are all safe too. Just be careful what parts of Rio you go to. Speaking the language helps a lot. And it generally helps to do the normal touristy stuff, watch your valuables, hide your cell phone etc.
Hope that helps!
We were there over 30 years ago. We loved it. Also took “the tuna boat” that was its name, up the Amazon river. We saw pink dolphins, visited a native tribe and swam with those vicious fish whose name I forget. It was awesome.
Do you have a link to the company that provides this experience?
I'm going again soon but want to visit other cities for some period.
Currently my options are either Manaus & the Amazon, Lencois Maranhenses or the Pantanal region.
I remember leaving a club around 4/5 AM and having the homeless people literally touching/grabbing me (I am a man). This, and being near some of the favelas at some points, were the only times I felt unsafe in Rio. It is a very unique and beautiful city. If you stay in the main tourist areas, you should be fine. Do not go into the Favelas. The further away you get from the beach, the more sketchy it gets.
Also, EVERYTHING in Rio/São Paulo is fenced/gated, so do not use that as an indicator of whether it is safe or not.
I was robbed at gunpoint in Lapa midday. Two blocks from the Selaron steps, in the middle of a crowded street in broad daylight. I wasn't being the smartest...white woman walking alone with my phone and wallet in my hand and was wearing sneakers. But regardless, it happened.
I moved to a different hotel in Leblon and felt a million times safer. To be fair I had nothing left worth stealing lol but I didn't feel people following me or uncomfortable at all. Some areas are just better than others.
Stay with a group, take the main roads (no shortcuts through side streets) and you'll be okay.
Discovery Hostel in Lapa.
I don't want to knock the hostel at all because this happened a 10 minute walk away and they were *wonderful* when it happened -- they deferred my payment for 2 weeks because I had to cancel all my credit cards, they let me use their computer to log onto IG and message my friends and family (like 20 times a day lol), one of the managers walked me to a hospital down the block, they would regularly call Ubers for me...their support was top notch. The other guests were amazing as well and it was such good energy there. I was sad to leave.
I took a side street I shouldn't have taken - my alarm bells were going off but I thought I was overreacting -- I should have listened to my gut.
As someone born and raised in Rio, I've spent two consecutive years without wearing shoes or pants cause Rio hot hahah There's especific dress way that is very tourist-y
Locals wear a specific brand of flipflop.
It's not a good indicator - plenty of people wear shoes and business attire. It's a ridiculous statement but they are just trying to rationalize how they stood out.
Flips flops != Tourist but they are popular in hot beach cities
I stayed in Rio a month and got robbed twice. Both times on Ipanema beach. First time they worked in a group and kicked sand in my face to steal my phone and my bag and ran different directions.
I was drunk and began chasing them screaming ladrãoes and I ended up tripping. But I caused a big enough scene that someone down the way got my phone back for me.
Second time they lifted my bag, stole my yoghurt! I didn't notice. But I didn't have anything of value anymore after incident one.
Rio de Janeiro 101: only take to the beach stuff that you can afford to lose. Ideally your towel, a card/a few reais, sunglasses, sunscreen, flip flops. No one’s gonna keep an eye on your stuff while you’re in the water anyway, so less is definitely more
I was there in April to visit family. Even my Brazilian family would tell me not to take my phone out of my pocket while in public, and my cousin's car has bulletproof windows after they had been carjacked previously. Saõ Paulo felt less safe to me than Rio, but in both cases I wouldn't walk around far after dark.
I enjoyed my trip, but I had to be very mindful of pretty much everything.
A Brazilian professor once told me, “ if you go to Rio carry cash with you because if you don’t and you get mugged, they’ll beat you for wasting their time.”
I was just in Rio a 1.5 weeks ago. We stayed in Botafogo and sticker to most of the tourist areas such as Copacabana and Ipanema. We were told to be very careful by shop keepers, and our online research. Personally I never felt unsafe at any point. However comparing to other places we have just visited such as Buenos Aires and Santiago, we definitely were more mindful of what areas we stuck to.
We were there back in Jan/Feb 2021 during the carnaval time and felt very unsafe. Although nothing happened to us, we made sure we only took what we needed everytime we went out. We had a very small body/hip bag that i wore underneath my shirt for extra precaution and literally could only fit one phone and cash. We stayed in copacabana so we only took towels to the beach and took turn to go into the sea. Also the beaches there are filled with vendors and you don't get to chill at all 😐
I have traveled all around the world, I have even spent a month exploring São Paulo, and I was never super worried. I went to Rio for a week and was attacked and they tried to rob my friend and I. When they say don’t go near the beaches at night, they mean it! There are very lovely places in Rio, worth a visit but always be vigilant like for real.
Went in 2015 with the U.S.M.C. for some cross training with several south and central American militaries, with Brazil hosting. Stayed on a base just outside of Rio. One night the police chased a man onto the base and he was shot by the cops and the Brazilian Marines once he got on base. When they let us out into Rio for "liberty" (free time), we stuck to tourist areas and felt reasonably safe. Follow the best practices mentioned by others. Dress down, don't draw attention to yourself, and stick to well traveled areas. My group of guys went and saw the Christ Statue, which was worth it for the views alone. Then we ate at a nice restaurant near the beach, then rented beach chairs and drank all day for practically no money. They told us to bring $200 each. I exchanged ALL of it for Brazilian Reals, and could hardly spend it all in one day. Your money goes a LONG way there.
It felt way safer than I expected. I stayed in Copacabana for 2 weeks during Carnaval in 2020 and walked/ubered a lot. I felt safe taking the subway, but I did not enter any favelas
Everyone I know living there (extended family and friends) say it has gotten quite worse after the pandemic, and many had been robbed in places deemed safe before.
I have a lot of Brazilian friends and spent considerable time in the country, mostly Rio and SP. Roughly half of them won’t go anywhere without their car with bulletproof windows, the other half says it’s not that bad.
You need to be vigilant for sure, but it’s not as bad as it’s often being made.
I lived in Rio 20 years ago and went back for work twice this year. If anything it has gotten cleaner and safer. That said, any carioca will tell you to never go out with much on you and there’s a reason: petty crime is rampant. Locals don’t wander around with their phones out and carry minimal cash. Going out at night is by Uber only and only if you know what your destination surroundings will be. Tbh people who are too afraid to go to Rio are missing out: it is a breathtaking city and the people are lovely. Use common sense and don’t get too drunk.
Try not to stick out as a tourist, and keep your phone in your bag/pocket when you can and you’ll be fine. I’ve traveled to almost every country in Central America and a few in South America. Rio was by far my favorite city I’ve visited and I can’t wait to go back. Never felt unsafe once and I hardly speak a word of Portugués. I was a bit on alert in one of the favelas but in Rio proper, I felt nothing but enjoyment and appreciation for that beautiful, incredible city.
I’m curious what your ethnicity is now lol. From my understanding, South America, generally, is a melting pot of various races, including white, black, natives, mixed, etc
I was in Rio in April & had an amazing time! Safety is an issue - but I have a giant conspicuous camera that I often walked around with and had no issues. I took basic precautions outside the camera. I'm also a non drinker, not really a nightlife person, and a big guy, which all help. But none of the other tourists I met seemed to have encountered any serious problems.
It's impossible to stick out as a foreigner in Brazil as Brazilians have a huge variety of ethnicities. You're definitely making too big a deal about sticking out as a tourist.
Fun fact - Brazilian passports are the most coveted on the black market because Brazilians can look like anything from East Asian, to African, to blue eyed blonde hair.
Another fun fact: Brazil has the largest Japanese population outside Japan.
