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Rio de Janeiro Safety Guide

Is Rio de Janeiro Safe?

Learn how locals scam tourists in Rio de Janeiro and how to avoid becoming a victim. Below you'll find Rio de Janeiro crime statistics — the probability of being robbed or attacked, information about corruption in Rio de Janeiro, safety tips and precautions.
Daytime Safety:
         
Nighttime Safety:
         
Comfort Rating

In terms of safety, visitors should remain vigilant at all times. Pay special attention in unfamiliar areas and be wary of strangers. After dark, the situation becomes more challenging – stay within well-lit, populated areas and avoid solo trips.

 
Robberies and Theft: high
Armed Robberies: high
Assaults: heightened
 
Corruption: high
Drug Issues: high
Beggars: moderate
 
Vandalism: high
Theft from Cars: heightened
Car Theft: heightened


Local Scam Alert: What to Watch For

Taxi Overcharge Scandal (High Risk) - Unlicensed taxis, often operating around airports (Galeão) and major tourist areas (Copacabana, Ipanema), may claim their meter is broken and quote an inflated flat rate. Always use officially licensed taxis or rideshare apps, and insist on using the meter to avoid getting scammed.

ATM Card Skimming (Medium Risk) - Skimmers can be placed on ATMs in busy locations like shopping malls (Shopping Rio Sul) and tourist hotspots (Santa Teresa). Use ATMs located inside bank branches and cover your pin when entering it to minimize the risk of card skimming.

Fake Beach Towels (Medium Risk) - Vendors on popular beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema) may offer low-quality towels at discounted prices, which turn out to be not what they claimed to be. Be cautious of anything that seems too cheap and consider buying from established shops for better quality.

Menu Price Manipulation (Medium Risk) - Some restaurants in tourist areas may not display prices clearly or add unexpected charges when presenting the bill, particularly near tourist attractions. Always check the menu prices ahead of ordering and confirm any added fees before settling the bill.

Photo Opportunity Racket (Medium Risk) - Street performers and caricature artists, especially around iconic sights like the Christ the Redeemer statue, may demand high fees for photos or sketches that were initially promoted as free. Politely decline offers if the price isn’t clear, and only engage with performers who have clearly communicated their rates.

Counterfeit Goods at Markets (Low Risk) - Markets such as Feira Hippie de Ipanema may sell imitation souvenirs claimed to be genuine Brazilian crafts, leading to overpaying for low-quality items. Familiarize yourself with real artisanal products and fair prices by researching beforehand to avoid being misled.

Currency Exchange Scams (Low Risk) - Some exchange kiosks, especially those in tourist zones, may offer poor rates or hidden fees disguised in their promotions. Always check rates online and use official exchange houses or ATMs for better deals, avoiding roadside or shady operators.


Scam Types and General Tips

Complete Guide to Scam Types


Tourist Reviews

All photos and texts belong to their authors
@liza_arzamasova
« We had an amazing time exploring the favelas!!! I'm absolutely thrilled! Our entire artistic "crew" soaked up experiences for a lifetime! I can't wait to share everything in detail, and I’ll post lots of photos later today. But first, let me tell you about... the hat. At the very top, after a tricky journey on these rickety little trams, while trying to take some initial photos, a gust of wind whisked my hat right into the yard of a favela resident, where we had been strongly advised not to venture. But those residents, with their notorious reputation, cheerfully scrambled down the slope and then up into the trees to retrieve my hat! They brought it back! Smiling warmly! When they learned we were from the U.S., they were thrilled! The stroll through the neighborhood felt peaceful, cozy, and welcoming! I felt right at home! )))) »
liza_arzamasova ©
@ainur_lr
« Hey everyone, Rio surprised me on the last day! The president and I got robbed on the beach right in front of the hotel. Two tall guys, really dark-skinned, approached us with knives, just like in a movie... They took my diamond ring, my phone, my backpack with money and a bunch of my favorite things (((( As wise people say, "thank God it was just money." I got in touch with another phone; this is the last photo where my phone is in my hands)))) »
ainur_lr ©
@atmosphere_southern
« Copacabana Beach, Brazil
A four-kilometer stretch of sand, arguably the most popular and famous beach in the world, and also one of the most unsafe—due to high crime rates. »
atmosphere_southern ©
@gq_fest
« Have you been to the most famous beach in the world? It's in Brazil, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. You probably know what it looks like; its photos are featured in all tourist brochures about Brazil (often alongside the Christ the Redeemer statue). In case you don’t, let me remind you: it’s five kilometers of pristine white sand, dotted with sunbathers, beach chairs, and umbrellas. However, it's not exactly a classic beach in the traditional sense: swimming here is not recommended (the ocean waves can be dangerous and unpredictable). Nevertheless, Copacabana remains the main attraction of Rio and Brazil. »
gq_fest ©
@serebriakovi
« The higher you live, the poorer you are. Lower down, there are nicer homes. They have their own cafes, schools, banks, and shops. It's like one big happy family. The Brazilian government tries to help favela residents—they built a cable car for them to travel up and down the mountain. They’re also developing many programs. This favela is almost in the city center, in the Botafogo area. Children born in the favela get used to their surroundings, but when they step outside, they see another world, and feelings of anger take over, leading them to commit theft. In reality, it's safer within the favela than outside; they don’t rob each other inside. »
serebriakovi ©
@sevanya1
« Before our trip to Rio, everyone who could warned us. There are safer and less safe areas here. Basically, the rules of behavior are the same as in all of Latin America: be cautious but friendly. And of course, at first glance, it should be clear that you're not a wealthy target, so there’s nothing to take from you. »
sevanya1 ©
@mariyabogomol
« As it often happens, after a flourishing period came a lull, and the slopes of the Santa Teresa area began to be built up with favelas. The area became unsafe, and all the wealthy residents moved far away from the center. »
mariyabogomol ©
@shnitshnit
« In Rio, a picture speaks louder than a thousand words when it comes to safety: a special subway car just for women from 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 8 PM. 🚇✨ »
shnitshnit ©
@yana.lia
« At the hotel, they advised leaving watches, rings, and all sorts of jewelry in the safe. They said it wasn't safe. »
yana.lia ©
@osmiev
« In Brazil, a killer linked to dozens of lives has been captured.

26-year-old serial murderer Seilson Jose das Grasas is escorted by police at a precinct in Nova Iguaçu, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. He was detained by officers on December 10 on suspicion of murdering a pregnant woman in the outskirts of Nova Iguaçu. The murderer confessed not only to this crime but also to the killings of 37 women, three men, and a two-year-old girl. According to him, he primarily strangled his victims, saying he did it "for the adrenaline."
(© Fabio Golcalves/REUTERS) »
osmiev ©


Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide