Everybody thinks if you go to Rio you are going to get robbed, but is that really true?! Brazil has always been high on my bucketlist even though almost everyone I know that has visited has gotten robbed. After doing my research and actually exploring the city here are some first-hand tips to make sure you and your valuables stay safe on your vacation.
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1. Stay aware of your surroundings
Rio might be one of the most action packed cities I have ever visited, and all the more reason for you to stay vigilant while exploring. Always be present and aware of your surroundings and people nearby. Do not be afraid to trust your gut and have an exit plan if things are getting sketch.
You know the basics, but do not flash your phone on street corners, avoid dark alleys, uncrowded streets, and certain areas at night. I always kept a hand on my phone in my pocket in crowded areas, wore my backpack on my front on the metro, and kept my eyes on a swivel while traveling around.
2. Choose safe accommodations
Rio is a massive city and you are going to find unbelievable deals on accommodations, BUT read this before you book! Most touristy places you want to visit are on the south side of the city so look for accommodations in South Copacabana, Ipanema, and Botafogo. These areas are quieter, upscale, and away from crowded areas. I felt perfectly comfortable walking around at all hours of the day and night here.
Read my Top Safe Areas to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There are a few NO-GO zones that you should avoid especially your first time in Rio.
- Any Favela – These are neighborhoods that consist of informal housing and slums where crimes are exponentially higher. There are some favela’s that have transformed to accommodate tourism, but again if it is your first time I would opt out. Most google maps have these areas outlined in red and unfortunately they often have the cheapest accommodations. Do not book before verifying where the place is, as most favelas ban commuter traffic which means your taxi will drop you off at the base and say good luck.
- Northern Zone (Zona Norte) – Most of the north side of the city has been deemed dangerous for tourists, and again most sightseeing is far from here.
- Central (Centro) – This depends, but can be especially dangerous after business hours when most commuters leave. I stayed a few days in Centro and could see why some areas get sketchy, but I also had a good experience.
- Lapa – This area is known for nightlife, but can become sketchy late at night do to gang fights and arguments.
3. Blend in with local culture
Similar to visiting any foreign country, you want to blend in as much as you can to avoid drawing unwanted attention. The biggest tip here is to avoid wearing jewelry, any of it! People looking to make a quick buck aren’t going to notice the difference between your $20 necklace and a 30 carat chain. I heard a story from a friend that had her cheap necklace ripped off of her neck on the subway. It is better to not provide any reason for them to rob you.
4. Use reliable transportation
Rely on cheap Ubers and the metro to navigate around the city. I would personally avoid the buses and taxis as I have heard some horror stories in my travels. Ubers can be as cheap as $3 so it is not a problem to opt for one even on short trips to dinner to avoid walking at night. Any Portuguese you can learn is an asset.
5. Protect your belongings
Do not leave items unattended at the beach. Most days I would not bring anything but sunscreen, a towel, and a water bottle. A Brazilian friend of mine suggested getting a burner phone which apparently is something many locals do. Some tourists use this method for wallets too, so if they get robbed they can discard the dummy wallet without losing everything.
While on public transportation like the metro, keep your backpack connected to you and your eyes on it. When you are walking in crowded areas keep your pockets empty or have your hand physically on your phone and such. Many sources online discourage you from even bringing a backpack or a purse, but I am just not that guy. I made sure my backpack did not have anything valuable in it just in case.
6. Enjoy responsible nightlife
Going out in Rio is a must when you visit, but stick with a group of people and arrange your transportation directly to and from your accommodations to minimize walking. This city is not a good one to get completely blacked out in, because lets face it I know you want to keep both of your kidneys.
7. Stay connected
Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly. Keep your phone charged and carry a portable power bank. Having a reliable way to communicate makes it easier to navigate the city and ask for help if needed. Make sure you download an eSIM before you land so you can stay connected the entire time – use my codes to save money off your first one.
Final Thoughts
Let me know if you have anymore tips I should add that helped you stay safe on your trip. Many online sites really talk up the dangerous nature of Rio, but do not let that overshadow the amazing culture, nature, and people you can connect with while you visit.
Again I had a great time and broke many of the traveler rules you may find online like staying in Centro, walking around at night, using my phone on the streets. I think the best thing you can do for yourself is stay especially vigilant and make proactive decisions to make sure you never find yourself in bad situations.
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