Howdy ya'll!

Member since 05 September 2011

RaalexanMember05 September 2011 15:47:00

Hi Everyone,

I am going to be moving to Rio de Janeiro in October as an Expatriate. I've never been to Brazil, never lived anywhere outside of Texas! (no, I don't own a horse. )

I SUPER excited about my new adventure, but I am concerned about the reports of violence that I have seen. Can some of you shed some light and tell me the truth on the crime situation? The bureau of consular affairs website makes it seem like I am almost guaranteed to come back in a body bag, and broke.

I'll be there for a year, but I want to have no doubts about my decision. travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html#crime

Appreciate any personal stories, or tips you can give.

Thanks!

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DouglasT Contributor

Member since 01 April 2011

DouglasTContributor06 September 2011 00:54:53

110

Zona Sul, the southern tourist and beach areas, are really fairly safe, very upscale, nice restaurants and bars, and fairly well policed. Keep you eyes open, but if you are in these neighborhoods, you will really enjoy it. Otherwise, really keep your eyes open!

mascjo Member

Member since 12 September 2011

mascjoMember12 September 2011 12:40:46

Blend in, don't wear expensive jewelry, don't take anything you can't live without, keep separate info on important papers and banking and don't throw your affluence around carelessly. We've been here off and on for 5 years and have been all around the Sao Paulo-> Rio-> Buzios area and have never had a problem.
To sum it up, wear sandals everywhere.
The people here are wonderful and very helpful.

assistere Member

Member since 13 July 2011

assistereMember27 September 2011 19:04:26

Dear newcomer,

I work with expatriates in Brazil for over 10 years and my clients had never been hit by violence episodes. Rio and Sao Paulo are huge cities and like all have the big cities's problems - superpopulation, corruption, poor people living among riches and the high criminal rates, as consequence.

My advice for you is the same I give to all my clients: Brazilian people are 99% helpful and have good intentions but infortunately there are those 1% of bad guys, like everywhere and so you have to keep your eyes open. I don't think Rio is more dangerous than SPaulo, or NYC, or LA (where I lived), I just think you have to observe and follow the security habits of the area you are in. How to find that out? The best thing is looking for other foreigners and being part of their communities where the people hangout togheter, live in the same neighborhoods, have same living habits, etc. Until you get more comfortable to explore the country as a native.

Believe me, you will love RJ!

Alessandra Leite
aleite@assistereconsultores.com.br

Believe me, you will love Brazil!