'Security of Americans in Brazil' Expat

Brad (63.176.159.45) -

This is what the U.S. Embassy says about security of Americans in Brazil.

What is the real story?

What are the real dangers?

Where are the safe places?

How much risk is there for expats?

Political and labor strikes and demonstrations occur sporadically in urban areas and may cause temporary disruption to public transportation. Naturally, protests anywhere in the world have the potential to become violent. While it is unlikely that U.S. citizens would be targeted during such events, U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Brazil are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid any large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. Individuals with ties to criminal entities operate along the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. These organizations are involved in the trafficking of illicit goods; some individuals in the area are financially supporting designated foreign terrorist organizations. U.S. citizens crossing into Paraguay or Argentina may wish to consult the Consular Information Sheets for those countries.

Colombian terrorist groups have been known to operate in the border areas of neighboring countries. Although there have been reports of isolated small-scale armed incursions from Colombia into Brazil in the past, we know of no specific threat directed against U.S. citizens across the border in Brazil at this time. Colombian groups have perpetrated kidnappings of residents and tourists in border areas of Colombia's neighbors. Therefore, U.S. citizens traveling or residing in areas of Brazil near the Colombian border are urged to exercise caution. U.S. citizens are urged to take care when visiting remote parts of the Amazon basin and respect local laws and customs. U.S. visitors should ensure that their outfitter/guide is experienced in the Amazon.

• travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html

Comment #1 Lee from Montevideo, Uruguay (Contact Member) -

If you follow the U.S. State Department you'll sit in your house watching TV enjoying the good life and miss the cultures of the world!

Use some common sense... but avoid those fear mongers.

Comment #2 Chris A from the Philippines (63.176.159.123) -

The United states all wants to hog all the glory and tourism. As self-centered and greedy as they always are (referring to their government and management), they will stop at nothing to meddle with global affairs. It is a good thing that the Philippine government is an "ally" or as I call it a "pet" to the United states government that is why tourism has always been boom here and of course Philippines has indeed many hidden and untapped wonders ready for exploration, but going back. Philippines has also experienced such travel advisory and bans, but these are not always true. They are making the tourists feel uneasy and stupid for reminding them not to go to a country. They are generalizing that if one part of a country has a conflict, then the whole country is in chaos but it is not. Of course these tourists are aware of which places to go so what's with the advisory?

Tourists are smart and they want to live their lives to the fullest, experiencing various cultures and traditions. These travel advisories, though how honest they are, are just guidelines but not necessarily has to be followed.

Comment #3 Tom (63.176.159.108) -

Good point Chris. There is nothing wrong with warning tourists of the bad spots..

Comment #4 fred (63.176.159.22) -

i would want to know of any dangers in any place that i travel to.

Comment #5 Kim (63.176.159.244) -

Wow, that would be really helpful if I ever was to go here and travel, and if I ever do, I now know of places to stay away from. Thanks!

Comment #6 Vicky (63.176.159.150) -

I think that anyone visiting a new country would be afraid of criminal activity because they are not used to the different crimes that occur in different countries.

Comment #7 Priscila Brengle (70.176.19.21) -

I'm a Brazilian Citizen residing in the US for the past 8 years. I wanted to take my husband to Sao Paulo with me for New Year's eve. He refused to go because he says it's dangerous. I told him Brazilians don't take their guns to school and shopping mall for a killing spree!

Any American living in Sao Paulo or Rio that could help me convince my husband of traveling to Brazil with me?

Thanks

Comment #8 cwemoy (63.176.159.27) -

I thought Brazilians were the most non-violent human beings...I mean look at how they play their football. What is with Americans with wanting to feel insecure in any part of the globe apart from where they reside. Is everything about being a super power have to do with meddling with the sovereignty of other countries?

If you think a place will not be secure for you, why not do your research well? However, to want to victimise someone because of their nationality is uncouth!

Comment #9 Isaac (63.176.159.218) -

True Vicky, we are all accustomed to feeling insecure in new places. An understanding of the crimes there would even scare us the more. It is perhaps important to turn a blind eye to the said 'threats' and go on with the usual business especially when the said threats are based on heresay. I gather that individual countries will take it upon themselves to advise the travellers.

• Americans visiting Brazil

Comment #10 Greg (12.23.249.242) -

"Response to Priscila"

I am an American who is married to a Paulista. I have been to Sao Paulo 18 times over the last 4.5 years including every New Year's Eve. Never had one problem. You just have to use common sense and don't put yourself in bad situations. If you husband appears to be afraid then he will stand out. Tell him just to relax, take off the expensive clothing and jewelry, and try to blend in.

E-Mail:         

Name:            (required)

Title:           (required)

Message (do not enter emails or links or urls in the message!):