Rio de Janeiro, a cultural and economic hub in Brazil, is known for its high crime rates and safety risks. Tourists should be vigilant and mindful of their surroundings while traveling to the city. Some areas have increased risk, such as Brasilia, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, which require valid passports for consular services.
Despite these concerns, travelers continue to flock to Rio, as it offers an incredible seaside experience. However, they should be aware that theft and robbery are possible, especially in large cities like Rio. Pickpocketing is common, and tourists should avoid city beaches after dark. If threatened, hand over valuables without resistance. Attackers may be armed and underage.
The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management website provides all travel advisories and Brazil-specific information. Crime rates are high throughout the country, particularly in Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo. Tourists are mostly affected by violence, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and other criminal activities also pose significant threats to the city.
In summary, while Rio de Janeiro is generally safe, there are concerns about petty theft in cities and overall safety elsewhere. Tourists should be cautious and aware of potential dangers, such as border closures, travel prohibitions, stay-at-home orders, business closures, and other emergency conditions.
📹 Is Rio de Janeiro SAFE to Travel in 2024?! What to do in Rio, BRAZIL?
We both agreed that Rio de Janeiro is the most beautiful city we have ever been to: Rio is the perfect balance of scenic mountains, …
Are kidnappings common in Rio de Janeiro?
Near the beach areas of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra, walking during the day is low due to street crowds, while at night, the chances increase. Kidnaps are rare, with only muggers muddling for smartphones.
Is Rio Brazil safe for tourists?
Brazil’s safety profile is generally safe, but there are concerns with petty theft in cities and overall safety elsewhere. To ensure safety, stick to main streets, especially at night, and take an authorized cab if your lodgings are far from your destination. Avoid suburbs, as they can be more dangerous. Carry cut-proof strapped bags or purses in crowds, wear them strapped across your body, and avoid storing valuables in easily accessible pockets in your backpack. These precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience in Brazil.
Is it safe to travel to Rio de Janeiro in 2024?
Rio de Janeiro experienced a decrease in crime rates in 2023, but this doesn’t guarantee safety. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and cell phone snatching, is the most common issue tourists face. To avoid these risks, tourists should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying valuables openly, be cautious at night, and respect local advice. It’s also advisable to avoid visiting favelas unless with a trusted guide. Despite these precautions, Rio remains a popular tourist destination.
What is the safest area in Rio de Janeiro?
Copacabana, Rio’s iconic area and beach, is a safe and picturesque neighborhood with a strong police presence and well-lit streets. It offers a blend of stunning landscapes and excellent security, making it an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term travelers. Ipanema, the vibrant neighbor of Copacabana, is known for nightlife but is also surprisingly safe. The area is home to Praia do Arpoador, the Cagarras Archipelago, and Lagoa Rodrigo Freitas, making it an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term travelers.
Is Buenos Aires or Rio safer?
Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations for first-time travelers in South America. Buenos Aires is easier for North Americans due to its cheaper and simpler transit system, as well as its use of Spanish instead of Portuguese. It is also safer during the day, with most tourists already familiar with Southern Europe’s tools and tricks.
Rio de Janeiro is more challenging due to higher crime rates, edgy qualities, and mountainous geography. The metro is a useful link between the Zona Sul and Centro, but limited stations are some distance from popular attractions and nightlife districts. Cabs or Uber are recommended at night and streetwise gumption during the day.
Argentina has its own challenges, such as a cash society that makes it difficult to get cash, with ATMs only found inside banks and open during specific hours. However, restaurants, cafes, and museums in Buenos Aires tend to be more plastic-friendly. In Brazil, credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, and ATMs aren’t hard to come by either. To avoid skimming, try using one in your hotel, bank, or shopping mall rather than a random one on the street.
The “blue rate” on Argentina’s currency was abolished two years ago, so it’s best to exchange and withdraw money through official channels. There is no way to rank one of these incredible cities over the other, as they are simply too different.
Can tourists go to favelas?
