Rio de Janeiro Warnings Or Dangers Tips by glabah

Personal Safety: Always Keep on your Guard

Rio de Janerio has a reputation as a beautiful city, but even among Brazilians it is regarded as a very dangerous place. There is a lot of crime, and because there are a lot of international tourists they are also easy pickings for all sorts of crimes.

If you are able to do so, stay in groups of people that you trust while visiting Rio.

Avoid clothes that shout I AM A FOREIGNER. It is best to try to blend in with the Brazilian crowd, or otherwise look non-descript.

Be aware of what is going on around you, and if someone seems to be trying to follow you, find a way to try to lose them.

NEVER go out alone at night Some Brazilians even fear doing this in Rio during the day!

(The photo at left was provided by a Brazilian friend of mine named Claudia who is from S?o Paulo. The photo is for illustrative purposes only, as this was actually taken at a Brazilian party in Portland, Oregon.)

Personal Safety: Carnaval

Everything I said above is doubly true during Carnaval. People come from all over the world to visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval.

Carnaval, while it features a number of festive events, is also a time when people abandon their inhibitions to practice all manner of normally unacceptable behavior.

This means that murder and other crime of all sort increase during Carnaval. This isn't just about increased sexual activity that so many people from North America and Europe seem to concentrate on. It is ALL crimes and immoral activity that increase, so you need to be on your guard especially if you visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval.

(The photo at left was provided by a Brazilian friend of mine named Claudia who is from São Paulo. The photo is for illustrative purposes only, as this was actually taken at a Brazilian party in Portland, Oregon.)