Rio De Janeiro Health & Safety

Rio De Janeiro Health & Safety - Rio De Janeiro Travel Guide - Online Tourist Information

Safety

First of all, there is a high police presence throughout the city and there are CCTV cameras in many areas. However, as in any big city, there are incidents of crime which you must be aware of before travelling to Rio.

Safety is definitely something to be taken seriously when visiting Rio de Janeiro. The social disparities seen throughout Brasil are exaggerated in this crowded city of over 10 million persons.

Rio has high crime rates, sepecially homicide, in poor areas dominated by drug lords, generally in the North Zone.

In 2006, 2,273 people were murdered in the city giving it a murder rate of 37.7 cases for every 100,000 people. According to federal government research, the city itself ranks 206th in the list of the 5,565 most violent cities in Brazil and first in total number of firearm-related deaths. Between 1978 and 2000, 49,900 people were killed in Rio.The Urban Warfare involves drug-traffic battle with police fighting against outlaws, or even corrupt policemen on their side.

And the second most common kinds of crime affecting tourists are pick pockets and street muggings. However, kidnapping is not an issue like it is reported to be in some other Latin American countries.

While Rio does have a certain security risk involved, visitors can greatly minimize their risk by care of yourself.

and also, in weekends, beaches in Rio de Janeiro are watched by helicopters.

Health

Medical facilities are generally nice, but they can vary, especially in remote areas. Most of doctors can speak in English, also.

Before take a trip, make sure you are up-to-date with polio vaccinations and tetanus. You will also need to be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A.
Never drink tap water as it can be polluted and avoid fruits and vegetables that have not been peeled or cooked.

Emergency Services

Ambulance : T 192
Police : T190
Tourist Police : T 3399 7170

24-hour pharmacy
Avenida Prado Junior 237a T 3323 900