The practical precautions I use in Rio: avoid displaying valuables, carry the minimum, choose official transport, take care on the beach and know whom to contact in an emergency.
Rio is welcoming, but attention still matters
Rio is a spectacular city and I found Brazilians kind and welcoming, with a warmth that reminded me of southern Italy. There is no reason to portray the city as hell or to arrive frightened. Its urban density, inequality and the close proximity of very different neighbourhoods do, however, call for attention and a few concrete precautions.
The clearest principle is simple: do not display wealth. I avoid expensive watches, visible bracelets and necklaces, use my phone and camera discreetly, and carry only what I genuinely need.
Precautions cannot guarantee that nothing will happen, and it would be wrong to reduce theft or assault to the loss of a little money. If someone attempts a robbery, I do not resist: getting away from danger and asking for help come first.
Carry only the essentials
For the beach I take a small amount of cash, one card, water and a towel. An ordinary shopping bag may attract less attention than a conspicuous beach bag, but it is not protection: I never leave my phone, money or documents unattended, even beneath clothing.
For everyday outings I carry a copy of my passport or identity document and keep the original secure at my accommodation, first checking when the original is legally required. I separate cash, cards, copies and useful contact details. Rio State’s official tourism portal also advises visitors to use a passport copy.
I use cash machines inside banks, shopping centres or other controlled premises, and exchange euros for reais only through authorised operators. When paying by card, I check the amount on the terminal before confirming.
Transport, evenings and accommodation
I use official public transport, authorised taxis or reliable ride applications. In the evening I prefer a journey planned in advance and avoid isolated streets: an area busy by day can empty quickly, and a short distance on a map is not necessarily a sensible walk.
When choosing a hotel or apartment I check the exact location, not merely the neighbourhood name. I look at the real route to the metro, restaurants and busy streets, and ask the accommodation for current advice about returning after dark.
On crowded transport I keep my bag closed and in front of me, prepare the route before leaving, and avoid standing at the kerb with my phone exposed while trying to navigate. These are simple habits that let me enjoy Rio attentively without treating everyone with suspicion.
Beach and sea: theft, drinks and currents
At Copacabana and Ipanema I take the bare minimum. Theft may rely on distraction even when somebody in the group is watching the belongings, so I never hide a phone or camera beneath a towel and I do not accept open drinks from strangers. Local tourism authorities advise visitors never to abandon a drink or leave it with an unknown person.
The ocean deserves equal respect. Waves, undertow and rip currents can be strong at Ipanema, so I choose guarded areas, follow flags and lifeguard instructions, and ask where it is safest to enter. Watching where residents swim may offer a clue, but it never replaces that day’s warnings.
If a rip current carries me away from shore, I do not try to beat it by swimming directly back. Official fire-service guidance is to remain calm, signal for help, float if necessary and move sideways, parallel to the beach, until clear of the flow. The number for the fire and rescue service is 193.
Favelas are not improvised shortcuts
I do not enter a favela alone or use one as a shortcut. Some communities lie close to coastal neighbourhoods, and a wrong turn or an automatically suggested map route may lead into an area I do not know.
If I consider a visit, I choose only a credible guided activity that is genuinely connected to the community and compatible with current warnings. Police operations and security conditions can change quickly; when the situation is unclear, I do not go.
If theft or assault occurs
In Brazil the police emergency number is 190, medical emergency assistance is 192, and the fire and rescue service is 193. I save these numbers and Italian consular contacts before travelling.
Rio has a police unit dedicated to visitors, the DEAT. The official Rio State tourism portal lists the DEAT at Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco 159 in Leblon; the currently published contact is +55 21 98596-7474 and investigacao.deat@pcivil.rj.gov.br. I still check the official page before going there because contacts and procedures can change.
I keep a copy of any police report for insurance and replacement documents, block cards and the phone immediately, and contact the Italian Consulate when necessary. The latest advice from official Brazilian authorities and Italy’s Viaggiare Sicuri service always takes precedence over a general guide.