still...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_c...akes_ipod.html

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.

I've been to Rio many times, and for several NYE's.

Boooked next week for a hotel with ocean balcony room smack in middle of Atlantica.

I've travelled to over 100 countries and am a big guy, and am pretty aware of stuff around me.

Having said that walking around Copa beach promenade at night is SURELY pretty safe?

Glen

Be carefull in Rio. Avoid big digital cameras, watches on your walkings. There are a lot of thieves prepared to assault tourists.

Going to Rio soon and while we are pretty well prepared, I am still unsure about what to do about the DSLR camera. It seems like the main tip is to carry it in a plastic bag and just take it out really quickly when we want to take a photo, but that still seems awfully! Was thinking a backpack might be more discreet (we are both young so it wouldn't look out of place), but I don't know. Thoughts?

Your thinking is correct...In March we were in RIO and carried the camera in a beach bag, and quickly took it out to take pictures...We were told never carry any bag at night.

Don't you mean SURELY pretty foolish?

Walking around Copacabana beach at night is tantamount to an invitation to be robbed.
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I just returned from Rio. My friend and I feel the need to shout from the rooftops that Rio is safe for tourists. We never felt threatened or scared. We walked everywhere, day and night. We carried purses (small). We made it a point not to stick out. We learned some portuguese so we could not stand out. We went to Lapa for samba and Maracana for soccer. Fun and comfortable. I have to think that those who are afraid in Rio have limited city sense. I live in Chicago and I know where to go and how to act so as to not invite trouble. Its the same in this city. Stay away from favelas! Dont go on the tour like you are on safari. Pay attention while you are taking all those pictures. There are police on the beach in Copa and Ipanema so relax and enjoy the views. I love this city and I will be going back. You should too!

Good for you SMITTY.

We just returned from Manaus, Rio/Niteroi, Joao Pessoa, and Fortaleza; Wonderful time, and no problems.

Almost all problems I have ever had in Brazil have been when I was at the beach. I think knowing that you need to be extra careful and not looking too touristy helps greatly.

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.)

In other words, what you are saying is Americans shouldn't go because they can't blend in with the locals.

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 . . . .

No, I am saying don't wear the clueless tourist look. If you notice, the locals are very at ease but talk to any of them and they will let you safety never leaves their mind. I agree, the Brazilians are amazing people. And new hotels are going to becoming with the 2014 Soccer and 2016 Olympics.

we rented an apartment and it was really nice. We were in Ipanema just a few blocks from the beach. Cheaper than a hotel and way nicer.