I am american and going to visit the favelas of brazil. Can someone tell me about the etiquette I should know?

Answer 1

DON'T GO!
If you do go, don't dress nice, speak Portuguese good, don't carry any "nice" things like jewelry and watches.
Beware not to get shot or kidnapped

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Don't let them know your American

Answer 2

Well, I wonder why you're doing that, but... I'm brazilian, live in Rio next to a favela. Rocinha is not as safe as it was. But if you are going with someone who knows the place and is brazilian, you can go anywhere with no danger. The people from drugs have their codes, and one of them is don't create problems inside the favela, because it could bring the policeman. So if you're not alone, and if at the moment you are there, they're not fighting the police, the favela is as safe as any other place in town.

Answer 3

About Rio's favelas and assuming you're going with a guide and group.

There are some favelas I safe for you to go, Rocinha is one of them. They are used to tourists and there.

About the etiquette .... they are poor people who strugle with violence in a daily basis. Yet, they are very friendly!

You can take your camera and stuff, but ask for permission to take each photo!

If someone invite you for a coffe, don't be afraid! They are just being kind .... and keep in mind you're like an alien for them! They think all the american people are rich and special .... like movie stars!

Don't look like you pitty them! Noone likes it, right!?

Try not to wear your best outfitn nor bran new snickers.

You problably won't have any contact with the drogdealers. But you may see some teens carring guns! These are the "soldier" guarding their territory. Just don't stare anybody!

If you see any policeman in the area.... then you should be afraid!

***That being said..... I don't think it is the best time for you to visit any favela in Rio. There's been kind of a war going on. ( Militias are trying to take over the favelas and banish the drogdealers chiefs from the command.)

Answer 4

Be friendly, do not have a discusted look on your face regardless of what you see, do not act as if u came from a "superior" country. Try to use portuguese as much as possible even if people lough at you, its in their brazilian spirit to try to help out. younger kids might no english a bit more due to internet and video games. if u are a typical american you will draw atention but if you go during the day you should be fine. the drug lords dont like that turists get robbed in the favelas because it draws attention from the police and hurts their business. the big favelas are used to turists. However I advise you not to go at night, even if your on a taxi, (at night) make sure the driver knows the correct signals (if any) to give as he enters the favela.( some have codes such as blanking your lights a couple time b4 entering...etc)

Answer 5

You don't mention the city or cities that you will be visiting. If you are going to Rio, you can take organized tours of a favela or even stay overnight in one.

If you don't go with an organized group, the way to visit a favela is in the company of a trusted local. If you don't have friends who live or work in favelas, start mining your contacts now to find somebody to accompany you.

Answer 6

If you must go, don't ever go at night and make sure you have an escort of some kind. Don't carry anything that might look expensive (including your clothes). It's true that there are several kidnappings, drug "wars", constant battles between the police and the gangs, and murder. Be VERY VERY careful! I'd strongly advise you NOT to go to the "favelas" (especially in Rio), but on the other hand, it's a (very dangerous) way to see the REAL Brasil.

Answer 7

The etiquete who you will should is one specialist local man (www.jeeptour.com.br) Im from Brazil, Brasilia capital. I lived in Rio de Janeiro 18 years and I know Rio de Janeiro since 47 years. Now Rio de Janeiro is very careful because trafics war and some police died. But, febrery is month very good to go to Rio because the trafics dancin at carnaval. Most favela people is workman and outhes is traficman. The traficman is very danger. The drog is used by good classes societs have condiotions to use. The favelaman no is very bad, but have feet the traficsman. Traficsman life in war wich policeman. However, all carefull because YOU will need a especialist FRIEND in Rio, who know favelas. Have one service in Rio for american visit favelas, who use cars (green JEEP) and I dont know his number, but if y speak spanish you disc XXX 021102. Dont go to favelas at night, dont go to favelas only BECAUSE IS VERY DANGER as IRAQ. For my good informations www.jeeptour.com.br is good service to visit favelas and have enghish informationes.

NEVER GO TO STREET the name -LINHA VERMELHA (RED LINE) because war between traficsman and policeman . Rio have good people. But beutiful is ANGRA DOS REIS and RIO DAS OSTRAS and there no have war civil betwen trafics and no have thiefs ant speak spanish there. Ok

Answer 8

I am also an American that visited favelas in Rio. My number one advice is to BE CAREFUL AND ALERT. Don't bring anything expensive with you and don't try to attract attention. Your best bet is to go with someone who speaks Portuguese and knows the ropes. Going alone is not a wise idea.

Answer 9

Be careful, If possible, I would avise a guide to go with you as apparently kidnappings are rife due to the poverty and gang warfare. If at all possible, it really just aint worth going. Your gonna be a sitting duck, mate

Answer 10

Its the wrong time right now. The violence is way beyond what you would imagine and the unexpected can happen any moment. I would advise you not to go. Not worth the risk.