Important numbers and assistance resources for your safety in Brazil
Emergency Contacts & Resources
When You Need Help
Having emergency contact numbers on hand when traveling is essential. Save these numbers before your arrival in Brazil, and keep them accessible on your phone or written down.
Police
190
For crimes, accidents, and general emergencies. English speakers often available.
Medical Emergency
192
Ambulance and medical emergencies. Provides direct hospital transport.
Fire Department
193
For fires, rescue operations, and natural disasters.
Federal Police
197
For serious crimes, passport theft, and federal matters.
Embassy & Consulate Services - Comprehensive Guide
Your country's embassy or consulate can provide essential assistance if you encounter serious legal, medical, or personal problems while in Brazil. Embassies represent your country's government and are staffed by diplomatic personnel trained to assist citizens abroad. Consulates (located in major cities) handle most citizen services, while embassies (typically in Brasília) handle high-level diplomatic matters. Most countries maintain diplomatic presence in major Brazilian cities.
Contact your embassy or consulate if you:
- • Lose your passport or identity documents
- • Face legal troubles, arrest, or imprisonment
- • Experience serious accidents or life-threatening situations
- • Need to verify citizenship or travel documents
- • Require assistance with birth/marriage certificates
- • Face domestic violence or human trafficking
- • Need evacuation assistance due to natural disaster or civil unrest
- • Experience serious illness or death of a family member
Major embassies are located in Brasília (the capital), with consulates in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Manaus, and other major cities. The specific consulate location depends on where you are in Brazil. Search for "[Your Country] Consulate [City Name] Brazil" or visit your government's official consular affairs website to find contact information. Most foreign embassies have emergency numbers accessible 24/7 for crisis situations.
What Embassies Can & Cannot Do
Services Provided: Document replacement, notarization services, legal referrals, emergency financial assistance (limited), repatriation of remains, prisoner visitation assistance, travel permits
Services NOT Provided: Bail payments, legal defense (though they can refer attorneys), housing assistance, immigration processing, direct medical treatment, retrieval of personal property, direct monetary loans
Tourist Police
Most major cities have dedicated tourist police (Polícia Turística) trained to assist international visitors. They handle crimes against tourists and provide assistance in English and multiple languages.
Rio de Janeiro: Tourist Police: (21) 2332-2924
São Paulo: Tourist Police: (11) 3242-2670
Salvador: Tourist Police available at airport and city center
Recife: Tourist Police: (81) 3417-4100
Medical Assistance - Accessing Healthcare
Brazil has two healthcare systems: SUS (Unified Health System - public) and private hospitals/clinics. As a visitor with travel insurance, you should use private healthcare for faster, more reliable service. Brazil's private healthcare system is excellent, with modern facilities and English-speaking staff in major cities. However, costs without insurance can be high, ranging from 500-3000 reais for doctor visits and potentially much more for hospitalizations.
Finding & Accessing Medical Care
- • Emergency (Life-Threatening): Call 192 for ambulance. They will transport you to nearest public hospital or, if you have private insurance, to a private facility
- • Urgent Care (Non-Life-Threatening): Visit urgent care clinics (clínicas) without ambulance. Most cities have multiple urgent care facilities open until midnight or 24 hours
- • Routine Medical Issues: Visit a pharmacy first; pharmacists in Brazil can recommend treatments and refer you to clinics if necessary
- • Hospital Admission: Always contact your travel insurance first; they'll direct you to in-network facilities and coordinate payment
Major Private Hospital Chains
In São Paulo: Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Hospital Albert Einstein, Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa
In Rio: Hospital Copa D'Or, Hospital Força Aérea, Hospital Samaritano
Nationwide: Rede D'Or (largest private hospital network), Unimed (cooperative healthcare)
Medical Documentation & Prescriptions
Doctors in Brazil will provide written prescriptions or recommendations. Brazilian pharmacies are well-stocked and can fill most prescriptions without the need for original prescription in some cases. Medications available over-the-counter in Brazil may require prescriptions in your home country and vice versa.
Dental Emergencies
Brazil has excellent private dental clinics in major cities. Dental emergencies can be addressed by calling hotel or contacting emergency dental clinics (clínicas de odontologia emergencial). Costs for dental work are typically 50-70% cheaper than in the US, but proper travel insurance should cover emergencies.
