Originally Posted by newyorkgeorge

Whatever you do, do not leave anything of value around unless you have someone you trust to watch it. A few years ago a guy sitting about ten feet from me had all of his stuff stolen because he fell asleep (the only people that were around were those passing out the numerous flyers to clubs so I'm sure it was them.) In fact, try not to bring anything of real value to the beach, just some money and maybe one credit card well hidden.

If you want to take pictures, return to the beach later to take them. I do take my Iphone with me but keep the actual phone out of view (although I'm listening to music.) I would never leave it alone.

Glad to hear you are not a big drinker. Along with the 200 pound guy that is burnt red from the sun, and wearing black tube socks and bermuda shorts, nothing attracts the thieves more than a drunk unaware of his surroundings.

Originally Posted by VidaNaPraia

Anything, even the smallest thing, has value to someone whose family barely eats or who may be living on the street. Most have moral values, though.

It is fairly common in Brazil to ask the person next to you to watch whatever you do bring to the beach while you go in for a swim, though. So choose to sit next to someone who looks trustworthy :-) or at least has as much stuff as you. Then they may ask the same of you, to watch their things. Guys have it easy, though, 'cause their swim trunks usually have pockets. (unless you dare to wear a sunga/speedo :-)

Also note that the water in Rio may still be fairly cold for swimming, even if the air temp is nice for sitting out in the sun in the afternoon.

Originally Posted by galego

If you want to "blend in", try and find a t-shirt with some nonsensical English phrasing on it ("fashion pirate"... "world car race championship") to go with the obligatory tiny speedos

Get some over the top Oakleys that make you look like a cyborg

A few sit-ups wouldn't hurt either.

Try and match the local hand gestures

word, a few years back, after an 18 hour bus ride, I fell asleep on top of my bag on the beach in Salvador. Woke up to 3 dudes in rather fetching speedos pulling it from under me. At that point it's usually best to just let it go.

You could ask someone 'trustworthy' to watch your things, but how about one step further? Ask the most trustworthy and attractive looking person to watch your things

Some people leave their stuff with a barraca owner too