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Lots of scams

South America

Tourist scams in Brazil

Theft and robbery are serious concerns in Brazil, but the risk varies widely by city and area. Travellers should watch for pickpockets, bag snatching, theft by room visitors, taxi overcharging and fake branded goods. Some robberies involve weapons or forced ATM withdrawals.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing and unwanted touchingSomeone takes valuables from your pocket or bag. In Fortaleza, be especially careful around beggars who keep touching you. Unwanted contact can make it harder to notice a theft.Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre 2Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonBag snatchingA thief grabs your bag and escapes. A busy area or nearby police presence does not remove the risk.Fortaleza 2Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonStreet robbery and armed muggingA robber threatens you and demands your belongings. They may have a gun or knife. Deserted streets, isolated beach sections and poorly lit areas increase your exposure.Across Brazil. Specific warnings cover deserted parts of Praia do Futuro and its bus stops after sunset. 3Read
  4. 4 ShoppingCommonFake branded goodsMarket goods carrying a famous brand name may be fake. You can pay extra for a label without getting the real product.Street markets across Brazil. 1Read
  5. 5 NightlifeCommonTheft by a visitor taken back to your roomA person taken back to a room steals valuables. Reports often involve foreign men and sex workers, though the person's role may not be obvious. Some victims are drugged. Others are robbed while heavily affected by alcohol or drugs.Fortaleza 3Read
  6. 6 TaxisOccasionalTaxi charged at the wrong meter rateSome Fortaleza drivers use the higher rate 2 when it should not apply. In Porto Alegre, the meter also shows a fare level that you should check against the taxi's fare table.Fortaleza, Porto Alegre 1Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalCarjackingCriminals attack someone near or inside a vehicle, rob them and take the car. Some attacks develop into a forced trip to an ATM.Across Brazil, with specific warnings about attacks near or inside cars in Brasília. 3Read
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalFlash kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawalsAttackers rob a person near or inside their car. They may keep the owner with them and force them to withdraw money from cash machines. These attacks can involve further violence.Brasília 2Read
  9. 9 Fake officialsOccasionalPolice involvement in scams or robberySome police officers work with criminals in scams, muggings or other crimes. The details vary, and an officer's involvement does not guarantee that a situation is safe.Across Brazil. 1Read
  10. 10 Other tricksOccasionalKidnapping by armed groupsArmed groups operating in these areas can kidnap civilians. Groups mentioned include drug traffickers, pirates, foreign guerrillas and illegal militias.Rio de Janeiro, Salvador 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Beira Mar, FortalezaThe tourist area has a regular police presence, but pickpocketing and bag snatching still happen.
  • City centre, FortalezaCommercial areas can have pickpocketing, bag snatching and other theft.
  • Praia do Futuro, FortalezaDeserted beach sections are dangerous. Bus stops have a strong robbery warning after sunset.
  • Serviluz, FortalezaThis neighbourhood borders Praia do Futuro and is described as one of the city's most dangerous.
  • Historic District, Porto AlegreThere is a specific warning about pickpockets. Many parts also become dark and deserted at night.
  • Favelas in Greater Rio, Rio de JaneiroArmed groups operate here. Risks include kidnapping and violence against civilians.
  • Favelas in Greater SalvadorArmed groups operate here. Risks include kidnapping and violence against civilians.
  • Isolated rivers in Brazilian AmazoniaArmed groups operate along some isolated river stretches, with kidnapping and other violence reported.
  • Border areas with Venezuela, Colombia and PeruArmed groups, including pirates, create risks of violence and kidnapping, especially on rivers.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check the fare notice and the meter's fare level when your trip starts.
  • In Fortaleza, agree on any fixed fare before getting into the taxi.
  • In Brasília, taxis must use meters and can start charging only after you board.
  • Ask your hotel to call a taxi if you are unsure where to find one.

