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Security in Rio
The first questions almost every newcomer has is about the security in Rio. There is no standard answer to it; like in most big cities it all depends on where, when, how and with who. So what should you think about? Where?
In general I can only say, go with your gut instinct, if it feels dodgy it probably is. Itīs of course important to know where you are going, stay on the main streets if you are unsure. A really good guideline is to stick to the places where other Brazilians are, if you are suddenly alone or just with shady characters go back to where you came from. Your security in Rio is guaranteed by always being aware. When?
The aspect of time cannot be stressed enough hard enough. For instance the City Center is perfectly safe during commercial hours, but after the shops close it is one of the worst places to be. The main streets in Copacabana and Ipanema are fine until say 9 PM, but after that you have to keep your eyes open. Taxis are cheap, sharing one is many times the best option. How?
Leave all the fancy clothes at home with your valuables, donīt wave around with your camera. Observe how the people in Rio behave and try to copy, by doing that you minimize the risc of getting robbed. If you do get robbed, surrender the money and the valuables without resistance, itīs money or your life you know... With Who?
Of course the fact of being a larger group makes things safer, itīs hard to believe that a rugby team from New Zeeland would get a lot of hassle from street thugs. In many areas you are also safe because you are with someone from the area. This is particularily true in the favelas, it is no place to go unless you are with someone from the community. Dont Get Cocky!
Most people experience Rio a lot safer than itīs reputation and in many ways itīs true. The biggest dangers in Rio take place in areas where gringos never go. The shootouts between gangs and police kill thousands of people every year but most of them take place in the favelas or in Zona Norte. This doesnīt mean that Rio is a safe place, keep your head on your shoulders and do like the Cariocas and youīll be fine. Your security in Rio will be a lot better if you stick to the unwritten rules. The Danger Areas - The city center after commercial hours Once again I stress the fact that this area becomes a no go zone weekdays after 7 PM, Saturdays from 4 Pm and the whole Sunday.
- The surroundings of Santa Teresa This neighbourhood is circled by favelas. Make sure you know where you are going and walking down to Lapa, especially at night, is not to recommend.
- Favelas In most favelas you have an ongoing drug traffic, police regularly go in and bloody shootouts is the result. Visiting a favela, if not on a favela tour, should always be done with someone who lives or works there. The late night to early morning is the riskiest. There is no place that is worse for security in Rio than a favela at war.
- Highways Because of car robbers and stray bullets it is not safe to travel the big highways, Linha Vermelha, Linha Amarela and Avenida das Americas at night, though they are not in the areas you are very likely to frequent at night.
- Tunnels on foot Say no more.
- Parks at night Itīs not a good idea at any point to carry any valuables in Parque do Flamengo or nightime in any other park.
- Lagóa after sundown After dark it is deserted and nowhere to be strolling. Get a cab back and from the quiosques.
- Streets at night When the streets are empty, take a cab.
- The beaches at night At night the beaches are deserted and yes, avoid them. The beachwalk in Copacabana is quite safe since it is well lit and have commerce 24h.Drugs
Itīs easy to get fooled to believe that the view on drugs in Rio is liberal. Most young people have, but the Law and the Police donīt. The cloud of pot smoke hanging over Posto 9 on the beach in Ipanema is in no way sanctioned by the city. Although 95% of all arrests result in a bribe handed over to the Policemen there are cases of foreigners getting deported for smoking a joint. The friendly hippie guys on the beach or on the board walk offering you "something to smoke amigo?" are very likely in collaboration with some police officer waiting just around the corner. Donīt take chances, it can get very expensive! Conclusion
By writing about security in Rio my aim is not to scare you off, Iīm just trying to make you avoid trouble. Rio is a big city and having this info may help you to enjoy all the wonderful stuff it has to offer without any hassle. Oh, I almost forgot, always carry a copy of your passport with you, it can avoid a lot of trouble from insistant officers of the law.
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