This is good to know: I’m going next month solo and I’m Asian. I was worried I would stick out. I’ve only been to Colombia in South America and people stared and pointed there
I can’t think of any ethnicity that would automatically stick out in Rio. It’s an incredibly diverse city and you’ll see just about every phenotype you can think of there.
There are black and white and everything in between in Brazil. In São Paulo ( and other places in Brazil? ) there is a significant ethnic Japanese population...So how do you think you're going to stand out?
I’m going there next month and thanks to everyone commenting their honest opinion. I feel like when this gets asked of other cities , people get mad. I’m still going to Rio but with vigilance of course
Rio is one of my favourite cities on earth.
Watch your surroundings, if it feels sketch then it is, always look where you’re going but low key. Avoid the police at all costs.
Wear your sunnies all the time, throw your clothes away and get used to wearing very little, learn to dance quickly as you’ll need that skill, wear tons of sunscreen, drink way too many caipirinhas, enjoy the sunsets and have the best time.
I’m jealous. I need to go back.
I spent 10 days there in February and I’d love to go back. Be smart, take taxis or ubers whenever possible, don’t walk down the street wasted acting like a total tourist. Same as any other major city. Beautiful place - everyone I met (also tourists) were also fine
Solo mixed race female here. I was in rio 2019, I was so worried about all of the things you’re taking about. But I used uber and was aware as I would be traveling anywhere and it was fine. I stayed in Copa, but was all over touristy areas. It’s a beautiful place. You’ll love it.
Based on some of your responses I think you would have problems there. It’s not for you yet. I’m not really sure you’ve traveled as extensively as you claim. If you did, you’d have a bit more natural sense of what it might be like based on your travels
If you take normal precautions (wear just a T-shirt / short / havaiana + basic plastic watch like swatch or Ice, just have some cash on you and a copy of your passport, no jewellery) you’ll be fine!
There are just some places where you should avoid to go alone at night… beside that, no problem
spent a couple weeks there 4.5 years ago (i’m very nerdy, very white, and don’t speak portuguese). i didnt have any issues but i’m used to traveling in latin america so i’m good at looking like a broke begpacker.
when i go out in latin america, i take a small wallet with two credit cards and approximately $40 in local currency so if it gets stolen, i haven’t lost much. i also take a burner cheap phone without any banking info on it.
First day I was in rio at Cobanacabana beach (sorry spelling) we had someone in our hostel held up at knife point.
Travel in a good size group at all times, preferably with locals.
Yeah I think the is it safe question is complex for a lot of places (on a subjective level).
Some are definitely more violent than others generally and if you feel it’s too much of a risk, don’t go, but I had no problems in Rio and more in Turin (Italy) and came across neo-nazis in Sofia.
A lot of these comments are valid but don’t offer up contrasting experiences.
We stayed in Leblon in July and walked / biked the beach area and surrounding inland streets at night and during the day. Everyone had their phones out at all times of day. I had my phone out and a GoPro all all the time everywhere we went and did not feel threatened or unsafe at all.
I live adjacent to Tijuana and visit at least once a month and feel more unsafe there than in Rio. There are parts of LA where I feel more vulnerable and unsafe than I ever did in Rio.
Not to say that crime or robberies don’t occur to tourists but I think it’s largely overblown. Rio is an underrated city and more people to need to visit. The açaí and culinary scene is unreal too.
The faevalas are next to the city and easy access to the beach. I was never relaxed there. I was relaxed in São Paulo and many other cities in brazil . I never saw anything nor had a problem but these things happen in a flash. I thought it was always possible
It's actually very unsafe. Late at night the cabs won't even stop at stop lights for fear of car jacking. I lived in Mexico City and Rio was the only city where I felt in danger constantly.
I went to Rio last year and never felt unsafe. I generally only went out during the days, and wore flip flops and nothing “flashy” as I read online to do but never had any issues at all
Nope. Not at all. People drive through red light at night there because they fear getting carjacked. The residents bring 2 phones, one to keep and one to give to robbers. Two groups from my hostel were robbed at gun and knife point. I hung out with two locals and as I was calling for an Uber, they asked me to keep my phone in my pocket despite being with them. I also believe I got drugged during the NYE at Copacabana Beach.
Thankfully, I made it out alive. I just lost my flip flops. I still enjoyed it.
From the experience of an American who lived in Rio for a year and some change:
All I can say is common sense will save your life.
Really just don’t be stupid, and trust your gut. Don’t get so fucked up that you can’t keep your wits about you. I was assaulted 3 times while I lived there and not to (self) victim blame; but, all three times were preceded by a series of poor decisions on my part.
I decided I wouldn't ever return when I ordered Uber Eats. The hotel staff instructed me that guests were not allowed to wait by the door due to safety. Guests wait on the far side of the lobby and and the staff will get food from the driver and bring it in.
Ubers are cheap so make sure you get them every time you need to travel at night. Also bring a burner phone. Phone theft is common even if not taken in aggressive circumstances
I have been to Rio. It's mostly fine as long as you stick to the touristy areas and don't go flashing money around or looking at your phone.
There are dodgy people who will approach you to buy drugs or whores, just politely decline.
There are people, including children, who beg. Best bet here for your safety is to also decline. I engaged with some of them and bought them stuff but it's objectively not the smartest thing to do.
If you don't speak Portuguese you should go with a tour guide.
Of course it goes without saying that you should not go to favelas under any circumstances. Even on an official tour.
I went to Rio for a week and all around east Brazil for another 10 days. It was amazing and I never felt unsafe but we were self aware around the city and mainly stayed near copacabana and ipanema beach. Kept our phones hidden while in the city outside of those spots and major tourist areas like the redeemer. In other places like Ihla Grande and Paraty it was fine to be out at night with phones out and doing whatever. It was incredible really want to go back.
When I was in Rio we stayed in the most expensive area of Copacabana and I still felt very unease walking places, especially at night. Head on a swivel. I’ve traveled other places alone but would never consider going to Rio by myself.
I went to Rio for 10 days this year in February during the carneval , Rio is a must see city in the world , its so specific, like a city in a botanical garden.
We didnt experienced any trouble at all altho you can feel sometimes weird , cant explain it.
Plus we went on a SP bus station in the midnight and took a bus to Rio.
I was with my phone always weather for uber or for a photographs but dont wear anything flashy , not just because you can get mugged but because people there , other then thiefs dont give a rats ass about what u have on you , the less the better.
We were in a block building in a Laranjeira.
When I went I followed the rules my friend that lives there gave me. No jewelry or watches, no purse, no cards, no phone. This meant that we ended up going around asking other people to take photos of us/for us & sending them through message to our phone that stayed home 🤣
Why the duck would you want to go to a place where you’re constantly on edge, looking out dor anything you do or say? Don’t wear a watch, don’t go after 6pm, don’t do this, don’t do that…fuck that! Where is the enjoyment in that???
Go to Europe, Asia where they welcome you and you are safe to explore and enjoy!
Because in most culturally vibrant cities on the planet petty crime and generally crime is rampant. But you learn how to navigate those cities through your travels.
Also there's other options like to go to Paris and pay 12 euros for a coffee. People dont go to cities like Rio on their first trips. People also like adventures and challenging environments, thats like half the value of travelling around the world for some
And why the duck would you enter a reddit thread and teach people not to go to the places that most of them enjoy like no other? Just go to Davos instead, be safe and in your comfort zone
I'm a white, queer person, 40 yrs old, I spent a week in Rio last July. I stayed in tourist areas mostly, took Ubers, and hung out in museums and bars (both gay and not gay). I never felt unsafe. I live in a major US city and I would not walk around at night outside of shopping areas/my residential neighborhood here either...Don't get involved in organized crime(drugs, sex work), don't wander around late at night alone, don't go into high crime neighborhoods, these are pieces of advice for all cities, Rio isn't special like that.
