Are you dreaming of visiting the famous, gorgeous beaches of Rio but getting discouraged by everyone telling you how dangerous it is? In this post, I’ll go over why Rio de Janeiro is perfectly safe (from a solo female traveler’s experience) and why you shouldn’t worry about visiting.
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When most people think about Rio de Janeiro, pristine beaches, the birthplace of Samba, and beautiful, dark Brazilians are some of the things that come to mind – am I right?
However, what might also come to mind is the possible dangers and violence of this “crime-ridden city run by rival gangs”. While there may have been some truth to this in the past, Rio’s crime rate is steadily decreasing and for the most part, doesn’t affect tourists.
If you are concerned about the safety of Rio, worry no more, I’ve got you covered! Here are several encouraging reasons why Rio de Janeiro is perfectly safe for tourists plus safety tips to keep in mind.
5 Reasons Rio de Janeiro is Perfectly Safe for Travelers
1 Rio is Not Anymore Dangerous than Major US Cities
Okay, so this one might sting a little bit if you think that America is almighty and free from crime because newsflash… ITS NOT!
America has the highest incarceration rate and more mass shootings than any other country in the world. According to a Forbes article ranking the 15 most dangerous cities in the US, my hometown of Richmond, Virginia is number 15 on the list.
While I wouldn’t think Richmond is that dangerous, I do pretty frequently hear gunshots and hear about people getting shot regularly. There is no way you can convince me that Rio de Janeiro is more dangerous than that.
Furthermore, rounding out the top 3 spots are St Louis, Missouri; Birmingham, Alabama; and Baltimore, Maryland. My point is that danger is everywhere but does that mean you wouldn’t go visit The Gateway Arch?
I would rather “take the risk” and travel to foreign lands to experience the world than stay in my hometown where the possibility of getting shot in a mall is a real possibility. I hope you see my point and view danger as a rather subjective topic.
On that same note, can any major city ever really be 100% safe? There is likely always a level of risk when traveling to popular cities so I wouldn’t let that stop you from visiting somewhere you’ve always dreamed about.
2 Consider Your Source: Is the Person Telling You It’s Dangerous Know From Experience or From “The News”
To sort of piggyback off the first reason, danger can be subjective. Yes to a certain extent, we can all agree that danger is danger but at the same time, we all have different life experiences that determine how comfortable we feel in certain situations.
Once again, if you’re comparing it to America, then statistics show that Rio is safer. However, if you are comparing the dangers to many European countries, then yes Rio could be more dangerous.
Many times people speak from what they have heard not from what they actually know. Many people also get their opinions from the news. But let’s be honest, when does the news ever have anything positive to share?
It’s important to take these opinions with a grain of salt unless you know for certain that the person giving you advice has the experience to back it up. Don’t let people who have never done it themselves, deter you.
Being a solo female traveler, this happens often to me. People who have never left the country try to tell me that I shouldn’t go to Jordan because the Middle East is dangerous. Even though Jordan ended up being one of the safest countries I’ve been to.
3 Rio is a Leading Tourist Destination With Millions of Annual Visitors & Kind/Helpful Locals
Rio de Janeiro is likely the most beautiful seaside city you will ever visit. The views are so picturesque with mountains peaking out all around the beach landscapes. There’s a reason Rio is such a huge tourist destination!
On average, 2 million foreign tourists visit Rio de Janeiro every year. This is important to note because the more tourists a place attracts, the more the city relies on the revenue the tourism industry brings in.
It is in Rio’s best interest to keep the city as safe as possible for tourists. They only have more to gain from visitors coming to spend their money there. Plus if it was that dangerous then it wouldn’t be a growing tourist destination.
Along the same lines, Brazilians are kind and helpful towards visitors. I found that not as many people spoke English as I would have expected but they were still friendly and aware nonetheless.
One day, while at Copacabana Beach, everyone started to clap but it wasn’t in a celebratory way but more so to draw attention to an issue. I asked around and it turns out a child got lost from his parents so people clapped to let the parents know the child was found.
It turns out that this is a common practice that is also done when something has been stolen to let everyone know there has been a theft. I thought that was super interesting but also showed how honest and helpful the locals are which made me feel safer.
4 Uber is Accessible & a Safe Way to Get Around
One of the main recommendations I was advised was to avoid riding the public bus at night. This is when pickpocketing is more common. Luckily Uber is just as accessible and easy to use as it is in the States.
Uber is the safest way to get around Rio while also being affordable. The perk of using Uber is that your ride is always being tracked. The drivers even ask you for a personalized code to verify your ride before you take off.
As well as being the safest option, it’s also a great way to make sure you don’t get scammed by taxi drivers. It’s not uncommon to be quoted one price just to have the driver demand a higher price later.
That being said, I only took Ubers at night. During the day I felt safe taking public transportation or walking/biking around the city.
5 Crime is Decreasing & Localized (Places to Avoid)
Serious crime in Rio de Janeiro has been decreasing in recent years. In the past, it was much higher than it is now. Even so, it’s important to know that violent crime is generally localized in certain neighborhoods and mainly favelas.
