Hold on! Don't panic. I have good news for you who is crazy to visit Rio but somehow a bit suspicious (or afraid) about stories on violence and thieves... Well, first you have to understand that Rio de Janeiro is not a heaven, but, honestly, which city is safe now days? Which popular and world wide famous big city can guarantee 100% safety to its visitors and inhabitants? New York? The good news is that with the coming events like the world cup in 2014 in Brazil and the Olympic games hosted in Rio in 2016, relevant improvements in public safety are taking place in Rio de Janeiro. Investments both from the private sector and the government are boosting a new policy and a new shape to Rio de Janeiro guard and since 2009 are finally providing to Rio de Janeiro citzens (also known as "Cariocas") a so expected feeling of safety - and all the tourist can benefit from these changes. There was never a better time to visit Rio de Janeiro (and Brazil in general). Rio de Janeiro is a big city (the second largest city of Brazil) with a population of over 6 000 000. During many years drug dealing and criminality were a dark reality in the city life, and even now when things are much better, an important social issue among the working classes and the presence of poverty contribute to urban crime.
One of the first steps to understand Rio's life is to bear in mind you are not going to a wide jungle far away from civilization even knowing that there are paradisiac beaches and landscapes just from half hour journey by car. You are still just beside a vibrant and big "tropical metropolis" - not as vibrant and urban shaped as Sao Paulo, but you will be surprised with Rio de Janeiro's size. Once you are not visiting the outskirts of Rio you will have almost none chance of be a victim of assaults or robbery, but have in mind you are in a big city.
So, let's go for some Dos and Dont's in Rio de Janeiro to avoid any problems and guarantee your good times:
Do not walk araound hodling your absolutely fantastic iPhone last generation or your super digital camera all the time. Keep it safe, carry it on you front pocket or cover it in a simple bag (not the luxury sporty Louis Vutton). A simple travel bag is fine.
If you are visiting the city in the summer, its more likely that its going to be super hot. So, forget about those very smart sport trainers you bought wondering they would be great for a big walk in the jungle (again, Rio is a big city, full of urban life) but flip flops are 100% accepted, they will provide with a more chilled and relaxed approach in Rio - and if you are by the beach (and even if not), a good pair of flip flops like Havaianas is all you need. Take some spare simple trainers in case in engage in long walks in the green forest or for any other plan - but for simple walking on the streets and by the beach, go with Havaianas flip flop.
Its hard and impossible to not look like a tourist if your are not born in the sun of Rio, but you don't need to look an anthropologist from the ninethenth century as well. Be cool, Tshirt and shorts allowed, frech dresses for the ladies, show your legs - use a simple cap or a hat but don't overdress. In the sould of the city there's a very strict sense of body fashion dicatting that the body should be charming, not exactly the clothes. So the clothes must be just an acessory for the body. Look sportive but cool and fresh. You can do it!
In the carnival, don't take load of cash with you.
Gently hide your cash and credit cards in your private underware, but do it ina manner that you don't drop your wallet when dancing the samba in the streets. Dollar belt bags and security pockets are welcomed. Use your creativity.
Avoid a big wallet. Carry the basics - some ID and credit card are fine, just don't show them. Keep them with you.
No expensive jewelry, no golden necklace when dancing in the carnival, ok?
In the next post I will give more tips on security - this is a very controversial topic, and once more I would ask to not panic and to not give up of your holiday dream. Those are friendly tips! Have fun.
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