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You're an obvious foreigner, who drinks heavily, and rolls solo - you're the perfect mark! I'm not getting on your case as I've travelled around the world solo (including Brazil / Rio de Janeiro) and some crazy stuff went down. Rule # 1 - don't roll solo in downtown Rio (Centro / Lapa). If you want to go out alone then stay in Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon etc.) You can still have a good time there and it's a lot safer (especially Ipanema and Leblon).
Good advice right there Timothy! Think with Lapa, it's just such a fun spectacle, it's a shame not to see it when in Rio. But for safety reasons might be better to stay away at this point
Agree if you go to Brasil either learn Brazilian-Portuguese to be less of a 'gringo' and less inconspicuous, try dressing down with no bling, just maybe a cheap watch on, or go out at night in a group of at least 3/4. Zona Sul is still dangerous bcos crime and gangs are everywhere but agree less so than Centro in 2004 I witness a man getting shot in his Merc because he wouldn't comply with bandidos.
I remember being on Copacabana beach at 1 am drunk eating just amazed and thanking God. All of a sudden a guy sat next to me and another came up from behind. I put my phone under my towel and offered them a couple shots. After about 15-20 minutes we finished a 750ml bottle of Smirnoff and one of the dudes went to show me vila mimosa which I didn't know what to expect. Long story short, if I was white I don't think it would have gone that way, at all.
@@Mike-nz2gu I don't think that the muggers in Rio de Janeiro are that racially sensitive 🙂If you're a 'person of colour' and they can extract funds from you then it's game on - a mark's a mark as far as they're concerned!
God bless you brother I have been to Lapa and believe I was drugged but I blame myself for not paying attention but my loss of money was small because I left everything else in the safe but this video is very educational.
Man I’m sorry brother! Hang in There! At least you are not harmed. I actually think people are going to appreciate your channel more after this because you are going to come out on top! Keep the faith!
As a brazillian, I'm so sorry this happened to you. If you ever feel in your heart to come back here, in São Paulo, please hit me up and I make sure you have an awesome and safe time, brother! All the best to you!
@@SwedishGringo In Sao Paulo you will meet the "trombadinhas" boys ---> teenagers who snatch your valuables and keep running. If you run after him to get it back, his 2 or 3 friends-in-crime will hit you or stab you.... Soooo, leave everything in the hotel, no wrist watch, no gold necklaces, no camera, ..... and just observe how other poaulistas act and behave in the street. kakakaka
@@JoseAntonio-qg1wo Uma italiana e um suíço tiveram seus celulares roubdos por assaltantes perto de um viaduto no Centro de São Paulo. O crime ocorreu na última quarta-feira (31) na Rua Amaral Gurgel, na Vila Buarque, e foi gravado por câmeras de segurança (veja vídeo acima). Aconteceu em SPdois meses atrás Stop it! This dont happen here, what are talking about??? If this happen here the most expensive hotel and terreno will not be here Pesquise para você ver que aqui nem é a cidade mais perigosa do Brasil E pesquise em inglês as cidades mais perigosas do mundo.
Uma italiana e um suíço tiveram seus celulares roubdos por asaltantes perto de um viaduto no Centro de São Paulo. O crime ocorreu na última quarta-feira (31) na Rua Amaral Gurgel, na Vila Buarque, e foi gravado por câmeras de segurança (veja vídeo acima). Aconteceu em SPdois meses atrás Stop it! This dont happen here, what are talking about??? If this happen here the most expensive hotel and terreno will not be here Pesquise para você ver que aqui nem é a cidade mais perigosa do Brasil E pesquise em inglês as cidades mais perigosas do mundo.
I was robbed last summer in Rio and I'm black. They are relentless opportunists. I was living in Brazil at the time. These people that say " Rio's not that bad, just don't go outside at night, use a phone, speak English or any language, or breathe", they drive me nuts..
I feel bad for you bro. Honest, but what does your colour of skin have to do with this all...? Why mentioning skin colour anyway? I dont understand this at all... Proves how stupid you are. Theres only 2 types of people. Good or bad. The biggest racists are those who speak in terms of colour and rase... There you have something to think about 😉 Mr racist....
