If You're Willing to Travel,
Brazil Is Your Safe Destiny!


TRAVEL - BRAZIL - SAFETY

Take these words as your homework
And you won’t have to learn your lesson




Are you traveling to Brazil? Learn how to do it safely...

When I first thought about the matter, I tried to imagine all the trouble a foreigner could be into when visiting Brazil.

Being a native, I've never faced a really dangerous situation, though I visited several poor and so-called 'violent' areas in different states.

Anyway, I realize I am not an attractive prey to the thieves, as I don’t look like a rich guy. And I am not one either!

So, through searching the Web, I tried to capture a foreign view, and found some valuable info. I hope this info may be worthwhile for you too!


Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

First of all, relax about all the Latin American violence broadcast on TV. According to social studies, they have been carefully selected to give the world a false impression of most emergent countries, mainly for political reasons.

Fortunately, in Brazil there is no terrorism. However, as my intent here in not to disguise any truth, I realize that we have enormous social differences, which generates violence and property crimes, such as pick pocketing.

With the tips here provided you can minimize the risk of being robbed. So, enjoy your Brazil travel and take in each and every Brazilian natural beauty, travelling in the safer way."

Besides, as Brazilians are very friendly, they will do whatever it takes to make you feel at home. See what an American who has been traveling the world for 35 years, said about his visit to Rio:

"...That pretty much summarizes my experience in Brazil: I was always being cautious and the Brazilians were always being helpful."


In Your Planning, See the End from the Beginning

The more info you gather about the place you're going to visit, the more independent you will be.

Take the tips bellow and apply them beforehand. When the time of action comes, preparation is over.


Safety Tips


Telefone Numbers

  • Before you travel, be sure to know the phone number of the person you are visiting, or the hotel you are staying
  • Put all emergency numbers together (24-hour service, credit card), and carry them out of your wallet
  • Send your flight information and complete agenda to your host (s)


    Documents
  • Get a passport and visa from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate
  • Make a copy of it - and of all your personal documents
  • Carry them in your handbag instead of the suitcase. Leave the originals at the hotel
  • If you lose your passport, get in touch with the consulate


    Attire
  • Don’t wear corporate pins or identity badges while you’re traveling
  • Wear comfortable clothes, as casual as possible
  • Avoid anything flashy


    Money & Cards
  • Consider buying a money-belt (and wear it under your clothes!)
  • Keep a slim wallet for small amounts of cash
  • Change some into local currency in official agencies
  • Avoid carrying business cards, especially the ones that identify high positions. Nobody needs to know how much money you have
  • Be aware of manual machines, by checking if the carbon paper was torn in small pieces
  • Always get your credit card back as quickly as possible
  • If you suspect it has been cloned, lost or stolen, cancel it immediately


    Transportation
  • Take a moving cab rather than one that’s parked waiting. Ask for the meter to be put on. (In Portuguese, ‘Pode ligar o taxímetro?’)
  • Use approved car transportation companies. (They are identified.)
  • Know the names and complete addresses of your destinations and at least their general geographic location
  • When coming home between 11 PM and 5 AM, don’t expect the drivers to stop for red lights! (Please, believe me.)


    Hotels
  • Try to arrive during daylight hours
  • Use recommended hotels whenever possible
  • Ask advice from people in charge and follow it
  • Take your room key with you
  • Use the hotel main entrance
  • When you are in the room, use the door bolts
  • Lock the windows and doors before you leave
  • Leave your valuables in the hotel safe
  • Identify the fire exits, fire extinguishers and alarms
  • Learn about the fire extinguisher classes (A, B, C, D) and their uses
  • Never open the door of your room before identifying the visitors


    Restaurants
  • Ask your host about suggested restaurants, or eat at the hotel
  • Select seats with a good view of the restaurant
  • Identify the local exits
  • If you go to the restroom, don’t leave objects on the table


    When you are assaulted (I mean... ‘IF’)
  • Begin to pray
  • Forget all you saw about it in action movies
  • Be calm (if you do this, tell me how)
  • Give up your property... Surely the assailant has much less to lose
  • Keep praying


    Mistakes to Avoid
  • Don’t accept offers of drinks from strangers
  • Never, EVER, invite strangers to your room (Your family will be thankful.)

    As Charles Schulz used to say: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles M. Schulz) Travel safely.

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