Free sample from the guide
1. Don't use your phone at the curb
Phone snatching by bike or on foot is the most common incident in Rio. Step inside a shop or café to check maps or call a ride, and keep the phone in a front pocket while walking.
2. Airport: only official taxis or apps
At Galeão (GIG) and Santos Dumont (SDU), ignore people offering rides in the arrivals hall. Use the official prepaid taxi counters or the designated app pickup area, and confirm the plate before getting in.
3. Is Uber safe in Rio?
Generally yes, and it's how most locals move at night. Match the plate, car model and driver name, share your trip with someone, and avoid routes the app flags as restricted.
4. Copacabana and Ipanema: day vs. night
Beaches are lively and busy during the day. Take only what you need — cash for the day, a copy of your passport, no jewelry. After dark, stay on lit, busy streets and avoid walking on the empty sand.
5. Pay by card — and always in reais
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Never let the card machine leave your sight, check the amount on the screen before entering your PIN, and decline conversion to dollars (DCC) — paying in BRL is cheaper.
6. Favela tours only with licensed operators
Never enter a community on your own or following a GPS shortcut. Book through registered local guides who know the area and work with residents.
7. Save the emergency numbers
Military Police 190 · Ambulance (SAMU) 192 · Fire Department 193. Rio also has a Tourist Police station (DEAT) in Leblon for reports involving visitors.
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