Favelas, or slums, are urban areas with high-density informal housing in major Brazilian cities. They can border tourist areas and pose a high security risk. This guide provides safety advice for Brazilian regions and highlights the global threat of terrorist attacks affecting UK interests and nationals. UK Counter Terrorism Policing offers information on staying safe abroad and how to reduce risk from terrorism while abroad. Staying aware of surroundings and staying informed about terrorist threats are crucial for maintaining safety.
Is São Paulo safer than Rio?
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are Brazil’s two largest and most famous cities, often compared as Brazil’s “New York” and “Los Angeles” respectively. São Paulo is a dynamic, exciting, and dynamic city with unique local charm, distinctive neighborhoods, and a melting pot of religions and cultures. It is ideal for a big city experience or work-hard-play-hard lifestyle, while Rio de Janeiro offers a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere with beaches and mountains, making it ideal for adventurous individuals and families seeking a low-key vacation.
Where to avoid in Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro is known for its dangerous places, such as Copacabana, Corcovado, and favelas. The city is known for its central location, numerous hotels, and famous beaches. However, the author, Tatiana, a German-Brazilian living in Berlin-Neukölln, warns against traveling alone in Rio due to the city’s reputation for being one of the worst corners in Germany. The city is known for its dark favelas, drug gangs, shootouts, and an ongoing war between special forces of the military, police, and gangsters.
The rising crime in Rio de Janeiro is a concern, with daily news reports of muggings, flash kidnappings, and blind tourists being robbed. Tatiana, a German-Brazilian living in Berlin, has been writing about her travels since 2014, and her blog is her passion project. She advises travelers to take good care of themselves and avoid entering favelas on their own.
How safe is Copacabana?
The author found Copacabana to be surprisingly safe, despite initial concerns about its reputation. The trail around Lagoa Lake is excellent, and there is always a large crowd for shade, making it an ideal spot to enjoy oneself.
How to avoid favelas in Rio?
When using GPS navigation, ensure the suggested route doesn’t lead into a favela and avoid unpaved, cobbled, or narrow streets. Tourists have been shot after accidentally entering favelas. If unsure about a location, consult your hotel or local authorities. Be aware of criminals targeting wealthy or easy targets, such as those who have drunk heavily. Carnival and other large-scale celebrations in Brazil are also risky places to be.
Can you walk around Rio at night?
Rio’s South zone neighborhoods, including Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, and Botafogo, are safe to walk at night, but avoid empty streets and spaces. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema have different night market conditions, with Copacabana having quieter streets and the night market in postos. To avoid these situations, take an Uber or taxi after 10pm, as the metro doesn’t operate after midnight. After a night of clubbing, don’t go for a stroll, especially when drunk, even if your hotel is a ten-minute walk away. Always take a taxi or Uber.
Never fight your robber, and if you get robbed, be cooperative and accept your loss. Don’t think you can overpower your robber, as they might be carrying a weapon or have accomplices ready to help. Never fight or resist your robber.
📹 Is Rio Safe? Safety Advice for Visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Heading to Rio and Wondering If It Is Safe? Well it is not the safest place in the world, but it is not as bad as the the news makes it …
After visiting over 46 countries around the world, including 44 States in the USA, 4 Provinces in Canada, and being in Rio like 10 times, I do not find RIO to be any worse than most countries I have been to. However I came to the realization that both Europeans and Anglo Americans, were very keen on trashing Brazil, especially the French, the English and the USA. I was assaulted in Frankfurt at gun point by TWO EUROPEANS, after arriving from INDIA, where nobody threatened me at all, acosted in San Francisco TWICE, and New York as well. NOT ONCE IN RIO. Traveled to over 20 States in Brazil and no problems anywhere, at all. All of this for over 5 decades.
As a Brazilian myself I can guarantee that you are safe, in the SOUTH ZONE. But the thing is, everything is in the South Zone. The Christ, the Sugar Loaf, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Maracanã, you name it. The tourist area is a single massive oasis of peace and beauty, even with the favelas on top of it. These favelas, merged into rich areas, are “gourmet” if you will. You can go up there and enjoy the view, they have music, they have sport, leisure, they have a huge community spirit. And while you will indeed find people struggling, they are the workers that maintain the prosperous areas lit, so they have a better condition anyway. Now, outside of the South Zone, then you have War Zone. Literally. Some places are not controlled by the state, there are paramilitary groups, dirty cops and drug lords fighting to death. This will be true for the big cities in Brazil: safe heaven large clusters of prosperity, with poverty in the center (less) and misery in the periphery (a lot). The countryside however is gigantic and calmer. You can do all the nature trips you want and your worst problem will be probably a wild animal or the damn mosquitoes.
