Brazil is this beautiful country with exciting beaches, forests, exotic animals and much more! Unfortunately we know that just like it is known for its vibrant culture and people, our country has also a reputation as a dangerous place. We agree that it isn’t entirely undeserved but if you stay alert and use our helpful tips you will have a safe and great time here:

Learn some Portuguese

Here commonly people speak Portuguese and not a lot else. In the big cities is more common to find people who are able to speak English or a bit of Spanish but in small cities or in the country side generally only a few people are able to speak other languages. If you’re planning to come to Brazil, it’s worth to put some time effort to learn some key sentences and words in Portuguese. English might help you to find a bathroom or order a meal but if you’re in a situation with a thief or debriefing with the cops, you probably will need to know some Portuguese. Plus it is awesome to have an idea of what’s being said around you in a foreigner country!

“Please keep your belongings with you all time”

This announcement can be found on London’s subways but it is very appropriate for Brazil as well. If you’re in a crowded place, make sure to carry nothing in your pockets (maybe R$5,00 or R$10,00 bills just in case), don’t wear expensive items like jewelries or wristwatches. Also, do not wear an external money belt because this will grab attention and show that you’re a tourist.

Do not carry much money with you

In the major cities in Brazil you can find ATM machines in every corner and the majority of places accept credit and debit cards so you don’t need to carry a lot of cash around. Carry online the necessary amount of money for the day and a credit card, preferably in a money belt that you can wear inside your clothes.

Carry copies of your passport

Leave the passport and other documents at home or locked at the hotel. Make a copy of the biographic page of your passport and carry this with you, you might want to carry a real document such as driver license or student card with you in case just the copy is not accept in a place such as nightclubs, movie theaters etc.

Don’t stay in extremely cheap accommodations

Since less than 5% of Brazilians can speak English properly,  if you stay in a very cheap accommodation there are some high chances that you won’t find no one who speaks other language besides Portuguese. You might get along with Spanish if you able to speak it. Also, if you’re staying in a very cheap place some things such as windows, door locks and electric showers might not work as expected and you won’t be able to complain about it.