Rio de Janeiro safety tips for tourists

At a glance

What the official advisories say

The three governments give much the same advice: keep valuables out of sight, watch your drink, and travel only by official transport.

Practical advice from the three governments

Phone and bag in the street

The FCDO says to avoid using a mobile phone in the street, especially between 4pm and 9pm. Check your route inside a café or a hotel lobby. Canada advises against carrying large amounts of cash or visible valuables, so leave expensive watches and jewellery at home and keep your passport and spare cash in the hotel safe.

Beach

Do not take valuables to the beach and keep your things with you. Both the State Department and the FCDO advise against going onto city beaches after dark. When you pay a vendor by card, look at the amount on the machine before you confirm.

Carnival and New Year’s Eve crowds

During large celebrations such as Rio Carnival, the FCDO advises caution about proposals from strangers that take you away from public areas. Canada notes that petty theft goes up around parades, street festivals and Carnival. Take the minimum into the crowd and keep it close.

Drinks

Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight (FCDO). The State Department adds: never leave a drink unattended and do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Canada recommends sealed bottles or cans rather than plastic cups. The FCDO and Canada also warn about methanol in spirit-based drinks such as gin, vodka and whisky; if you feel unwell within 12 to 24 hours of drinking, Canada says to get medical help straight away.

Cards and ATMs

The FCDO warns that card cloning happens at ATMs and in shops. Keep your card in sight and check the amount on the terminal. The State Department advises using ATMs inside malls, major hotels, banks or airports, and the FCDO says not to use a machine if anything looks odd.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

Do not hail taxis on the street (FCDO). Registered taxis in Brazil have white plates with red characters or red plates with white characters, and you should not get in if anyone other than the driver is inside (State Department). At airports the FCDO warns about unregulated drivers posing as app drivers, so check the plate and driver against the app. A booked airport transfer removes this question on arrival.

Favelas

The State Department puts favelas at Level 4 and advises against going for any reason, including guided tours. The FCDO advises avoiding favelas, including favela tours. Canada considers them unsafe for outsiders even with a local guide and asks you to make sure your GPS does not route you through one. If you are still considering a visit, read these advisories first; our favela tour page explains how such walks are arranged.

Trails

The State Department asks for increased caution on trails in isolated areas and suggests sharing your plan and check-in times with someone at home. For Corcovado and other viewpoints, a private tour with transport is an easy option.

Protests

The FCDO advises avoiding political rallies, protests and demonstrations.

The sea

Many beaches in Brazil have dangerous rip currents even when the water looks calm (State Department). The Rio state fire brigade (CBMERJ) asks bathers to stay out of the water under a red flag, swim near lifeguard posts and in marked areas, not drink before swimming, keep away from rocks, and not swim at night. The State Department adds: do not swim alone.

Health, sun and weather

The FCDO lists dengue and high UV levels among health risks in Brazil, and the rainy season in the south-east runs from November to March, with flash floods and landslides possible (Rio weather by month). Take travel insurance with medical cover: the FCDO says public hospitals in big cities are often overcrowded, and private hospitals will not admit you without proof of insurance or funds.

What to do if something happens

Before you go and on day one

• Buy travel insurance with medical cover
• Copy your passport and keep the original in the safe
• Save 190, 192, 193 and your consulate’s contacts in your phone
• Get a SIM or eSIM before you land (SIM card and eSIM in Brazil)
• Decide how you get from the airport: transfer or official taxi desk
• Check entry requirements on official websites
• Pack insect repellent and sunscreen
• On your first beach day, find the lifeguard post and check the flag
• Check that your navigation route does not pass through a favela

Who to call

What to tell us in your request

• Your dates and how many people are travelling
• Where you are staying, or which area you are considering
• Arrival airport and flight time
• The places you want to see
• Whether you want a guide who speaks your language or a driver for the whole stay

How we help

We pick vetted drivers and guides (how we vet providers), arrange your airport pickup, plan routes and timing so you are not left somewhere empty after dark, and stay in touch through the trip from 8:00 to 20:00 Rio time. We do not replace the emergency services: in danger, call 190. For a car with driver for the whole stay, see private driver in Rio.