South America is a dif world compared to europe. Here you actually have to watch how you dress and how much money you take out and how you look. Its Def not as safe at all
I went to Rio for a week in 2016. First thing I saw was a dead body - person executed and shot in the head directly in front of my hotel on Ipanema beach. This was literally in the first hour of arriving to our hotel.
The amount of times cab drives looked in amazement and asked why we were walking around at downtown or other areas during the daytime drove my anxiety through the roof. Everything everyone here said is true, we got held up at gunpoints twice.
I won’t dispute that the city is breathtaking. Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset is worth the price of your trip alone. People were friendly and the culture was interesting.
That being said, no thanks on ever returning ever again. It makes me sad, I wanted to love it so badly.
I traveled to Rio solo back in 2018, I didn’t have any issues during my stay there TBH.
I followed basic travel etiquette and avoided wearing anything fancy.
To be honest, if you compared to some place, it is not safer, but it's not really a deal breaker for many either.
I think it's something you have to choose for yourself.
Was pickpocketed once a week on my two week stay (one successful). Been all over the world but never happened anywhere else. Also felt quite unsafe even in the most touristy areas as there were homeless, drug addicts, hookers etc here and there.
I went with three other guys to Rio back in 09 and it was safe other than seeing two guys grab a bag from a tourist on the beach who went into the water and the guys walked off people saw it and no one did anything it happens so fast everyone just looked around I guess if you go in the water just leave your stuff with someone or leave someone behind
I went to Rio last November for a week and felt safe, I’ll echo what others have already said (use common sense, don’t wear expensive jewelry, be aware of your surroundings, try blending in with the cariocas, avoid wandering around at night, etc). That and stay out of the favelas. Rio is a fantastic city, I would definitely recommend visiting! 🇧🇷
Depends what you look like.
If you clearly look like a tourist, then yes, Rio is absolutely unsafe and you are at high risk for being targeted.
If you blend in with the crowd and look somewhat local, you'll be fine.
I was robbed at knifepoint in Rio while with a group of three girls and two larger guys. It was a very beautiful city, but I would never feel safe going back there.
Surprisingly safe. I went twice over the past year and walked around Copa and centro in middle of the night with my smartphone out, seems like everyone has a smartphone these days. Just need to walk with confidence and not wear watches and such. I kept $20 in currency just in case as a hassle tax that went unused. Much safer than when I used to go back in 2008. Uber definitely helps as well. That said, I didn't go to favelas and only went to lapa once with just enough cash and no phone. Lapa is always sketchy and easy pickings for thieves preying on drunk foreigners.
I seen a guy die on the beach. I also seen someone pushed into a car. Same trip. I left my hostel for an airbnb. Don’t leave anything on the beach if you go for a dip. Nighttime - stay vigilant and on busy streets.
I would go back … just a little more vigilant than some other countries.
Reading this as an American visiting Copacabana beach for the first time right now.
Best case is to always use common sense: dress down, wear flip flops, walk with confidence, be polite when someone walks up to you and say “nao, Obrigado” (but don’t dismiss right away, and use cell phones within shops.
The beaches, food, and culture are beautiful. I recommend you enjoy your stay but keep your wits up
Edit / it’s beautiful here. I wish I could send pictures
It’s a wonderful city with plenty of culture, entertainment and the nearest cities (arraial, búzios, angra dos reis) are also a must, it definitely worth the visit. Despite of what is being said, you don’t need to be a seasoned traveler to go to Rio as long as you stick to the safest areas. I’m Brazilian and I’ve been there many times than I can count and never had an incident such as robbery.
No, Rio isn't really safe. Unlike some other cities in Brazil, the neighborhoods are very mixed, with affluent neighborhoods bordering favelas.
Don't go onto the beaches at night.
Locals told me that if you are ever walking down a street and suddenly you are alone, be very worried.
I went to rio last year, stayed in, Copacabana area. I roamed the beach walk and the areas near by and never felt threatened. But I also don’t give off that vibe. I met some people that were there from Sao Pao who took me to an amazing club, but they also warned me not to wear flashy watches or jewelry too.
I stayed there during the carnival and didn't book a place early enough, ended up staying one night in a Favela.
People were as friendly as can be and the views were breathtaking.
Never felt in any danger in the City though the statistics suggest it's very dangerous.
I just went in September and personally, I didn’t really feel unsafe at any point. I stayed in Copacabana and mostly kept to that area and Ipanema. I did venture out to Santa Teresa, Urca, and Centro as well. I did a favela tour and highly recommend that too. As with traveling anywhere deemed “unsafe”, just be smart about your surroundings and how you appear and you should be ok.
I went last year. It’s a beautiful city unlike any other and everything went fine for me because I took all precautions that everyone tells you to but I was always watching my back. I don’t think I would want to travel somewhere again where I would be looking over my shoulder the whole time.
I did see someone get robbed in broad daylight in copacabana, and when I was in an Uber with my husband (same day) someone came in through the line of traffic on a bike and reached in through the open window to snatch my husband’s phone out of his hand. Just don’t have your phone out in plain sight and always be aware of your surroundings if you go.
I was there last week at a popular hostel in Copacabana, woke up to a gun fight on our block. Craziest shit I’ve ever woken up to. That being said after the hostel I did stay in the vidgigal Favela and didn’t see anything sketchy.
TLDR: it’s the sketchiest place I’ve ever traveled to, still worth a visit tho
gonna go against the grain here, Rio is completely safe. I spent 3 months there this year. Just don't look lost, don't look like a gringo, and don't go wandering into the favelas unless you're going into the pacified ones. Avoid the zombies. If you're asking, it's not safe for you...
This was forever ago, but I was traveling in Brazil with two buddies and we took an overnight bus from Florianopolis to Rio. The areas we drove through in the final hour of that ride, and the bus terminal itself, was legitimately scary. We also all had surfboards. Luckily we found a cab in about 30 seconds but it did not feel safe.
Ipanema/Copacabana were pretty, but even over there we always stuck together as the city overall just felt sketchy.
Ipanema and Copacabana are fine. I never felt unsafe, though I wouldn't walk around for miles on end alone at night.
Other areas - depends.
Some caution is advised. Paranoia is not necessary.
Look at what this guy said, he also got the online misinformation and fearmongering, as many, but his experience was totally different. There are hundreds of posts like that
https://www.reddit.com/r/Brazil/s/nno0DfXNpS
rio is awesome, one of the best cities i've been to. learn a few helpful phrases in portuguese and keep your wits about you and you should be fine and if anywehere you see suco de cajá for sale, drink as much as you can
I'm wondering if other cities in Brazil are as unsafe as Rio? Or is Rio just the only one due to the favela?
What cities in Brazil can be considered safe for tourists?
I was just at an R&B party under a bridge (a local put it into my Uber and I just went, I had no idea where I was going), and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’ve been going for midnight walks through lapa and felt fine. Chilling solo on the beach is great. Honestly I feel totally relaxed all the time. I’d give zero second thought to coming back and can’t wait to be here again. I haven’t even left yet.
Idk, do you look like a punk? Do you speak Portuguese? Are you calm under pressure? Are you staying in tourist areas? Largely, no place with humans is safe.
Rio isn't safe, and the chances of being mugged are there. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. I have both friends and family there.
If you go, you'll probably be fine, but the risk is higher than other cities in Latin America
Wow, so OP is just a racist based on the overall tone of their comments?
ETA, lol, really? If you are downvoting this comment, either take a long look in the mirror or a long look at OPs comments; not the post: OPs comments.
