Travellers hear divided opinions about Brazil. On one hand, the locals are friendly and welcoming. On the other hand, the country is notorious for its high rate of robberies, murders and disease outbreaks.
The truth is in between — hundreds of thousands of Western tourists have a happy and safe time in Brazil each year, but a few do run into trouble. Above all, it pays to plan ahead, both before you arrive and during your stay.
The Canadian Government’s travel advice and advisories website advises that travellers exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas. While these crimes are more common in the big cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, they can occur even in rural areas. Pickpocketing and snatch-and-grabs are also common in tourist areas, including the beaches.
Practise common sense safety by sticking to busy and well-lit areas. Try to blend in by dressing like the locals, and don’t wear or carry expensive jewellery, watches or electronics. Travellers with designer handbags and luggage are sometimes targeted by fast-moving thieves on motorcycles. Stay in tourist areas and don’t enter the favelas — the poor shanty towns — where criminal gangs often operate.
Mosquito-borne illnesses
Due to its tropical climate, Brazil is a high risk for yellow fever, Zika virus, malaria and dengue fever. Yellow fever can be vaccinated against, and it’s highly recommended doing so before your trip. If you are visiting jungle areas, consider taking anti-malaria medication and always wear a DEET containing repellent.
Infectious diseases
Brazil experiences many water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases. The most common are cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis, rabies and serious outbreaks occur from time to time. Seek immediate medical advice if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.
NOTICE: While the Information is considered to be true and accurate at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. We strongly recommend verifying the travel advisory of your destination prior to departure.
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information as of the date of publishing, Allianz Global Assistance does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. Allianz Global Assistance strongly recommends seeking the guidance of a professional travel agent/agency for further information on a specific destination. On your next trip, whether to another province or country, ensure you have travel insurance as it may assist you in cases of unforeseen medical emergencies and other types of mishaps that can happen while you travel. Travel insurance does not cover everything, please always refer to the policy document for full terms and conditions, including limitations and exclusions. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. Photography Credits: Cintia Erdens Paiva, Shutterstock.com
