Is it safe to live in Brazil?
Posted: September 23rd, 2011, 7:57 am
Is it safe to live/travel in Brasil?
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Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.rome86 wrote:lol why are you scared ? the USA is more dangerous than most countries including Brazil ..there are thugs everywhere my friend just be aware of your surrounding.
I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.Rock wrote:Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.rome86 wrote:lol why are you scared ? the USA is more dangerous than most countries including Brazil ..there are thugs everywhere my friend just be aware of your surrounding.
For those who say all big cities are similar crime wise, you just gotta watch your back, etc, I say rubbish. There are huge differences in risk between various cities around the world. Some are safe, some are moderate, some are dangerous, and some are downright suicidal. Rio, Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, etc. are all dangerous cities and you really should take material precautions to mitigate the risks when visiting or living in such places.
I don't think Brazilians are that big on average, probably an inch or two shorter than white or black Americans. But looking Nordic does make you stand-out as a gringo/tourist. The favela guys often gang-up on people and use knives or sometimes guns. When my parents visited me there in 2008, a 17 year old Portuguese tourist got stabbed to death mid-day on the beach right in front of Copa hotel they were staying at just cus he resisted on handing over his money. And cops are loose on the trigger there too. When something happens, they sometimes spray the perps with bullets and hit innocents in the process.E_Irizarry wrote:I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.Rock wrote:Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.rome86 wrote:lol why are you scared ? the USA is more dangerous than most countries including Brazil ..there are thugs everywhere my friend just be aware of your surrounding.
For those who say all big cities are similar crime wise, you just gotta watch your back, etc, I say rubbish. There are huge differences in risk between various cities around the world. Some are safe, some are moderate, some are dangerous, and some are downright suicidal. Rio, Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, etc. are all dangerous cities and you really should take material precautions to mitigate the risks when visiting or living in such places.
I witnessed people (locals and foreigners) getting jumped....bitches (i.e. putas) stealing from customers in the whorehouse, but I still love it, man. Whereas in São Paulo, I have seen some nasty shit, but Rio got SP beat cold in the crimen department.Rock wrote:I don't think Brazilians are that big on average, probably an inch or two shorter than white or black Americans. But looking Nordic does make you stand-out as a gringo/tourist. The favela guys often gang-up on people and use knives or sometimes guns. When my parents visited me there in 2008, a 17 year old Portuguese tourist got stabbed to death mid-day on the beach right in front of Copa hotel they were staying at just cus he resisted on handing over his money. And cops are loose on the trigger there too. When something happens, they sometimes spray the perps with bullets and hit innocents in the process.E_Irizarry wrote:I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.Rock wrote:Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.rome86 wrote:lol why are you scared ? the USA is more dangerous than most countries including Brazil ..there are thugs everywhere my friend just be aware of your surrounding.
For those who say all big cities are similar crime wise, you just gotta watch your back, etc, I say rubbish. There are huge differences in risk between various cities around the world. Some are safe, some are moderate, some are dangerous, and some are downright suicidal. Rio, Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, etc. are all dangerous cities and you really should take material precautions to mitigate the risks when visiting or living in such places.
Irazzary, you pass for a local, speak Porto, and have spent a lot of time there. Haven't you ever been a crime victim or at least witnessed some nasty stuff? Cus most locals I know there sure have. Some have been carjacked too.
Rock wrote:E_Irizarry wrote:I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.Rock wrote:Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.rome86 wrote:lol why are you scared ? the USA is more dangerous than most countries including Brazil ..there are thugs everywhere my friend just be aware of your surrounding.
For those who say all big cities are similar crime wise, you just gotta watch your back, etc, I say rubbish. There are huge differences in risk between various cities around the world. Some are safe, some are moderate, some are dangerous, and some are downright suicidal. Rio, Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, etc. are all dangerous cities and you really should take material precautions to mitigate the risks when visiting or living in such places.
I'm sorry to hear that. I saw quite a few Nordic, and another instance a western European-looking dude get ripped off and victimized in Rio before. They stuck out in their attire and their European languages. *sigh*. The only think that's saving Black AMerican men in SP and Rio (most of the time when they go) is that they roll in packs even though most of them cannot speak the language for shit.pete98146 wrote:Rock wrote:E_Irizarry wrote:I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.Rock wrote:Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.rome86 wrote:lol why are you scared ? the USA is more dangerous than most countries including Brazil ..there are thugs everywhere my friend just be aware of your surrounding.
For those who say all big cities are similar crime wise, you just gotta watch your back, etc, I say rubbish. There are huge differences in risk between various cities around the world. Some are safe, some are moderate, some are dangerous, and some are downright suicidal. Rio, Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, etc. are all dangerous cities and you really should take material precautions to mitigate the risks when visiting or living in such places.
I absolutely love Brazil, but I think it's too dangerous for my liking. I've been down there three times each time staying on Ipanema Beach. I enjoy waking up early and walking the beaches (Ipanema and Copa are essentially linked but separated by a small pennisula). One day I was walking and there were only a few people awake. This young kid (assuming from the favela nearby) walked right up to me and tried to take the sunglasses of my head!!! What a bold SOB! I looked around and didn't see any of his friends around so I grabbed his arm and told him "Unless you walk away fast, one of us is going down and it ain't gonna be me." Yes I realize it was a stupid and dangerous thing to say but he caught me off guard and it was a knee jerk reaction. Granted I'm also a very big fit guy at 6'4 and 225lbs...and of Nordic heritage. Looking back, he could have shot or knifed me. Instead he just went running away empty handed off in search of his next victim.