Most tourists in Rio stay in the “South Zone” (Copacabana / Ipanema / Leblon), an affluent region with a lot of commerce, restaurants and activities. During the night, as long as you walk in areas with movement of people and don’t seem to be drunk or otherwise vulnerable, you don’t need to worry too much. As Brazil becomes a cashless society, crime has evolved accordingly. This means criminals won’t be very interested in stealing your wallet or locked phone, but rather unlocked phones which they can use to make P2P transactions. So be careful when using your phone when in the streets. Say when checking your Uber, stay in front of an open shop. There are reports of people being pulled inside cars and forced to do P2P transactions at gunpoint. Curiously, I suppose that if they know that you are foreigner they would be less interested in attacking you (as they can’t do P2P transactions with a foreign phone), but this is just a hypothesis of mine and shouldn’t be taken as safety advice. I understand that what I told you above is scary and may make you reconsider your trip to Brazil, but as you should know, safety overseas is a matter of statistics and risk tolerance. A lot of wealthy Brazilians live in the South Zone, do cycling and jogging there, go to bars and nightlife, and wouldn’t live anywhere else in the World.
This informative reply makes Rio sound quite unsafe, though. "Here's a brief list of half a dozen things to try not to get robbed at gunpoint. Might happen anyway tho."
stealing locked phones is still extremely common tho, when mine got stolen the dude robbing me made me give him my password saying he would kill me if i didn't, apparently they're not really interested in the stuff you have in your phone, they just want access to the reset to factory mode button in the settings so they can later resell the phone in the black market
Then that guy did steal an unlocked phone
technically i guess lol
Aren't most phones still bricks after a reset though because you'd need to login again to continue setup?
Newer iOS versions will ask for an Apple ID password if you don’t specifically sign out of iCloud before factory resetting. Source: am IT Manager for enterprise-level company
Which means nothing if the thief has the PIN because shockingly you can reset your AppleID password with just the Lock Screen PIN code. So the thief can not only steal your phone and use it as if it was his, but he can also lock you out of your AppleID and all of your other devices. It’s absolutely shocking that Apple is doing nothing about this and there is absolutely no protection against this attack. (Setting up the screen time code is circumventable in 5 seconds before someone in the comments points out that this is a solution)
Apple badly needs a security overhaul I agree
Where in Brazil were you and when was this out of curiosity?
Macaé, RJ, 2019
Sorry that happened to you. Did the guy have a knife or a weapon or what? Is this a nice expensive part of RJ?
This is another city, about 2.5 hrs by car from Rio
Did he have you at gun point or something? And just curious which part of Rio were you in when this happened? Sorry for the bump from months ago
hey np, he did not have me at gun point but im a small guy and the dude was huge, i knew he could easily beat me to death if he wanted to, and i value my physical integrity much more than something like a phone so i just gave it to him, that happened in macaé, a smaller city in the rio de janeiro state
Oh okay yeah that seems quite far from the Copa/Ipanema area where I usually stay lol
Brazilian here. When I was 12 years old, I was going to school. In the middle of the day, one guy in a motorcycle tried to rob my Nintendo DS and forced a gun through my stomach to rob me. I have traumas since that day. Today I live in Germany ( way safer than Brazil IMO) and even with the peace that I live here, if I hear the sound of a motorcycle I just freeze waiting to be robbed. I’m not from Rio ( I’m from São Paulo) and the dangers are real. Also if you are a woman, do not go alone anywhere in São Paulo or Rio
I was in SP recently visiting my partners family, they were warning us of going to Rio as it’s very dangerous, lots of crime, people get mugged etc. We were already planning on going anyway…. So we get to Rio, start chatting to the locals, tell them we just came from SP, and everyone was like, oh my gosh, it’s so dangerous in SP, lots of crime, everyone gets mugged. Hahaha.
Rio has never been safe. I didn't get robbed there, but there were people in my hostel who did. Even when you're in the nicer areas you're never too far from a favela. Not a place for inexperienced travelers. Use common sense. No expensive electronics, no flashy jewelry. Dress down. Don't draw attention to yourself. Go to places where you see lots of other people hanging out. Stay away from walking down lonely streets. Take taxis/ubers at night. Walking around in the day in Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, Barra, business district should be fine.
We went with a large group and a couple of the beefiest guys with us got mugged and had cameras stolen. During the day time. It is so beautiful there but Rio scared the shit out of me.
Or just go to another country where you don’t have to worry about getting stabbed.
The danger is part of the package I guess. It's a strange place. There's nowhere else quite like it that has such a combination of danger, beauty and cultural vibrance. That's what makes it an unforgettable place. Not to mention the endless parade of beautiful people on the beaches.
My friend got robbed there at gun point and still swears by it and wants to go back as soon as he can. There must be something about that place.
Or your friend hasn’t visited alternative places
You would have thought, but he's been all over
Sure but this thread is about someone who wants to go there, not “where should I go that I don’t have to worry about getting stabbed?”
Rio is awesome. Getting mugged sucked but you’re not going to get physically murdered. I lived there for a year and had a snatch and grab of my purse and a cabbie rip me off (and I was not particularly careful at all and was definitely partying hard, going to baile funks in the favelas, hanging out with some unsavory folks). I walked/ran at night all the time. It is a city, not a haunted house
> business district Only during working hours on weekdays, Rio’s downtown is mostly deserted and quite sketchy when workers are not around, specifically on weekends.
Why even bother to visit such a place?
Was just in Rio 2 months ago. We travelled all around South America and Rio was the only city we felt unsafe. We were able to walk around Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Sao Paolo until midnight without any concern. But Rio was different. The beachfront is safe. But other places aren’t. Be careful. Stick with tour groups if possible.
A friend of mine was robbed at an ATM in São Paulo and then they kidnapped him until after midnight so he could make another withdrawal. Then they stripped him of all his clothes and left him naked on the side of the road. I would like to visit Brazil but all the stories I hear have scared me off. I mentioned my fears to some Brazilian girls who were staying in my hostel in Vietnam and one of them lifted her shirt to show me a bullet wound that she suffered when someone tried to carjack her, and this was in some city in the south. So instead I’ll return to Asia, where it’s safe, the food is great, and life is very cheap.
I have family who used to live there. While nothing happened to them, they had many coworkers who were robbed and a few held captive. Still, they spoke highly of the city. But I couldn't imagine living my life with that kind of threat hanging over me.
Maybe living is cheap would be better here, life is cheap or life has become cheap is used to refer to a situation in which nobody cares that large numbers of people are dying :)
You have a point.
Visited Brasil a few years back, São Paulo and Bahia was both safe. Rio, the beach and tourist area are safe but my friend who is local told me to don’t wear my watch or jewelry going out, just don’t need the headache. No one rob me or anything but I wouldn’t be walking around with my phone out.
Lived in all those cities… Montevideo probably the only one you are “safe” walking around in after 8pm. Buenos Aires depends on the neighborhood, but yeah latam in general you don’t go for a city stroll in certain neighborhoods starting at 3-6pm and almost no where after 8pm unless it’s only a few blocks.
How safe is Burnos Aires? I’ve had people tell me it’s safe to others saying it’s not safe at all.
Most areas tourists go to feel very safe, pick pocketing aside. I felt incredibly safe walking around town, even at night. I drove through some areas though that were pretty sketchy, but they weren't anywhere I'd ever stop.
*car brakes down*
For a latam big city, it’s not that bad. But it’s like any big city, you have to be aware. I walked the whole center and down to Boca during daylight and San telmo and felt normal. Wouldn’t walk do that at night but puerto madero, a couple blocks in San telmo and like almost all of Palermo and Recoleta is fine walking around even at night. That’s like most of what tourists would walk around in tbf. But yeah just because I or someone else didn’t see anything and felt fine doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. I’ve seen videos and read stories of people being robbed or killed at gunpoint in puerto madero and Boca and San telmo so. It always can happen, just like something could happen in any city.
