Is Rio de Janeiro Brazil Safe for Tourists?

I traveled to Rio de Janeiro two weeks ago and days prior to the first Confederations Cup match between Mexico and Italy. In addition, the protests about the 10 cent bus fare hike did not happen when I was there, so my views might be skewed.

Introduction to Rio de Janeiro
American Airlines MIA-GIG 767-300 Business Class
Sheraton Rio Hotel and Resort Review
The Sights and Sounds of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of Centro Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of Leblon in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of the Rocinha Favelas in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of the Rocinha Favela Children in Rio de Janeiro
The Sights and Sounds of the Rocinha Favela Economy in Rio de Janeiro
Is Rio de Janeiro Brazil Safe for Tourists?
Scam City: Rio de Janeiro Edition
The Various Eats in Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Galeao International Airport American Airlines Admiral’s Club
American Airlines GIG-MIA (Rio de Janeiro to Miami) 767-300 Business Class

When I visited Rio de Janeiro, I felt completely safe when I traveled during the day. I did not go out at night past 9pm.

I traveled via the local onibus throughout the day and I did not feel that I was going to be robbed. Keep your belongings together like any bus ride in a major metropolitan city.

Even, the bus drivers and the turnstile operator were nice. I told her I was going towards Lapa and she replied “Lapa, Lapa, Lapa, Lapa” with a big smile!

Be aware that the buses can get crammed especially during rush hour. Basically they will cram you like sardines and they don’t reject any paying passenger even if it looks full. If you need to exit the bus, please be sure to do so in the back.

The main tourist beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon have tourist police on sight. Many of them stand on the sidewalks and there are several police stations within the area as well.

As you walk through the outskirts of Centro Rio de Janeiro, you might come across homeless people sleeping in the streets. You might not feel safe walking alone on the outskirts of Centro Rio de Janeiro. You would be safe walking towards the hustle and bustle of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Graffiti is a huge problem in Rio de Janeiro. It’s everywhere and the Brazilian government couldn’t stop it, so they decriminalized it. It’s now considered a work of art and the new street art movement. If you see graffiti in an area, don’t assume it’s a dangerous area because it’s everywhere.

Be careful of underground tunnels and take caution.

Be careful going into a non-pacified favela. I recently went to the pacified Rocinha favelas, but I went with a tour guide. If you are interested in favelas, I would highly recommend you go with a tour guide since they have agreements with the local drug lords and will grant you safe passage. Otherwise, it’s not safe to go into a favela by yourself.