GHG,
I learned a few things down there to be safe.
1) In major cities like Rio and Sao Paulo, take taxis and do not take a bus. There are dangerous areas in any Brazilian city, and if you get on the wrong bus, you might not be getting where you want to go and might not come back. Find a reputable taxi company by asking the front desk at the hotel you are staying at... and stay at a reputable hotel. If you are renting a car (NOT RECOMMENDED), then you damn sure need to have a local guide to know where you go. If you take a wrong turn, your rental car might be your casket.
2) Dont travel by vehicle between cities. A rule of thumb is that if there is any stretch of jungle between cities, then fly if possible. Lots of banditos on the highways.
3) In Rio, do not go swimming in the bay. It is polluted with bio and industrial waste. You will probably notice how few people are swimming at the beaches. About other cities I dont know, but if in doubt, then observe what the locals are doing. If you head out to any of the open coast beaches, dont venture out very far unless your an olympic class swimmer. The rip tides there can drown even a good swimmer.
4 )If you plan to play the field, take plenty of condoms. HIV and other VD is common. Even if you think your not going to play, tak'em anyway. There are some very stunningly beautifull women there.
5) Use the buddy system for going out. If you can buddy up with someone who speaks Portugese, then you are doing very well. Most people in Brazil do not speak English. If you know someone who speaks fluent Spanish, they will be helpfull, but the conversations will take time.
6) Keep your passport on you at all times. Do not give it to anyone other than a Brazilian government official asking for it.
7) Whatever city your in, know ahead of time where the American embassy or consulate is and its phone number.
8) American money is not widely accepted. Keep a decent amount of Brazilian 'reals' handy. Just about everything you might buy will cost you more than in the US. Know the exchange rate.
If I think of anything else, I'll post'em here.
Brazil is a fun place, so have fun.This post was edited on 12/25 5:29 PM by TexAg1992
Originally posted on Aggie Sports Forum by TexAg1992.