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Be Safe In Rio De Janeiro

Safety

Visiting Rio de Janeiro does not pose as many threats as people believe. The highest crime rate is in the west side of the city, which does not hold much interest to tourists, as most of the tourist attractions are located in the south side.

The city is currently running a campaign to eliminate all crime and the results are starting to show. There is a high police presence throughout the city and there are CCTV cameras in many areas. However, as in any big city, there are incidents of crime which you must be aware of before travelling to Rio.

Visitors are recommended not to flaunt lots of jewellery, as this could attract unwanted attention. Always stay on the south side of the city, or in places recommended by guides, and avoid dark and isolated areas.

As with most major tourist destinations, pickpockets are in abundance and they target vulnerable tourists. It has also been known for tourists to be drugged in bars, helped back to their hotel by a stranger and woken up to find all of their valuables have been stolen. Never accept a drink from a stranger - man or women. Another trick is for someone to 'accidently' spill something on you in the street and while you are cleaning yourself up, they use it as an opportunity to steal your wallet. The best advice is to be on your guard and hopefully you should not encounter any problems.

If you get in trouble with the police, never offer a bribe; this will get you in more trouble. The local police do not speak English, so if you are a victim of crime or need to speak to the police, tourist police are on hand throughout the city.

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Health

Before your trip, make sure you are up-to-date with tetanus and polio vaccinations. You will also need to be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A.

Never drink tap water as it can be polluted and avoid fruits and vegetables that have not been peeled or cooked. Medical facilities are generally good, but they can vary, particularly in remote areas.

Barra D'Or Hospital
Av. Aryton Senna 2541
Barra da Tijuca
Tel: +55 21 2430 3600