Health and Safety

While the majority of visitors can enjoy Rio’s charm and excitement without incident, it is worth keeping in mind that Rio is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Hence be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on transport. Buses are well-known for being targets for thieves so avoid using them after dark and take taxis instead. Purse and bag-snatching is also common around the beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, especially during the summer when the beaches are crowded so don’t take valuables to the beach. Extra caution is advised at night; do not visit the beaches if you can help it and try to keep of the sand. Avoid the backstreets between Copacabana Palace and Rua Figueiredo de Magalhaes and while the areas around Saint Teresa are a lot safer, walking around them and the streets near Largo das Neves should be done with caution.
Scams are also known in the beach area. A common one is for a thief to approach you on one side for the time or cigarettes. While you’re distracted, another thief will try to grab your bag from the other side. If you do have the misfortune to be robbed, hand over your valuables; thieves in this city are only too willing to use their weapons to get their point across. Rio has Tourist Police (Av Afranio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon, 3399 7170, available 24hrs), who are helpful, multilingual and efficient should you need assistance; all main tourist areas are patrolled by them.

There are many pharmacies around Rio, a lot which can stay open 24hrs. There are two branches of Drogaria Pacheco (Av NS de Copacabana 115), on Av NS de Copacabana 534 and Rua Visconde de Piraja, Ipanema. In case of a medical emergency contact or visit these establishments:

Galdino Campos Cardio Copa
Address: Av Ns de Copacabana 492, Copacabana
Tel: 2255 9966
24hr

This place has English and French speaking staff.

Hospital Ipanema
Address: Rua Antonio Parreiras 67, Ipanema
Tel: 3111 2300

Miguel Couto Hospital
Address: Av Bartolomeo Mitre 1108, Gavea
Tel: 2274 2121

Women travellers, especially those travelling alone, can experience a range of attitudes when travelling through Brazil. In the cities however lone foreign women will probably not even be given a glance. Mashismo culture is certainly an element in Brazilian male attitudes but surprisingly enough, is not as overt; flirtation, often exaggerated, exists but it is considered to be playful – no insults or serious intent should be assumed. Having said that, women travellers should keep a low profile at night and avoid going to bars and clubs alone – your behaviour could be misinterpreted. Women should not hitchhike alone or even in groups.
In regards to dress, well the best way to blend in is to meet the local standards. Having said that it’s all about personal taste – female tourists are not expected to wear the famous fio dental (dental floss – the famous skimpy bikini) that you’ll see in Copacabana and Ipanema!