Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, Rio de Janeiro has safety challenges. But it’s not the lawless danger zone some people imagine. Over 6.7 million people live here — including families, elderly folks, and yes, plenty of tourists who visit every year without incident.

We’ve been running free walking tours in Rio since 2013. We’ve guided thousands of tourists through the city, and the vast majority have zero safety issues. Here’s what we tell them — and what locals actually do — to stay safe.

The Reality Check

Rio is like any major city: some areas are safer than others, and certain behaviors attract trouble. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t walk through certain parts of Los Angeles, Paris, or London flashing your iPhone and wearing expensive jewelry. Rio is no different — it just requires you to be switched on.

The good news? Violent crime rates in Brazil have been declining. For tourists who follow basic precautions, Rio is generally safe to visit.

The Phone Rule (Most Important)

In Rio, locals don’t use their phones on the street in busy areas.

This is the #1 rule that separates tourists from locals. In neighborhoods like Copacabana, Centro, and Lapa, keep your phone in your bag or pocket. Snatch-and-grab robberies are the most common crime tourists face, and an iPhone is a prime target.

When it’s okay to use your phone:

  • Inside restaurants, cafes, and shops
  • On the beach (but keep it in your hand, not next to you on the sand)
  • In safer neighborhoods like Ipanema and Leblon (but still be aware)
  • When taking quick photos — then immediately put it away

What locals do: We check phones quickly, stay aware of our surroundings, and don’t walk down the street staring at screens.

Transportation: Uber is Your Friend

Use Uber or 99 (Brazilian Uber) religiously. Seriously.

Public buses in Rio have a reputation for robberies and are confusing for tourists. The metro is okay during rush hour when it’s packed, but can feel sketchy late at night.

Uber/99 are:

  • Cheap (really cheap compared to US/Europe)
  • Safe (you’re not flagging down random taxis)
  • Convenient (the driver knows where they’re going)
  • Trackable (your ride is logged)

Avoid: Flagging down street taxis unless you’re at a designated taxi stand (like at the airport). Some are fine, but scams exist.

Dress Like You Don’t Want Attention

Rio is a beach city, so casual is fine. But:

  • Leave expensive jewelry at home. Seriously — don’t wear it.
  • No flashy watches. Rolex screams “rob me.”
  • Dress down generally. You don’t need to look homeless, but don’t look wealthy.
  • Bring a cheap phone or keep your nice one hidden.

Locals dress casually. Flip-flops, shorts, and a t-shirt blend in perfectly.

Carry What You Need, Nothing More

On a day out:

  • One credit card
  • Small amount of cash (R$50-100)
  • ID (passport copy, not original)
  • Your phone (in your bag/pocket)

Leave at your accommodation:

  • Passport (bring a copy)
  • Extra cash and cards
  • Unnecessary valuables

If something does happen, you want minimal loss.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Safe during the day AND night:

  • Ipanema
  • Leblon
  • Lagoa
  • Parts of Botafogo and Flamengo

Safe during the day, sketchy at night:

  • Centro (historic downtown)
  • Santa Teresa (main areas okay, side streets avoid)
  • Copacabana (beachfront is fine, side streets use caution)

Use extra caution:

  • Lapa (fun at night when crowded, but stay alert)
  • Anywhere after midnight
  • Empty streets, even in “safe” areas

Read our full neighborhood guide for details.

Beach Smarts

Rio’s beaches are generally safe during the day, but:

  • Don’t leave belongings unattended. Someone should always watch your stuff.
  • Bring minimal valuables. Just a towel, sunscreen, and small cash for drinks.
  • Watch out for vendors. Most are harmless, but pickpockets exist.
  • Avoid empty beaches or being the last person on the sand at dusk.

Best beach strategy: Go to kiosks (beach bars) where you can rent a chair and keep belongings with you.

If Something Does Happen

If someone tries to rob you: GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT.

Don’t be a hero. Phones and wallets are replaceable. Most robberies in Rio are “lightning robberies” — someone runs up, grabs your phone, and runs off. Less commonly, someone might pull a knife and demand valuables.

Hand it over. It’s not worth it.

After an incident:

  • Report it to police (for insurance purposes)
  • Cancel cards immediately
  • Contact your embassy if your passport was taken
  • Don’t let it ruin your trip — most visitors never experience this

What About Favelas?

Don’t wander into favelas on your own. Period.

Some favelas offer tours with resident guides, which can be eye-opening and safe when done properly. But showing up on your own is asking for trouble — these are complex communities with real socioeconomic challenges.

If you want to learn about Rio’s favela culture, do it with someone who lives there and knows the dynamics.

Ask Locals for Real-Time Advice

Safety situations change. A street that was fine last year might have issues now, or vice versa.

Ask your:

  • Airbnb host
  • Hotel staff
  • Tour guides (that’s us!)
  • Restaurant servers
  • Uber drivers

Cariocas (Rio locals) are friendly and will give you honest advice. “Is it safe to walk to X right now?” is a totally fair question.

Our Walking Tours Are Designed with Safety in Mind

Our free walking tours run during the day in neighborhoods we know inside out. We walk busy, well-traveled routes and keep groups together.

We’ve been doing this since 2013 with zero incidents on our tours. Why? Because we know where to go, when to go, and how to move through the city safely.

Plus, you’ll learn way more about Rio’s safety dynamics from a local guide than you will from Google.

The Honest Truth

Most tourists visit Rio and have an amazing, incident-free experience. The ones who have problems usually made rookie mistakes: using their phone on the street, wearing expensive jewelry, wandering drunk through empty streets at 3 AM.

Use common sense, follow the tips above, and Rio is absolutely manageable. Don’t let fear stop you from visiting one of the world’s most incredible cities.

Want to see Rio with someone who knows how to navigate it safely? Join our City Center Free Walking Tour or Little Africa Free Walking Tour. We’ll show you the real Rio — and teach you how to move through it like a local.

See you in Rio!