Crime in Salvador, Brazil

Yes i was here in 2008 didnt see or hear of any crime but saw lots of begging and hustling people selling things on the beach being very forceful into you buying stuff. One young lad took a can of coke from me i was about to drink. I was told not to go on the beach at night on my own it looked peaceful but dark and kind of spooky i did go out of the hotel but only at the hotel grounds i didnt use the beach i was only there for 3 days. Hotel staff lovely i cant remember what hotel it was but you could walk out of the hotel onto the beach it was that close. Would i go back here no i wouldnt i didnt feel safe it was to hot and not really much to do. Some of the group i was with fell quite ill with stomach problems

Salvador is indeed a dangerous city. Although one should be aware of unsafe conditions while on the streets (by foot or in a vehicle), safety depends mostly on the place and the moment of the day. One should avoid going to the peripheral areas of the city and some "Favelas" unless necessary, as some spots are taken by gangs commanded by heavy-armed drug dealers. On the other hand, there are still some relatively safe places in the city, such as high-standard neighborhoods and touristic spots (Barra, Vitoria, Canela, Itaigara, among others). I lived here for 5 years and I was robbed only once, while taking a bus. Just taking some basic precautions and being aware of my surroundings. It's a beautiful place, such a shame that is so unsafe.