Statistically Brazil is a country with a high level of delinquency, but it should be noted that more than 75% of violent crimes are concentrated in the 'favelas' of the large cities, or in other marginal or very poor areas. Many of these crimes also originate as disputes between drug traffickers, reprisals between professional criminal gangs or police raids on these gangs. Another high percentage of these violent crimes (through jealousy, disputes, family rivalry, kidnappings, land takeovers etc) takes place far away from the world of the foreign visitor. Indiscriminate street crimes make up a very small percentage of all crime and the Brazilians themselves are the principal victims. Outside of cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro it is very unusual that a foreigner is the victim of violent crime.

Brazil is a huge country and the reality regarding violence and criminal acts varies from area to area. This reality is not the same in Sao Paulo as in a quiet village on the north east coast. Also the risk of becoming a crime victim is not the same when walking through Candeias, Piedade or the elegant area of Boa Viagem in the city of Recife as it would be in a 'favela' or a marginal area of the same city. In the same way it is not exactly the same walking along Fifth Avenue in New York as walking through the Bronx...

We live in a world of globalization and violence and crime are not kept apart from this globalization. Sometimes, to avoid or to minimize the possibilities of being a victim of crime it is enough to take simple precautions, which are valid, worldwide:

1. Before leaving for a trip it is a good idea to take a couple of photocopies of the documents you are taking with you (passport, National identity card, driver's license, airline tickets, credit cards, travelers cheques, etc.); should any of these be lost or stolen, it will be much easier to replace them and solve any problems.

2. Once at the hotel or apartment, the originals should be left in a safe place, preferably in a safe deposit box if available, or at the reception of the hotel (in this case asking for a receipt). Normally, for daily use, a photocopy of a passport will be sufficient to pass any police control, although the ideal would be to have the copy authenticated in a police station or a local notary's office.

3. A list of telephone numbers and/or addresses (hotel, consulate, friends, airlines, taxis, insurance company, travel agency, etc.) could be useful in the case of theft or loss of documentation, or in any other emergency. It is best to carry one copy of this list and leave another copy in the hotel.

4. Dress should be corrected but simple and non-ostentatious. It is much better not to give the impression of being a 'tourist'.

5. You should avoid going out carrying elegant handbags or other bags obviously full of cameras, portable computers, video cameras, etc., as these will attract the attention of thieves. You should carry all personal belongings (keys, money, credit cards, cigarettes, etc.) in pockets. If you need to carry a bag, you should use a simple bag, which passes without notice, or even a plastic carrier bag from a supermarket.

6. Logically you should avoid wearing ostentatious watches, chains, gold bracelets, expensive rings and other jewellery. All of these signs are a walking provocation and not only in 'third world' countries today.

7. When taking photographs it is best to use a small pocket camera or even a disposable camera. The use of large cameras with bags with pockets of lenses and other accessories should be avoided. If you have to use expensive cameras you should first explore the territory and then only use the camera at the moment you want to take the shots. This way you will avoid possible 'snatches'.

8. Before photographing people, you should always ask permission. This will avoid any possible problems.

9. You should only take the really necessary to the beach (shorts, shirt, towel, sandals, sun cream, sunglasses and a small amount of loose change to buy a drink or a snack). When swimming it is best that somebody stays on the beach to keep an eye on these items. If you are alone, you could ask somebody close by to watch your things.

10. Money should always be changed in a bank, an authorized exchange bureau, or in your hotel. Money should never be changed in the street even though the rate of exchange appears to be better. When changing a large sum of money, the greater part should be placed in an interior pocket, leaving only a small amount of cash in the pocket of the trousers, shirt or skirt. After changing the money and before leaving you should look around to ensure there are no 'suspicious' looking people or movements. The ideal is to leave in a taxi or a friend's car and go direct to the hotel or apartment and leave the money in a safe place.

11. When paying, try to avoid using large notes and take the money discreetly from the pocket, never taking out wads of notes.

12. It is better not to place money and documentation in the same pocket. Likewise loose change and notes should be kept in separate pockets. Should a robbery occur, the assailant might be content with loose change and a few small notes.

13. You should avoid going alone to 'favelas' and poor and marginal areas (would you go alone to the Bronx in New York or to marginal areas in Madrid or any other large European city?), isolated areas on the outskirts of large cities, dark alleys, lonely gardens in city centers, etc. In Brazil muggings rarely occur in busy areas. On the other hand, care has to be taken when close to these areas, especially in tourist areas. When having to cross through or pass by suspicious areas it is best to do so in taxi, especially at night. It is worth the cost.

14. You should take great care when meeting new unknown 'friends' or a beautiful woman. In the bars and discotheques you should never accept drinks or cigarettes offered by new and charming friends as they could contain narcotics or sleeping pills. Gentlemen should be very wary of overly friendly ladies.

15. Areas of prostitution and drug trafficking should be avoided. Should you have to go to one of these areas, you should not go alone and you should not allow yourself to be taken elsewhere. When buying drugs or certain other 'services' you should be aware with whom the 'contract' is being made and the price should be clearly agreed beforehand. Of course the payment must be made: the alternative could be a much higher price.

16. Should the worst happen, in the case of a robbery or a mugging, you should not argue or confront the thief, even though he or she may appear to be only an adolescent or have little physical strength. It is possible that the assailant may be armed or has accomplices close by. It is preferable to hand over the camera and the money rather than risk life or limb.