Is Rio de Janeiro Safe in May 2026?

Coordinated groups of thieves target tourists on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Some approach with trinkets or flirting as distractions; others simply grab phones, bags, and jewelry while running past. Solo tourists are most vulnerable.

How to avoid: Bring only what you need to the beach — no passport, no extra cash, no expensive jewelry. Use waterproof phone pouches worn around the neck under clothing. Keep phones in your bag rather than on display. Sit near lifeguard posts which have more patrols.

Female criminals approach male tourists in bars, clubs, or via dating apps and build a romantic connection before spiking drinks or food with sedatives. The victim is then robbed of cash, cards, and valuables — often in their own hotel room. The US State Department issued a specific warning about this tactic in February 2025, noting around 40 reported cases in Rio de Janeiro in 2024 alone. Victims often wake with no memory of the crime and discover bank accounts drained via mobile transfers.

How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended and refuse food or drinks brought by someone you just met. Use only official taxi apps to reach your accommodation, do not invite new acquaintances to your hotel room, and share your plans and location with a trusted contact before any evening out.

In an arrastão, a large group of thieves moves through a crowded area simultaneously grabbing valuables from multiple tourists at once. These are reported at Copacabana beach on weekends, Carnaval events, and busy public areas.

How to avoid: Stay alert in very crowded public settings. Keep phones in front pockets or inside bags. If you notice a large group approaching aggressively, move toward a shop, hotel, or police post. Know the emergency number: 190 (police) and 192 (ambulance).

Card skimming devices are fitted to ATMs across Rio de Janeiro, particularly in less-monitored street locations, capturing card data and PINs. The UK FCDO also warns that if cash withdrawn from an ATM has pink ink marks on it, it may have been flagged as damaged or counterfeit by the central bank — using it can result in further loss. Card details are then used for unauthorized transactions within hours.

How to avoid: Only use ATMs inside secure bank branches, airports, or shopping centres during business hours. Shield your PIN at all times and check for unusual attachments on the card reader. If withdrawn cash has any pink markings, go directly to the bank or police rather than attempting to spend it.

Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers approach tourists in Santa Teresa and Lapa, claiming to be conducting a drug or counterfeit currency inspection. They flash unofficial-looking badges and demand to see your wallet and passport. Once your wallet is in their hands, cash disappears before it is returned or they walk away with it entirely.

How to avoid: Genuine Brazilian federal or civil police carry clearly marked credentials and do not conduct random street wallet inspections of tourists. If approached, do not hand over your wallet or passport. Ask loudly to be taken to the nearest police station (delegacia) — genuine officers will comply; scammers will not. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original.