Thread: Travel Safety and Crimes

What is the crime rate in Brazil? Are there any terrorist activities?

Crime throughout Brazil has reached very high levels. The Brazilian police and the Brazilian press report that the rate of crime continues to rise, especially in the major urban centers – though it is also spreading in rural areas. Brazil’s murder rate is more than four times higher than that of the U.S. Rates for other crimes are similarly high. The majority of crimes are not solved. There were several reported rapes against American citizens in 2006. Street crime remains a problem for visitors and local residents alike, especially in the evenings and late at night. Foreign tourists are often targets of crime and Americans are not exempt. This targeting occurs in all tourist areas but is especially problematic in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife.
Caution is advised with regard to nighttime travel through more rural areas and satellite cities due to reported incidents of roadside robberies that randomly target passing vehicles. Robbery and “quicknapping” outside of banks and ATM machines are common. In a “quicknapping,” criminals abduct victims for a short time in order to receive a quick payoff from the family, business or the victim’s ATM card. Some victims have been beaten and/or raped.

But at least no terrorism here! Just try to don´t show what do you have, when you go to the street, bring just what you need, avoid to show what you have: money, cell phone, cameras stuffs like that. Avoid areas where local people advice as dangerous. If hapens something just try to be calm and don´t react. And put something on your mind, Brazil is not this dangerous as news are used to say. Just try to be carreful and enjoy your trip!