How to Stay Safe in Brazil
Brazil Travel Advice and Common Scams to Avoid
While Brazil, like many other developing countries, has a bad rap of sorts, this shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting and admiring the stunning natural beauty and cultural offerings of the largest country in South America. Your government’s travel advisories may point out some obvious crimes and scams around, usually focusing on large cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. But, with common sense and good judgment, you can safely have a Brazilian experience of a lifetime.
Whichever popular tourist destination you visit on the planet, there’s always a chance of encountering cunning people who are looking to make easy money and take advantage of uninformed travelers. The best defense is to avoid making yourself an easy target. To help you, we’ve gathered some pointers on how to stay safe in Brazil. We hope this basic Brazil travel advice and list of common scams to avoid will help you make more informed decisions and get the best out of your trip.
1. Lock up your valuables
From prying eyes and greedy hands
A wallet lifted. A bag filched. It can happen anywhere, from the soothing sands of Copacabana and the heart of the festive Rio Carnival crowds to the middle of a busy street in broad daylight. To stay safe, a good rule of thumb is to leave the bulk of your cash, your passport and important documents locked up in your hotel room’s safe. It’s also good to make and have copies of your docs and carry only enough Brazilian reals for your day out.
2. Don’t flaunt it
Dress like a local
If you dress like a foreigner – especially like a typical tourist, flaunting a camera and such – chances are you’ll draw unsolicited attention. The rule of thumb here is to try blend in with the locals by simply dressing like one. Wear minimum jewelry and accessories, such as watches, handbags, smartphones and visible earphones. Bustling areas full of locals and visitors are common hunting grounds for prying eyes and sticky fingers. Ideally, carry nothing to the beach but your towel, sunscreen, and enough change for a caipirinha or 2.
3. Watch where you withdraw
Recount your cash
When you really need to exchange some of your home currency into Brazilian real, do so at designated exchange booths at the airport or inside a bank. Rates can usually be disappointing, so change just a small amount for transportation and change. Always count your money, before and after. When withdrawing from ATMs, use the ones at banks and avoid those in subway stations and in public areas as rigging and card skimming is common. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s best to stick to cash to save you from any worries of identity theft, double swipes, and card cloning.
4. Buy tickets online for sightseeing tours and concerts
Get real tickets from official sites
One thing that the whole world learnt from the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio was that fake tickets can be convincing and virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Buying tickets online from ads and third parties always comes with high levels of risk. You might not receive anything after your transaction or get counterfeits if you do. The safest way is to buy soccer, concert, or show tickets through the official sites. They typically explain the time of delivery, handling of refunds in the event of reschedules or cancellations, as well as specific seat numbers.
5. Use hotel-recommended taxis and ride-hailing apps
Plenty of convenient transportation options available
Getting around Brazil is straightforward thanks to a wide range of transport options. Many hotels and restaurants can arrange a taxi on your behalf, making it easy to travel between attractions, airports, and neighborhoods without needing to flag down a cab on the street.
Ride-hailing apps are also widely used in Brazilian cities and can be particularly convenient if you don’t speak Portuguese. Services such as Uber and 99 allow you to view estimated fares, track your journey, and pay through the app or by other available methods. Having a transportation app downloaded before your trip can make it easier to get around as soon as you arrive.
6. Stay hydrated throughout your trip
Useful for beach days and city sightseeing
Brazil’s warm climate means it’s important to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending time outdoors exploring cities, beaches, or national parks. In many major urban areas, treated tap water is available, but some travelers prefer bottled or filtered water while adjusting to a new destination.
Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and hotels across Brazil, making it easy to stay hydrated wherever you’re travelling. If you’re unsure about local water sources, your accommodation can usually suggest the best options in the area.
7. Drink wisely
Watch your cup or glass
Brazil is a relaxed country when it comes to booze. You can buy beer, wine, and liquor any day of the week from convenient stores or shops, and you can drink freely in public places. However, it’s always best to know the ingredients of your cocktail and only order mixed drinks from reputable venues. You can samba hard with a glass in your hand but try to maintain a good level of soberness and keep a watchful eye on your glass, so nothing gets slipped into it.
8. Avoid dark and deserted areas
It’s best to stick to the crowds
When night falls, try to avoid walking down empty streets, through dimly lit parks, or along isolated beaches outside the main city strips. Also, you’ll often find the central business districts to be virtually deserted over the weekends. Petty crimes can happen in broad daylight and in the middle of a crowd, but it’s far safer than roaming through deserted places, especially after dark. On another note, street protests and strikes commonly take place in the cities. Stay informed – ask your hotel concierge beforehand to insure you have an undisturbed stay.
9. Experience community-led tours
Local perspectives on life in Rio
Some of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas have developed community tourism initiatives that give visitors the opportunity to learn more about local culture, history, and daily life. Guided visits can provide valuable insight into neighborhoods that are often misunderstood, while also supporting local businesses and community projects.
If you’d like to include a favela visit in your itinerary, take time to research operators carefully and choose tours led by local residents or reputable organizations. Small-group experiences often provide a more personal perspective, with guides sharing first-hand knowledge of the area and its community.
10. Choose the right travel insurance
Protection for every stage of your journey
Travel insurance can provide valuable support if your trip doesn’t go exactly as planned. Before traveling to Brazil, take some time to compare policies and check what’s included, particularly if you plan to take part in activities such as hiking, water sports, or guided excursions.
When reviewing policies, look closely at the coverage for medical treatment, trip cancelations, lost luggage, and personal belongings. It’s also worth checking claim limits, exclusions, and any requirements for pre-existing medical conditions so you know exactly what level of protection you’ll have during your trip.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.