Is Recife Safe in December 2026?

Boa Viagem beach kiosks are targeted by motorbike riders who pull up to tourists charging phones at outlets and grab the device as they ride past. Victims often don''t react fast enough to react.

How to avoid: Keep phones in your possession at all times, not on the table. Avoid charging phones at kiosks — use a power bank. Sit facing the street to see approaches.

Taxis from Guararapes International Airport (REC) take tourists via an indirect route through Imbiribeira, inflating the 8km trip to Boa Viagem into 25+ BRL over the real 35-45 BRL fare.

How to avoid: Use Uber or 99 from the airport. If taking a taxi, insist on the meter and verify the route via Google Maps. Fixed-fare airport taxis from the official desk are also fair.

During Carnaval season (January to February) and year-round, unauthorized ticket sellers outside the Marco Zero square and near the Porto Digital district sell counterfeit Carnaval circuit wristbands and concert tickets at face value or slight discount. The wristbands look authentic but are rejected at access points. Scammers disappear into crowds immediately after the transaction. Losses range from BRL 80 to 400 per person per event.

How to avoid: Purchase Carnaval wristbands and concert tickets exclusively from official Prefeitura do Recife outlets or authorized sellers listed on the official Carnaval website. Never buy from individuals on the street regardless of how official they appear.

Fraudulent holiday rental listings for apartments in the Boa Viagem beachfront district are advertised on clone sites and local Facebook groups at below-market rates. Renters are asked to pay a deposit via Pix or bank transfer to secure the booking. On arrival the property does not exist, the address is incorrect, or the real owner has no knowledge of any rental. Recife strong internal tourism market means these listings are plentiful and convincing.

How to avoid: Book beachfront apartments exclusively through Airbnb, Booking.com, or platforms with verified reviews and financial protection. Never pay via Pix to an individual before viewing the property or receiving a signed contract.

Beach vendors on Boa Viagem offer marijuana or cocaine to tourists, sometimes followed by a "plain-clothes police" intervention demanding USD to avoid arrest. The "police" are accomplices.

How to avoid: Refuse all street drug offers. Real police are uniformed and issue written citations, not cash demands. If surrounded, walk to the nearest Pelourinho tourist police post or call 190.