individuals should avoid walking alone if intoxicated since they are more vulnerable to theft - taking taxis after a long night out is the best solution to avoid an uncomfortable confrontation - in most zona sul taxis are readily available any time of day.

If unaccompanied by a guide or very experienced local, it is generally best to keep away from favelas, since the specificities of the social networks in these places might be unknown to visitors and far more complex than they seem - if walking at night avoid yelling or loud talking in foreign languages since it attracts attention.

everyone, visitors and locals alike, should be aware of where they are by looking around, and getting a feel of whether other people are there - if individuals walking towards someone look suspicious, or are waiting at street corners where there are no bars or reasons to stand there, a different route or going into a restaurant or cab might be a good idea.