As someone fortunate enough to visit Rio de Janeiro, I can tell you it’s truly one of the most incredible cities on the planet. From the delicious food and vibrant culture to the world-famous dance and stunning beaches, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this bustling metropolis. But is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists in 2023?
Of course, I understand if you’re hesitant to plan a trip to Rio due to safety concerns. Some areas in this city require caution, but you can easily avoid them while planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro.
So donโt let that discourage you! With the proper knowledge and preparation, you can have a fantastic time in Rio without compromising your safety.
In recent years, Rio has been investing in safer tourist zones and better-trained community police forces. Plus, digital nomads and solo travelers are reporting a greater sense of security when sticking to well-known areas and using local apps for mobility.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about staying safe in Rio de Janeiro, including the best neighborhoods to stay in, tips to avoid scams, and staying aware of your surroundings.
So let’s dive in and plan your dream trip to this incredible city!
How Safe Is Rio de Janeiro?
The city has a population of 6.748 million and is the second-largest city in Brazil. It’s a good thing the crime rate is decreasing there – as the government has started cracking down on criminals.
In Rio, the crimes and violence are location-specific. This means you can easily avoid areas like the West Zones in the city – where crime is prevalent. Locals also say it is unsafe to move towards the north, to Zona Norte. Besides that, several city neighborhoods are safe because they have good infrastructure and lower crime rates.
Plus, recently, the rates of violent crime in the city have dropped – Luckily enough, right? The current president of Brazil is cracking down hard on gang-related crime. When organized crime groups are gone, violent crime is expected to decrease.
Most of the crimes that occur in Rio De Janeiro are opportunistic crimes – which can happen anywhere. This means that in most cases, they occur where local deviants see an opportunity for quick cash – stay safe!
However, Rio de Janeiro is likely safe if you do not provide them with such an opportunity. More violent crimes like gun violence, homicide, and kidnapping are typically targeted crimes or result from gang wars – like youโve probably seen in one of those true crime shows. So, tourists are less likely to become victims of such crimes.
So if youโre wondering if Rio de Janeiro is safe – it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and if you exercise caution, you can make your trip to this city one of the most memorable.
Neighborhoods in Rio De Janeiro
Sticking to the safer neighborhoods means youโll improve your security level in Rio De Janeiro – thatโs safe and all the fun zones are right there! Plus, the timing of the day also affects the safety level. For instance, it is best to visit the tourist spots in the city during the daytime. Most tourists in the city visit the beaches during the day, which are safe for sightseeing and picnicking.
However, the same beaches can be unsafe at night. I visited the beaches in the daytime, and they were packed with tourists – so it was all good. To help you out, Iโve jotted down a list of neighborhoods to avoid and the safest ones to visit:
Rio Favelas to Avoid
Some neighborhoods in the city have some of the most dangerous favelas. Favelas are slums where the crime rates are high and are not suitable for tourists creepy vibes, right?
Also, going North in the city will get riskier, as there are unsafe favelas there. Avoid these neighborhoods as they are risky:
- Rocinha
- Complexo do Alemรฃo
- Leme
- Arpoador beaches (at night)
Let me also just tell you that all favelas are not unsafe; they are just slums where poor people have illegally occupied public spaces. The unsafe neighborhoods are in the North Zone, Zona West, and the city center. Most neighborhoods to avoid are in the North and West zones of Rio.
Is Rio de Janeiro Safe – Safest Areas to Visit
The good news is that the safest neighborhoods in Rio are also the most beautiful ones! Thatโs one of the coolest things about Rio!
So, thereโs no need to visit unsafe neighborhoods when you have all the good things to do at other locations. For the most part, the south zone is the place to be, as it is generally safer compared to the north – phew. In addition to this, it has a much higher concentration of foreigners, more tourist attractions, and lower crime rates.
The city is packed with unique and safe places, so get the most out of your trip! These are the best and safest neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro:
- Leblon
- Ipanema
- Jardim Botรขnico
- Urca
- Tijuca
Besides that, Copacabana is also a beautiful place in Rio, but I recommend you take safety measures to avoid pickpockets there – beware! The two best places for a tourist are Leblon and Ipanema, as they are packed with many entertainment options, a relaxed atmosphere, and beaches. Besides that, youโll also find plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and clubs in these neighborhoods.
Staying Safe in Rio De Janeiro
Avoiding Theft
The best thing to do as a tourist is to leave most of your valuables at home. This includes your expensive jewelry, original personal documents, cash, etc. I always tried to dress like the locals to blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb.
Pickpockets look for wads of cash, exposed wallets, and naivety, especially in areas that tourists frequently visit, like Copacabana and the famous Ipanema Beach.
Another tip you should follow is to remain vigilant no matter where you go and avoid Favela tours. That said, not all favelas are overrun by drug lords and petty crime, but it’s good to avoid these favelas.