Favelas, also known as slums, are run-down areas all over the city where poor people reside. While the residents are generally hardworking and honest locals, the area tends to be dangerous because of the gangs affiliated with these favelas.
Often the violent crime is between rival gangs or due to drug trafficking. This is one reason that most people will advise you to stay away from favelas because the risk of crime is more likely.
It’s important to realize that this does not generally pose a threat to tourists who are visiting all the main attractions. Of course, nowhere is ever completely safe so you do run the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But no higher risk than being caught in a mass shooting in America, for example. My point is to change how you view and assess danger. You shouldn’t let these small risks stop you from traveling and experiencing the world. You are more at risk for petty theft, which is always a risk while traveling, than any other violent crime.
Places to Avoid in Rio
Any Favelas: While some favelas are supposedly less dangerous than others, it’s still best to avoid these areas. Guided tours are offered to see these favelas up close but once again, do so at your own risk. Some of these favelas are Rocinha, Complexo do Alemão, and Cidade de Deus (City of God).
Santa Teresa (At Night): Santa Teresa is a hip and popular neighborhood with many bars and restaurants and a great art scene. However, it’s advised to avoid walking around here at night due to an increase in theft.
Lapa (At Night): Like many areas in Rio, Lapa during the day is a popular tourist area but can get a little sketchy at night. This area has a popular nightlife and bar scene but be cautious about walking around by yourself at night. Stay in groups!
Safe Neighborhoods in Rio
Copacabana: Copacabana is likely one of the safest places you can stay. This neighborhood boasts the famous Copacabana beach but also many hotels, bars, and restaurants. As well as a lovely “boardwalk” where you can walk or bike right along the beach.
Ipanema: This neighborhood gained fame with the popular song The Girl From Ipanema. It’s a tourist-friendly area with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and of course – the beach!
Botafogo: Botafogo is a neighborhood in between almost everything. It’s close enough to the beaches but also close enough to downtown. There are many restaurants and bars here as well.
Cosme Velho: My hostel was in Cosme Velho and not only did I feel safe but it is known as a safe neighborhood. It is pretty far away from the beaches and other main tourist areas but it is close to the tram that takes you up to Christ the Redeemer. There is also a nearby bus station which makes it easy to get around.
Tips & Tricks to Stay Safe in Rio de Janeiro
Don’t Walk Around Alone/Take the Bus at Night
It’s best to avoid going out at night in general when you’re traveling in a new country. This is especially a good practice in Rio. As most mothers would warn, nothing good happens after 10 p.m. It’s better to have early mornings and spend the evenings back in your hotel.
Be Extra Aware of Your Surroundings
An important habit to get into while traveling is to always be aware of your surroundings. This means not only the people around you but also you in relation to other people. I find that tourists tend to stop in the middle of their tracks to gawk at something.
Not only does this make you an obvious target but it’s also inconvenient to others around you. If you find yourself in a situation that feels unsafe, listen to your gut and leave the area.
Don’t Leave Anything Unattended at the Beach
This is a big one! Don’t leave anything unattended while at the beach. Unless you won’t miss it if it gets stolen. Petty theft is common at beaches where people are distracted and enjoying the water. It’s best to leave all valuables back in your hotel.
Use a Crossbody Fanny Bag With Your Most Important Valuables
Traveling with a small and secure crossbody bag (shoulder fanny pack) is always the best idea. This way all of your cash, credit cards, and passports will be close to you and in sight most of the time. It gives me more peace of mind when I’m traveling for sure.
Hopefully, this post has allowed you to rethink what defines a place as dangerous or even safe for that matter. Rio de Janeiro quickly became one of the best places I’ve visited and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out because they’re afraid. It has so much culture, charm, incredible views, and beautiful beaches that you’re destined to have a wonderful time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to walk in Rio de Janeiro at night?
If you’re going to be walking around at night, it’s always best to stay in groups rather than alone. As long as you stay in well-lit areas in safe neighborhoods, you should be just fine. Avoid dark alleys or sketchy neighborhoods. If you’re going a long way it’s better to just order an Uber.
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for female tourists?
Yes! I recently traveled as a solo female and felt perfectly safe. I didn’t even get as much unwanted attention from men as I normally do when traveling alone. Just be smart and follow your gut and you should be safe!
Is Rio a friendly city?
From my experience, Cariocas (people from Rio) were super kind and welcoming. They were quick and eager to help when needed. Rio de Janeiro is a very warm and lively city!
Are taxis in Rio safe?
The main taxi scam that occurs in Rio is deciding on one price just for the driver to try and raise it before you get off. You should always say no when offered a free taxi ride as well as this is also a scam. While taxis are not unsafe it’s best to rely on Uber where your ride can be tracked and the price is fixed.
For more posts on Brazil, you may also like:
- Astonishing Climbing in Rio: Topping Out at Christ the Redeemer
- 5 Stunning Reasons You Need To Do a Helicopter Tour in Rio de Janeiro
- Copacabana Beach: What It’s Like Visiting Rio’s Famous Shore
