Brazil, especially Rio, has had a bad reputation for personal security and many potential visitors have been put off traveling there. Much of this reputation can be put down to wild exaggeration, but it has had the beneficial effect of spurring the various city authorities (particularly Rio and Salvador) into doing something about it. There are now far more tourist police, who are a great deal more helpful to visitors, and there is much better patrolling of problem areas. Although there is far more being done to improve security, an awareness of the following will lessen the risk to you and your belongings:

Valuables: Be aware that most crime is opportunistic and the best way to avoid theft is to blend in and stay in safe areas (if in any doubt please ask your hotel receptionist / concierge whether where you want to go is safe). Take the absolute minimum when going out. A camera is a necessity for most travelers but if it is possible to keep it in a jacket pocket, then do so. It is not advisable to take valuable jeweler or a visible wristwatch. Money should be taken in travelers cheques, with the receipt numbers retained separately in case they are lost or stolen. Cash kept on your person should be kept to a minimum. Where possible, leave any valuables, documents and passports in your hotel safety deposit box (most good hotel rooms in Brazil have safes, but you will normally have to pay a daily fee for this service). If you have to take a bag while you are out, hold it in front of you where you can see it.

Airports and Railway Stations: This is where your luggage is particularly vulnerable and where most thieving occurs. There are a couple of methods most commonly used by thieves to distract attention and it is advisable to be aware of these. Ignore paint or shampoo sprayers and any strangers who remark 'What is that on your shoe/ shoulder?' Don't lean down to pick up any money or any other items on the street or floor. These are all ruses to distract your attention while an accomplice steals your belongings. Do not leave your belongings with any stranger, even for a moment. Avoid close crowds where possible.

Beaches: A great deal of Brazilian culture and Brazilians' spare time revolves around the beach. As a result the beaches can be great fun and very relaxing places. However, please bear the following in mind if going to the beach: beaches in and around the major cities tend to be quite crowded so the advice given above is especially applicable; never visit the beach after dark; always take a mat to lie on as sandflies are quite widely prevalent; please bear in mind that the sun in Brazil can be more direct and stronger than you will experience in Europe and North America, so extra precautions are necessary; some areas, particularly in Rio, have dangerous undertows so you should stay near other bathers and observe the warning flags:

Red   - Dangerous, enter at your own risk.

White - Water is safe, lifeguard on duty.