What are my chances of getting robbed?

Question

Hi, my husband and I are planning a week vacation to Rio in May. We are both avid travelers and have taken the regular precautionary steps while visiting other countries. In the guide books I've read, all say we should keep our cameras, etc. out of clear view from thieves on the streets. What are your experiences as far as crime in Rio? Are they just over exaggerating the risks?

Answer 1

Hello, Jo!
If you take regular precautionary steps, no matter.
Look the other people at the street. Are they using jewerlies, cameras? Than, you are like locals. Use a small bag with your things, look around all the time.
I live here since 1996 (came from a small town) and never was robbed.
And: Don't trust in the police! (Books don't say this...)
Enjoy Rio!
☼

Answer 2

I lived in Rio for four years and visit frequently. Once in an overcrowded city bus, somebody tried to pick my pocket. I pushed my way up to the front to stand near the driver and escaped that one. Another time I was sitting in a praça in Ipanema and a guy tried to distract me so that his buddy could steal the backpack that I left next to me on the bench. I noticed what was happening and kept my hand on the pack. They also failed.

I would suggest that in a city with lots of tourism and poverty, keeping your camera out of view is part of what you call "regular precautionary steps". Others include dressing modestly and in a way similar to the locals. So no flashy jewelry, no loud bermuda shorts, and no spanking new official Ronaldinho soccer jersey. Don't use ATM machines at night in abandoned areas. Don't leave valuables on the beach: only take beer money, sunglasses and sunscreen, and leave those with the guy at the kiosk you're patronizing when you go into the water.

Most big cities around the world have crime. Most have dangerous neighborhoods. So does Rio. But don't let people scare you. Take some basic precautions, relax and enjoy it.

Answer 3

if i were worried of loosing a camera to a thief i would just buy a few disposable camera's that way your not out much.I'm sure you know ,you should use travelers checks with the codes in a separate place so your money can be replaced.stay away from very crowded areas thieves love this,they can snatch your purse and be gone by the time you get the word help out of your mouth.hope I've helped some. also i have never been there ,but i am a retired thief.

Answer 4

Stay holding your purse, don't be absent-mind with your purse NEVER! Try stay with a Brazilian you know. We know the places we can go and the places we can't go. Take your camera only for pics don't show it all time only when you need. When you need it, look around. I'm Brazilian I live in Rio de Janeiro and I never was robbed. Of Course we ask God protect us every day. I think you should do the same.

Answer 5

Well you may get robbed.But when you go study alot about rio or ask someone you know that is from rio or has a friend who knows about rio.But one thing i promise you,your going to love it in rio

Answer 6

Tlhey are not exaggerating. Wear no jewelry, keep your cash in a pouch around your neck or in a money belt along with your passport. Most important is to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Answer 7

stay alert near the resort. when ever you want to go site seeing the hotel should have a reliable company they are more expensive but they are the safest. enjoy the trip and dont go out alone at night.

Answer 8

Brazil,is not just Rio
there is beautiful beaches in:
pernambuco
ceará (some most beautiful of the world)
Bahia
this places are peace is an reality.

Answer 9

30%.