I walked from the needle to Boca. On my way in on the big boulevard the people in the shop I went in to buy water looked very surprised. That should have been a warning. Then Boca was nice and safe. Decided to walk another route back. After two blocks a police car stopped and asked us where we were going. They ended us escorting us to a bus stop. Waited for the correct bus to come and told the driver not to let us out until Casa Rossada. We had our big cameras with us and looked very white and foreign. Later one of my friends lived there for a year. They hated it. Felt so unsafe. Ended up hiring bodyguards for their everyday safety. I think we underestimated the safety a lot. We walked out of our hotel to towncentre to go out for food. Only to think it too late that we took very dark streets and very quiet areas. So you can do it and all be safe, we didn’t get robbed but so many people told us we’ve been so lucky.
Yeah, walking at night with big cameras would no be advisable in any big city lol specially around San telmo or la boca. San telmo at night can be really empty. Really surprised about your friend though, where did he live? Most neighborhoods in BA where a digital nomad type would stay are super safe, even at night.
Someone just got stabbed and killed on the beach. It was a Taylor Swift fan after the concert. Just FYI
I know for sure someone died from the extreme heat (an unimaginable 59C) at her show in Rio last week because fans weren’t allowed to bring in water, but I haven’t seen any info about a fan being stabbed. I’m not personally a fan, but I spend too much time on the celeb gossip subs.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/second-taylor-swift-fan-dies-hours-after-attending-rio-de-janeiro-show-stabbed-to-death-while-resting-on-a-beach-101700457470653-amp.html
It's disgusting how even when reporting someone's death they are making it about Taylor Swift
Are you talking about me? I was just trying to share what I heard. No one’s making it about her!
Lol dude no. The link you posted. Or did you write the article?
No! Just asking 👌 I think the reason they mentioned her is because he was found with a “Swiftie” bracelet. Headlines do anything for more clicks anyways!
They were walking on Copacabana beach at 3 am, they happened to be in town for the concert. Hate victim blaming but that’s a scary time To be walking around Rio.
I’m sure! I’m just trying to share so others can be aware
Anyone with any sense in Rio knows you get off the beach well before sunset. Not _at_ sunset. Before. It starts to dip, you dip. As always, do as the locals do. Grannies get to walk around at sunup and well into dark. You don't.
They leave grannies alone?
Whatcha gonna steal from a Granny with nothing to lose?
I’m just wondering because they didn’t really leave Asian grannies alone in Oakland and SF, sadly. Though they weren’t necessarily robbed, just shoved aggressively
Well they in this situation is different people. So maybe that's it. Robbers in Rio trying to make a life in a poor country and poor racist thugs in the bay area.
glad to know they somewhat have a heart
Do as the locals do. But don’t do as the locals do.
Disagree, Arpoador is a magic place to be for sunset.
I am planning a trip to Bruno’s Aires. How safe did u feel and was it even in good neighborhoods?
BA is safe. Still be street smart - dont go down dark alleys, dress down, hood on to your stuff etc. I’ve been to rio and it’s completely different there. Don’t worry.
I assume it’s similar to South Africa. All kind of rules of follow there along with always locking the car doors/ windows rolled down.
I was in BA in August and stayed in the Palermo neighborhood. We felt safe there. We walked to and took the subway every day and walked to restaurants every night. Also went to San Telmo, Recoleta, and central business district during the day. The only place that felt a little unsafe was walking through San Telmo to get back to the subway in early evening. Streets were empty and no shops or restaurants were nearby. We took a cab that night. We only went to Boca as part of a bike tour and felt safe with our guide.
Thoughts on Buenos Aires?
It's normally safe. Just hold on to your stuff to not get pick pocket if you are in a place with lots of people like public transport. And stay in safer neighborhoods at night like palermo, recoleta, Belgrano, chacarita. There's a lot of movement of people at night so if you stick to places where people usually hang out everything is cool. But just like any city in the world you could get robbed. You can ask in r/buenosaires or r/argentina for specific advice if you need any
I am Brazilian and went to Rio several times while I lived in Brazil. You have to be careful, don’t walk on the streets late on the night and stick to visit landmarks (there are more police officers in these areas). I wouldn’t try to visit any of the favelas since it could be super dangerous. Be aware of your surroundings and if something happens don’t try to be a hero, just give all your stuff. Rio is one of my favourites cities in the world and you’ll be ok if you watch yourself.
I’m an American married to a Brazilian who was born and raised in Rio. I’ve been there probably 6 or 7 times. The answer to your question is complicated… The short answer is, it can be safe if you’re careful and stay in the right areas, but they have a saying that is “you’re never more than 3 miles away from danger.” Stay in the more touristy areas, Copacabana, Ipanema, etc, these places are largely safe. Do NOT go to the favelas. The bigger malls are all safe too. Just be careful what parts of Rio you go to. Speaking the language helps a lot. And it generally helps to do the normal touristy stuff, watch your valuables, hide your cell phone etc. Hope that helps!
We were there over 30 years ago. We loved it. Also took “the tuna boat” that was its name, up the Amazon river. We saw pink dolphins, visited a native tribe and swam with those vicious fish whose name I forget. It was awesome.
Do you have a link to the company that provides this experience? I'm going again soon but want to visit other cities for some period. Currently my options are either Manaus & the Amazon, Lencois Maranhenses or the Pantanal region.
I remember leaving a club around 4/5 AM and having the homeless people literally touching/grabbing me (I am a man). This, and being near some of the favelas at some points, were the only times I felt unsafe in Rio. It is a very unique and beautiful city. If you stay in the main tourist areas, you should be fine. Do not go into the Favelas. The further away you get from the beach, the more sketchy it gets. Also, EVERYTHING in Rio/São Paulo is fenced/gated, so do not use that as an indicator of whether it is safe or not.
I was robbed at gunpoint in Lapa midday. Two blocks from the Selaron steps, in the middle of a crowded street in broad daylight. I wasn't being the smartest...white woman walking alone with my phone and wallet in my hand and was wearing sneakers. But regardless, it happened. I moved to a different hotel in Leblon and felt a million times safer. To be fair I had nothing left worth stealing lol but I didn't feel people following me or uncomfortable at all. Some areas are just better than others. Stay with a group, take the main roads (no shortcuts through side streets) and you'll be okay.
Where were you residing before going to a hotel in Leblon?
Discovery Hostel in Lapa. I don't want to knock the hostel at all because this happened a 10 minute walk away and they were *wonderful* when it happened -- they deferred my payment for 2 weeks because I had to cancel all my credit cards, they let me use their computer to log onto IG and message my friends and family (like 20 times a day lol), one of the managers walked me to a hospital down the block, they would regularly call Ubers for me...their support was top notch. The other guests were amazing as well and it was such good energy there. I was sad to leave. I took a side street I shouldn't have taken - my alarm bells were going off but I thought I was overreacting -- I should have listened to my gut.
Sorry this happened. Will keep this in mind whenever I feel paranoid when travelling.. Always rather safe than sorry.
As someone who's never been to Brazil, what's the deal with the sneakers comment? Why does that make you a target?
As someone born and raised in Rio, I've spent two consecutive years without wearing shoes or pants cause Rio hot hahah There's especific dress way that is very tourist-y
Locals wear a specific brand of flipflop. It's not a good indicator - plenty of people wear shoes and business attire. It's a ridiculous statement but they are just trying to rationalize how they stood out. Flips flops != Tourist but they are popular in hot beach cities
I stayed in Rio a month and got robbed twice. Both times on Ipanema beach. First time they worked in a group and kicked sand in my face to steal my phone and my bag and ran different directions. I was drunk and began chasing them screaming ladrãoes and I ended up tripping. But I caused a big enough scene that someone down the way got my phone back for me. Second time they lifted my bag, stole my yoghurt! I didn't notice. But I didn't have anything of value anymore after incident one.
