Originally Posted by
newyorkgeorge
Missed this thread in 2009. I go to Rio about 4-5 per year and always hang out in Ipanema. Here is my advise.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS be aware of EVERYONE around you. What occured to the OP is rare for the beach sidewalk so its very easy to get relaxed and forget about your surrondings. Walk like you have somewhere to be and are damned determined to be there on time. Leave the IPod and Camera home at night. Walk with a minimal amount of cash, one credit card, and a photo of your Passport.
Ipanema is no different than NYC. The police can't be everywhere and bag things do happen from time to time.
Very good advice. As I said, what was described in the post could have occurred anywhere, even in AMS. As a frequent visitor to Rio, I can tell you that you just need to be cautious, a normal precaution you are supposed to take when visiting any major city in the world. Rio is an international city, a major tourist gateway, and therefore it is normal that certain types of crimes could happen with higher incidence. This should by no means deter you from visiting this extraordinary city.
Rgs,