I lived in Brazil nearly all of last year. Most of that time was spent in Zona Sul, in Rio. And the tail end in Sao Paulo. I would say Rio is not for everyone. It's definitely in my top 3 favorite places, but safety is a concern that kind of looms. So people who are very sensitive to that might not feel at ease for longer term stay.
Personally, I don't stress too much about these things. I'm not reckless or flashy, but I have a high tolerance for grimy places. So I've spent so much time walking around the worst neighborhoods in the world, from LatAm to the US to Africa, at 2 - 3 am. I don't do drugs or anything, I just like to see what happens.
In Brazil, I never experienced or witnessed any form of crime. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen often. Staying in the nicer part of town doesn't remove the risks of crime, but it certainly reduces it significantly. In Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), there is heavy police presence 24/7, and the safety benefits are evident.
One issue with big cities in Brazil is homelessness. There are a ton of homeless people with mental issues in Rio and Sao Paulo. They don't seem to bother anyone, but they will certainly unnerve the average Westerner.
Personally, I don't stress too much about these things. I'm not reckless or flashy, but I have a high tolerance for grimy places. So I've spent so much time walking around the worst neighborhoods in the world, from LatAm to the US to Africa, at 2 - 3 am. I don't do drugs or anything, I just like to see what happens.
In Brazil, I never experienced or witnessed any form of crime. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen often. Staying in the nicer part of town doesn't remove the risks of crime, but it certainly reduces it significantly. In Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), there is heavy police presence 24/7, and the safety benefits are evident.
One issue with big cities in Brazil is homelessness. There are a ton of homeless people with mental issues in Rio and Sao Paulo. They don't seem to bother anyone, but they will certainly unnerve the average Westerner.
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