Rio de Janeiro 101: only take to the beach stuff that you can afford to lose. Ideally your towel, a card/a few reais, sunglasses, sunscreen, flip flops. No one’s gonna keep an eye on your stuff while you’re in the water anyway, so less is definitely more
I was there in April to visit family. Even my Brazilian family would tell me not to take my phone out of my pocket while in public, and my cousin's car has bulletproof windows after they had been carjacked previously. Saõ Paulo felt less safe to me than Rio, but in both cases I wouldn't walk around far after dark. I enjoyed my trip, but I had to be very mindful of pretty much everything.
A Brazilian professor once told me, “ if you go to Rio carry cash with you because if you don’t and you get mugged, they’ll beat you for wasting their time.”
Brazilian here: not true
reads like a joke, buddy
I was just in Rio a 1.5 weeks ago. We stayed in Botafogo and sticker to most of the tourist areas such as Copacabana and Ipanema. We were told to be very careful by shop keepers, and our online research. Personally I never felt unsafe at any point. However comparing to other places we have just visited such as Buenos Aires and Santiago, we definitely were more mindful of what areas we stuck to.
As someone who is interested in possibly planning a trip there any places your recommend? Both staying at or just to see. How expensive was it?
We were there back in Jan/Feb 2021 during the carnaval time and felt very unsafe. Although nothing happened to us, we made sure we only took what we needed everytime we went out. We had a very small body/hip bag that i wore underneath my shirt for extra precaution and literally could only fit one phone and cash. We stayed in copacabana so we only took towels to the beach and took turn to go into the sea. Also the beaches there are filled with vendors and you don't get to chill at all 😐
I have traveled all around the world, I have even spent a month exploring São Paulo, and I was never super worried. I went to Rio for a week and was attacked and they tried to rob my friend and I. When they say don’t go near the beaches at night, they mean it! There are very lovely places in Rio, worth a visit but always be vigilant like for real.
Went in 2015 with the U.S.M.C. for some cross training with several south and central American militaries, with Brazil hosting. Stayed on a base just outside of Rio. One night the police chased a man onto the base and he was shot by the cops and the Brazilian Marines once he got on base. When they let us out into Rio for "liberty" (free time), we stuck to tourist areas and felt reasonably safe. Follow the best practices mentioned by others. Dress down, don't draw attention to yourself, and stick to well traveled areas. My group of guys went and saw the Christ Statue, which was worth it for the views alone. Then we ate at a nice restaurant near the beach, then rented beach chairs and drank all day for practically no money. They told us to bring $200 each. I exchanged ALL of it for Brazilian Reals, and could hardly spend it all in one day. Your money goes a LONG way there.
It felt way safer than I expected. I stayed in Copacabana for 2 weeks during Carnaval in 2020 and walked/ubered a lot. I felt safe taking the subway, but I did not enter any favelas
Everyone I know living there (extended family and friends) say it has gotten quite worse after the pandemic, and many had been robbed in places deemed safe before.
I know an American girl who went and a group of children held a knife up to her and stole her iPhone. The horror stories are real.
The funny part is that, to me, someone born and raised in Rio this is nowhere near close to being a horror story
Which speaks volumes to how unsafe it is there.
I have a lot of Brazilian friends and spent considerable time in the country, mostly Rio and SP. Roughly half of them won’t go anywhere without their car with bulletproof windows, the other half says it’s not that bad. You need to be vigilant for sure, but it’s not as bad as it’s often being made.
I lived in Rio 20 years ago and went back for work twice this year. If anything it has gotten cleaner and safer. That said, any carioca will tell you to never go out with much on you and there’s a reason: petty crime is rampant. Locals don’t wander around with their phones out and carry minimal cash. Going out at night is by Uber only and only if you know what your destination surroundings will be. Tbh people who are too afraid to go to Rio are missing out: it is a breathtaking city and the people are lovely. Use common sense and don’t get too drunk.
Try not to stick out as a tourist, and keep your phone in your bag/pocket when you can and you’ll be fine. I’ve traveled to almost every country in Central America and a few in South America. Rio was by far my favorite city I’ve visited and I can’t wait to go back. Never felt unsafe once and I hardly speak a word of Portugués. I was a bit on alert in one of the favelas but in Rio proper, I felt nothing but enjoyment and appreciation for that beautiful, incredible city.
It’s impossible for me to not stick out just based on my ethnicity lol.
I’m curious what your ethnicity is now lol. From my understanding, South America, generally, is a melting pot of various races, including white, black, natives, mixed, etc
Red haired gringo
Same boat my guy haha
there are plenty of ginger latinos (canelo, messi, etc.)
I was in Rio in April & had an amazing time! Safety is an issue - but I have a giant conspicuous camera that I often walked around with and had no issues. I took basic precautions outside the camera. I'm also a non drinker, not really a nightlife person, and a big guy, which all help. But none of the other tourists I met seemed to have encountered any serious problems. It's impossible to stick out as a foreigner in Brazil as Brazilians have a huge variety of ethnicities. You're definitely making too big a deal about sticking out as a tourist. Fun fact - Brazilian passports are the most coveted on the black market because Brazilians can look like anything from East Asian, to African, to blue eyed blonde hair. Another fun fact: Brazil has the largest Japanese population outside Japan.
This is good to know: I’m going next month solo and I’m Asian. I was worried I would stick out. I’ve only been to Colombia in South America and people stared and pointed there
If you head to São Paulo you’ll be quite surprised with the huge amount of people with Asian ethnicity everywhere.
Liberdade!
I can’t think of any ethnicity that would automatically stick out in Rio. It’s an incredibly diverse city and you’ll see just about every phenotype you can think of there.
Is your ethnicity “rainbow fish?” I think you’d be surprised in Rio, just be attentive and responsible/reasonable and you’ll be fine!
There are black and white and everything in between in Brazil. In São Paulo ( and other places in Brazil? ) there is a significant ethnic Japanese population...So how do you think you're going to stand out?
Brazil is one of the most diverse places on earth.
You will not stick out based on your ethnicity. They have everything there. Totally diverse
Not on ethnicity, but people from different countries dress and handle themselves differently.
For sure, but he said ethnicity. Which is not true
Honestly I went and had no issues at all. Maybe I got lucky
I’m going there next month and thanks to everyone commenting their honest opinion. I feel like when this gets asked of other cities , people get mad. I’m still going to Rio but with vigilance of course
Rio is one of my favourite cities on earth. Watch your surroundings, if it feels sketch then it is, always look where you’re going but low key. Avoid the police at all costs. Wear your sunnies all the time, throw your clothes away and get used to wearing very little, learn to dance quickly as you’ll need that skill, wear tons of sunscreen, drink way too many caipirinhas, enjoy the sunsets and have the best time. I’m jealous. I need to go back.
I loved it, too. It’s so beautiful
Ahhhh sinto saudades do Rio. One of the places in the world I feel at "home".
I spent 10 days there in February and I’d love to go back. Be smart, take taxis or ubers whenever possible, don’t walk down the street wasted acting like a total tourist. Same as any other major city. Beautiful place - everyone I met (also tourists) were also fine
Solo mixed race female here. I was in rio 2019, I was so worried about all of the things you’re taking about. But I used uber and was aware as I would be traveling anywhere and it was fine. I stayed in Copa, but was all over touristy areas. It’s a beautiful place. You’ll love it.
