Once you have lived in Brazil for some time, you will get used to some of the dangers that tourists often face. When you are doing business in Brazil for the first time, there are some safety tips that you will want to keep in mind:
Indoor ATM Machines
Just as in the US, it is always a good idea to avoid outdoor ATMs, especially in the evening and late at night. This can reduce the chances that you might be forced to turn over your PIN number and the funds in your bank account, which is a crime known as “quicksnapping.”
Protecting Your Passport
You should always have your passport information on you at all times, but there is a risk of losing your wallet or having it stolen. This is why keeping a copy of your passport on your person is the best way to travel through any Brazilian city. Keep your original passport locked in your hotel room so you will never be without documentation.
Help from the US Consulate
If you are a victim of a crime while in Brazil, the local US consulate or embassy can assist you in several ways, including replacing a passport, finding medical care, and contacting your family in the US. No matter where you travel to in Brazil, you should always know where the closest US embassy or consulate office is located.
As you continue doing business in Brazil, you will learn how to blend in with the locals and learn about all of the local problem areas to avoid. You should, however, always remain vigilant. Crime can happen just as easily in Brazil, as it does in the US.