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Old 07-08-2010, 09:10 AM   #1
 
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Default Brazil Dangerous?

Hi,

I'm preparing to go down to Brazil in August and I've been reading about safety in Rio and Sao. I read in a few websites that I should just "accept the fact that I'll probably get robbed" and basically that it will most likely happen. This scares the sh%^ out of me. I consider myself well traveled, gone to SEA, Europe, Panama, Costa Rica, Argentina, Uruguay and never got pickpocketed or robbed but what I've been reading does not comfort me at all.

So should I just plan to dress like a bum and not carry anything on me at all except for a money belt with a few bucks? Or is this just overrated and should be careful but not get paranoid over this?

I'm not an idiot, I exercise common sense, never walk alone late at night in deserted streets nor ever carry lots of money on me and never flash anything expensive when I travel but from what I've been reading, this doesn't seem enough. Is this true? I want to be able to go check out some tourist attractions without worrying about getting robbed like I've always had.

What's the real deal? Will common sense do in Brazil or am I doomed regardless?

Ambs
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Old 07-08-2010, 12:17 PM   #2
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I havent been... Most of my time lately is in Central America... Buttttt, Ive had enough friends go through there without any problems... The trouble spots are the beaches, and of course at night... Do like you said, chill out, dont take much with you... Maybe carry a dummy wallet, that kinda stuff... Cameras are stolen all the time, and I know on the beaches, they will take "anything" you leave on the beach to take a swim...
Like you said, you are a seasoned traveler... Just use the common sense you have learned on the road and roll with it... If you get robbed, you get robbed... Best of luck and ENJOY it!!!
Also, I say this allll the time... You can get robbed ANYWHERE on this planet... Roll with it....
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Old 07-08-2010, 01:04 PM   #3
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I went to Rio and wasn't robbed. Granted, I was only there 3-4 days, but I exercised the usual caution, and was fine. I didn't stay holed in my room at night, either. I stayed on relatively well-lit streets where other people were.

I've heard you definitely don't want to take valuables with you to the beach -- leave them in your room, and carry only enough cash for whatever you were planning to eat or drink on the beach.

I say go for it, Ambs, and just be your usual, sensible self...

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Old 07-08-2010, 01:13 PM   #4
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I was robbed in Buenos Aires and in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. I skipped Rio and didn't get robbed in Sao Paolo. I love brazil regardless of the robberies.

Be smart. Don't carry too much on you when you are walking around. I always left my passport in my locker at the hostel along with my debit card and wallet and would just carry around enough reals to get me through the day. That way it wouldn't be a big loss.

Go buy A MAP FOR SATURDAY when he is in brazil he talks a bit about the robberies and he gets robbed on the same street corner in Salvador that I was robbed on just the year before.
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Old 07-08-2010, 02:17 PM   #5
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While Rio does have some particularly dangerous areas, they are generally very well known, so it's not like you will ever accidentally stumble into them. If you just stick to the main parts of town, Rio is just like any other city...only way more awesome! That place is one of my favorites! I was there for 2.5 weeks and went walking around the city/beaches at all hours and never had any trouble of any kind. Just use common sense and you'll be fine.

Enjoy!
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Old 07-08-2010, 05:31 PM   #6
 
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Thanks so much everyone. I will report back on my return!

Happy summer to all!

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Old 07-08-2010, 05:57 PM   #7
 
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Also, thank you for all the smart advice! It's nice to hear it how it is from travelers who've been there!

I will roll w/ it if i do get robbed, there's a first time for everything I suppose!
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Old 09-23-2010, 10:26 PM   #8
 
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I spent three months in Rio. Not a problem.

Still, take precautions and use common sense. You'll be fine!
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Old 01-12-2011, 07:21 PM   #9
 
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I was in Rio in 2005 and had a great time. I am pretty careful about where I walk and always keep my eyes wife open. For the most part felt safe!

I am headed back later this year and wanted to see how things are going now. Has anyone been lately?

I am looking forward to getting back.

J
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