I feel dismayed that my posts might convince some people that there is no crime in Rio. The Economist article and many others confirm that there is serious crime in Rio, just as there is in other large cities, but more so.

I personally do not go walking anywhere late at night alone. of course I don't do that in Nice either, nor in New York. Neither to I recommend favela visits.

Many foreign tourists seem to have great affection for favela visits and many also stay in favelas. There is an industry that supports such visits. I think they're nuts to do that. I don't ever recommend that and cannot understand the appeal of staying in a slum. Even so, I have visits the Dona Marta, Rocinha and a couple other favelas for specific purposes, but absolutely do not think that doing so is a safe practice.

Many also seem to like buying drugs. The last I heard buying drugs was a high risk business almost everywhere, and so it is here in Rio. That is also not recommended.

Carrying large amounts of money, flashy jewelry or publicly showing ones wealth is also not smart. Especially on the beach one ought not to carry anything that must be left on the beach when going in the water.

Are these any different than the notes of caution elsewhere? I don't think so, with the exception that soft drugs in Amsterdam coffee houses seem safe enough, post-ingestion behavior often is not so safe.