Bringing Medications into Brazil:
- • Prescription medications allowed in personal quantities with original prescription
- • Keep medications in original labeled containers
- • Controlled substances (some pain medications, psychiatric medications) may face restrictions
- • Bring a doctor's note or prescription copy for controlled medications
- • Narcotics (heroin, cocaine derivatives) are strictly prohibited
Traveler Assistance Services
Travel Insurance Support
Your travel insurance company provides 24/7 assistance. Keep your policy number and emergency contact readily accessible. Most insurers provide:
- • Medical referrals and payment guarantees
- • Emergency evacuation coordination
- • Legal assistance and bail services
- • Embassy referrals and document replacement help
Credit Card Services
If you lose a credit or debit card, contact your card issuer immediately. Most have 24/7 international support lines. Keep the customer service number from your card.
Airline Assistance
If you need to change flights due to emergency, contact your airline directly. They can help rebook flights, though additional fees may apply.
Document & Passport Assistance
If your passport is lost or stolen:
1. Contact the police immediately and file a report (will need for passport replacement)
2. Contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate
3. Report the loss to your travel insurance provider
4. Consulate will issue emergency travel documents to return home
5. File replacement passport application upon return home
Safety Tips to Prevent Emergencies - Comprehensive Prevention Strategy
Prevention is the best approach to emergencies. Taking proactive safety measures significantly reduces risk and ensures peace of mind during your Brazilian travels. These recommendations are based on years of traveler experiences and guidance from embassies and tourism authorities.
Document Security & Backup Strategy
- • Keep original passport in hotel safe during daily activities; carry certified copy or high-quality photocopy
- • Make photocopies or scans of important documents (passport, visa approval, insurance, credit cards, driver's license)
- • Store one set of copies separately from originals (different location/bag)
- • Keep digital copies in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) accessible from anywhere
- • Note down document numbers: passport, credit card, traveler's check serials, insurance policy
- • Email copies to yourself with subject line "Brazil Travel Docs" for easy retrieval
Personal Safety Practices for Daily Travel
- • Inform someone at home of your travel itinerary and expected check-in dates
- • Register with your embassy before traveling to remote or Amazon regions
- • Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone AND in written form
- • Maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Avoid displaying expensive items, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public
- • Don't wear flashy jewelry or carry expensive-looking bags; keep valuables discreet
- • Use official transportation and pre-arranged transfers, not street hails or unmarked taxis
- • Travel with a buddy when possible, especially after dark or in unfamiliar areas
- • Keep your location shared with trusted friends via Google Maps or similar app during travel
- • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark
Money Management & Valuables Protection
- • Carry minimum daily cash (200-300 reais); use ATMs in secure locations (malls, banks, hotels) for withdrawals
- • Use money belt or neck pouch for passport, emergency cash, and extra cards
- • Keep multiple payment methods in different locations (credit cards, debit cards, emergency cash stash)
- • Don't carry all valuables in one backpack; split between pockets, bag, hotel safe, and worn accessories
- • Use hotel safe for valuables; take inventory of what you're storing and photograph items
- • Avoid carrying valuable jewelry or watches that draw attention; wear only modest accessories
- • Take theft insurance seriously for expensive electronics; document serial numbers
- • Keep your phone secured; don't use it while walking or in crowded public areas
Health & Illness Prevention Measures
- • Drink only bottled or purified water; ice in drinks should be from bottled water or reliable sources
- • Eat at reputable restaurants; street food from busy stalls is usually safe but use judgment
- • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after using public transportation
- • Use mosquito repellent (DEET 20-30%) throughout the day, especially in tropical areas
- • Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- • Get recommended vaccinations before traveling (yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B)
- • Take prescribed malaria prophylaxis if visiting Amazon region for extended periods
- • Pack basic medications: pain reliever, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, antacid, antibiotic ointment
- • Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), and limit sun exposure during peak hours (11 AM-3 PM)
Common Health Issues for Travelers to Brazil
Understanding common health issues affecting travelers helps you prepare appropriately and respond quickly. Most issues are minor and easily managed with proper precautions, prevention, and quick access to healthcare. Brazil's modern healthcare system can address virtually any medical issue.
