How dangerous is Rio really?

Question

I will be in Rio and would like to know how dangerous it really is? Is it that bad?

Answer 1

Rio is as dangerous as you want to make it.  If you go looking for trouble you will find it.  Be street smart and keep most of your money in your hotel/apartment, don't wear fancy jewelry, don't flash cash, avoid the slums, etc. etc. etc.  Check your bill at restaurants, bars, cafes etc as some places will pad the bill.  Watch out for little kids, especially groups of them, as they tend to attempt to mug tourists (just trying to survive is their point of view).  If walking alone at night, ask others (tourists) if they mind you walking with them--most will enjoy the company and know why.  

My beach bag was stolen on Copacabanna Beach (I fell asleep) but all I lost was a cheap disposable camera and a paperback book.  Had my cash and apartment key on me.  

If you do nothing but worry about the dangers of Rio you won't enjoy the trip.

Answer 2

Rio is one of the world's most dangerous place.

The gangs are so trained on tourists and any one is a target.

But, safety is something that Brazilians learn from cradle. So you just have to take precautions with the picker pockets and not carry your bag without holding firmly to it.

DON"T wearer clothes that tell the whole world you are not from there. Try to mingles. Dress casual and have fun.

I am Brazilian.

Answer 3

Rio is big city, with 6,2 million people (12,7 million in metro area) and therefore is very dangerous.

Answer 4

Rio is like any other large city, it has his troubled spots. Because there are millions of people, that is going to be some trouble. It has places that are safer then others, you should get a good guide book that explains this. If you are on business, your host should know the areas. If you are on vacation do some research. There are ratings for hotels online, and I always recommend a tour of the city before venturing out. Again, this would be rated online. Your impression is classic media slant, you only hear the bad things. I have traveled to Brazil on 3 different occasions, and had no issues. I felt safer in some cities then I have in New York. I recommend that you work on the language too. It just makes things easier. BTW - There are other places in Brazil that are amazing.

Answer 5

Extremely dangerous... Lots of slums and a million gangsters in it. It´s the city of the thieves.

Answer 6

I live in São Paulo and I never went to Rio because I am so afraid of kidnap or bullets (the people from trafic there have AR 15, heavy firearm and sometimes people get shoot with a missing bullet.

But see, these kind thing not happen in Buzios, or places more distant, it is just near to the slums

Answer 7

In general, it's pretty dangerous. However, if you are just going to Copacabana and/or Ipanema Beaches you should be ok. Watch out for pick pockets wherever you go. In the tourist areas you should be fine. Just try to buddy up if you can!

Answer 8

If you want go to Brazil Floripa is wonderful and safe!Rio de Janeiro has some problems now! but Brazil is no dangerous!!!!I think Rio de Janeiro is dangerous!

Answer 9

It depends on your attitude. Check the website:

Answer 10

I am a foreigner and lived in rio for about 5 months, not to mention other cities around the state. I walked around in normal areas, nothing fancy, nothing bad. I felt perfectly safe and fine. I'm also not an idiot and knew where the slums where to avoid. Downtown is beautiful and breathtaking, just like you see in pictures. Some areas are really nice and you would feel absolutely safe in. Its worth the trip. Its like any other city w/ problems but thats not to say you will get assaulted. People overexagerate about Rio.

Answer 11

Rio de janeiro is very dangerous ,is how you are in Iraraq.

There is a civil war.

I am Brasilian and I knouw what I say.

Why don't you go to Salvador Bhaia is fantastic.

Answer 12

All right, let me tell ya smtng. Everybody is saying that Rio is Super Dangerous,but you just gotta stay tuned and obviously don't go on the street with a huge diamond... I've been there 10000000 timed and nothing never ever happened to me. Of course that I don't go on the street near the "favela" at night. But you just gotta show them that you care if they come to talk to you and be nice. They are just unfortunate people.

Answer 13

From what I've heard from people who have gone there, it IS very dangerous. There are carjackings all over the place and the police do nothing about it. They're outnumbered. Be careful.

Answer 14

I am from Rio and I NEVER HAVE BEEN STOLEN IN ALL MY LIFE!  In Rio you are very rich or very poor. It is a big city like "LA" in  USA. São Paulo is like NY (business). Of course we try don't take the attention. If you do that they steal you! Thieves think every American is rich.  Who lives here know where is dangerous but sometimes we must go there. Well I read P.Salms 91 always when I go there. It really works :) And so sad see Brazilians saying like that :( Our country could have problems but it is our country people.

Answer 15

Rio's just like any other big city.. It's not that dangerous as everyone says, but just don't walk around with a bunch of diamond necklaces..

It's okay, don't worry.. lol..