Which is great news! Economic conditions in Rio de Janeiro, coupled with a large-scale investigation into public corruption, have contributed to civil unrest, protests, and strikes as Brazil works to recover from its longest and deepest recession since the 1930s. Cybersecurity companies often note that, while still vulnerable, chip-and-PIN cards are more secure and harder to clone than magnetic swipe cards. Uber) also provide a relatively safe option for travelers. What is it about Rio, what everybody loves? Protests and demonstrations targeting the bus and mass transit systems often leave passengers vulnerable to violence; buses have been set ablaze or robbed while in transit. Do some research, be safe and enjoy all that this global city has to offer! For more information, review OSAC’s reports, The use of credit card cloning devices and radio frequency interception (RFI) at restaurants, bars, and public areas is a serious concern in Rio. Even while driving, motorists are vulnerable to armed bandits on motorcycles who prey on potential victims waiting at traffic lights or in traffic. Concerns exist that individuals among the region’s extremist community have been engaged in facilitating transfers of money and people for terrorist organizations. For more information on mosquito mitigation, please review OSAC’s report. Police response, both from the military and civil police, varies greatly. U.S. private-sector security managers may contact the RSO in Rio de Janeiro for specific inquiries concerning the local security situation. Their eyes lit up. I have endless amounts of random footage. According to Human Rights Report, violent acts including murder, against LGBT individuals remain a serious concern; local NGOs reported that in 2018, more than 400 members of the LGBT community were victims of hate killings. We recommend investing in a reusable water bottle with a filter. We are just so so excited to go one day, you are both so lucky!”  They had a point. People have woken up robbed of their valuables or sexually assaulted after accepting such a drink. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Brazil. But is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? Although taxi fare in Rio is regulated by the city, scams can and do happen. All Rights Reserved. Read more about our 4 days visit in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals may add scopolamine or a similar drug to your drink. Do not travel to any areas within 150 km of Brazil's land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to crime; (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.) These acts take place in all areas of the city at any time throughout the year. However, the metro system is often crowded, and there have been reports of citizens suffering loss of personal items and of individuals touching female riders inappropriately. This city simply has a life and pulse you won’t find anywhere else. Brazil boasts a wide variety of ethnicities; the majority of the people are Catholic, followed by a distant second of Protestant. ©2018. And Rio is beautiful beyond belief. put your money, credit cards, passport and ticket in the safe deposit box of your hotel. Currently the city of Rio de Janeiro resembles a theater of war, is taken by the army and is not uncommon to see tanks patrolling the streets. You can also get cheap and easy airport transportation on websites like GetYourGuide. Czick on the road For more information, review OSAC’s report. (Express kidnapping [Portuguese: sequestro relâmpago] is a method of abduction where a small ransom from an employer or family member is requested. The United States has also restricted travel from Brazil. Brazil remained on the U.S. Trade Representative’s Special 301 Watch List in 2018 due to high levels of counterfeiting and piracy, including online piracy. Given the coronavirus, when will it be safe to travel to Rio de Janeiro? Is Rio de Janeiro Dangerous? Most natural disasters are not a major concern in Brazil, although significant flooding does occur during the rainy season. The good news is that rates of, . Brazilian cybercriminals are sophisticated and regularly employ malware to steal billions of dollars annually, despite government efforts to stop malicious online activity. The trail goes through the Tijuca Forest, which the largest urban forest in the world. We absolutely love Rio’s neighborhoods. The document was compiled from various Protect your personal info and don't accept drinks or food from strangers. I went to Rio in OCT 2013 and was there for 2 days. While traveling through rural areas, pay close attention to potholes and speed bumps. The Top 14 Places to Visit in Rio de Janeiro, A Guide to Transportation in Rio de Janeiro. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report. Private car services (e.g. Brazil remains among the most pervasive cybercrime environments worldwide. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The good news is that rates of violent crime are dropping in Brazil. There is serious risk from crime in Rio de Janeiro. I did not have any problem there. Recent implementation of “Operation Presence” to increase the overt law enforcement presence in certain heavily populated areas of the city has yielded some positive results. A few simple precautions will minimize your chances of being pickpocketed. All of Rio’s neighborhoods are subject to criminal activity. It’s a war zone! In 2017 we have decided to quit our jobs, get rid of all our stuff and become digital nomads who with two backpacks roam the world towards the unknown. Maintain awareness of popular schemes to avoid becoming cybercrime victims. Formed during the 1970s in a Rio de Janeiro prison as a self-protection group for prisoners, it moved into low-level crimes from muggings to bank robbery.