Is Rio de Janeiro safe to visit in 2026? Safety tips and expert advice

Is Rio de Janeiro safe for tourists in 2026?

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists in 2026 — especially those in the main tourist areas — but like any huge city, it does have real crime issues you should be aware of. With a population of over 6.7 million, Rio isn’t one place with one level of safety. Neighborhoods vary massively in risk levels. 

Areas like Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca, and Santa Teresa are well-policed and busy with visitors. They’re not crime-free zones, but the risks there mostly relate to petty theft and phone snatching rather than violent incidents or armed robbery. Police prioritize areas that attract tourists during peak seasons and major events, and crime rates overall remain stable (and may even have started to drop).

So, quick verdict — is it safe to travel to Rio de Janeiro? Yes, as long as you take sensible precautions. To make sure you’ve got access to the latest safety information and can keep in touch with family and friends while you’re there, we recommend setting up a reliable internet connection for your trip, using a local SIM card or an eSIM app.

Understanding Rio’s crime statistics

Crime statistics in Rio can seem intimidating at first glance, but context matters. Brazil’s national homicide rate was about 22.8 per 100,000 people in 2023, with violent deaths totaling more than 46,000 nationwide. These figures have been gradually declining by a few percentage points each year.¹

In Rio de Janeiro state, violent crime tends to concentrate in specific areas such as some favelas and neighborhoods with ongoing conflicts between gangs and police. A favela is a relatively low-income district — usually composed of houses and shelters built without legal approval — in or around the edges of Brazil’s urban centers. When crime does spill out of the favelas, however, it rarely involves tourists engaged in normal sightseeing.²

You are far more likely to encounter petty crime — issues such as phone snatching, pickpocketing, bag theft on the beach, and distraction scams are the most common problems reported by travelers and travel advisories.³ These incidents are usually quick and opportunistic rather than confrontational or dangerous.

In practice, the numbers reflect what travelers experience. Millions visit every year without any serious problems. Whether you’re visiting for Rio Carnival, picture-perfect beaches, or incredible food (feijoada, anyone?), you don’t have too much to worry about.

Travel advisories for Rio de Janeiro

Most major governments currently give Rio the same type of advisory level they use for many large tourist cities around the world. The U.S. Department of State lists Brazil under “Exercise Increased Caution” (Level 2), the same level applied to countries such as France, Italy, and the United Kingdom at various times.

The U.K. government advises you to be cautious in certain neighborhoods, avoid favelas unless you are on an organized tour, and stay alert in crowded areas. Canada offers similar guidance, emphasizing petty crime and situational awareness rather than discouraging travel.

Remember that these advisories cover entire countries or regions, not just tourist districts. They are designed to be broad and cautious by default. In reality, the areas most visitors spend time in while in Rio operate very differently from the neighborhoods that drive the headline statistics.

Rio de Janeiro safety by neighborhood

Certain neighborhoods are heavily geared toward tourism and well-policed. Others are best avoided unless you’re with locals or on organized tours. Where you stay and spend most of your time makes a big difference in how safe the city feels overall.

Safe areas for tourists

These are the neighborhoods most visitors base themselves in and where safety levels are generally high:

• Copacabana. This is one of the most popular areas for visitors, with a strong police presence and plenty of people around during the day. However, pickpocketing and phone snatching can occur, especially on the beach, and it’s best to avoid walking along the beachfront late at night.

• Ipanema. The Ipanema neighborhood is often considered one of the safest parts of Rio for tourists. It’s busy, brightly lit in the evenings, and full of cafés, shops, and hotels. That said, it’s still worth keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

• Leblon. An upscale neighborhood next to Ipanema, Leblon is known for being quieter, wealthier, and well-secured. The area is very popular with families and travelers looking for a calmer, safer base.

• Botafogo. Botafogo is quieter and more residential than other neighborhoods, but it is generally safe and well connected by the metro. It’s not a major tourist hub, which helps keep petty crime lower than in the beach districts. 

Areas to avoid or exercise extra caution

These places aren’t necessarily dangerous all the time, but they require more awareness or are best avoided altogether without the right arrangements:

• Favelas. Don’t enter without a reputable local guide or organized tour. Even so-called pacified favelas can change quickly, and tourists wandering in alone can easily end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

• Centro. Rio’s busy downtown district, Centro, is generally fine during weekday business hours, when it’s busy and well-policed. After hours and on weekends, it becomes quiet and deserted, which is when robberies are more likely.

• Beaches (after dark). A moonlit walk sounds romantic, but never stay on the sand after dark. The beaches are rarely lit, visibility is poor, and they are known spots for muggings and robberies.

