Health & Safety Tips in Rio de Janeiro (and any city around the world)

You surely had enough health and safety tips in Rio, but most of the media is just repeating what the press agencies are saying and few insider information is going around. If you have friends already in Rio they probably told you how fantastic destination is, and if you are still doubting about wether travel or not to Brazil, this article will help you to calm down, relax and have fun.

Warm white sand that soothes the bottom of your feet, crystal clear waters, and beauty as far as the eye can see - Rio De Janeiro is a visual utopia when it comes to natural landscapes. Islands spot the horizon as you and your loved ones laze on the beach, enjoying the blazing sun-even in the winter time, eagerly awaiting the next olympic event. It’s no surprise the Olympics were chosen to be held in stunning Brazil. But no city is paradise, even though it may seem like it.

[caption id="attachment_9832" align="aligncenter" width="3264"] Rio's bid image for the 2016 Olympics / Source[/caption]

Brazil is a country not unlike your own, with good and bad attributes. In addition to some concerns about the Zika virus epidemic, the main arena isn’t in the most savoury neighborhood, causing concerns to rise over the safety of Olympic-going tourists. But there is no reason this has to affect your trip, all one must do is practice caution as you would in most big cities. Read on to better learn how to protect yourself.

Ways to Protect against Illness

Bug spray

The Zika virus has been a hot topic in the news as of late, primarily due to the abnormalities that affect babies who were born from an affected mother. Due to the Olympics being held in Rio De Janeiro, people have been up in arms, panicking about what impact Zika virus may have if it spreads to other countries. While it may be scary in theory, it might not be the disaster you were led to believe.

The Zika virus has little effect on those who aren’t pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Symptoms include vague joint pain and headaches, something that can affect the average adult on a day-to-day basis. However, the spread of Zika is a cause for alarm. Once infected, the possibility of carrying it back to your native country is probable. Try not to worry too hard though, these are just mosquitoes after all. The average bug spray will ward off mosquitoes just as they would back home. Avoid pools of stagnant water where insects might gather, and try to avoid having unnecessary amounts of skin exposed. Luckily, since it is winter in the southern hemisphere, it’s the off season for bugs right now. You can enjoy the games without being too affected by mosquitoes. As prominent as it may be in the news, Zika might not be your biggest concern.

Water bottles

[caption id="attachment_9879" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Mineral Water brands in Brazil. Source[/caption]

When you’re on vacation, sometimes minor health concerns might slip your mind. You drink out of the sink back home all the time, why would you take pause in your hotel room when filling up a glass from the sink? While attending the Olympic events, the accumulation of people all crowded together might leave you hot and sweaty and quite desperate for a drink. The line at the snack kiosk is far too long and you see a 4-year-old Brazilian girl taking a drink from the water fountain. Why would you stop to think that maybe you shouldn’t do the same? Always pause, always stop to think.

Drinking water in a foreign country is not the same as drinking water in your native country. It also may affect locals differently than tourists on account of already having adapted to the water sanitation conditions. While it is becoming safer and safer to drink water in Brazil, some precautions are still a necessity, especially if you plan to visit more rural areas outside of Rio de Janeiro. While you may be there to watch the Olympics, it's not unusual to take day trips during the events that don't interest you as much. Remember to take a water bottle with you and use it at every available opportunity.

Ways to Protect Against Crime

Travel in groups

You’re leaving the arena late at night and somehow manage to get lost. While a fair amount of people speak English, most in the area do not and you barely know any Portuguese. As unfortunate as it may be, tourists are often a target when it comes to travelling abroad. To avoid being caught in a dangerous situation, remember to take caution.

Travel to and from Olympic events with friends or family, especially when attending events at the main arena. The larger the group the better.

Blend in

[caption id="attachment_9862" align="aligncenter" width="928"] These beach-goers know how to blend in/ Photo via: Daytours4u[/caption]

We get it, you’re on vacation and feeling good. You finally have time off from that frustrating job of yours, you’re in a beautiful country, and you’re attending the Olympics - a once in a lifetime opportunity. It makes sense that you’d want to bust out your nicest camera, buy a whole new flurry of clothes, and put on your nicest watch. We dress to feel good. But please, refrain from doing this.

We already touched on tourists being a target. Doing everything you can to avoid looking like a tourist is in your best interest. Leave the flashy jewelry at home, and do your best not to show off any expensive electronics.

[caption id="attachment_9866" align="aligncenter" width="956"] Keep the carioca beach dress-code and avoid dressing like a tourist / Source[/caption]

To learn more about how to dress like a carioca, check out this article.

Be aware

All of these tips might help some, but none of it matters if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. Blending in and travelling in groups may not stop a pickpocketer from spiriting your phone away, or stop you from getting lost in a bad neighborhood.

Always know where you’re going, above all else. Make sure you’ve looked up your destination on a map, and be weary of taxi drivers taking you elsewhere. If a situation feels uncomfortable, remember to follow your gut, and get out of there!

God forbid something bad happens, but if it does, make sure you know where the nearest hospitals and police stations are.

The Olympics are a fun time across the globe. Despite the fact that we're competing, it unites us all in activitiy. We cheer for our favorite countries together and cry when our favorite athletes lose together. People from all over come to watch the Olympic games, a melting pot of people all united in one city. But remember, just because you're having fun and on vacation, doesn't mean you don't need to play it safe