Brazil

The highlights for Brazil: Lencois Maranhenses  –  São Luís - Brasilia -  Rio de Janeiro - Ilha Grande - Paraty - Sao Paulo - Bonito. 

After travelling 95 countries, and I felt Brazil was the most challeging destination, since high crime rates and non-Portuguese speakers face serious difficulties. I was stressed out by the street robberies, highway robberies news in Brazil, and I am trying my best to take precuctionary mesaurements. 

One friend kindly treated me a Chinese lunch and donoted me an Andriod phone as a spare to take on Brazian streets. Since e-SIM cannot be switch among devices, I will get a physical SIM for Brazil. In addition, I will bring a damaged iphone to surrender to robbers. Yes, three phones to carry around.

"To prevent robbery in Brazil, the key is to avoid looking like a target. This involves dressing modestly, leaving expensive valuables like jewelry and watches at home, and only carrying the necessary cash for the day. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. If a robbery occurs, do not resist and hand over your belongings immediately. Additionally, be cautious with your phone, use reputable transportation like official taxis or rideshare apps, and avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar, high-risk areas."

 - Try not to stare in their faces as they might think you are memorizing their appearance. Eyes to the ground is probably your best bet. Let them take anything they want (keep your arms limp). Do not panic. Even if they are armed, if you comply and allow them to take what they want, they will not harm you. Afterwards, leave the scene quickly but calmly (don't run in panic screaming for the police).

 - When in downtown during the rush hour, be aware of pickpockets as in any other big city centre. The difference in Rio is that the pickpocket can often be a bit violent: one of them pushing you forward in the bus or to the ground in the street while another one takes your wallet and runs away. It's not that usual or as bad as it sounds, but try to avoid being in real danger by reacting strongly as these guys often operate in armed groups (2-5 people), some unnoticed by you.