• Santa Teresa. This beautiful, artistic area has great views and restaurants, but its streets can be steep, poorly lit, and quiet at night. It’s fine during the day, but more caution is needed after dark.

• Hiking trails to Corcovado. Avoid hiking up to Christ the Redeemer alone. There have been robberies on these trails, so guided or group visits are strongly recommended.

Essential safety tips for Rio de Janeiro

The biggest rule in Rio is simple — don’t make yourself an easy target. Avoid carrying all your valuables in one place, keep phones and jewelry minimal, and stay aware of what’s happening around you, especially in busy areas. Dress casually, blend in as much as you can, and trust your instincts if something feels wrong.

Most issues visitors face involve quick, opportunistic thefts. A bit of awareness and common sense can prevent most of them.

Transportation safety in Rio

How you get around makes a big difference in how safe the city feels. In general, stick to metro lines and ride-hailing apps, and avoid wandering or taking buses late at night.

Using Uber and ride-sharing apps in Rio

Uber is widely used in Rio and is usually the safest, easiest option to get from point A to point B. Always check the license plate before getting in, and make sure the driver and car match what’s shown in the app. The main advantages are GPS tracking, cashless payment, and knowing your route and fare in advance — all far more predictable than hailing taxis on the street.

Reliable internet is essential here. Ride apps, maps, and live tracking all depend on it, so having mobile data on arrival will help you get from the airport to your accommodation. Many travelers use an eSIM — like Saily’s eSIM for Brazil — to stay connected without searching for a local SIM card or Wi-Fi connection. 

Metro and public transportation

The metro is one of the safest ways to get around Rio. It’s clean, modern, and well-maintained, with women-only cars available during rush hours (though not on every line). Just keep your bag zipped and close to you on busy platforms and trains. Buses are best avoided, especially at night, because they carry a higher risk of robberies, and major bus stations are common places for pickpocketing.

Walking in Rio

Walking is fine in the main tourist areas during the day. The boardwalks in Copacabana and Ipanema are busy, lively, and generally safe when plenty of people are around. Walk confidently, stay alert, and avoid using your phone openly in crowded places. After dark, stick to well-lit, populated streets and avoid walking alone. Never walk on the beaches at night.

Taxi safety

If you use taxis, stick to licensed cars only or book through apps such as 99Taxi. Check for proper markings and a working meter before setting off. That said, Uber is usually the better choice — it’s easier to use, more transparent, and generally safer than street taxis.

Is Rio Safe for solo female travelers?

Understandably, many women planning a visit will wonder if Rio de Janeiro is safe for solo female travelers. The answer is, of course, mixed. Solo female travel in Rio is absolutely possible, but it requires a bit more awareness than some other destinations. The website Travel Ladies, which specializes in advice for female travelers, gives Brazil a safety score of 2.5 out of 5, based on its own research and surveys.⁴ This reflects higher crime rates and the need for caution in crowded or unfamiliar areas. 

Official travel advisories such as that from the U.S. Department of State — which designates Brazil as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” — note that violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, can occur in urban areas day and night, and you should stay alert and avoid walking alone after dark, especially around beaches.⁵ The British government similarly highlights that theft and pickpocketing around major tourist spots such as Copacabana and Ipanema are the most common incidents affecting visitors.⁶

Stick to well-known neighborhoods in the evening, use Uber or licensed taxis instead of walking alone after dark, and consider joining organized tours for hikes, nightlife, or favela visits. Many women complete trips to Rio without incident each year by staying in busy areas, keeping valuables secure, and using common-sense precautions.

If you’re interested in the safety levels of other popular destinations, we cover a variety of tourist hotspots on our blog. For example, if you’re considering other destinations in South or Central America, you might want to read our guide to safety in Cancun.

Common scams in Rio to watch out for

Most scams in Rio center around petty theft, with criminals targeting unwary tourists with easily accessible valuables. The state of Rio de Janeiro recorded more than 54,000 stolen or robbed cell phones in a recent year — about one device taken every seven minutes — which shows how opportunistic thieves operate in crowded areas such as beaches and promenades.⁷ Distraction techniques are a big part of the scheme. One person bumps into you or starts a conversation while another slips a hand into your pocket or bag.

Arrastões — sudden group thefts where multiple criminals dash through crowds snatching belongings — occur on beaches and busy walkways, and pickpocketing remains common in tourist hotspots.⁸ Fake police encounters are also reported. Scammers impersonate officers, ask to “check” your documents or wallet, and then disappear with your cash. Overcharging scams also occur, especially with unmetered taxis or street vendors in popular areas.

