Practical travel information on Health in Recife - Lonely Planet Travel Information

Health & safety

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Dangers & annoyances
While you're there

Dangers & annoyances

Surfing is prohibited at Boa Viagem beach due to the danger of shark attacks. Swimmers there are advised to stay out of the water at high tide and not go beyond the reef at any time. We wouldn’t recommend anything more than paddling there in any case, as the water ain’t too clean. Since 1992, 19 fatal shark attacks, and more than 30 other incidents, have been recorded along a 20km stretch of coast that includes Boa Viagem.

Recife has a reputation as a dangerous city, and indeed it has the highest murder rate of any Brazilian state capital. Tourists are more at risk from pickpockets and bag snatchers, so stay alert to your surroundings and be sure to take the usual precautions.

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While you're there

Medical services

Hospital Albert Sabin (3421 5411; www.hospitalalbertsabin.com.br in Portuguese; Rua Senador José Henrique 141) Highly regarded private hospital, west of the city center.

Real Hospital Português (3416 1122; www.rhp.com.br in Portuguese; Av Agamenon Magalhães) Well-reputed private hospital with 24-hour emergency service, west of downtown.

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