Rio de Janeiro: the Marvelous City

Ward B
Aug 15, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Nov 5, 2024

Rio de Janeiro, a city of breathtaking beauty, is marvelous but potentially dangerous too. Here's how to stay safe while enjoying everything this vibrant city has to offer.

General Advice

The beauty of Rio de Janeiro comes with real dangers. Due to the large disparity between rich and poor and the presence of many tourists, pickpocketing is common. Even in safer areas like Ipanema and Leblon, it's important to keep an eye on your belongings. In less-safe areas, avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches and dress down like the locals to avoid attracting petty thieves.

The beauty of Rio de Janeiro comes with real dangers

Although petty theft is annoying, the scariest threats are robberies. These are often carried out by groups of young teens, who work as a team to rob unsuspecting victims. This can turn violently quickly.

During nighttime, only walk short distances and use taxi app services like Uber for transport. The streets of Leblon's bar area are among the few safe places for walking at night.

Avoid walking through any favela areas on foot. Check the map to steer clear of these areas and their entrances. Keep in mind that taxi drivers usually refuse to drive anywhere near or through a favela.

Zone information

The following zones require special mention :

Any of the favelas: The situation within any favela is volatile and therefore dangerous. Some favelas can be visited with a local guide but any nighttime visit or driving in a favela by car is highly discouraged. You can see the full map of the favelas on our map
Centro: Visiting Centro is an absolute must for tourists. It is one of the most culturally interesting regions in Rio de Janeiro with colonial architecture, impressive art galleries, elegant theatres, intriguing museums, and street art. However, it is best avoided at night when muggings occur.
Santa Teresa: One of the most beloved neighbourhoods and main artistic hub, Santa Teresa is a must-visit region for its wonderfully bohemian edge. Take care when walking through the neighbourhood at night and use a taxi-hailing service. During the day it is quite safe to visit when you stay in the touristic areas.
Zona Norte: This entire region, the north zone of the city is best avoided by tourists. From a touristic perspective only the Marcana stadium and some of the Samba schools are worth visiting. But the other neighborhoods are mainly residential and not worth the risk of visiting since they are often bordering favelas.
Zona Sud: Most tourists stay in the south zones of the city, where Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana provide beautiful beaches and are considered safer than the other parts of the city.

Common Scams

Scams are unfortunately common in Rio, especially in tourist areas. Here are a few to watch out for:

Fake Vendors on the Beach: Scammers may pose as street vendors, distracting you while an accomplice steals your belongings. This is especially common on popular beaches like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Always be cautious when approached by vendors.
Credit Card Skimming: Be wary of paying with your card at beach kiosks and street vendors. Scammers may use tampered card machines to overcharge you or steal your card information. It's safer to use cash or a prepaid credit card.
Distraction Techniques: Pickpockets often work in groups, using distractions like asking for directions or spilling something on you. A common example is the Bird Poop Scam: Someone may squirt a white paste on you, pretending it's bird poop. A "helpful" local will then offer to clean it while pickpocketing you. Refuse assistance and clean yourself up later.
Taxi Scams: Some taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare or claim their meter is broken and charge a high fixed price. Use reputable taxi apps like Uber to avoid this.
Inflated Prices: Check prices before ordering on the beach. Keep track of your bill to avoid overcharging. Preferably use a prepaid credit card like Revolut or N26 when paying digitally at the beach.

Female Safety

Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, has made strides in promoting women's rights and safety, but challenges remain. Here are some key points for women to consider:

Domestic Violence: Brazil has high rates of domestic violence. Women should be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.
Sexual Violence: Sexual harassment and assault are significant concerns. Women are advised to exercise caution, especially in crowded places and public transportation.
Petty Crime: Women, like all individuals, should be vigilant against theft and pickpocketing. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded or poorly lit areas.
Public Transportation: Sexual harassment can occur on public transportation. Many women prefer using ride-sharing apps or taxis for increased safety. On the metro there are women-only carriages, commonly known as pink carriages.
Bars and Clubs: While Rio has a vibrant nightlife, women should be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and always keep an eye on their beverages to avoid drink spiking.

LGBT Safety

Rio de Janeiro is known for its vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community. The city has a long history of being an open and welcoming place for gay individuals, making it one of the most gay-friendly cities in Brazil and Latin America.

Gay-Friendly Neighborhoods:

Ipanema: Known for its gay-friendly beach (near Posto 8 and 9), bars, and nightlife.
Copacabana: Another popular area with many LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and cultural events.

Nightlife Safety

Rio de Janeiro has a very vibrant nightlife. However, when enjoying the nightlife in Rio de Janeiro, it's important to be aware of potential scams and safety issues:

Beaches: The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are not safe for evening strolls. The beaches are not well lit and robberies happen there.
Bar Scams: Scammers, often in pairs, may befriend you and suggest going to a bar they are partnered with. They will then run up a large tab and force you to pay. Suggest your own bar and check prices before ordering.
Scopolamine (Burundanga) Drugging: This dangerous substance can render victims unconscious or highly suggestible, often used to rob or exploit them. Scammers may slip it into drinks, especially in nightclubs or bars. To avoid this, never accept drinks from strangers, always watch your drink being prepared, and keep an eye on it at all times. More information on this scary crime can be found in this video of Swedish Gringo.
Overcharging: Some establishments may inflate prices or add unexpected charges to your bill. Always check the prices before ordering, keep track of your consumption, and review your bill carefully before paying. In some places, you might be given a drink card to track your orders; losing this card can result in hefty fees.

Understanding Favelas

In Rio de Janeiro, favelas are informal neighborhoods often located on hills and steep areas that aren't used for formal housing. Many people live in favelas due to economic challenges and a lack of affordable housing. These communities can be vibrant, with rich cultural traditions, but they also face significant issues like limited access to public services, high unemployment, and crime.

About 20% of Rio's population is living in a favela and empathy with their poor living conditions and limited social opportunities is a must.

However, safety in favelas is a major concern for tourists and locals alike. These areas are sometimes controlled by gangs and can experience violent conflicts. Visitors should avoid entering favelas alone. If you wish to visit, it's best to go with a trusted local guide who knows the area well and can help you stay safe. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow local advice about where it is safe to go.

Avoid going into a favela at night.
Most taxi drivers will refuse to drive near or into a favela. If you are driving yourself, driving into a favela is strongly discouraged..
If you do insist on visiting during the day, inform yourself and hire a local guide. Keep in mind that there is always a risk involved.
In this blogpost I tell about my experiences when passing through a favela on a hike.

Rio de Janeiro is a city full of life, culture, and beauty, but it also presents challenges that visitors should be prepared for. By staying aware, following local advice, and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy all that this incredible city has to offer while staying safe.