Inspite of what I posted earlier in Rio, the cases I mentioned happened to
people who lived or lives there and that in the "Zona Sul", the best area of
the city and in "Leblon", one of the best spots within the city. However, it
is more likely statistically that such things will happen to someone who
lives there than to visitors to the city who are there a few days. Yes, the
city is dangerous but the probability that something bad will happen to you
is low, if you be aware of your surrondings and don't flash money around and
walk around at night.
Cariocas have to live there and cannot take taxi all the time and everywhere
(because of cost), although many do take them a lot. Moreover they do have
to go about their business in the city such as go shopping for groceries, to
the bank, doctor's offices, visit friends, walk their dogs, go to the beach,
etc. all the time, therefore, eventually will be mugged or have some bad
incident happening to them. A visitor has less of a change, by the sheer
statistical fact that he/she is in Rio for just a few days of their lives.
Yes, I had bad cases to tell, but let's put them in perspective. I just
recounted them to counter the statement of the previoius person who posted
and asked whether "Cariocas spend their lives in fear".
Rio is a beautiful city to visit, but, even though I was born and raised
there, I would not like to live there. The same goes for Sao Paulo, and
when I was there earlier this year, I was told had surpassed Rio in its
violence. Since I was there only for a few days, I did not find it
particularly scary, but you see security everywhere (camaras, heat sensor
lights, policemen, security guards carrying guns, lots of gates and high
walls around properties and security check points in the more afluent
neighbourhoods).
By all means, visit Brazil and see many beautiful things and enjoy its
diverse culture...
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