These tips apply primarily to Rio de Janeiro, but are good to keep in mind during the entire trip. Petrópolis, Araras (wedding area), and Rio das Pedras (Club Med) are all relaxed and much safer than Rio de Janeiro. Inside Club Med and the high-end hotels we'll be staying at, you're not at any risk. You're here to relax and have a good time, so keep your wits about you but don't overthink it. With that said, here are some best practices for when you're in public:

• Avoid walking solo: It’s always best (and more fun) to travel together, and even better if you have a Brazilian with you.

• Do not use public transportation or taxis: Uber works great in Brazil and most hotels provide transfer services, both of which we highly recommend. Additionally, we’ll have shuttles arranged for major destinations. Registered taxis (yellow cars with red license plates) are acceptable if you have no other alternative, but they're known for petty scams. Public buses carry risk and should not be used.

  • Only drive if you're experienced in Brazil: While rental cars are available, driving in Brazil requires familiarity with local traffic customs and safety precautions. We recommend against it for all non-Brazilians.

  • It is legal to run red lights after midnight: You may notice your Uber driver doing this. It's normal and they do it for added safety after midnight.

  • It is not advised to roll your car windows down: While that warm ocean air can be tempting, it's always safest to keep your windows rolled up and your phone out of view while traveling by car, both when you're moving and when you're stopped. Thieves on motorcycles target cars with windows rolled down, and will even break windows if a phone is clearly visible in the cabin. If your Uber driver rolls their window down or has their phone displayed openly, that's fine (they know what they're doing) — but don't follow their example.

• Do not draw unnecessary attention: Speaking English loudly or acting in an animated way will draw attention to yourself. Most Brazilians do not speak English, and this is a sure way to advertise that you’re a ‘gringo’. In the event that you feel unsafe, especially if passing sketchy people on the street, cut all conversation and remain silent until you’re clear.

• Do not openly display your cell phone: Phones are a prime target for robbery, and will be snatched if you display them on the street or in a car, even while moving. Consider this an opportunity to disconnect from your phone and focus on the beauty that surrounds you. Put the phone away, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment like a true Brazilian.

• Do not wear jewelry or expensive camera equipment: This will identify you as a tourist and robbery target. Every photo we've captured in Rio de Janeiro has been from a camera phone. Rest assured, this place is so beautiful, you don't need expensive cameras to get a great shot.

• Safeguard your passport and credit cards: Carry one or two credit cards in your front pocket and lock the rest, along with your passport, in a safe place in your hotel. When traveling, only hand over your passport to uniformed and badged government officials (during immigration) or hotel employees (during check-in). As always, be careful with your passport.
  
  

• Tips are included in the bill: Restaurants include a 10% tip automatically. Tipping anything beyond this is atypical.

• Do not use public ATMs: Most places in Brazil accept credit cards. If you’d like to carry cash, get it at an exchange in the airport or an ATM inside a secure bank. Public ATMs are targets for robberies.

• Watch your drinks at nightlife: Do not accept food or drinks from strangers, and if you venture out on your own, beware of sedatives dropped in drinks at public bars and night clubs. This goes for both men and women; sedatives are known to be used for robberies. That said, every restaurant and bar we'll visit as a group will be top-notch and beyond safe.

• Evade danger immediately: Cross the street or enter a business (bank, store, etc.) if you feel unsafe.

• Exercise elevated caution at night: Risk increases after dark and especially beyond midnight. It’s best to avoid being on the street past midnight. If you want to experience one of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic late night clubs, do so with increased caution and ideally accompanied by a Brazilian from our group.

• Do not resist in the event of a robbery: Immediately hand over what the thief asks for (typically your phone) and get out of the situation. Resisting a robbery in Brazil can result in serious harm. Thieves that may appear to be acting alone often are not.