Rio de Janeiro Travel Forum

I've heard some people say that buying your clothes in Rio is a good bet since you'd be seen as a local and not a vulnerable tourist. Would it be wise to that?

Also, if you're wearing nice footwear, is there a chance I could be targeted? I mean, something like Converse or Nike? I imagine the locals have those. Thanks!

There was another person recently posting worried about her jeans and being left without her clothing on the street. First of all, there isn't a snowball's chance in Rio that you won't look like a tourist no matter what you're wearing, so give up that idea. You carry yourself like a non-Brazilian, have a non-Brazilian haircut, your clothes fit like a non-Brazilian even if bought there.....and you'll have a neon sunburn (even if your skin is darker to start). Just bring your board shorts and the closest fitting T-shirts you own (if any)--big and baggy is not in. Second, the sneakers in the mall there look just like the sneakers in the mall where you live. And the guys in the favelas make knock-off Shox. Third, if something happens (which it probably won't), it would probably happen fast--too fast for anyone to wait for you to remove your sneakers. Fourth, it's going to be too hot to want to wear anything but sandals. :-) As long as you don't let yourself become incapacitated, you don't have to obsess over all the stories/rumors you've heard.

The criminals in Rio not only attack tourists they attack their own people, keep a low profile when it comes to clothes, it may help. I blend in and always keep a low profile, have been in Rio many times, that did not save me the last time I went. The criminals in Rio don't care what you look like, you age, young, old or in between, they have no respect for anyone rxcept themselves.

brazil is different from other latin american countires in the way that wealthy locals are more likely to get robbed than tourists.
poor brazilians hate rich brazilians as much as rich brazilians hate poor brazilians.
the good news is that both poor and rich brazilians generally likes foreign visitors and you are likely to be treated very well everywhere.