Safety in Brazil

General Awareness & Street Smarts

Navigating a new country is an adventure, and doing so with confidence is your greatest asset. The key to a safe and enjoyable trip is not fear, but preparation. By adopting a few simple habits, you’ll move like a savvy, seasoned traveler, allowing you to focus on the incredible experiences Brazil has to offer.

Blending In

• Dressing down: Opt for simple, comfortable attire. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, expensive watches, or conspicuous designer clothing that may single you out as a tourist with valuables.
• Electronics: Keep your expensive cameras and smartphones stowed away when not in use. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking down the street while distracted by your phone.
• Confidence and Purpose: Walk with a clear sense of direction, as this projects confidence. If you need to check a map, step into a shop or a café rather than stopping on a busy, exposed street corner.

Protecting Your Valuables

• The “Decoy” Wallet: A smart traveler’s trick is to carry a second wallet containing a small amount of local currency and a few old, expired cards. In the unlikely event of a mugging, you can hand this over without losing your essential items.
• Secure Your Bag: A cross-body bag worn towards the front of your body is the most secure option. In restaurants and cafés, keep your bag on your lap or looped around your leg; never hang it on the back of your chair.
• In Your Hotel: Always use the in-room safe to store your passport, spare credit cards, and extra cash. Carry a photocopy or a clear digital image of your passport with you for identification purposes.

Situational Awareness

• Crowds and Public Spaces: Be especially vigilant in bustling environments such as local markets, bus terminals, and major tourist attractions. These are prime locations for pickpockets.
• Nighttime Precautions: After dark, stay on well-lit, populated streets. Avoid taking shortcuts through quiet alleys or walking alone in areas that are unfamiliar to you.
• Trust Your Instincts: Your intuition is a powerful tool. If a person, place, or situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason, remove yourself from it without hesitation.

Transportation Safety

Ride-Sharing Apps & Taxis

• Use Reputable Apps: For ride-sharing, stick to established and well-regarded services like Uber or the local favorite, 99.
• Verify Your Ride: Before entering any vehicle, take a moment to match the license plate, car make and model, and the driver’s photo with the information provided in the app.
• Official Taxis: When opting for a taxi, use only licensed, official vehicles. It is always safer to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from a designated taxi stand (ponto de táxi), particularly when leaving airports or bus stations, rather than hailing one from the street.

Public Transportation

• Metro/Subway: In major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the metro system is generally considered the safest and most efficient form of public transport. Remain aware of your belongings, especially during crowded peak hours.
• Buses: City buses can become very crowded, making them potential hotspots for petty theft. If you use the bus, keep your bag and any valuables securely on your lap, not on the floor or an adjacent seat. It is advisable to avoid using city buses late at night.

Driving in Brazil

This advice is for clients who have arranged for a rental car during their travels.

• Carjackings: A known risk, particularly in large cities. Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times, especially when stopped at traffic lights (sinais or faróis) in the evening.
• Parking: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure, paid parking lot (estacionamento) rather than on the street, especially if leaving it overnight.
• Navigation: While a GPS is essential, be cautious if it routes you through a favela (urban slum). These areas can be unsafe for outsiders. If you are unsure, stick to major roads and avenues.

Specific Scenarios & Common Scams

At the Beach

• The “Arrastão”: This term refers to a type of mass-theft event where a large group of thieves runs through a section of the beach, grabbing anything of value. While not a daily occurrence, it is a known risk on popular urban beaches.
• Minimalism is Key: Bring only the absolute essentials with you to the sand: a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and just enough cash for a drink or snack. Leave your smartphone, wallet, and other valuables secured in your hotel safe.
• Never Leave Items Unattended: Do not leave your belongings alone on the sand, even for a quick dip in the ocean. If you are with a group, take turns swimming so someone is always watching your things.

Nightlife & Bars

• Drink Spiking: Always keep your drink in your sight. Do not leave it unattended on a table or bar, and politely decline drinks offered by strangers.
• Credit Card Skimming: Pay close attention to your credit card during transactions. In Brazil, it is standard practice for the server to bring a portable card machine to your table. You should never let your card be taken out of your sight.
• “Good Night” Scam (Boa Noite, Cinderela): This is a notorious scam involving the use of date-rape drugs to rob an unsuspecting person. Exercise extreme caution when meeting new people in a nightlife setting and be wary of invitations to go to a private residence or hotel.

ATM & Money Scams

• Location, Location, Location: Only use ATMs located inside secure, well-lit places such as banks, pharmacies, or large shopping malls. Avoid using standalone ATMs on the street, especially at night.
• Skimming Devices: Before inserting your card, briefly inspect the ATM. Look for any loose or unusual-looking attachments on the card slot or keypad, which could be a skimming device. Always shield the keypad with your other hand as you enter your PIN.
• Distraction Theft: Be cautious of anyone who offers unsolicited help at an ATM. This is a common tactic where one person distracts you while an accomplice steals your card or observes your PIN.

Health & Environmental Safety

Vaccinations & Health Precautions

We strongly recommend you consult with your doctor or a specialized travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your departure. They can provide personalized advice and administer any necessary vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever, which may be required for travel to certain regions like the Amazon basin.

Please note that we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice. For the most current and detailed health information for travelers to Brazil, please consult the official guidance from a reputable source like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

• Protection is Key: Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are present in Brazil. The most effective prevention is to avoid bites by consistently applying a strong insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Cover Up: When possible, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon (peak mosquito hours), wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize exposed skin.

Food & Water Safety

• Tap Water: It is not safe to drink tap water in Brazil. Always drink bottled water. When ordering, specify ‘água com gás’ for sparkling water or ‘água sem gás’ for still water.
• Food Stalls: Enjoying street food is a wonderful part of the Brazilian experience. To do so safely, choose popular vendors with a high turnover of customers. Ensure the food is being cooked fresh and to a high temperature in front of you.

In Case of Emergency

Important Numbers

Program these numbers into your phone. Please be aware that English-speaking operators are not always available.

• 190 – Military Police (Polícia Militar): For all emergencies and to report a crime in progress.
• 192 – Ambulance (SAMU).
• 193 – Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros).

If You Are a Victim of a Crime

• Do Not Resist: In the unfortunate event of a mugging, your personal safety is the absolute priority. Comply with the assailant’s demands and hand over your valuables. Objects can be replaced; you cannot.
• File a Report: Afterward, go to the special tourist police station (Delegacia de Atendimento ao Turista – DEAT) to file an official police report, known as a Boletim de Ocorrência (B.O.). This document is essential for making any travel insurance claims.

Consular Assistance

Before your trip, locate the contact details and address for your country’s embassy or nearest consulate in Brazil. In an emergency, such as a lost or stolen passport, they are your primary resource for assistance. They can issue emergency travel documents and provide guidance and support in serious situations.