I did get to know quite a few of the American expats. It's imperative that they walk around in shirts and shorts ie look like a back packer so they don't draw attention to themselves and get jumped. Who wants live with that fear on his mind?
The moral of this story is that all it takes is one event to mess up your life. Unfortunately some guys will kill you for a nice pair of sunglasses. It's all about taking risks and IMHO, Brazil carries too many risks for non-Brazilian looking guys. Nevertheless, I stopped going there and discovered Asia which I feel is MUCH safer.
Thanks for that! It was sad because there is no place on earth that is cooler than Brazil!!!! I still have a very fond spot in my heart for this lovely country and it's peopleE_Irizarry wrote:pete98146 wrote:I'm sorry to hear that. I saw quite a few Nordic, and another instance a western European-looking dude get ripped off and victimized in Rio before. They stuck out in their attire and their European languages. *sigh*. The only think that's saving Black AMerican men in SP and Rio (most of the time when they go) is that they roll in packs even though most of them cannot speak the language for shit.Rock wrote:E_Irizarry wrote:I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.Rock wrote: Do you really believe that? Generally, there's a huge difference between the bulk of Brazil and the USA. In the States, avoid the high danger/high crime areas (well under 5% of total land area) and the risk of being a violent crime victim is moderate at worst. In Brazil, even the best areas of larger cities are high risk because so many people from the favalas mull about looking for opportunities and targets. Almost every expat I know who has been in Brazil for a few months or more has personally witnessed or been a victim of a violent crime(s). Locals see this kinda stuff go down frequently.
For those who say all big cities are similar crime wise, you just gotta watch your back, etc, I say rubbish. There are huge differences in risk between various cities around the world. Some are safe, some are moderate, some are dangerous, and some are downright suicidal. Rio, Sao Paolo, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, etc. are all dangerous cities and you really should take material precautions to mitigate the risks when visiting or living in such places.
I absolutely love Brazil, but I think it's too dangerous for my liking. I've been down there three times each time staying on Ipanema Beach. I enjoy waking up early and walking the beaches (Ipanema and Copa are essentially linked but separated by a small pennisula). One day I was walking and there were only a few people awake. This young kid (assuming from the favela nearby) walked right up to me and tried to take the sunglasses of my head!!! What a bold SOB! I looked around and didn't see any of his friends around so I grabbed his arm and told him "Unless you walk away fast, one of us is going down and it ain't gonna be me." Yes I realize it was a stupid and dangerous thing to say but he caught me off guard and it was a knee jerk reaction. Granted I'm also a very big fit guy at 6'4 and 225lbs...and of Nordic heritage. Looking back, he could have shot or knifed me. Instead he just went running away empty handed off in search of his next victim.
I did get to know quite a few of the American expats. It's imperative that they walk around in shirts and shorts ie look like a back packer so they don't draw attention to themselves and get jumped. Who wants live with that fear on his mind?
The moral of this story is that all it takes is one event to mess up your life. Unfortunately some guys will kill you for a nice pair of sunglasses. It's all about taking risks and IMHO, Brazil carries too many risks for non-Brazilian looking guys. Nevertheless, I stopped going there and discovered Asia which I feel is MUCH safer.
Man. Come back and P4P at least, man. Please don't let Brasil become solely a fond memory. Brasil needs your orchestral manoeuvres in the dark-tears for fears, Nordic looking self's genes to mix. More mulatto babies por favor. LOLpete98146 wrote:E_Irizarry wrote:Thanks for that! It was sad because there is no place on earth that is cooler than Brazil!!!! I still have a very fond spot in my heart for this lovely country and it's peoplepete98146 wrote:I'm sorry to hear that. I saw quite a few Nordic, and another instance a western European-looking dude get ripped off and victimized in Rio before. They stuck out in their attire and their European languages. *sigh*. The only think that's saving Black AMerican men in SP and Rio (most of the time when they go) is that they roll in packs even though most of them cannot speak the language for shit.Rock wrote:E_Irizarry wrote: I'm 6'3", 285 lbs, and I fit right the f**k on in. It must suck to be you guys that want to chill in BR.
I absolutely love Brazil, but I think it's too dangerous for my liking. I've been down there three times each time staying on Ipanema Beach. I enjoy waking up early and walking the beaches (Ipanema and Copa are essentially linked but separated by a small pennisula). One day I was walking and there were only a few people awake. This young kid (assuming from the favela nearby) walked right up to me and tried to take the sunglasses of my head!!! What a bold SOB! I looked around and didn't see any of his friends around so I grabbed his arm and told him "Unless you walk away fast, one of us is going down and it ain't gonna be me." Yes I realize it was a stupid and dangerous thing to say but he caught me off guard and it was a knee jerk reaction. Granted I'm also a very big fit guy at 6'4 and 225lbs...and of Nordic heritage. Looking back, he could have shot or knifed me. Instead he just went running away empty handed off in search of his next victim.
I did get to know quite a few of the American expats. It's imperative that they walk around in shirts and shorts ie look like a back packer so they don't draw attention to themselves and get jumped. Who wants live with that fear on his mind?
The moral of this story is that all it takes is one event to mess up your life. Unfortunately some guys will kill you for a nice pair of sunglasses. It's all about taking risks and IMHO, Brazil carries too many risks for non-Brazilian looking guys. Nevertheless, I stopped going there and discovered Asia which I feel is MUCH safer.