Safety
Are dating-app meetups risky in Rio?Yes: the German Foreign Office warns that meetings arranged via dating apps are increasingly used for …
ATMs and credit cards – how to withdraw cash safely?Card cloning is widespread in Brazil. Withdraw cash during the day on weekdays and inside bank branch …
Can I hike alone (e.g. Tijuca, Dois Irmãos)?The German Foreign Office advises hiking in nature parks in and around cities only in groups and on marked, …
Can I rely on Google Maps / Waze?Only with caution: navigation apps have led travellers via supposed shortcuts into neighbourhoods controlled …
Can I visit a favela?The German Foreign Office advises against visiting any of Rio's favelas, explicitly including guided tours …
Can I walk on the beach at night?Better not: the German Foreign Office explicitly advises against walks on the beach at night, and beaches are …
Card fraud at the beach ("golpe da maquininha") – what to watch for?Beach vendors and some taxi drivers use tampered card machines to charge many times the agreed price – e.g.
How do I protect my phone, money and documents?Keep your phone and watch out of sight in public, carry only the cash you need for the day plus a small …
How safe is Rio for tourists?According to the German Foreign Office, thefts and robberies occur throughout Rio, including Copacabana, …
I was robbed or mugged – where do I go?Foreign tourists report robbery and theft at the tourist police DEAT (Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao …
Is downtown (Centro) safe in the evening and at weekends?No: after business hours, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, downtown is deserted and unsafe …
Is there an official alert app for Rio?Yes, the city's COR-Rio app. It provides live updates on the situation in the city, weather and accident …
Nightlife in Lapa and Pedra do Sal – what to keep in mind?According to the German Foreign Office, there have been several cases in Lapa and at the Pedra do Sal samba …
What are the rules on drugs?Drug offences are punished severely in Brazil, and prison sentences are usually served locally.
Where is the Australian consulate in Rio?Australia has an honorary consulate in Rio (appointments only); the address is being verified.
Where is the British consulate in Rio?British Consulate General: Praia do Flamengo 284, Flamengo. Visits by appointment only.
Where is the Canadian consulate in Rio?Consulate General of Canada: Avenida Atlântica 1130, 13th floor, Copacabana, phone +55 21 3444-0300.
Where is the German consulate in Rio?German Consulate General: Edifício Casa Europa, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos 58, 12th floor, Centro.
Where is the Swiss consulate in Rio?Consulate General of Switzerland: Rua Cândido Mendes 157, 11th floor, Glória, phone +55 21 3806-2100, email …
Where is the U.S. consulate in Rio?U.S. Consulate General: Avenida Presidente Wilson 147, Castelo (Centro).
Which emergency numbers apply in Rio?190 = Military Police (robbery, violence, crime). 192 = SAMU ambulance service.
Which means of transport are safest?The Swiss Foreign Ministry recommends using only official or booked taxis plus the metro and metro buses in …
Transport
How do I get from Galeão airport (GIG) to Copacabana/Ipanema?Most convenient: book and pay for a taxi inside the terminal, or take an Uber from its dedicated pick-up zone …
How do I get from Santos Dumont airport (SDU) to my hotel?Santos Dumont (SDU) is right next to downtown and mainly serves domestic flights.
How do I get home after a night out?The German Foreign Office advises taking taxis rather than public transport at night – so order a taxi or …
How do I pay for buses, BRT and the VLT tram?City buses, BRT and the VLT tram cost R$ 5.00 each. Cash is no longer accepted on city buses since 30 May …
How much does the metro cost and how do I pay?A ride costs R$ 7.90, the same for lines 1, 2 and 4 (unchanged since 12 April 2026).
Is the metro safe?The Swiss Foreign Ministry rates the metro and metro buses as relatively safe.
Uber or taxi in Rio?Both work well. The German Foreign Office recommends taxis or ride-hailing services for getting around the …