Staying Safe in Brazil
Local Laws
When visiting Brazil, it's important to be mindful of the local regulations. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18. As a visitor, you'll need to carry your passport or a copy of it with you at all times. Keep in mind that gambling is not allowed, and using your mobile phone inside banks is also prohibited. For those who enjoy sunbathing, going topless is against the law.
Smoking in public areas has been banned since 2014, so you'll need to use designated smoking zones. This ban also extends to e-cigarettes, which are actually illegal to buy or own in Brazil, and customs officers may take them away. Brazil has very serious laws concerning drugs, with significant consequences like lengthy prison terms and hefty fines for anyone caught possessing, using, or trafficking them.
If you plan on driving, U.S. and U.K. citizens can use their regular driver's license for up to 180 days. Having an International Driving Permit can also be helpful. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Children under 7.5 years old need to be in a car seat, and those between 7.5 and 10 years old must sit in the back seat. It's also wise to be prepared for potentially varied driving standards.
There are no limits on how much money you can bring into Brazil, but if you're carrying more than US$10,000 (or its equivalent), you'll need to declare it when you arrive.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Brazil presents a complex reality for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country has progressive laws, with same-sex marriage and adoption recognized since 2013 and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity criminalized since 2019. Despite these legal protections, Brazil unfortunately has one of the highest rates of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals globally, particularly affecting transgender people.
While major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro offer vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes and are generally considered safer with many friendly establishments, caution is advised outside these main tourist areas and in smaller towns where conservative views may be more prevalent. Public displays of affection are often recommended to be discreet in less accepting regions.Brazil offers a mixed experience for LGBTQ+ travelers.
The country has made significant legal strides, recognizing same-sex marriage and adoption, and criminalizing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, despite these protections, Brazil regrettably faces one of the highest rates of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in the world, especially concerning transgender people.
Major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are known for their vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes and are generally considered welcoming, yet discretion is advised regarding public displays of affection in less urban areas where social attitudes may be more conservative.
Scams
When you're traveling, it's good to be aware of a few common tricks people might try to pull. For instance, on popular beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, some street vendors might try to charge you more than they should, or even mess with card machines. Keep an eye out for distractions too; sometimes scammers will squirt something on your clothes to create a diversion so they can steal from you.
You might also encounter people on dating apps or social media who pretend to be interested in you romantically, only to lead you to a quiet spot where they can rob you, kidnap you, or force you to withdraw money. Other common scams on the beach involve fake vendors, those "free" bracelets that turn into hefty bills, and shoe shiners who demand way too much money.
Be cautious with ATMs and credit cards, as criminals sometimes attach devices to machines to copy your card information. There are also "Good Samaritan" scams where people fake being in trouble to distract you or rob you. And watch out for individuals pretending to be police officers – they might ask to see your documents or search your bags, looking for valuables.
Crime
Brazil's cities can unfortunately experience a lot of violent crime, like murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, and this can happen at any time. You'll often hear about higher crime rates in places like public transport, hotel neighborhoods, and areas popular with tourists. There have even been cases where travelers have been kidnapped for ransom. Gangs and organized crime are a big problem, often linked to the drug trade.
Be especially careful in Rio de Janeiro, as assaults involving sedatives or drugs slipped into drinks are common. Criminals sometimes use dating apps or bars to find victims. Riding public buses, particularly at night, carries a significant risk of robbery and assault, which is why U.S. government employees are advised against using them. You should also watch out for pickpocketing and quick thefts, where criminals snatch things like phones, cameras, or jewelry, especially in busy spots like beaches or parks.
Carjackings can even happen on main roads and in tunnels.
To help stay safe, it's really important to always be aware of what's going on around you, especially in cities and tourist spots. Try not to show off expensive jewelry, watches, or large amounts of cash. Keep your cameras and phones out of sight when you're not using them, and avoid using them openly in public, particularly on public transport. If you are robbed, it's best not to resist physically, as the criminals might become violent.
It's a good idea to avoid walking on beaches after dark and to be cautious if you're hiking in remote areas. When using ATMs, stick to well-lit places with security cameras and check for any unusual devices. Be wary of strangers offering food or drinks, and always keep an eye on your own beverages.
It's generally recommended to avoid walking alone at night, especially in quieter areas, and to use trusted transportation services like taxis. It's also advised not to visit informal settlements (favelas) or certain border regions due to high crime levels. Try to carry only what you need and keep your money in your front pockets. Make sure to have copies of important documents stored safely elsewhere.