Additionally, try not to show that the neighborhood intimidates you. No matter how vigilant I was during my trip to Rio, I acted confident and friendly with the locals. On the other hand, Iโve heard from other tourists who were too reserved and unfriendly, and the locals kept staring at them. If you are too fearful, it can make the locals unfriendly toward you if you approach them. Instead, try to be friendly and pleasant when speaking to the citizens.
Avoiding Scams
Even though the locals are usually friendly, be careful if someone offers to help you without asking. Also, when at restaurants or any stores that accept card payments, don’t hand your credit or debit card over to them and let them take it away. For example, while visiting the city, I used to ask them to bring the machine to the table for me. Plus, I always used ATMs in places like the bank, your hotel, or the airport to be on the safe side.
Another popular scam is the cab scam, where a driver claims you underpaid after swapping the cash you paid with a lesser denomination without your noticing.
Gang Violence
If youโre thinking is Rio de Janeiro safe – then it might help you to know that you are at little risk of getting involved in gang violence if you just stick to moving around during the day, visiting typical tourist attractions, moving around with a partner or group of people, and minding your own business. As a tourist, you might want to avoid exploring the favelas and poking around to prevent armed robberies.
Car Accidents
Refrain from banking on the traffic lights when moving around in Rio – especially during carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro. Instead, stay vigilant at all times. Look left, right, and left again when crossing the road. Pay attention to other drivers as much as you do yourself if you are driving a rented car. Also, beware of drunk drivers – itโs unsafe!
Hold a Map
This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area upon arrival. I used a physical map and my phone’s GPS to get familiar with the area I was staying in. This is especially useful if you plan a longer stay, say two weeks or more.
Familiarize Yourself With the Language
The language of Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish. Good for you if you already knew that. One of the most embarrassing and rude things you can do is approach a local in Rio speaking Spanish and look proud of yourself for “knowing” the language.
Of course, believing you can learn Portuguese fluently before your trip to Rio is unrealistic. But learning basic common phrases like “please,” “thank you,” “sorry,” “excuse me,” and “where is… ” can be mighty helpful. Apart from the fact that it would be easier to communicate with the locals – it would endear you to them and make them see you less like an ignorant tourist.
Also, you will be able to get invaluable local advice and tips on staying safe from the locals since they know the area best.
Dress the Part
Another thing you want to look out for is the way you dress. I mentioned earlier that you should shop in Rio to blend in with the locals. Also, make sure you keep beach wear for the beach. Walking around in beach shorts in the streets will make you stick out as a tourist. Although the weather in Brazil can get pretty hot, stick to jeans and a loose T-shirt or similar attire – comfy and stylish!
Go Easy on Drinking
If thereโs one thing you can look forward to in Brazil, itโs the parties. Brazilโs clubs and internationally acclaimed carnival testify to its party prowess. However, one of the worst things you can do in Rio (or any unfamiliar city) is get careless and drunk in public – especially if you carry valuables. Even if you aren’t, you’re just better off sober. So, go easy on the drinking, my friend.
Also, carefully observe your drinks and food. Never leave your cup, or any of your items, for that matter, unattended. Date-rape drugs are pretty easy to obtain and use on unsuspecting tourists – yikes!
Carry Cash Inconspicuously
Generally, it would be best to leave most of your bling bling at your accommodation. However, having a little money with you is necessary when moving around the city. Keeping the money in your pocket may not be the best idea, depending on where you are and the time of day. If you are ever in doubt, keep cash in your socks or shoes, where it is less likely to be stolen.
Avoid Walking Alone at Night
No matter where you are, it is safer not to walk alone at night. But this is a helpful tip, especially in an unfamiliar city. You can move around with a partner or group of friends to be on the safe side.
Skip the Buses
Be careful when using public transport, as you may be exposed to sketchy characters. Crowded city buses are notorious for being unsafe, especially for tourists. So it is advisable to skip them. Instead, you can get around using ride-hailing services like Uber, or the yellow taxis you’ll see around. The yellow taxis are the licensed ones, so they’re generally safe.
Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel’s receptionist for advice on the safest transportation methods. The metro is also relatively safe to use, and unlike most major cities – you are less likely to meet weird characters on the train. It is also quite clean – spick and span!
Conclusion
You know, I’ve always been a sucker for places that tell a story, and Rio de Janeiro is like a whole collection of them! It’s one of those places you can explore on your own, with friends, or even with your family.
But is Rio de Janeiro safe? Yes, I’ve heard the chatter about safety issues. But honestly, I didn’t find the city to be a den of crime. Staying safe is all about sticking to those basic safety rules we all know and love.
Let me tell you, I’ve learned that a bit of street smarts, staying alert, and following safety tips go a long way in ensuring that you get the most out of the city. I would say a visit to Rio is definitely worth it. Just exercise a little caution, as you would anywhere else, and trust me, Rio will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. I’ve even got it on my must-visit list!
So, if you’ve been unsure about making a move, take this as a friendly push in the right direction and book that ticket!
