Is Rio, Brazil Safe to Travel for Backpackers?

If it is your first time travelling in South America, some people (probably your parents!) will have you worried about safety. Whether you are backpacking or thinking of becoming a digital nomad in South America, chance are it is much safer than you have been lead to believe. Let’s start by breaking down Brazil and giving you a real insight into it.

5 Reasons for why Rio is safer than you think:

 Is Rio, Brazil Safe to Travel for Backpackers

1. Lots or well integrated armed police.

The police are awesome in Rio; they have excellent relationships within in the local areas they are assigned to. There are wonderful examples of men who grew up in their Fevelas serving whole heartedly as police. Though they look bad ass and mean at first; on the whole they are friendly and welcoming. ‘The guns are for the bad guys’.

2. People are friendly than you expect; don’t believe me, just try smiling at them.  

When we were sat in a town square a couple came over and just gave us some flowers!

Smiling doesn’t make you a victim, it makes you a friend.

Ok, this one may be area sensitive, so go with your gut.

 Is Rio, Brazil Safe to Travel for Backpackers

3. Bustling Tourism

Double edge sword. Many of the places you visit are so full of tourist that violent crime is barely an option.

However, these areas can become a pickpocket’s heaven and if you stand on the edge of a long clear road, you may find you leave your self open for a snatch and run.

4. Most of the stats come from late night drinking in localised areas.

Often crime is more localised than we think. A lot of crime happens when either you’re drunk and vulnerable or the locals have got drunk enough and psyched enough to try something. Of course there are dangers anywhere at any time, but don’t let the stats overwhelm you.

5. The vast majority want a peaceful place to live and bring their children up in.

We stayed in Santo Cristo, which in my naivety, looked a little like a feval. Actually it was a really warm community of people who would smile and offer help if needed. The children played on the streets, the old ladies huddled to gossip and as soon as you smiled they beamed back, which just makes the world a better place …sigh*

Is Rio, Brazil Safe to Travel for Backpackers

Ooh and the only guy we encountered with a large knife, what the charismatic guy cutting up a coconut for us!

We are NOT saying there is no danger, we are reflecting honestly on how we felt utterly overwhelmed by all the warnings and that this contrasted DRASTICALLY when we arrived.

There are still dangers and only an idiot doesn’t take precautions and get into good habits! So check out our top tips for keeping safe and being making yourself less mug-able! >>>

Don’t let fear stop you from travelling!

We absolutely love travelling Brazil, such a vibrant fun and colourful part of the world! There is so much to do in Rio in particular, everything from visiting the famous Christ redeemer and Copacabana beach to the lesser known little market areas and view points. If you are going, definitely check out all the best attractions; we don’t want you to miss a thing!