Tropical Illnesses & Mosquito-Borne Diseases
- Dengue Fever: Mosquito-borne illness causing fever, headache, muscle pain, rash. No vaccine available; prevent via insect repellent and protective clothing. Most cases resolve in 2-3 weeks. Severe dengue is rare in tourists.
- Yellow Fever: Serious mosquito-borne illness; vaccine available and recommended for Amazon travel. Vaccination provides 99% protection. Not recommended for young children and certain medical conditions.
- Zika Virus: Usually mild illness with fever, rash, joint pain. No vaccine; mainly a concern for pregnant travelers (can affect fetal development). Prevent like dengue.
- Malaria: Risk mainly in Amazon region and certain forest areas. Prophylactic medication recommended for extended stays. Not typically a concern for short tourist visits to cities.
Common Traveler Ailments & How to Handle Them
- Traveler's Diarrhea: From unfamiliar food, water, or bacteria. Usually self-limiting in 2-3 days. Stay hydrated with oral rehydration salts (soros, available at any pharmacy). Avoid dairy and heavy foods. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication available.
- Sun Exposure & Heat Illness: Excessive tropical sun causes dehydration and heat exhaustion. Wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat. Drink 2-3 liters of water daily. Rest in shade during peak heat hours.
- Altitude Sickness: Relevant if visiting mountain regions above 2000m (rare in tourist areas). Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy exertion first 24 hours.
- Insect Bites & Stings: Mosquitoes, sandflies, and other insects common in tropical areas. Use insect repellent (DEET 20-30%), wear protective clothing at dawn/dusk. Avoid scratching; apply hydrocortisone cream for itching.
What To Do If You're Arrested or Detained
While unlikely for legitimate travelers, knowing your rights and proper procedures if arrested ensures you receive appropriate assistance. Brazil is a sovereign nation with its own legal system, and foreign nationals must respect Brazilian law. Understanding correct procedures protects your rights.
Remain Calm & Polite
Don't resist arrest or argue with police. Comply with lawful orders. Arguing, struggling, or being rude will make the situation worse and could result in additional charges.
Request Consular Assistance Immediately
Inform police you are a foreign citizen and request to contact your embassy/consulate immediately. Police are legally required to allow this contact within a reasonable timeframe. Repeat this request calmly and firmly.
Request a Lawyer Before Any Questioning
Ask for an attorney before answering any questions beyond identifying yourself. Your consulate can provide legal referrals. Brazilian law provides legal aid (defensoria pública) for those who cannot afford attorneys.
Know Your Rights & Exercise Them
You have the right to remain silent beyond identifying yourself. Don't sign anything without lawyer present. Don't answer questions without legal counsel. Ask what you're being charged with. You have the right to know the charges against you.
Contact Your Embassy/Consulate
Your consulate staff will monitor your case, provide language assistance, and help connect you with local legal resources. They cannot get you released or pay bail, but will advocate for your proper treatment under Brazilian law.
Important Considerations: Brazil's legal system differs from many countries. Prison conditions can be poor in some facilities, especially in smaller cities or federal prisons. Bribery is illegal and extremely dangerous—never offer money to police. Drug possession (even small amounts) carries serious criminal penalties. Sexual activity with minors is a serious crime with lengthy imprisonment. Always obey local laws.
Serious Crime Reporting and Victim Support
If you're a victim of serious crime (robbery, assault, sexual assault, major theft), reporting is essential for your safety, potential insurance claims, and helping authorities combat crime.
Immediate Actions After Serious Crime
If you've been assaulted: Get to a safe location. Seek medical attention. Call police (190). Call your embassy. Call travel insurance. File a report with police (essential for insurance claims).
If robbed at gunpoint: Comply with demands—property is replaceable, your life isn't. Get to safety. Report to police. Report to travel insurance and credit card companies.
Making a Police Report
Police reports (Boletim de Ocorrência) are essential for insurance claims. You can file at any police station, ideally with Tourist Police who speak English. Bring: passport, details of what happened, contact information, witness information if available. Reports can take 1-2 hours. Request a copy for insurance.
Sexual Assault and Harassment
Brazil has increased resources for tourists experiencing sexual assault. RAINN (1-800-656-4673 in US) provides international support. Contact your embassy immediately. Seek medical attention within 72 hours (important for evidence and STI prevention). Report to police. Most tourist police have staff trained in handling these cases sensitively.
