Is Brazil Dangerous?

Brazil is the largest country in South America.

For many people, Brazil is a paradise with beautiful beaches, parties on the streets, soccer and sexy women everywhere. Also, Brazil is considered together with Indonesia the country with the highest cultural variety in the planet. Every single region has its uniqueness.

To continue our list of compliments, Brazil has jumped up to the 5th biggest economy in the world overtaking Britain and France.

However, the reality is far more obscure. In the past 30 years the number of homicides in Brazil reached more than 1 million. This is worse than countries like Angola which faces 550 thousand victims in its 27-years-long civil war.

These embarrassing numbers have reduced in the capital cities. Nevertheless, it's been increasing in the smaller cities.

Brazil is the 5th biggest economy in the world. Nothing to be proud of, though. Socially speaking, there is a huge disparity between the rich and poor classes. The bad distribution of money and the collapsing educational system are to be blamed for the high crime rates of Brazil.

So, is Brazil dangerous? Yes, specially if you don't know much about the country.

After this dark revealing side of Brazil, you might be thinking of canceling your trip or postponing it to better peaceful times. You don't have to do this. I am going to give you some hints on how to have a safe visit to Brazil and take the most out of it.

1- Never carry large amounts of money with you. Take just the necessary for your daily expenses.
2- Distribute your money in different pockets. A bit of money under your socks is not a bad idea.
3- Watch your back. Pickpockets target distracted people.
4- Never dress extravagantly when you are walking on the streets.
5- Avoid using your mobile phone on the streets.
6- Leave your watches, bracelets and chains at home.
7- Avoid speaking English or other foreign languages loudly in public transports or on the streets.
8- Never walk alone in dark and quiet streets.
9- Never resist to an armed robbery.
10- If you are being stalked by a suspicious person, enter the first commercial precinct you find or approach any group of people and start some talk or ask for information. Don't leave until the suspicious person vanishes.

So, is Brazil dangerous? Yes, but I know how to reduce the risks and enjoy my trip.