I went to Rio last June and was fine. I'm a pale white American to so I stick out like a sore thumb. You just have to know how to move around. Also trust nobody lol.
I got robbed in Rio earlier this year, they are experts in taking your stuff, then when you realize it's all gone. I have not been drugged but they managed to confuse me for a second and lost my phone. It really sucks. I got so sad about it but managed to contact my family from a borrowed phone and they bought me tickets to go back home. I am Brazilian. Rio is beautiful but you just can't go to some places, it happened to me EXACTLY at the same spot (at this gas station in Lapa). I am not going back to this place anymore. Stay safe out there friend!
I was born in real till the age of 9 where I migrated to do United States With my parents I love visiting. Rio its just great but as a native brazilan I trust no one and nothing. I'm very diligent who I talk to. Down in that country.
I grew up in Rio. Lapa has always been the most dangerous place to party around zona sul, that's nothing new. For tourists it may be attractive because it's cheap, and easier to get chicks there. Baixo Leblon, Baixo Gávea and Jardim Oceanico are much safer places where you can also have a lot of fun
Yes, I’ve known Lapa for many years. But this is not normal, shady Lapa with some robbers lurking around. This is a tsunami, with new drugs involved. These guys have been making hundreds of thousands of dollars in a few months.
In rio you gotta be careful about everything. Don't trust anyone, and also don't trust things you buy at the beach so much. Tourists are really easily targeted in rio because it's really easy to recognize them, and people around there know it's easier to take advantage of them. Cariocas are really "malandros", and know how to manipulate people. These drinks you get at the beach are also really easy to put drugs in, since you usually don't see how and where they were prepared. So be careful man!
Sam, I was thinking the same about caipirinhas from the barracas. Best to stick to beverages in lata/can that you can wipe down/open. Also, aside from that reason that ice can be sus. The worst food poisoning/virus I had in my life was from caipivodkas com muito gelo na barraca da praia em Ipanema. I was sick for more than a month.
It's so classy of you to share such a painful experience so that others do not suffer the same way. God bless you! I've been meaning to visit Brazil for a long time. I'm hoping this will be the year. But it looks like if I go I'll need to be more careful than I thought. Anyway, good luck to you!
As a traveler, I know better to NOT drink if alone. I didn't feel safe in Colombia and was warned by locals. Sorry if this is real and happened to you. Research before you go and be alert. And I also know people do stories like this to raise cash. Good luck!
I’m a solo traveler and often eat/drink alone and never had any issues in Colombia or Peru. I’m not a big drinker and mostly drinks with lunch/dinner. NEVER take drinks from strangers is #1 rule
My friend, I simply don't have words to describe your sobriety about all the chaos you went through in Rio. I'm Brazilian and I suffered watching your entire story in this video. I wish my country was safer, because I don't even risk walking in Rio... It would be the last place in Brazil where I would spend my holidays...
Thank you so much my friend! That all seems like such a long time ago now. I’ve simce then been m humbled over the kindness of Brazil - it still wins ❤️🇧🇷
It takes a lot to share your story. I’m glad you’re safe. I visit brazil a lot and I have Brazilian friends in Rio, Recife, Salvador and São Paulo. These are cities I often visit. When I go out at night to party I ONLY go with my Brazilian friends and we all leave together and message each other when we are inside our apartment. They also vet the girls I date. If my Brazilian friends (men and women) don’t like the girls I won’t date them. Unfortunately criminals are everywhere now and I’m not surprised scopolamine is now being used in Brazil. Take care of yourself and thanks again for sharing your story. Stay safe and God bless. ❤
@@SwedishGringodude you need to pay serious attention to and follow the advice in this comment. Also your bank and bank cards need to have tighter security than what you may have had. You also need to start thinking about developing higher values for directing your life.
@@lynic-0091 one major thing is them having a social media account. Anyone can make an account on tinder and once they delete it then its gone. You can’t track it. Thats why scammers use tinder. Always get their social media
The secret must be to live in the 'Hood Jardem Primavera, look as much like a Carioca as possible, have a Carioca consort with you at all times, no clubbing, no booze, no drugs, no prostitutes. Brazil has been great so far. Thanks to you, Timmy Karter and that class of TH-camrs. I found my calling here.
glad to see that you got back on track. Happy to see that you have a pretty positive approach to all this. Keep the good content and I hope everything goes up from now!