Money

  • Carry only the cash you need for the day. Keep some small notes for small shops and vendors.
  • Ask for the final amount you will receive after exchange fees. Airports and luxury hotels can offer poor rates.
  • Check the full purchase price. A sign showing R$50 X 10 means ten payments of R$50, for a total of R$500.
  • Treat famous-brand goods at street markets with caution. Check quality before paying.
  • Compare flight-booking totals. Booking engines may add a fee, so the airline's own site can cost less.

Cards and ATMs

  • Avoid withdrawing large amounts or carrying all your cash together.
  • Use an ATM in a well-used, well-lit place and shield your PIN.
  • Check the withdrawal fee before accepting the transaction.
  • After leaving a bank, check whether anyone is following you or waiting near your vehicle.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones, jewellery and expensive watches out of sight.
  • Keep bags closed and close to your body in crowds, on beaches and on public transport.
  • Step away from strangers who keep touching you or seem excessively helpful.
  • Avoid unfamiliar, deserted or poorly lit streets after dark.
  • Do not resist a robbery involving threats, a gun or a knife.

Nights out

  • Limit alcohol so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep your drink in sight.
  • Avoid taking someone you barely know back to your room.
  • Arrange your return journey before leaving for the evening.

Where you stay

  • Secure valuables before going out or receiving a visitor.
  • If something disappears after a visitor leaves, tell reception immediately.
  • Ask reception to preserve visitor registration details for police.

Tours and guides

  • Avoid favelas and the identified high-risk border and river areas.
  • Use a licensed, reputable tour service if arranging a favela or indigenous-village visit.
  • Check the route and destination before agreeing to a tour.

Police and officials

  • Remain respectful and calm during police interactions.
  • Never offer a bribe.
  • Seek help from your embassy or consulate if you encounter problems with police.
  • Ask your hotel or a trusted person for language help if needed. Many officers do not speak foreign languages.

What travellers say about Brazil

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams and theft in Brazil?

Take theft seriously, but judge each area separately. Risk varies widely. Busy tourist areas can still have pickpockets, while isolated places can expose you to robbery. Keep valuables hidden and plan your journeys.

What should I check before taking a taxi?

Check the fare notice and the meter's rate. In Fortaleza, some drivers use the higher rate too often. The meter should run unless you agreed on a fixed fare before boarding. In Brasília, charging can start only after you board.

Can I use my phone openly on the street?

Avoid displaying it unnecessarily. Keep it out of sight when walking and stop somewhere secure if you need to check directions. Even areas that feel relaxed can have theft.

Are beaches safe places to leave my belongings?

Keep your belongings watched and take as little as possible. Florianópolis has a specific warning about valuables on beaches. In Fortaleza, avoid deserted parts of Praia do Futuro and its bus stops after sunset.

What is flash kidnapping?

It is an attack in which criminals rob someone, often near or inside their car, and may force them to visit ATMs to withdraw money. Brasília has a specific warning. Do not resist if caught.

How can I reduce the risk of theft after a night out?

Limit alcohol, watch your drink and avoid taking someone you barely know to your room. In Fortaleza, room visitors have stolen from victims who were drugged or heavily intoxicated. Report missing items to reception and police immediately.

Are cheap branded goods at street markets genuine?

They may be fake. Avoid paying extra for a famous label at a street market. Check the material and finish, and use an established retailer when authenticity matters.

Does R$50 X 10 mean the item costs R$50?

No. It means ten payments of R$50, so the total is R$500. This is an instalment price. Ask for the full total and whether paying in cash costs less.

How should I handle money exchange and ATM fees?

Check the final amount and all fees before agreeing. Airport and luxury-hotel exchange rates can be poor. ATM withdrawals can also carry fees. Avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts.

Who can help if I am robbed or have trouble with police?

Call 190 for urgent police help. Fortaleza has a tourist police office on Avenida Historiador Raimundo Girao 805, reachable at +55 85 3101 2488. Your embassy or consulate can help with passport loss or problems involving police.

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