Travel and Safety Information for Rio de Janeiro

In an emergency:

• If you are mugged: Do not try to resist – give them your valuables.
• To report a theft:
• Call the police (190) and report the incident.
• Block your cards and phone.

 

Additional information:

• Basic Portugese:
• “Ajuda!” (Help!), “Onde fica…?” (Where is…?).

 

When we return:

• Report safety-related incidents internally.

If you feel ill (fever, skin rashes), see a doctor and tell them about the trip.

 

Contacts:

Safety:

Company safety

Ayhan Gövercin

+49 151 580 40 293

Adrian Mazur

+49 152 22 88 0 185

Travel agency:

HRG Sports Travel

Michaela Olbertz

+49 175 266 8506

 

Brazil:

Travel to Rio de Janeiro requires special precautions. This leaflet provides a structured emergency checklist to minimise the risks from criminal activity, health hazards and the country’s political situation.

Summary: Safety information for Rio (German Foreign Office, 2025)

High levels of criminal activity: muggings and theft, including in tourist areas (e.g. Copacabana).

Be extremely careful at all times in all parts of the city and the state.

Keep money, ID, driving licence and other important documents safe.

Keep mobile devices in an inconspicuous place, e.g. in a lockable travel bag, or put them in a safe.

Use contactless payment when possible and only have the cash you need for each day with you. Avoid wearing/carrying unncessary valuables or flashy jewellery.

Avoid ostentatious clothing, watches and jewellery and make sure watches and smartphones are not visible when in public places.

Always carry a small amount of cash with you. If you are mugged, give them this cash and do not attempt to resist.

Up-to-date information: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil

 

Please note:

Hospitality Desk information:

• Inform Ayhan Gövercin or Adrian Mazur at least one hour before leaving the hotel. This applies to everyone, regardless of their postion.
• All transfers are organised by Bayer Brazil. Taxis can only be booked through the hotel in exceptional circumstances.
• Inform Sara Classmann or Michaela Olbertz of all journeys at least two hours before departure. All journeys must be approved by Bayer Brazil.
• If you have visitors (e.g. for meetings or family matters), inform Ayhan Gövercin or Adrian Mazur beforehand.

Emergency contacts

German Embassy in Brasília (responsible for the whole of Brazil):

Emergency number: +55 61 3442-7000

Address: Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 3477 - Bloco B, 4º andar, São Paulo - SP, 04538-133

Email: info@brasilia.diplo.de

Main Brazilian emergency numbers:

Police: 190

Ambulance: 192

Fire service: 193

 

Health and vaccinations:

• Recommended vaccinations (RKI):
• Tetanus, hepatitis A/B, yellow fever* (*if travelling to the surrounding region)
• Protection against mosquitoes:
• DEET instect repellant
• Long clothes
• First aid kit:
• Diarrhoea tablets, painkillers, disinfectants

 

Staying safe during the trip:

Safety in Rio

• Avoid high-risk areas:
• Do not visit any favelas without a local guide
• Avoid isolated beaches/roads at night

Security equipment & IT

• Digital security:

Use a VPN, avoid public Wi-Fi networks.