Very happy that you made it through this safely SG! I know that you seem to enjoy your solo life but I think that it might be a good idea to start moving in a group. Much safer. I toured Lapa for a night on my first trip to Rio and it wasn’t my thing… too chaotic. Not surprising that bad things could happen there. Unfortunate that some bad apples want to ruin what is a great, great city (and country).
Swedish Gringo, we absolutely love your energy & truly admire how you've maintained positivity throughout this entire terrible process.. We are headed to Rio in about two weeks, and found your videos through searching for good tips on staying safe in the city. You have two new fans here, wishing you all the best moving forward ❤❤
Wow guys, thank you so much! But I promise, there were days I maintained positivity better than others, and luckily some of those low points were never caught on camera😅 Don’t let this stort scare you, I’ve lived more than a year in Rio and this was the only really dangerous situation I’ve been in ❤️🇧🇷
I'm from Rio and during the day you're 200% safe in all touristic places. But you always have to aware of pickpockets (just like any other major city). During the night it's safe too but don't go to Lapa if you plan not to lose your mobile. I never go there. Prefer Ipanema or Botafogo neighborhoods for the nightlife (more wealthy people there).
I grew up in Brasil, Sao Paulo, and went to Rio de Janeiro ONCE when I was 19 yrs old, and never again. Never had any trouble in Rio because I knew before hand where NOT to go or places to avoid. But it's just the stigma and fear of visiting Rio, the beaches, the thieves all around you without knowing if any is going to rob you or screw you up!! I have NO need to go to Rio when there are so many other nice cities and other countries to visit !!
O Rio é a Cidade mais legal do Brasil eu morei lá por 10 anos. Sou de Belém do Pará e já conheci outras Cidades do Brasil. Mas o Rio é a melhor. Apesar do Perigo.
@@brunapetite1297 Belém é mais perigoso que o Rio, o Norte é brabo🙄 Olha as datas e pare de presumir as coisas, como só porque você acha que é mas os dados não mentem, queridinha!🫠
I’m sorry to hear that! Violence is real in Brazil. It’s traumatizing even for us, who live here! I’m glad you didn’t give up of your trip. Be safe! 😔 God bless you! 🙏🏻
I got robbed in Ipanema at gunpoint, in January of this year. There wasn't much I could have done to prevent it. Despite it being traumatic, I'd still go back to Rio - incredible place.
As a Brazilian who lives in Norway there are some things you should evade in Brazil like. 1. Don’t travel to Rio and Sp there are so many more beutiful places to see in Brazil like South and North 2. Don’t go out alone and get drunk best to stay in your apt or hotel take som few bears 3. Don’t say you travel alone say you stay with family or friends 4. Avoid Tinder here if you can because of kidnapping 5. Avoid going out with phone, lots of money, card and fancy watches and clothes specialy in Rio and Sp So sorry this happend to you stay safe and hoping you’r having a more positive experience in Brazil next time.
Rio is a hot mess right now. Went there in March, stayed in a beautiful hotel in Ipanema, and didn’t feel safe at all. Not even in the best neighborhoods…
@worldofhospitality4326 do you mind elaborate a bit on why you didn't feel safe even in the good areas? I would like to visit Rio and the plan would be to just stick to the good parts of the city as people say it's much safer. But then the opinions are very mixed. I'm interested to hear your reason since you've been there.
@@Marianne019 Rio has been suffering economic, social and political woes for quite a while. You have to be extremely vigilant everywhere you go: people get robbed all the time in places like Ipanema or Copacabana. You just have to be careful, that’s it. 🙌🙏
Swedish Gringo, I’ve always wanted to go to Rio and your bad experience has ended that dream. I’m glad to hear that things are getting back to normal for you and hope that your future travels are safer and a lot more fun.
I have been over 11 times to Rio, and nothing ever happened to me there. Its an incredible city with amazing people. Just avoid being drunk and be aware of your surroundings, youll be fine. When going out, be with a group of friends, that will give you some more protection from this stuff to happen.
