How not to die attending the Brazil World Cup

By Rebeccah Elley · · 2 min read
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Brazil police have warned FIFA World Cup tourists if you’re being robbed “don’t scream”, according to Travel Insurance Direct.

The police chief said many people visiting Sao Paulo and Brazil in general for the World Cup, will be unfamiliar with the level of crime and have no idea how to behave in a city as violent as Sao Paulo.

Smartraveller has also issued a travel warning to Aussies jet-setting to Brazil to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

The international men's football tournament takes place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014. During this time Smartraveller advised large scale industrial strikes and protests are expected to occur across Brazil in the lead up to and during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

“Demonstrations could occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. We recommend Australians avoid all demonstrations and protests and monitor local media for information about expected demonstrations.”

Smartraveller said incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings and sexual assault is significant, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, Salvador and other large cities. “Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.”

Here are 5 tips for staying safe when travelling to Brazil during the World Cup:

1. Avoid shanty towns (especially at night). High levels of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common in shanty towns or ‘favelas’. So avoid walking alone at night and keep to the main streets.

2. Don’t wear jewellery and expensive watches. Tourists are often targeted during the Brazil World Cup, so only take minimal cash and credit cards with you and don’t wear blingy jewellery (even costume jewellery) or shiny watches that may indicate you’re wealthy.

3. Use a prepaid taxi ticket. Tourists to Brazil have been robbed when using an unregistered taxi, so always use official taxis that have photographic licence displayed.

4. Get comprehensive travel insurance. Organise comprehensive travel insurance here before jet-setting to Brazil and search the travel money market for the best travel deals around.

5. Don’t leave your food or drink unattended. When out enjoying the Brazilian nightlife, don’t leave your beverages (even for a minute!) due to the risk of drink spiking.