Originally Posted by
newyorkgeorge
When at the beach, never leave your belongs unattended. You are ok with the Ipod, but stick it in your bag. Leave the camera at home, it screams tourist.
If you look at most of the locals this is what they are doing. The chair/drink vendors are good about policing the beach to. I have seen them run people off.
Best advise, blend in with the locals. Of course, most Americans I see there will never be able to look locale (bermudas past their kneeds, huge belly, red toasted sun burn skin, huge camera swinging around their neck.)
Funny, a year or two ago I recall distinctly walking along Ipanema on the beach side, with my wife and kids, and a taxi pulling up right next to us. Out walked three older American tourists. Tan cargo shorts, white socks slightly above the ankle, white tennis shoes, polo shirts and at least one or two had cameras over their shoulder. I said to myself, "oh my . . . ."
We've been to Rio a few times. Love the city. Have never felt ill at ease or threatened. Yes, we try to blend in, yes we don't carry large cameras, jewelry, etc. Having said all that, we are aware of the possibility of crime, more so than in other cities we visit. Likely because of what we know, from locals and from others. On the other hand, the locals could not be nicer or more friendly. We plan to return later this year.
Now, if Rio would just get with the program and build/develop some better hotels . . . .