March 21, 2005
Safety in Rio de Janeiro
This travel Q & A from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel discusses the increase in crime in Rio, two airlines that do (sometimes) allow smoking, and the Palio in Siena, Italy. Here's some advixe about keeping safe in Rio from the article. It probably applies to many cities around the world:
Tarlow suggests that you don't walk anywhere alone and always carry enough money to satisfy a robber if you're approached (leave the rest in your hotel safe). On the beach, don't leave anything unattended; if you want to swim, have one person stay on shore to watch your possessions, he advises. The State Department also warns Americans to avoid city buses, to be cautious when using ATMs and not to venture into the favelas.Posted by James Trotta at March 21, 2005 12:22 PM
Regarding: Safety in Rio De Janeiro
Sounds like a place to avoid...carry little cash so that you can hand it over to robbers, avoid ATMS, and have someone watch yours stuff on the beach. Avoid buses?? Sounds like a war zone. Thanks but better to pass and go to some place safer like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Japan.
Posted by: Dave at March 22, 2005 2:21 PMWhat is with the idea that I should "fund" robbers? Obviously this advice to have enough cash for the robbers was intended to keep me, the tourist safe, but think about that situation for a minute... if I go on vacation it is usually to get away from my daily routine and to RELAX! How can I relax in a city where I have to have two extra eyes in the back of my head?
Like another person wrote, instead of going through all of that, I would rather go to so many other places that are just as safe as staying at home.
Heck just within North America we have enough tourist attractions to make the whole world envious, let alone the countless other SAFE places world wide.
My personal policy, stay away from 3rd world countries, period!
Posted by: Anthony at March 23, 2005 2:09 AMI don't agree with alot of other people when it comes to other third world countries! Why is that so many American's are running to other countries because ours is so screwed up. We have no right to talk about being safe here... Just watch the NEWS!!! I myself am moving out of country in one month. At the present time I don't feel this is a safe place to raise my child... How is it that a third world country such as Ecuador, have a capital murder rate less than 1/3, that of Detroit. I would'nt want to vacation here I've witnessed first hand how the people in other countries respect us better there, than we do to each other in our own country!!!! Sincerely outta here!!
Posted by: Cherie at March 23, 2005 5:51 AMDear Cherie,
I agree that we have our own problems in the US. However, I've yet read anything about Disneyland, Disney World, Reno, Las Vegas, LA, San Francisco, Grand Canyon etc, anywhere near that of Rio. If you feel you are not safe where you live, move to another town. Most of us have to live where we work...but don't have to spend vacation money at a place where safety is in question. So no one says that Brazil or South America should be avoided, just that Rio the town may not be the place to take your family for vacation, if you have to watch your backs all the time. That's not my opinion, that is Mr. Trotta and the US State Department. Do you think that most tourist are going to avoid Rio just because of this blog??? People here just sharing information. It would have been more appropriate if you had been to Rio and can share an opposing view. I've not been to Rio but do appreciate the info from others.
I think it's all about blending in. I have a Mexican (or is she Spanish?) friend that went there and she's having a great time. She especially likes the schools. Whereas as Americans you can be more of a target for robbers so I'd say it's best not to stick out too much. For the anecdote, here in Switzerland we get special higher dentist prices because they think that English-speakers have more money than everyone else.
Posted by: Bianca at March 23, 2005 4:58 PMQuote:
Heck just within North America we have enough tourist attractions to make the whole world envious, let alone the countless other SAFE places world wide.
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Disneyland, Disney World, Reno, Las Vegas, LA, San Francisco, Grand Canyon.
-End Of Quote
I really hope this guy is not talking about those places when he talks about attractions, cuz if he does, well thats pretty pathetic, aside from Grand Canyon all those are fake attractions, not to mention the crime rate at Vegas/LA, dont waste ur time/money on those. Try Cancun, Mar de plata, Chiapas, Mediterranean sea, Rome, etc.
btw, u gringo self-centered dummies, if the rest of the world its so dangerous, why r u the only country with planes crashin on buildings, 17yo kiddos killin a bunch o classmates and states killin girls in coma? Man i dont wanna think about what happens outside of ur lil american world *sigh*
Posted by: Juanito Jones at March 24, 2005 7:37 AMhey when i go to other countries, i try to keep a low profile, i mean one can go on vacation and not be loud and rude, and i'm not talkin about the kids. so i can see why some people rather go to disneyland and thats fine. these people dont need to go rio, or anywhere else for that matter. thanks for the great initial post! the less americans i see outside the u.s., the better vacation i have!
Posted by: m0d at March 25, 2005 3:21 AMJust for the record, I never meant to suggest not going to Rio. However I try to post travel warnings and safety tips whenever possib;e; this is important stuff. If you do go somewhere, it's nice to know how careful the typical tourist has to be.
Posted by: James Trotta at March 29, 2005 1:52 PM