Essential Tips for Staying Safe in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

No other South American city enjoys the fame and reputation of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second-largest metropolis. Equally famous, however, is its crime rate, which has led many travellers to drop Rio off their bucket list. 

That’s a great shame because most of Rio de Janeiro’s visitors enjoy the city without incident. In fact, the city’s violent crime rate has plummeted in the last decade. A few extra precautions, however, will keep you within the happy majority. 

Leave all valuables you don’t need at home. 

Rio is not Miami. There is nobody you need to impress here. We’re not saying you can’t or shouldn’t dress nicely, but flashy jewelry, including watches, will only get you the wrong kind of attention. Leave it at home. 

Learn some Portuguese. 

Brazilian police are generally helpful and reliable, but few speak a second language. The tourist police (DEAT) can help if you run into trouble, but a few phrases in Portuguese will help keep you out of it in the first place and go a long way toward endearing you to the locals. 

Carry only what you need. 

A photocopy of your passport, emergency contact details (including your hotel), a small public phone card, and minimal cash is usually enough to get you through a day in Rio. Carry a credit card if you’re planning on shopping or dining out. 

Skip that night stroll along the beach. 

There is understandably no resisting the beauty and appeal of Copacabana, stretching out under the Brazilian sun. This is one tourist beach that more than lives up to its lofty reputation, but it’s also to be avoided after dark as muggings are common. If you find yourself here during the night hours, stick to the well-lit areas surrounding the kiosks and eateries. 

Get cabs after dark. 

Taxis cost roughly half the price of those in most North American cities and will more than pay you back with peace of mind. They are the quickest and safest way of getting around Rio at night, whether you’re just out for dinner or partying the night away. The subway is an affordable and safe option during the day, but you should avoid public buses and tunnels connecting Copacabana to Ipanema at night. 

Blend in (yes, we mean your clothes). 

Passing as a local is your best defence against crime in any city, and in multicultural Brazil, any visitor can do so. Confine your beachwear to the beach. That means no shorts, cut-offs, or flip-flops in the street. Jeans or trousers and sensible walking shoes are a safe bet with your valuables and camera hidden under a loose top. 

Beware the kindness of strangers. 

One common Rio scam involves a passerby “accidentally” spilling something on you before offering to clean it up. Just walk away before their accomplice comes to relieve you of all you hold near and dear! Taking your eyes off your drink or accepting one from an unknown source is a bad idea in any public bar. In Rio, however, it’s been known to bring sudden drowsiness, prompting a generous stranger to kindly help tourists back to their hotel room before helping themselves to any valuables. 

Know where you are and plan your day. 

Awareness of where you are and where you plan to visit is good globetrotting advice in general, really, but in Rio, this usually means staying in the Zona Sul, including Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Flamengo, and nearby areas. The northern part of the city is notably rougher and of very little interest to visitors. A favela tour can be a safe and fascinating part of your Rio adventure, but should only be done with an experienced guide. 

With preparation and some basic precautions, Rio de Janeiro can be the ultimate globetrotter’s blend of culture, beautiful beaches, incredible cuisine, and memories to last a lifetime.