My wife and I spent two weeks in Rio and even though we are Senior citizens, never felt in danger. Like you, we used common sense when out in the city wearing non descript clothing, leaving the jewelry in the safe, and being aware of our surroundings at all times. The people in Rio were warm, friendly, and the staff at our hotel were very informative suggesting where to go safely. We are returning to Rio in April of 2024 confident in our ability to have a safe experience in the most beautiful city in the world
I spent 2 weeks in Ipanema by myself and I found the people absolutely wonderful. I learned some Brazilian Portuguese before I went. VERY helpful although now phones have nice translators. I disagree with their trip to the Christo statue. I found it to be pretty cool. The train ride up is amazing. The praias (beaches) were beautiful and yes, so were the women. They were as kind as they were beautiful! I was 57 at the time. I would love to go again. (from Northern California)
I’m going to Copacabana in December. Your article was informative. I am looking forward to doing some of the things that you showed us around as it has been on my bucket list for a long time. I had my last visit cancelled due to Covid so have been waiting for the all clear to go. Good to hear someone from Britain and Ireland speaking about Rio as most of the articles I have seen about Rio seem to be from Americans. Happy travels and stay safe.😎👍
Had to give you guys a like and a sub! Great job with the vid! 👏 I went to Rio for the first time in 2019 and was just as nervous as you were lol… scared to take out my phone at all for the whole first day I was there! Like you though I realized that it isn’t any different than any other big city in the world and as long as you use common sense and don’t dress too flashy you’ll be fine. Rio is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to (maybe THE most beautiful when it comes to raw natural beauty) and I’m pleased to say that I’m headed back there in about 10 days! Can’t wait!
I lived in Rio for 6 months in the 2000s and it was safe, if you kept your wits about you. I had one attempted scam but I was never robbed or anything, although a friend who came visiting was, but he had let his guard down and went into a dark square at night. I would love to go back and see it again, totally in love with the city. I also spent a crazy few days in Ilha Grande, another wonderful Brazilian place to travel!
I’d like to start by saying that i found your article really helpful, as i’m heading on a trip to Rio at the end of the month. At first i was overwhelmed by all the blogs/articles talking about how high the crime rate is and all that..but i felt that as long as you don’t stand out from the crowd and you are aware of your surroundings you should be fine. Your experience confirmed my beliefs. I’m super excited to visit this amazing place, i’ll be there for 12 days. Cheers!
I visited Rio about a month ago and spent five days there. I also spent time in San Pedro Atacama (Chile), Salar de Uyuni and La Paz (Bolivia). I am American and was greeted and met some of the nicest people ever, it was tons of fun. People there were super helpful and friendly, and I felt safer in Rio than in my hometown NY. There was also lots of security and police in measure so I didn’t feel an ounce of danger during my Brazilian visit. Sometimes I was extra careful because many people told me horror stories. But then again, I walked by myself at night and never had any problems. The only difficulty I encountered was after the Carnival, asking for directions to return to my hostel, almost no one, besides tourists of course, but practically none of the locals speak any English. Google translate and interacting with tourists helped me a lot. Also, there are many beautiful areas worth exploring in Brazil besides Rio. I hope to visit Brazil again, I’ve heard that Bahia, the Amazonicas, Pantanal, Florianopolis are gorgeous. Maybe I will learn some Portuguese before making another trip to Brazil 😊. I’ve heard that Peru is also very beautiful, but I haven’t been to Peru yet.
Hey! Awesome article! Thanks for the nice words about the city! Rio is the second biggest city in Brazil and the rates include all other areas the tourists don’t get near when staying in the south zone (Copacabana, Ipanema). So, you are right in saying that it’s not as bad as people make it, but it’s because you get only a glimpse of the city.
