As in any big city, we recommend you take some precautions while visiting Rio de Janeiro. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies later at night, especially in areas next to major tourist attractions or on weekends when fewer locals are present. Guests should lock up valuables locked in their hotel room safes. See our section on Security.
Lonely Planet recommends that tourists:
- Avoid looking like a tourist. Don’t wear baseball caps, shiny sunglasses, black socks, or carry a backpack.
- Opt for a plastic grocery bag rather than a flashy camera case.
- Never carry more money than you need.
- When accessing cash using a debit card, use ATMs located inside buildings to avoid being robbed.
To call police, dial 190
