Originally posted by Stringer
The President of our company got mugged outside the hotel on a trip last year. But he goes there all the time, so he just figured he was due.
That is pretty much the way to handle it. I had been going for years. Last year I was robbed twice, only a few bucks, in a span of 3 months, and by the same people! lol
I speak conversational Portuguese, was calm, let them go through my pockets, and said I had already used up most of money that night partying. Was on my way, walking back to my hotel at 3:30AM in Copa. They even didn't take my little cheap watch. Even gave me my cigs and lighter back both time (I am a secret smoker while partying).
Why didn't I fight? Well I didn't like the idea of getting cut or killed since there were four of them, and I really didn't have anything of value. Although as a a a general rule most folks who travel there a lot like myself often carry the equivalent of $10 to $20 of robbing money.
I am only talking about Rio and to some extent Sao Paulo. While petty crime exists in other parts of Brazil, I have always found it very safe and the people quite honest. In my opinion, Brazilians are the most fun in the world.
Plus, it seems like the coastal area of Brazil has the highest concentration or percentage of lovlies in the whole world.