I agree with you guys. I was so pleasantly surprised how normal and safe it is there. Just don’t be flashy with your Cartier on the beaches lol. But I disagree about the Christ Corcovado, the train ride up is one of the most beautiful experiences in my life. Just make sure it’s a clear day, so you can have the best view from up there.
Brazil/Rio are well known by Christ the Redeemer. But Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) is a much more interesting and enjoyable visit. Less crowded, more space and stunning views. Especially during sunset. The transition from a sunny city to a lit city at night, with the city lights gradually turning on, with the sunset in the background, is unreal.
If you’re coming to Rio, you must understand that this is a NORMAL city, just like any other in the civilized world. Almost 100% of the tourist attractions are in the south zone of the city, which is totally safe. And that is the same with NY ou Paris. The tourist parts of those cities aren’t in the poorest zones, so relax and just enjoy one of the most beaultiful places on earth!
As a Brazilian, I’d say… stumbling into a criminal in Rio is bad luck. I’ve only got good things to talk about the city (my experience). But be careful, sensible (as he said). The city wouldn’t have this bad rep for nothing. On the other hand, you’ll find one of the most hospitable people in the world. I live near Rio, and I love it. Don’t go very often because, as I said, it’s not so safe, but if you’re smart, you can handle your trip well.
Some comments here highlight how the situation has become much worse post COVID, and while it’s true that your visit will most likely be uneventful if you stay cautious, you do need to take heightened measures as bad luck can strike at any moment. This can be an “arrastão” on the beach or if all of a sudden there are not many witnesses where you may be at. The latter happened to myself and a friend, in which we were robbed at gunpoint in Botafogo in July 2023. Everyone from the hotel staff and the police were unphased and acted as if this were a normal occurrence, which should speak to everyone reading here about how normal these occurrences can be.
I was robbed after only a week in Rio. But I take some responsibility for that as my friend and I broke the rule not to walk at night, even though it was in a nice area through Barra. We were targeted 100% and they managed to steal my phone and hop in a getaway car that pulled up. Also on my 2nd day some favela kids lunged at me passing a crosswalk, just to mess with me I think. Unsettling way to start my trip. Also the 2nd time I went to Rio and stayed in Barra instead of Leblon, I was walking to the beach and I passed a large group of favela looking teenagers. My Brazilian friend grabbed my hand and pulled me to start running. This was in a nice area in broad daylight close to the beach. He said later on that the group had started joking about robbing and assaulting the foreigner as they walked by us. If he wasn’t there with me I would’ve had no idea. For reference I don’t look Brazilian at all with my blonde hair and slightly red facial hair. Rio is the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to and maybe my favorite place ever, but it is absolutely a place you have to be very careful unfortunately. I pray for change in that city because I would so love to live there full time 🙏
“Don’t listen to what they say online”? Your article is online though… BTW I just came back from Rio: My opinion: It depends on where you stay. If you spend your two weeks in Ipanema or surrounding area’s you tend to be positive. However if you travel to other parts of the city, it is far worse and also dangerous, heard some stories from our local Uber drivers as well, getting kipnadded. Also every house is looking like a prison with all the steel bars and walls, not a very open and safe vibe. Streets and highways are chaotic to say the least, almost no rules it seems whatsoever, motorbikes are playing with their lives, seen a few very serious accidents in the two weeks i was there. Heard from locals this was not like this 5 – 10 years ago.
