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Category: Cities
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Question by Katie B: How safe is Recife, Brazil?
How does the crime rate compare to major American cities like NYC, Chicago or Philadelphia? What tips do you have to “blend in” aside from the obvious of not looking like a naive tourist or like you come from means?
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Answer by mark b
Not really safe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recife#Crime
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Tags: brazil, recife, Safe
I remember that in my brief passing through Recife my hotel had a gun shot whole in the glass of one of the windows. It’s one of the top three Brazilian cities with highest crime rates (next to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). In 2004 sourses say over 47,000 people were murdered in Recife (200 for every 100,000 inhabitants). This grim picture isn’t getting any better over the years. In 2008 we still see in the news how Recife is still a violent city. Fortaleza, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba are states (and pretty amazing states may I add) in northeastern Brazil and you’ll be much safer and happier there than in Pernambuco, which is also the only state in Brazil that has shark attacks (so you can’t even enjoy the beach in Recife!).
In 2005 only 539 people were murdered in NY. It’s very little compared to Recife´s 47,000. In 2002 the entire country of Canada had for every 100 thousand inhabitants a rate of only 2.6 murdered.
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Tips so you can blend in? Well the obvious is basically the most important, if not the only, way to blend: not looking like a lost naive tourist. If you want to blend in to feel safe that no one will take advantage of you, my advice is keep away from very empty places. Don’t stroll around areas that you don’t know cause you may be heading for a dangerous place without knowing (something I did once without meaning to). Stay in crowded places and do not use anything valuable like expensive watches. Keep your clothes as simple as possible. Since Brazilians come is all shapes and colors what you wear is what may set you apart from the rest. And not knowing the language is a big obvious sign that you come from abroad.
But you really shouldn’t worry about feeling like a tourist or an outsider because the northeaster part of Brazil is filled with tourist to the point where I felt like I was the outsider. I went to Rio Grande do Norte and I saw more tourists than locals there. You’d feel right at home. hehehe.
Brazil is not bad like people say it is. I’m from Brazil and have been to Recife before and love it. Its that people are so ignorant. They like to go there and show off their fancy stuff, of course their only drawing attention to themselves. My advice to anyone who wants to go is don’t wear jewelry when you go out, don’t wear expensive clothes, try not to speak English in public(if you can’t speak Portuguese), and atleast try to fit in. Many people who go to Brazil love their experience and had fun. I’ve been to Brazil a lot in my life and adore it. Don’t be scared just relax and have fun. We Brazilians are very kind and friendly. I’m sure if you go, you will love it.
Im an American who lived in Recife for about a year along with my wife who is from the neighboring city of Olinda. As far as personal safety is concerned its no worse than any large american city like NY or LA. As long as you keep your wits about you like avoiding deserted areas at night, securing your valuables, no showy jewelery, you should be fine. Just remember to use plain common sense, if something doesnt seem right…it probably isnt.
As far as blending in? dont bother. Theres nothing you can wear or do to fool the locals into thinking your Brazilian. They seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to spotting gringos. But dont worry as its not an issue. There are plenty of foreigners around that its not an unusual sight.
Some general advice? Try to stay around crowds.
Use taxis not the public buses(too many muggings).
avoid walking around at dark(except very public places like the beach)
And most important just use common sense like in any other large city.