Staying connected and secure in Rio

A reliable internet connection does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to staying safe in Rio. You’ll need mobile internet to use ride-hailing apps such as Uber and 99Taxi, which are among the safest ways to get around, especially at night. Having maps, navigation, and a live location also means you’re less likely to wander into the wrong area by mistake.

It also keeps you connected when you most need to be. You can contact your hotel or family instantly, use banking and payment apps instead of carrying cash, check reviews before heading somewhere unfamiliar, and use translation apps if communication gets awkward.

Public Wi-Fi risks and security concerns

Public Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels, and airports, but it’s not always secure. Open networks are easy targets for data theft, and using banking or payment apps on them is not advised. From a practical point of view, free Wi-Fi also has some major limitations. It’s fine for light browsing but won’t be much use when you’re trying to navigate the streets with a map application or want to call a taxi while you’re outside. Free Wi-Fi is typically tied to one location, like a bar or transport hub, so once you leave that area, your connection will drop. 

Roaming charges from the United States and international carriers

International roaming works, but it is often expensive and unpredictable. Many travelers end up limiting their usage to avoid unexpected bills, which defeats the purpose of staying connected for safety in the first place.

Local SIM card logistics and limitations

Buying a local SIM card can be awkward and time-consuming. You usually need to find a shop, deal with language barriers, register your passport, and ensure your phone is unlocked. It can work, but it takes a lot of effort and patience after a long flight. You might also end up paying for more data than you need because SIM vendors usually do not offer a wide range of packages.

eSIM advantages

An eSIM is the easiest option for most travelers. You can activate one instantly before or after landing, there’s no physical card to swap, and rates are usually competitive. You are connected the moment you need maps, transport, or a quick safety check—without any setup stress. When you use a service like Saily, all you need to do is download the eSIM app, choose your plan, and get online in seconds.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you’re robbed in Rio, the most important rule is not to resist. Hand over your belongings and prioritize your safety. 

Afterward, report the incident to the police. Keep in mind that recovery rates for stolen items are low, but a police report is usually required for insurance claims. If your passport is stolen, contact your country’s embassy or consulate immediately — knowing its location beforehand can save a lot of stress.

Brazil’s emergency numbers are 190 for the police and 192 for ambulance services. Having travel insurance is highly recommended, not just for theft but for any unexpected issues. Preparing in advance makes dealing with emergencies far less stressful — resources such as Saily’s international travel checklist can help you cover all the bases.

Get ready for a safe trip to Rio de Janeiro! 

Rio is safe for you if you take sensible precautions. Brazil welcomed more than 6 million international visitors in 2024⁹ and 9 million in 2025¹⁰ — and tourist numbers are expected to increase in the years ahead. Despite the high volume of tourism, most visitors explore Rio, enjoy its beaches, culture, and nightlife, and leave with great memories when they follow basic safety habits.

Don’t let fear stop you from visiting — with a bit of awareness, common-sense safety measures, and reliable connectivity, the city is very manageable. Stick to tourist areas, use Uber or licensed taxis, avoid showing valuables, and stay alert. Being connected gives you access to maps, transport apps, emergency contacts, and other tools that make navigating Rio safer and simpler. With these basics covered, you can focus on enjoying everything this incredible city offers.

If you want to stay safe while you’re online abroad, the Saily eSIM app includes useful security features to help protect you online. Saily users can use ad blocking, virtual location switching, and tools to limit online tracking. With Saily, you can stay connected, stay safe, and enjoy your Rio de Janeiro experience.

References

1. Gitnux — Brazil Crime Statistics: https://gitnux.org/brazil-crime-statistics/ 

2. OSAC — Rio de Janeiro 2023 Crime & Safety Report: https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/7ce0bb41-df62-4e92-b4b0-1d02a39be392 

3. UK Government — Brazil Regional Risks: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/regional-risks 

4. TravelLadies: https://travelladies.app/safety/brazil/rio-de-janeiro

5. US State Department travel advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/brazil-travel-advisory.html

6. UK Government travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/regional-risks

7. Interlira Reports: https://interlira-reports.com/news/a-phone-stolen-every-7-minutes-in-rio/25/11/2025/

8. Safety and security – Brazil travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/safety-and-security

9. Governo do Brasil: https://www.gov.br/secom/en/latest-news/2024/12/brazil-welcomed-6-6-million-international-tourists-in-2024-its-best-historical-mark

10. Travel Agent Central: https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/brazil-welcomes-historic-9-million-international-tourists-2025