Brazil

General operators may not speak English. For service in English in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, contact the tourist police.

Crime rates in Brazil are high. Violent crime, including the use of firearms, can occur anywhere but occurs particularly in cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Salvador, and São Paolo and their adjacent shantytowns (favelas). If robbed, hand over all your valuables and do not attempt to resist. Be particularly vigilant in areas outside the south side of Rio de Janeiro, as well as in areas around the Rodoviaria (bus station).

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common in Brazil, particularly in crowded, public areas. Ensure your personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept secure at all times. To minimize risk, avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive jewelry and clothing. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in poorly lit and isolated areas. Be cautious with recent acquaintances offering help, friendship, or hospitality. Drink spiking has been reported. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Kidnappings, where victims are forced to withdraw money from automated banking machines (ATMs), occur throughout the country. Some ATMs have an anti-theft system that marks notes with pink ink if the machine has been tampered with. If you receive cash marked with pink ink, immediately take your receipt and cash into the bank for an exchange.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Brazil. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Only use registered taxis and avoid using public buses.

Sexual assault against foreigners can occur. Female travellers should be cautious and never accept rides or food and drink from strangers or casual acquaintances.

Credit card fraud and cybercrime are becoming major problems in Brazil. Check your bank account regularly for suspicious activity.

Theft is common on beaches. Always avoid isolated areas on or around beaches. Do not carry valuables or important documents, such as passports, to a beach.

Follow the advice of local authorities as to where to swim. Strong currents and sharks can make swimming dangerous.

Carjackings do occur. Remain vigilant in your car with windows up and doors locked. Be especially careful at traffic lights, particularly at night. Have your keys in hand and ready when you are approaching your car. Keep valuables out of sight since theft from cars is common.

Brazilian authorities require all individuals to carry identification with them at all times, particularly passport and visa documentation for travellers. If possible, travellers should lock their personal documents in a secure hotel safe and carry photocopies of their identification with them.

Extreme weather such as seasonal heavy rains, wildfires, and droughts affect Brazil. Monitor local weather and news outlets closely as weather conditions could change rapidly.

Brazil has progressive laws with respect to LGBTI rights, however, Brazil is also a very conservative society. Outside large cities, LGBTI travellers should be cautious and discrete. Same-sex marriage is legal and LGBTI couples have equal rights under the law.

Drug trafficking occurs along border areas, and criminal activity aimed at tourists may occur. Avoid travelling to bordering regions, especially those in the northern and western parts of the country.

Avoid travelling to the remote Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands. If choosing to go to these areas, do so only with an experienced and very reputable guide as these areas are largely uninhabited and can be very dangerous.

Do not travel to favela neighbourhoods due to high levels of gang violence and crime. Tour companies and city police cannot guarantee your safety if you enter a favela.

Protests and demonstrations occur frequently in Brazil, and in some cases, have turned violent. To minimize safety risk, avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations due to the unpredictability of these situations.