Rio is doing a serious effort to deal with the safety issue, and results are starting to show. In addition to the federal and military police, there is a new corps of municipal guards. They help control traffic and keep the sidewalks relatively free of vendors. Municipal guards do not carry guns while they patrol on foot and on bicycle South Side neighborhoods and beaches like Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, Arpoador, and Leme.

One thing to keep in mind is that Rio is a city of social contrasts. You cannot turn the other way, and pretend you are in Rodeo Drive or Disneyland. This definitely does not mean you have to be paranoid all the time, though. Relax, and learn how locals deal with their personal safety. Here are some basic guidelines that cariocas try to follow themselves:

• Do not bringing jewelry, gold or platinum watches.
• Your invaluable valuables belong in the safety box of your hotel room.
• Carry along a photocopy of your passport, in case you are asked to show some ID.
• Do not take along more cash than you need. Most restaurants and stores take plastic, anyway.
• Stay on the South side of Rio or at areas specifically recommend by your city guide.
• Avoid dark or isolated areas where you do not see a single soul at night, such as the Flamengo Park, or the Financial District.
• Walk with a sense of purpose, as if you knew where you are going to.
• Don't walk around with your camcorder or your state-of-the-art camera swinging from your limp hand, like a shopping bag. Wear shoulder straps. If you bring along expensive cameras or camcorders, consider an insurance.
• At the beach, do not leave your camera, passport or cash laying around on the sand unattended while you go for a few laps. Do not leave your money in the sneakers, either (that's an old one).
• Do not take regular buses alone (see transportation). If you take a bus, avoid the window seat, or the back rows. Keep the exact change in hand, so you don't have to mess with your wallet (which obviously is in your front pocket). ·
• Good Night Cinderella is an old trick that works wonders. You take a drink offered by a friendly stranger. It contains powerful sleeping drugs. You will need help to get back to your hotel room, and this person will gain access to your valuables while you are helpless. Do not leave your drink unattended at bars or discos, for the same reason.
• Don't take strangers you've just met back to your hotel room - even if you think you are in love! This is the easiest way to become a victim of violence, or theft. Take him, her or them to a motel, instead.
• At nightclubs, stay away from dreadful. These muscular guys, nicknamed after their mandatory pitbulls, tend to hang out in boys-only groups, and may pick up fights for no apparent reason. As they sometimes greet each other with a kiss in the mouth, they could be mistaken for harmless·
• Don't get involved with the drug scene, even if you think you know what you're doing.
• If the worse happens, and you are approached by a criminal element, try to keep calm. Do not fight. They may be on drugs, could react violently, and you certainly have more to lose than they do.
• Though police officers in the street try to be helpful, most do not speak other languages. If you need to report something was stolen for insurance purposes, go to the tourist police (DEAT). Their office is conveniently located in Leblon, on Av. Afrânio de Mello Franco s/n across from nightclub Scala (call 511-5112 for hours).
• The most important thing: don't let paranoia ruin your stay!