I was in Rio a few months ago. There was a heavy police/military presence in the city, I saw multiple armed convoys throughout the city and actually got a photo with some GOE guys. Despite this, if you stay in the nicer areas such as Leblon you'll be fine. Even Copacabana at night was safe so long as you stay on the main roads and avoid dark alleys.
The first time I was there I took Ubers and cabs to get around but the second time I ended up getting a rental (very cheap in Brazil) and drove everywhere without problems. I also visited a flavela (a nicer one) with a local just to see it. There were serious looking cops there with rifles.
Some general situational awareness safety tips:
Be aware of how people are looking at you
Be aware of how close people get to you
Know which area you are in
If you are lucky to meet a nice girl you can have her show you around and enjoy the city with her
Be aware of being on a main road compared to a small secluded alley
You can profile a general gangbanger but I have heard of stories of dudes in full suits mugging people
Watch your back when you are in a ATM
Basically this
Quote: (09-01-2018 10:35 AM)hipster Wrote:
But if for whatever reason you want to experience the city i think you should not really be afraid, if you have common sense odds that absolutely nothing will happen to you are much much higher. However if you are in the wrong place, in the wrong time you may get murdered for no reason in any area! And seriously the city night life is boring nowadays , better for day-anything. Still a huge interesting city for those who never came, i feel less safe in London but that is just a feeling.