Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

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Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

• Rio de Janeiro, with a population of over 6
  million people, is a big city by any standards.
  Working class and the upper middle class often
  share the same neighborhood, the same beach.
  Social contrasts are quite evident.
• OK, Rio de Janeiro may not be as safe as
  Trondheim, but thinking of the city as violent
  would be completely unfair. Most areas of
  interest to visitors are located either on the
  South Side, or the historical strip from Flamengo
  to Downtown. The high criminality rates happen in
  areas of the West Side that hold little interest
  to visitors.
• The city is doing a serious effort to deal with
  the safety issue, and results are starting to
  show. In addition to the federal and military
  police, municipal guards help control traffic,
  and keep the sidewalks relatively free of
  vendors. At the beach cops on shorts patrol on
  foot and on sand-mobiles.
• Having said that, there are of course a few
  common sense rules you should follow to stay out
  of trouble. We have lined up some basic
  guidelines we try to follow ourselves.
• Remember Youre a big star in Rio because youre
  a foreigner. But dont behave as a big star.

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Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

• Dont try to do things youre not sure by your
  own. Questions and doubts ask the guide.
• Stay below the radar screen to fly safely dont
  try to be the one walking around.
• In Rio, take taxis at night, even for relatively
  short distances.
• Don't wear jewelry.
• Wear simple clothing you look nice in Norway but
  in Rio things are different.
• Dont try to be a hero if you see an odd
  situation, simply run away.
• Dont handle money so that everybody can see you
  have it be discreet.
• Stay in public places as much as possible.
• Carry along a photocopy of your passport, in case
  you are asked to show some ID. Leave the original
  in your safety box.
• Stay on the South side of Rio, or at areas
  specifically recommended by the guide.
• Dont walk alone any time of the day try to be
  always in a group of at least 4 people. Avoid
  dark or isolated areas where you do not see a
  single soul at night, such as the Flamengo Park,
  or the Financial District.
• Walk with a sense of purpose, as if you knew
  where you are going to. Looking like a victim is
  the first step to becoming one.

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Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

• Don't leave your camcorder or state-of-the-art
  camera swinging from your limp hand, like a
  shopping bag. Wear shoulder straps.
• If you bring along expensive cameras, camcorders
  or laptops, consider an insurance.
• At the beach, do not leave your expensive camera,
  passport and/or cash laying around on the sand
  unattended while you go for a few laps. Do not
  hide your money in your 200 sneakers either, or
  you will lose both (that's an old one).
• Don't leave your belongins unattended behind your
  back while you are, e.g. sitting on the sand
  distracted by the girls or boys that pass by.
• Do not take regular buses alone, taxis cost much
  less than you expect. If you must take a bus (at
  your own risk), avoid the window seats and the
  back rows. Keep the exact change in hand, so you
  don't have to mess with your wallet (which is
  obviously in your front pocket).
• Good Night Cinderella and similar drinks are an
  old trick that still works. You take a drink
  offered by a friendly stranger (man or woman). It
  contains powerful sleeping drugs. You will need
  help to get back to your hotel room, and this
  caring and friendly person will gain access to
  your valuables while you are helpless. Do not
  leave your drink unattended at bars or discos,
  for the same reason.

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Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

• Don't take strangers you've just met back to your
  hotel room - even if you think you are in love!
  This is the easiest way to become a victim of
  violence or robery. Say that your hotel does not
  allow visitors (which may well be true) and go to
  a honeymoon motel, instead. Everybody knows where
  to find them.
• If someone accidentally spills something on you
  in the street, and offers to clean it, say thank
  you and walk away. They may have a partner
  waiting for a chance to pick your wallet while
  you are distracted with the action.
• At nightclubs and rock shows, stay away from
  pitboys. These muscular guys, nicknamed after
  their pitbulls, tend to hang out in boys-only
  groups. They may pick up fights for no apparent
  reason. Their favorite victims are members of
  other pitboy groups, or with security guards.
• Dont push people by any means they hate this
  and may be very angry.
• Don't get involved with the drug scene, even if
  you think you know what you're doing.
• If you get in trouble with the police, do not
  offer a bribe. It could make things go from bad
  to sour. Underhanded cops are usually very open
  when they are creating a problem to sell the
  solution.
• If the worse happens and you are approached by
  some criminal element, try and keep calm. Never
  fight back. They may have guns, be on drugs,
  could react violently. You certainly have more to
  lose than they do.

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Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

• Traffic in in Rio is very dangerous. Drivers do
  not stop for you to cross the zebra unless they
  see the red light. Remember, never cross a street
  out of the zebra.
• If you need a hospital, ask for a private one.
  Try to avoid public hospitals.
• Though police officers in the street try to be
  helpful, most do not speak other languages. If
  you need to report something was stolen for
  insurance purposes, go directly to the tourist
  police (DEAT). Their office is located in Leblon,
  on Av. Afrânio de Mello Franco s/n, across from
  nightclub Scala.