Crime in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Crime rates in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Level of crime | 90.62 | Very High | |
| Crime increasing in the past 3 years | 79.71 | High | |
| Worries home broken and things stolen | 57.83 | Moderate | |
| Worries being mugged or robbed | 86.87 | Very High | |
| Worries car stolen | 77.94 | High | |
| Worries things from car stolen | 76.59 | High | |
| Worries attacked | 70.55 | High | |
| Worries being insulted | 56.06 | Moderate | |
| Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion | 41.38 | Moderate | |
| Problem people using or dealing drugs | 83.43 | Very High | |
| Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft | 81.23 | Very High | |
| Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 90.56 | Very High | |
| Problem corruption and bribery | 92.40 | Very High |
Safety in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Safety walking alone during daylight | 33.72 | Low | |
| Safety walking alone during night | 12.86 | Very Low |
Contributors: 707
Last update: May 2023
These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years.
If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high.
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Nearby cities:| Crime in Niteroi | 12.43 miles |
| Crime in Duque de Caxias | 15.50 miles |
| Crime in Nova Iguacu | 24.35 miles |
| Crime in Petropolis | 41.07 miles |
| Crime in Teresopolis | 59.79 miles |
| Crime in Saquarema | 74.61 miles |
| Crime in Volta Redonda | 79.85 miles |
| Crime in Barra Mansa | 82.82 miles |
| Crime in Nova Friburgo | 87.41 miles |
| Crime in Sao Pedro da Aldeia | 88.48 miles |
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For instance, here's a list of countries with more absolute murders than Brazil:
1. Pakistan
2. Nigeria
3. India
4. Democratic Republic of the Congo
5. Bangladesh
I live in Rio and I've lived in Nairobi which is recognized by experts as the more violent city and that was certainly my experience. Rio's tranquil in comparison.
Not surprisingly, Nairobi is among the 100 most violent cities in the world which you can't say for Brazilian cities. It's that bad, you need to be a very violent city to get in the top 100.
First and most important is there are areas safer than others. Wealthier parts of the city (south mostly) are safer but it doesn't rule out armed robbery risks. Carrying cigarretes or little ammounts of money will never avoid armed robbery as stated below. Offering cigarretes (or anything) while being robbed is not wise. Don't do that.
It's not the most dangerous place in earth as some say either, but it can be pretty dangerous if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. and that's serious. You can get shot or worse.
Solution?
Do not travel without local guides. They know how to avoid bad situations. Besides, they know a lot of nice places worth visiting.
I stayed in the center as well as in Copacabana and Ipanema. I walked a lot through the city (from the center to Lapa, Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana or Ipanema) and never ever faced an issue. When in Rio I use the public transportation (metro, buses). Not a single issue.
Yes locals warned me. Many times. I simply keep a low profile. I blend in as much as possible. Can it be that I was so lucky all these years? statistically highly improbable.
Read the comments from Finn below (Finn on Aug 03, 2018). I share the same feelings resp. experience.
I read that over 6 millions foreigners visit Brazil each year. First destination is Rio with almost 3 millions. Pre pandemic figures yes but still.
So yes crime is present but not omnipresent and common sense resp. usual precautions should keep you safe.
This page provide sensible advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/safety-and-security
But no Rio is not part of the best cities in the world in my eyes. The landscape is absolutely wonderful but the city itself not though it is very interesting. Adding to that the social inequalities and the pollution to name a few issues... but it is certainly well worth a visit while you are in Brazil. As Finn I prefer July or August. Not too humid, more stable weather conditions and less tourists :D
Peeps get funny ideas about Rio, it's really overstated.
Exceptionally dangerous, wherever you are.
Yes it may have some nice postcard views, but are they worth your life?
That said we are buying our house in Marica and will raise our two sons there.
Yes it can be dangerous.Seems what I have learned is if you do not know someone, do not trust them, watch what you say and when you speak. Constantly be aware of your surroundings. We are visitors in a foreign country. No different than if you venture to one of the US inner city areas. For te most part, it is an awesome place, I love it and the people.
Stay away from Hell de Janeiro