you just got very lucky; Rio is dangerous, very dangerous as most cariocas, residents of rio, would tell you. As foreigners we tend to perceive it less for a number of reasons, but you need to take lots of precautions. For example from Riosul one of the main shopping centre to Leme, the beginning of Copacabana beach, there is only a small tunnel. Cariocas cross it only over weekend when there is police both ends, otherwise they take a taxi, which in fact, because of one way system can take up to 15 minutes, something it would take 2 minutes to cross by foot. This said Rio is the most stunning place on earth, but you truly always need to look around and be super aware
I just got back from Rio yesterday. I appreciate that you had a great time, as did I, but i disagree with your thesis that Rio is safe. The underlying subtext of what you say about your experience even says this. I fear someone will take your thesis and make an ill-informed decision because of your luck on your trip (and yes i do think luck played a role as you describe a possible arrastão situation developing before you left). Sure crime happens everywhere, but i feel like the discrepancy between rich and poor is a setup for a lot of crime (and im not alone in this opinion, many more esteemed experts than us both say as much, you chose to read, ignore, and form your own opinion). I loved my trip to Rio, but i was also a victim of petty crime there. In the touristy section, in broad daylight, between Copacabana and Ipanema (in Pedra do Arpoador). I was not wearing fashy clothes or flaunty anything, i was simply enjoying the view. A group of 10-12 teenagers assaulted me for approximately 10-15 mins. Luckily i was carrying little, so i lost out on maybe $R 70. They did not get my phone, but as a result they prolonged the assault in attempts to get it for the length of time as described above. I was punched, kicked, and shoved, sustaining some abrasions and a broken finger. Tourists and locals were around and did nothing initially (which is understandable given the size of the group). After they realized their crime of opportunity was going to pay additional dividends and they were starting to attract attention (from me yelling help) they left. Some locals were helpful in cleaning me up and taking me to the tourist police…which honestly did nothing for me but hopefully led to better distribution of the over utilized police force to the area i was (which was <5 min walk to the officers i spoke to). On top of that, while i agree the taxis are mostly okay, you must be careful to take an official taxi as there are unofficials ones. My experience was taking one of many from the Sambadrome that ~8 mins in stopped the meter which raised red flags for us and then displayed an official looking picture of 15-20x higher prices for cab fair which we reluctantly but readily paid at the end of our fair recognizing alternatives could be much worse. While used both subway and taxi before, after we used Uber as it was way more covenient, cheaper, and tracked (via the app). I enjoyed my time in Rio. Im sure other's comments will dismiss my concerns as a lack of experience, but i have considerable travel experience worldwide over decades, to include some more dangerous places where i encountered less issues (Honduras- Tegucigalpa not the coast, Cuba, Jordan, Palestine, and Afghanistan come to mind). I do think Rio (and Brazil) are beautiful and have a lot to offer, and i think there are wonderful people there (to include those who helped me after my assault and those who showed me around various neighborhoods and bloccos. But it only takes a random chance encounter to temper your opinion of anything. Until Rio, if ever, can correct the poverty gap (which you also recognize in your article), id recommend it to only those who have the means to pay for security or are ok with running the increased risk of experiencing crime firsthand. I think your article is a view through rose colored glasses because you were lucky to not experience an issue. Godspeed on the rest of your journeys.
Just a small comment on not showing some people’s everyday struggles. You might be very empathetic doing so. 🙂 Well, on the other hand, isn’t this part of everything there? Isn’t it, in a way, also only promoting the “clean” spots and hiding the other parts of the city? Kind of a bit secluding? Don’t take me bad, please. 🙂
Anyone can be fooled with numbers. I can present to you the statistic I want to fit what you want to hear. At the end I like that this kind of tourist is afraid to come to Brazil. Look Europe and US for example. Everywhere is crowded with people that goes mostly to shop and destroy local culture over the time. So please keep thinking Brazil is dangerous.
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I find it funny how this people make articles about our country with those trashy titles; is it safe?? It’s even more funnier that they talk about our country but don’t take their asses out of our country during the whole year, especially in Rio, we can barely go to the Cristo Redentor without bumping into North Americans or Europeans everywhere… this is for you guys to see how dangerous it’s! Please stay safe in your own country
It’s perfectly safe, but don’t take your cell phone out on the beach or wear top end clothes. This is a new meaning of the phrase “perfectly safe” that I’m not previously familiar with. I think it’s important to make measurements of safety based on more than one data point. The statistics speak for themselves. Just because one couple went there and were not victimized, does not mean another couple will not be victimized.
I’m Brazilian who lives in Canada and I have traveled all over Brazil. Of course Brazil including Rio is not safe overall. You should be careful of what you wear and carry, as well as of where you go. Several YouTubers got stolen and reported in their websites. If I were not Brazilian unfortunately I would not pick Brazil as a destination. You find similar places somewhere else for a cheaper price. On top of it, the new president was convicted of corruption so this is the role model young Brazilians have. It pays off to be a criminal.