Talk me off the ledge (Brazil's World Cup related)

[tkmorris]

6. If I were going...

I'd take some care where I stayed. There are areas that are policed, and are relatively safe, and there are areas which just aren't. An obvious foreigner in such areas would be a prime target for crime. There is also no way in HELL I'd get on public transportation. A great number of the muggings,kidnappings, etc. happen on public transportation. In any case if you do get mugged in Brazil it is considered wise to just give up whatever they want with no fuss. Thieves in Brazil are apparently abnormally quick to get violent if their demands are not met.

If they are experienced travelers they surely know all of this. Furthermore with the World Cup the police there are trying VERY hard to keep the areas tourists will be as crime-free as possible. As long as they stick to the secure areas (which they will I'm sure) they'll be fine.