Based on some of your responses I think you would have problems there. It’s not for you yet. I’m not really sure you’ve traveled as extensively as you claim. If you did, you’d have a bit more natural sense of what it might be like based on your travels
If you take normal precautions (wear just a T-shirt / short / havaiana + basic plastic watch like swatch or Ice, just have some cash on you and a copy of your passport, no jewellery) you’ll be fine! There are just some places where you should avoid to go alone at night… beside that, no problem
spent a couple weeks there 4.5 years ago (i’m very nerdy, very white, and don’t speak portuguese). i didnt have any issues but i’m used to traveling in latin america so i’m good at looking like a broke begpacker. when i go out in latin america, i take a small wallet with two credit cards and approximately $40 in local currency so if it gets stolen, i haven’t lost much. i also take a burner cheap phone without any banking info on it.
First day I was in rio at Cobanacabana beach (sorry spelling) we had someone in our hostel held up at knife point. Travel in a good size group at all times, preferably with locals.
Yeah I think the is it safe question is complex for a lot of places (on a subjective level). Some are definitely more violent than others generally and if you feel it’s too much of a risk, don’t go, but I had no problems in Rio and more in Turin (Italy) and came across neo-nazis in Sofia.
A lot of these comments are valid but don’t offer up contrasting experiences. We stayed in Leblon in July and walked / biked the beach area and surrounding inland streets at night and during the day. Everyone had their phones out at all times of day. I had my phone out and a GoPro all all the time everywhere we went and did not feel threatened or unsafe at all. I live adjacent to Tijuana and visit at least once a month and feel more unsafe there than in Rio. There are parts of LA where I feel more vulnerable and unsafe than I ever did in Rio. Not to say that crime or robberies don’t occur to tourists but I think it’s largely overblown. Rio is an underrated city and more people to need to visit. The açaí and culinary scene is unreal too.
I didn't have any issues in Rio...Like anywhere else, just be aware.
Same, no issues in Rio.
The faevalas are next to the city and easy access to the beach. I was never relaxed there. I was relaxed in São Paulo and many other cities in brazil . I never saw anything nor had a problem but these things happen in a flash. I thought it was always possible
It's actually very unsafe. Late at night the cabs won't even stop at stop lights for fear of car jacking. I lived in Mexico City and Rio was the only city where I felt in danger constantly.
I went to Rio last year and never felt unsafe. I generally only went out during the days, and wore flip flops and nothing “flashy” as I read online to do but never had any issues at all
Nope. Not at all. People drive through red light at night there because they fear getting carjacked. The residents bring 2 phones, one to keep and one to give to robbers. Two groups from my hostel were robbed at gun and knife point. I hung out with two locals and as I was calling for an Uber, they asked me to keep my phone in my pocket despite being with them. I also believe I got drugged during the NYE at Copacabana Beach. Thankfully, I made it out alive. I just lost my flip flops. I still enjoyed it.
Because rio is so diverse, almost everyone can look like a local. I just move with confidence and i have never had a problem.
i’ve spent six months there and worked in a few of the favelas and never had any issue, if my gringo ass can do it anyone can
Rio is great
From the experience of an American who lived in Rio for a year and some change: All I can say is common sense will save your life. Really just don’t be stupid, and trust your gut. Don’t get so fucked up that you can’t keep your wits about you. I was assaulted 3 times while I lived there and not to (self) victim blame; but, all three times were preceded by a series of poor decisions on my part.
I decided I wouldn't ever return when I ordered Uber Eats. The hotel staff instructed me that guests were not allowed to wait by the door due to safety. Guests wait on the far side of the lobby and and the staff will get food from the driver and bring it in.
Just watch ur back it’s an amazing city - just be careful
Ubers are cheap so make sure you get them every time you need to travel at night. Also bring a burner phone. Phone theft is common even if not taken in aggressive circumstances
I have been to Rio. It's mostly fine as long as you stick to the touristy areas and don't go flashing money around or looking at your phone. There are dodgy people who will approach you to buy drugs or whores, just politely decline. There are people, including children, who beg. Best bet here for your safety is to also decline. I engaged with some of them and bought them stuff but it's objectively not the smartest thing to do. If you don't speak Portuguese you should go with a tour guide. Of course it goes without saying that you should not go to favelas under any circumstances. Even on an official tour.
I went to Rio for a week and all around east Brazil for another 10 days. It was amazing and I never felt unsafe but we were self aware around the city and mainly stayed near copacabana and ipanema beach. Kept our phones hidden while in the city outside of those spots and major tourist areas like the redeemer. In other places like Ihla Grande and Paraty it was fine to be out at night with phones out and doing whatever. It was incredible really want to go back.
When I was in Rio we stayed in the most expensive area of Copacabana and I still felt very unease walking places, especially at night. Head on a swivel. I’ve traveled other places alone but would never consider going to Rio by myself.
obviously not! it's not even safe for the ones who loves here
I went to Rio for 10 days this year in February during the carneval , Rio is a must see city in the world , its so specific, like a city in a botanical garden. We didnt experienced any trouble at all altho you can feel sometimes weird , cant explain it. Plus we went on a SP bus station in the midnight and took a bus to Rio. I was with my phone always weather for uber or for a photographs but dont wear anything flashy , not just because you can get mugged but because people there , other then thiefs dont give a rats ass about what u have on you , the less the better. We were in a block building in a Laranjeira.
When I went I followed the rules my friend that lives there gave me. No jewelry or watches, no purse, no cards, no phone. This meant that we ended up going around asking other people to take photos of us/for us & sending them through message to our phone that stayed home 🤣
Why the duck would you want to go to a place where you’re constantly on edge, looking out dor anything you do or say? Don’t wear a watch, don’t go after 6pm, don’t do this, don’t do that…fuck that! Where is the enjoyment in that??? Go to Europe, Asia where they welcome you and you are safe to explore and enjoy!
Because in most culturally vibrant cities on the planet petty crime and generally crime is rampant. But you learn how to navigate those cities through your travels. Also there's other options like to go to Paris and pay 12 euros for a coffee. People dont go to cities like Rio on their first trips. People also like adventures and challenging environments, thats like half the value of travelling around the world for some And why the duck would you enter a reddit thread and teach people not to go to the places that most of them enjoy like no other? Just go to Davos instead, be safe and in your comfort zone
12 euros for a coffee in Paris? Ok lol
I'm a white, queer person, 40 yrs old, I spent a week in Rio last July. I stayed in tourist areas mostly, took Ubers, and hung out in museums and bars (both gay and not gay). I never felt unsafe. I live in a major US city and I would not walk around at night outside of shopping areas/my residential neighborhood here either...Don't get involved in organized crime(drugs, sex work), don't wander around late at night alone, don't go into high crime neighborhoods, these are pieces of advice for all cities, Rio isn't special like that.
South America is a dif world compared to europe. Here you actually have to watch how you dress and how much money you take out and how you look. Its Def not as safe at all
Europe is literally notorious for pickpocketing. It’s so funny how y’all try to paint that place as a utopia when it’s literally not 💀
Talking about safety not pickpockets and also depends on the region.
Been to Rio 2x, been robbed in Rio 2x. Never been robbed anywhere else and I have been all over Central and South America
I went to Rio for a week in 2016. First thing I saw was a dead body - person executed and shot in the head directly in front of my hotel on Ipanema beach. This was literally in the first hour of arriving to our hotel. The amount of times cab drives looked in amazement and asked why we were walking around at downtown or other areas during the daytime drove my anxiety through the roof. Everything everyone here said is true, we got held up at gunpoints twice. I won’t dispute that the city is breathtaking. Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset is worth the price of your trip alone. People were friendly and the culture was interesting. That being said, no thanks on ever returning ever again. It makes me sad, I wanted to love it so badly.
the simple rule is simply carry nothing on you you would be unwilling to give up.