Medical Emergency Procedures
Knowing proper procedures for medical emergencies can mean the difference between life and death. Brazil's medical system is good, but you must know how to access it quickly.
Cardiac and Life-Threatening Emergencies
Call 192 (ambulance) immediately for any life-threatening emergency. Tell dispatcher you're at a specific location and the nature of emergency. Ambulances respond quickly in cities. If in remote areas, you may need to reach the nearest main road. Follow dispatcher's instructions. Keep your phone charged and communication available.
Hospital Selection and Access
With travel insurance, you can choose private hospitals. Request private hospital in ambulance call (192). Private hospitals are cleaner, have English-speaking staff, and provide better amenities than public hospitals. If no insurance, public SUS hospitals are free but may have long waits. Hotels and travel insurance can recommend facilities.
Non-Emergency Medical Issues
For non-emergency issues (minor injury, stomach issues, fever), visit a clinic or urgent care center. Your hotel can recommend nearby facilities. Most cities have 24-hour pharmacies (farmácias) where pharmacists can provide advice on minor ailments. Private clinics charge $50-150 per visit. Have your travel insurance information ready to present.
Natural Disaster and Emergency Situations
While rare, natural disasters or emergencies can occur. Understanding how to respond protects you and allows authorities to help effectively.
Flooding (Common in Some Regions)
During rainy season, some areas experience flooding. Stay informed about weather. Avoid driving through flooded areas. Seek high ground if flooding threatens. Contact your hotel or accommodation for evacuation assistance if necessary. Monitor news and local alerts.
Earthquakes (Rare in Most Areas)
Brazil rarely experiences major earthquakes. If tremors occur: seek shelter under sturdy furniture or in doorways, stay away from windows and tall objects, after shaking stops check for injuries and get to open ground away from buildings.
Extreme Weather (Thunderstorms, Heat)
Tropical storms can be intense but usually brief. Stay indoors during heavy thunderstorms. Extreme heat (35°C+) can cause heat exhaustion—stay hydrated, seek air conditioning, wear light clothing. Monitor weather forecasts and plan indoor activities during extreme weather.
Currency and Financial Emergency Contacts
Financial emergencies require quick action to prevent fraud, identity theft, and financial losses. Having proper contact information before an emergency is essential.
Credit Card/Debit Card Emergencies
Call your card issuer's international customer service number (typically on back of card) if card is lost, stolen, or compromised. Most offer 24/7 support. Provide card number, last few transactions, and location. Card will be cancelled and replacement arranged. Some offer emergency cash advances.
Money Transfer Services
Western Union, MoneyGram, and international bank transfers allow someone to send you money quickly. Transfers from home country typically arrive within 24 hours. Have ID ready to receive money. Charges apply (typically 5-10% of amount transferred).
Embassy Services and Legal Assistance
Your country's embassy provides more than emergency assistance. Understanding their services helps in various situations.
Legal Issues and Arrest
If arrested or detained, you have the right to contact your embassy. Tell police this immediately. Embassy staff can: provide information about Brazilian legal system, connect you with local attorneys, monitor your welfare, assist with communication with family. Embassies cannot get you out of jail, but can advocate for fair treatment.
Death or Serious Injury Abroad
If a family member dies or is seriously injured in Brazil, contact your embassy immediately. They can: assist with repatriation of remains, help arrange funerals, connect with local authorities, provide consular assistance to family members, arrange travel for family to Brazil if needed.
Finding Legal Counsel
Your embassy can provide list of English-speaking attorneys. Contact Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil - OAB) for referrals. Legal aid may be available through consulate for citizens in financial hardship. Bring copies of all documents and information about your case to initial consultation.
Mental Health and Psychological Support
Travel-related stress, isolation, or traumatic experiences can impact mental health. Support resources are available.
Accessing Mental Health Support
Many private clinics in major cities have English-speaking psychologists and therapists. Costs range from $50-150 per session. Larger hotels can recommend therapists. Your travel insurance may cover mental health support. Online therapy services accessible from Brazil provide continuity with home-country providers.
Crisis Counseling
If experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe mental health crisis, contact your embassy or an international crisis line. Some hotels have staff trained in crisis support. Don't isolate—reach out to friends, family, or professionals immediately.