Natural Disasters in Brazil
Brazil is one of the world’s largest territories and is exposed to various natural hazards.
Drought and excess rainfall, resulting in recurrent floods and landslides, are the most
frequent and disruptive events and significantly impact urban areas. In 2011, floods,
landslides, and mudslides in Rio de Janeiro claimed about 1,000 lives and incurred total
losses of 1.35 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product. Climate change is projected to
increase the frequency and severity of these events.
Do’s and Dont’s
DO:
• Make eye contact with those around you, even as you walk through the streets and
marketplaces, or travel on public transport. This is considered normal and polite. It is also a
safety measure, as pickpocket thieves are known to prey on those who do not make eye
contact (since they can, presumably, not identify the people around them and the
perpetrator of the crime).
• Be an alert pedestrian, looking carefully before crossing the street. This is a busy country,
with plenty of traffic.
• Leave the bulk of your money and essential paperwork (passport, driver’s licence, etc.) in
a safe place at your accommodation. Carry only the money you need for the day with you.
If necessary, make photocopies of your paperwork to carry with you and leave the originals
at your hotel.
• Pickpocketing is, unfortunately, a threat, particularly in bustling areas full of locals and
tourists making their way around the beautiful cities of Brazil. Therefore, when visiting a
very busy area, do not wear valuable jewellery (including wristwatches) or carry cameras,
money and wallets anywhere in or from which they can be seen or taken.
• If you are the victim of any crime, be sure to report it to the tourist police immediately.
• If you will be visiting a busy area, wear your backpack backwards so it hangs on your
chest, not behind you.
• Always check with your hotel if certain areas are safe, or if they advise you not to visit
them. Take their advice to heart.
• Get a taxi rather than a bus for long-distance travel. They are reasonably priced and safe.
• Brazilian locals are generally accommodating and often quite friendly. Accept their help if
they offer it to you
• If you need to draw money, choose an ATM inside a mall or bank rather than one on the
street.
• Wear walking shoes (not hiking boots), shorts and a plain T-shirt to fit in with the locals.
DON’T:
• Get drunk. Brazilians are not often drunk and do not respect others who consume too
much alcohol.
• Do drugs. It is illegal to use or have drugs in Brazil.
• Make use of prostitutes. They often supplement their income by robbing their clients.
• Opt for really cheap accommodation. Small accommodation providers are generally
unwilling to provide lodging for foreigners (which they may do, but begrudgingly) and may
not offer the safety and conveniences of larger establishments.
• Leave your luggage, shopping or any other personal possessions unattended.
• Give money to beggars and street children. Although these pose little or no physical
danger to you, they should not be supported financially.
• Walk in the streets or along the beaches after dark.