Brazil - Travel Money

onerickylambert

I'd normally say get your money in country from an ATM, but for Brazil NO WAY! Consider if your son even wants to take an ATM card

The majority of kidnappings in São Paulo are "express kidnappings.” Victims are abducted for a short time in order to receive a quick payoff from the family, business, or the victim's debit/credit card. In some cases, they will take the victims shopping if their ATM cash limit has already been met. All foreigners are vulnerable to this crime.

Express kidnappings are on the rise in Brazil, they occur when criminals kidnap their victims to extract their daily cash limit from an ATM or hold them hostage while they use their credit cards until they are deactivated, often over days or weeks. Victims may be drugged to reduce the chance of escape while kidnapped.

Many incidents of robbery and express kidnappings occur outside of banks and ATMs. The wealthy or those who are perceived as financially affluent remain the most attractive targets for professional criminals. There is no evidence to suggest that thieves are targeting any specific nationality or ethnicity.

The crime threat rating for São Paulo and all of Brazil as rated by the U.S. Department of State is 'Critical'. Recent statistics show that crime has decreased in some areas, yet crime levels in the State of São Paulo remain high. Much of São Paulo’s crimes and violence can be attributed to street gangs and organized crime groups operating throughout the state. São Paulo continues to experience violent crimes such as murder, rape, kidnappings, armed assaults, and burglaries. All neighborhoods within the city of São Paulo are susceptible to crime. There are daily reports of armed robberies that occur regularly in the affluent residential sections of Jardims, Morumbi, Campo Belo, and Moema

I'd suggest taking Reals obtained from the UK, with some travellers cheques kept securely in the hotel for emergencies. Leave the cards at home.

bigadaj

onerickylambert wrote: »

I'd normally say get your money in country from an ATM, but for Brazil NO WAY! Consider if your son even wants to take an ATM card

The majority of kidnappings in São Paulo are "express kidnappings.” Victims are abducted for a short time in order to receive a quick payoff from the family, business, or the victim's debit/credit card. In some cases, they will take the victims shopping if their ATM cash limit has already been met. All foreigners are vulnerable to this crime.

Express kidnappings are on the rise in Brazil, they occur when criminals kidnap their victims to extract their daily cash limit from an ATM or hold them hostage while they use their credit cards until they are deactivated, often over days or weeks. Victims may be drugged to reduce the chance of escape while kidnapped.

Many incidents of robbery and express kidnappings occur outside of banks and ATMs. The wealthy or those who are perceived as financially affluent remain the most attractive targets for professional criminals. There is no evidence to suggest that thieves are targeting any specific nationality or ethnicity.

The crime threat rating for São Paulo and all of Brazil as rated by the U.S. Department of State is 'Critical'. Recent statistics show that crime has decreased in some areas, yet crime levels in the State of São Paulo remain high. Much of São Paulo’s crimes and violence can be attributed to street gangs and organized crime groups operating throughout the state. São Paulo continues to experience violent crimes such as murder, rape, kidnappings, armed assaults, and burglaries. All neighborhoods within the city of São Paulo are susceptible to crime. There are daily reports of armed robberies that occur regularly in the affluent residential sections of Jardims, Morumbi, Campo Belo, and Moema

I'd suggest taking Reals obtained from the UK, with some travellers cheques kept securely in the hotel for emergencies. Leave the cards at home.

Sounds like you should be worried by your call up then!