Crime and Safety
One of the less fortunate sides of Brazil and other Third World countries is the high crime rate, especially in the big cities. Do not let this deter you but take precautions for your safety and enjoy Brazil like millions of other tourists do.
Many problems can be prevented by using common sense. Except for that, there are some guidelines:
Preparation
The Brazilian law demands that you show your identification documents when the Brazilian police requests this. Make copies of your passport, visa and other important papers. Include a list of phone numbers of your credit card companies and your insurance. Do not include data criminals may use like your personal identification number (PIN). Hide these copies in various parts of your luggage and leave a copy at home with family or friends. In case you loose your documents, you can block your stolen credit cards and call your insurance company. The copies of your passport and visa may be of great help if your consulate has to issue a new passport.
| Don'ts: | Do's: | |
Do not walk around at night; | take an official taxi! | |
Do not use informal taxi’s. Brazilians don’t take them either; | take only recognisable, official taxi’s! | |
Do not enter poor neighbourhoods even though most people living in these 'favelas ' are honest hard-working people; | stay in the neighbourhoods for the middle and upper classes (and be careful as the border is sometimes in the middle of the street)! | |
Do not wear (expensive or expensive-looking) jewellery and watches; | minimise the attention you attract! | |
Do not use a large striking wallet or purse; | hide money on your body. Use a little pocket inside your clothes (which you can often buy at airports)! | |
Do not bring electronic equipment you do not really need; | hide your camera if possible. Wear it close to your body and in front of you! | |
And in case your are assaulted, do not panic and don’t get frustrated; | hand over your money and material things. You can always get new ones. That is also true for your identity papers although it will take some annoying bureaucracy to get new ones! |
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