Although not in every large city, but one of the unfortunate sides of travel in Brazil is the endemic violent street crime. Brazil’s large cities, especially of the north, northeast and southeast states, are notorious for attacks (against foreigners and locals alike). However, taking extra precautions and using common sense to keep yourself safe while travelling in Brazil will allow you to enjoy your stay without any incidents, like millions of visitors do every year.

Do not walk around big cities late at night — take taxis instead. On no account ever try to enter a slum (”favela”) without a guide and do not walk down shadowy streets at night. If you cannot depend on a Brazilian friend or relative to be your guide, consult a travel book to learn which areas of the city to avoid, as well as other safety tips.

Use your hotel’s safe for any valuables. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, wearing expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, and carrying any unnecessary electronic gadgets, loose purses or bags. Try to stash some extra money in a hidden spot, such as a shoe or money belt — to make sure you can get back to your hotel. Pay attention to the way the locals dress and try to blend in the crowds: looking like a foreigner (e.g. dark socks with sandals) is not wise as thieves will be after you for your money if they instantly see you are a gringo.

Always carry a small amount of cash that you can hand over quickly in a case of a mugging. However, don’t keep it somewhere easily seen such as in a men’s shirt pocket, as that will increase your risk. Under no circustances try to run away or resist. Do not carry “deterrence” weapons. Stay calm and comply with their demands, and you’re unlikely to be hurt. Muggers will almost certainly outnumber and outsmart you, and “trying to be a hero” will achieve nothing apart from injury or death.

You don’t need to carry your passport to walk in the city but if you like this, use a little pocket inside your clothes (you can buy in airport mall). But be sure to have a photocopy of your passport with you at all times as required by law (Brazilian police have the right to request identification, i.e. documents, from anyone behaving suspiciously).