Rio de Janeiro Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Rio is indeed a crime-ridden city. But if you travel sensibly when visiting, you will likely suffer nothing worse than a few bad hang­overs. All the same, theft is not uncommon, and you should do what you can to minimize the risks of getting robbed.

Buses are well-known targets for thieves. Avoid taking them after dark, and keep an eye out while you’re on them. Take taxis at night to avoid walking along empty streets, and never walk on the beach at night. Centro, which is deserted in the evening and on weekends, should only be explored during weekdays.

Purse- and bag-snatching is extremely common on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, where thieves work with lightning speed. Always keep an eye on your stuff and don’t take anything of value to the beach. Unfortunately, armed robberies are on the rise and have occurred on the streets of Lapa, Santa Teresa and Copacabana (where 40% of the city’s tourist robberies occur).

Maracanã Football Stadium is worth a visit, but take only spending money for the day and avoid the crowded sections. Don’t wander into the favelas unless you’re with a guide who really knows the area.

If you have the misfortune of being robbed, slowly hand over the goods. Thieves in the city are only too willing to use their weapons.

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Scams

A common beach scam is for one thief to approach you from one side and ask you for a light or the time. While you’re distracted, the thief’s partner grabs your gear from the other side.

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While you're there

Medical services

There are scores of pharmacies in town, a number of which stay open 24 hours, including two branches of Drogaria Pacheco Av NS de Copacabana 115 (Av NS de Copacabana 115, Copacabana; 24hr); Av NS de Copacabana 534 (Av NS de Copacabana 534, Copacabana; 24hr); Rua Visconde de Pirajá (Rua Visconde de Pirajá, Ipanema) and Farmácia do Leme (Av Prado Júnior 231, Copacabana; 24hr). Meanwhile, in Leblon, Farmácia Piauí (2274 8448; Av Ataulfo de Paiva 1283, Leblon; 24hr) also stays open 24 hours.

For medical emergencies visit one of the following:

Hospital Ipanema (3111 2300; Rua Antônio Parreiras 67, Ipanema)

Miguel Couto Hospital (2274 2121; Av Bartolomeu Mitre 1108, Gávea)

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