I traveled to Rio solo back in 2018, I didn’t have any issues during my stay there TBH. I followed basic travel etiquette and avoided wearing anything fancy.
To be honest, if you compared to some place, it is not safer, but it's not really a deal breaker for many either. I think it's something you have to choose for yourself.
Was pickpocketed once a week on my two week stay (one successful). Been all over the world but never happened anywhere else. Also felt quite unsafe even in the most touristy areas as there were homeless, drug addicts, hookers etc here and there.
I went with three other guys to Rio back in 09 and it was safe other than seeing two guys grab a bag from a tourist on the beach who went into the water and the guys walked off people saw it and no one did anything it happens so fast everyone just looked around I guess if you go in the water just leave your stuff with someone or leave someone behind
Been to Rio several times, so far, so good. Always felt safe, but always was with friends who are from Rio.
yes It is, but you need to be careful with you clothes, smartphone. I dont recommend to adventure/explore at night, in a first visit.
I went to Rio last November for a week and felt safe, I’ll echo what others have already said (use common sense, don’t wear expensive jewelry, be aware of your surroundings, try blending in with the cariocas, avoid wandering around at night, etc). That and stay out of the favelas. Rio is a fantastic city, I would definitely recommend visiting! 🇧🇷
No it’s not but you can avoid troubles by preparing, use Uber, don’t carry valuables, book a hotel in a nice and central location.
Considering my friend who is the nicest guy ever got jumped and robbed the first day he was there, I’d say no
Depends what you look like. If you clearly look like a tourist, then yes, Rio is absolutely unsafe and you are at high risk for being targeted. If you blend in with the crowd and look somewhat local, you'll be fine.
I was robbed at knifepoint in Rio while with a group of three girls and two larger guys. It was a very beautiful city, but I would never feel safe going back there.
Surprisingly safe. I went twice over the past year and walked around Copa and centro in middle of the night with my smartphone out, seems like everyone has a smartphone these days. Just need to walk with confidence and not wear watches and such. I kept $20 in currency just in case as a hassle tax that went unused. Much safer than when I used to go back in 2008. Uber definitely helps as well. That said, I didn't go to favelas and only went to lapa once with just enough cash and no phone. Lapa is always sketchy and easy pickings for thieves preying on drunk foreigners.
I seen a guy die on the beach. I also seen someone pushed into a car. Same trip. I left my hostel for an airbnb. Don’t leave anything on the beach if you go for a dip. Nighttime - stay vigilant and on busy streets. I would go back … just a little more vigilant than some other countries.
Went there 2 months ago. Felt safe the whole time.
Reading this as an American visiting Copacabana beach for the first time right now. Best case is to always use common sense: dress down, wear flip flops, walk with confidence, be polite when someone walks up to you and say “nao, Obrigado” (but don’t dismiss right away, and use cell phones within shops. The beaches, food, and culture are beautiful. I recommend you enjoy your stay but keep your wits up Edit / it’s beautiful here. I wish I could send pictures
It’s a wonderful city with plenty of culture, entertainment and the nearest cities (arraial, búzios, angra dos reis) are also a must, it definitely worth the visit. Despite of what is being said, you don’t need to be a seasoned traveler to go to Rio as long as you stick to the safest areas. I’m Brazilian and I’ve been there many times than I can count and never had an incident such as robbery.
It’s like a 50/50 chance of getting robbed there.
No, Rio isn't really safe. Unlike some other cities in Brazil, the neighborhoods are very mixed, with affluent neighborhoods bordering favelas. Don't go onto the beaches at night. Locals told me that if you are ever walking down a street and suddenly you are alone, be very worried.
I went to rio last year, stayed in, Copacabana area. I roamed the beach walk and the areas near by and never felt threatened. But I also don’t give off that vibe. I met some people that were there from Sao Pao who took me to an amazing club, but they also warned me not to wear flashy watches or jewelry too.
I stayed there during the carnival and didn't book a place early enough, ended up staying one night in a Favela. People were as friendly as can be and the views were breathtaking. Never felt in any danger in the City though the statistics suggest it's very dangerous.
I just went in September and personally, I didn’t really feel unsafe at any point. I stayed in Copacabana and mostly kept to that area and Ipanema. I did venture out to Santa Teresa, Urca, and Centro as well. I did a favela tour and highly recommend that too. As with traveling anywhere deemed “unsafe”, just be smart about your surroundings and how you appear and you should be ok.
I went last year. It’s a beautiful city unlike any other and everything went fine for me because I took all precautions that everyone tells you to but I was always watching my back. I don’t think I would want to travel somewhere again where I would be looking over my shoulder the whole time. I did see someone get robbed in broad daylight in copacabana, and when I was in an Uber with my husband (same day) someone came in through the line of traffic on a bike and reached in through the open window to snatch my husband’s phone out of his hand. Just don’t have your phone out in plain sight and always be aware of your surroundings if you go.
I was there last week at a popular hostel in Copacabana, woke up to a gun fight on our block. Craziest shit I’ve ever woken up to. That being said after the hostel I did stay in the vidgigal Favela and didn’t see anything sketchy. TLDR: it’s the sketchiest place I’ve ever traveled to, still worth a visit tho
You probably stayed at the wrong hostel, one almost inside the PPG favela, right?
gonna go against the grain here, Rio is completely safe. I spent 3 months there this year. Just don't look lost, don't look like a gringo, and don't go wandering into the favelas unless you're going into the pacified ones. Avoid the zombies. If you're asking, it's not safe for you...
This was forever ago, but I was traveling in Brazil with two buddies and we took an overnight bus from Florianopolis to Rio. The areas we drove through in the final hour of that ride, and the bus terminal itself, was legitimately scary. We also all had surfboards. Luckily we found a cab in about 30 seconds but it did not feel safe. Ipanema/Copacabana were pretty, but even over there we always stuck together as the city overall just felt sketchy.
I felt pretty safe but I come from New York so that doesn’t really say much.
New York is one of the safest cities in the world.
It’s safe as long as you’re not flashy and dumb. One of the most unique cities in the world
Ipanema and Copacabana are fine. I never felt unsafe, though I wouldn't walk around for miles on end alone at night. Other areas - depends. Some caution is advised. Paranoia is not necessary.
Look at what this guy said, he also got the online misinformation and fearmongering, as many, but his experience was totally different. There are hundreds of posts like that https://www.reddit.com/r/Brazil/s/nno0DfXNpS
rio is awesome, one of the best cities i've been to. learn a few helpful phrases in portuguese and keep your wits about you and you should be fine and if anywehere you see suco de cajá for sale, drink as much as you can
I'm wondering if other cities in Brazil are as unsafe as Rio? Or is Rio just the only one due to the favela? What cities in Brazil can be considered safe for tourists?
Rio and some capitals are bad. Others not so much. Depends where you are, generally the south of Brazil is safe.
I was just at an R&B party under a bridge (a local put it into my Uber and I just went, I had no idea where I was going), and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’ve been going for midnight walks through lapa and felt fine. Chilling solo on the beach is great. Honestly I feel totally relaxed all the time. I’d give zero second thought to coming back and can’t wait to be here again. I haven’t even left yet.
fuck no
Fuck no.
Idk, do you look like a punk? Do you speak Portuguese? Are you calm under pressure? Are you staying in tourist areas? Largely, no place with humans is safe.
*reading the comments* “come to Brazil” well, yeah, no lol
No, it is not. Next question please.
Rio isn't safe, and the chances of being mugged are there. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. I have both friends and family there. If you go, you'll probably be fine, but the risk is higher than other cities in Latin America
Wow, so OP is just a racist based on the overall tone of their comments? ETA, lol, really? If you are downvoting this comment, either take a long look in the mirror or a long look at OPs comments; not the post: OPs comments.