City Safety

Don't shun the beaches because of reports of crime, but do take precautions. If you follow the tips we provide below, you have great chances of having the best beach vacations of your life.

Leave jewelry, passports, and large sums of cash at your hotel; don't wander alone and at night; and be alert when groups of friendly youths engage you in conversation (sometimes they're trying to distract you while one of their cohorts snatches your belongings). A big danger is actually the sun. From 10 AM to 3 PM the rays are merciless, making heavy-duty sunscreen, hats, cover-ups, and plenty of liquids essential; you can also rent a beach umbrella from vendors on the beach or your hotel. Hawkers stroll the beaches with beverages, food, and trinkets. Unlike in other beach destinations you may have experienced, these guys are no-nonsense salespeople, and quickly move on if you shake your head no. Although you might feel tempted, try not to become hypnotized or blinded by tiny string bikini or the bikini models always present in Rio best beaches. Most beach-goers take advantage of their services. Beach vendors aren't supposed to charge more than R$5.50 for a bottle of beer or other alcoholic beverage, R$3 for a coconut water. Lifeguard stations, including bathrooms and showers, are found every kilometer.

Transportation Safety

Taxis – The most popular form of transportation for tourists is taking a cab. Compared to taxi services around the world, taxi services in Rio are cheaper. Between Copacabana and Ipanema a cab will cost you R$10 - 15 (US$5 - 10). There are two types of taxis in Rio de Janeiro. The regular, metered yellow cabs may be flagged on the streets. Special Taxis, "Taxi especial," are larger, with air conditioning and more expensive. These are found at airports and outside hotels or can be summoned by phone. It's not recommended to rent a car unless you have a Brazilian escort. Both “Special Taxis” and regular ( yellow cabs) can be found in both airports.

Subway – Fast and Convenient for those traveling from Copacabana to Downtown. Vans on Beach Routes – For those with some type of Portuguese or Spanish skills, this is a great way to get around. They go from Ipanema to Barra for $R 4 (it's $R 20 by taxi). Most of these vans do the beach routes. The vans have the names of the neighborhoods where they travel on the front windshield. Pick the one that is heading towards your destined neighborhood and tell the driver when he should let you out. Executive Buses (Frescao): The Real bus company a.k.a. “ Frescao” (Air-conditioned bus) is also registered with both airport authorities and provides the comfort and safety you need when driving to the main flats and southern area of the city. The buses park outside the passenger disembarking terminals and agents may be contacted at counters located in the international dissembling area. This bus serves the business community and is very safe and convenient. They are about $R5 and run more frequently during business hours. Public Buses – This form of transportation is less recommended. Although it may be a bit cheaper, the public bus takes a lot longer. Also, there is more chance of being pick pocketed

Essential Do´s and Don´t

• Rio is considered relatively cheap beach vacations spot, so don´t flaunt jewellery or you will become an easy target.
• Valuables are best kept in the safety deposit box in the hotel;
• A photocopy of your ID or passport is usually good enough to have on you; except if you´re driving.
• Most restaurants and stores take credit cards so having a lot of cash on you is not necessary.
• If you plan to leave the touristy areas, it´s best to have a tourist guide. Downtown is also safe enough (daytime).
• Expensive cameras or other equipment are best carried on shoulder straps and put away when not being used.
• Taxis are cheap enough, so unless you're on a shoe-string budget, why bother with urban buses.
• It is not a good idea to accept drinks from strangers in bars and clubs; spiked drinks are very common.
• Inviting somebody you´ve just met back to your hotel is plain daft. There are plenty of sex motels around. Likewise, going back to their place is asking for it!
• Wearing sandals and socks is not only ridiculous but it´s like screaming ' mug me"!

Important: if unfortunately you need to report an incident to the police, this is the only Police Department that deals with tourists in Rio de Janeiro. Please see address below: Address: Av. Afrânio de Mello Franco - Leblon
22430-060 Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
Tel.: (21) 2511-5112 / 2511-5767 Fax: (21) 2294-1992

Contact Belavista-Rio team if you have any questions or concerns:
Praia do Flamengo, 268 tel. 55 21 2553 1870