I think my concerns about Rio go beyond what happened to the Swedish Gringo. I know that public ATMs are a huge risk for getting your debit card hacked and that walking anywhere near Copacabana beach at night is a recipe for getting robbed. I guess that the targeting of tourists by criminal organizations with no countermeasures from the police make me want to take my tourist dollars elsewhere. I truly hope that things improve for Rio so I can cross it off my bucket list one day. 🤙🏽
@@msmascare Brazil doesn't resume in Rio, there are 25 states excluding Rio and they are beautiful and 100X safer then Rio, some states with amazing beaches to visit and enjoy.
@@kerketjRio is not the most dangerous City in Brazil, is far from this!! I have friends that always came here and love here. This is very weird because i live here in Leme and this never happened to me either. Do a International resheach and you will see the most dangerous City in a world
As a Brazilian from Belo Horizonte, I've never felt safe in Rio de Janeiro, although I love the city. Lapa is a place I always avoid to go when I'm in Rio. The feeling of safety some areas of the city have (like zona sul) makes you think every place is safe, but it's not, and that's where you can get in trouble. I'm so glad you're ok and nothing serious happened to your health, but please be more careful in Rio, especially with drinking.
@@SwedishGringo Man, don't go Lapa forever, you don't know exactly what you're getting into. They are people who kill in exchange for 200 or 300 reais, a reality you don't understand, be safe and far of these places, and don't walk unaccompanied without friends who know well the place.
Morei no rio por 10 anos,nunca me aconteceu nada,sei as zonas e horarios seguros,é importante saber entrar e sair de um local pricipalmente quando n samos nativos,sou do nordeste.
It was around Christmas time in 2014, I was in Tallinn, Estonia for a job interview originally, but I ended up staying for 3 months. Went out to a bar for a beer, and that's all I remember. Woke up in a doorway in some place I'd never been before, minus my phone, wallet. I was lost so I tried to find my way home at 02:00 in the morning, finally made it, I then crashed for a good 3 days. During that time I was unable to do anything, just sleep, and couldn't get out of my bed. I was watching my credit card get drained of about 4000 euros over that time. Your story is way worse than mine, but I'm really reminded of that situation. Apparently they were Norwegians
Bro, Rio de Janeiro is really fun to party!! But unfortunately even as a Brazilian I’m fucking scared of going out there.. it’s really dangerous, you can easily get robbed or stabbed. When I want to party and have fun, mostly I go to Europe where I can have fun without fearing for my life. As a Brazilian it’s sad to say it, but why do you think that we have armed bodyguards 24/7 at the buildings entrace here? It’s a really dangerous country, with a corrupt government
I totally hear you. Living every day in a reality is different from temporarily visiting it. I would probably go to Europe for vacation too if I was born in Brazil, for the change.
you are right!@@SwedishGringo Rio de Janeiro is a real adventure, here we really compare it as a roller coaster in which the ups are really amazings and the downs are quite scary and dangerous. while europe might a safe walk in the park
Not only in Rio It happened to me in Dublin, Ireland in the Mercantile Bar on Dame Street Dublin 2 But, it really can happen anywhere I only remember being lifted up by the door men from the basement.....yes....below ground floor....missing for 5 hours....I've no idea to this day what happened to me. Nothing robbed
@@SwedishGringo hey sorry to hear about what happened. These people are in plain sight and have informants. I felt exact same as you the next morning - very confused and mentally I couldn't process. The memories came back slowly but a long time after. I was chucked into a Lane way at the back of the pub and the cold air woke me up. It was very cold and December. Somehow I got to the taxi and got back home and had my Keys on me. The upside they left you in your place. It's a very bad thing to do to somebody and you just don't know what happened and that's scary. I just don't want to think why I was put in the basement. It makes no sense to me. I cannot understand how it happened. I was actually at a work Christmas party.
Hey Swedish Gringo. Just want to tell you that we were drugged and robbed in the same fashion in Ipanema around the same time. We used to look at your previous video to feel less alone in our mess. I understand and recognize everything you say 😅
@@SwedishGringo Thanks bro! It started in an expat event in Ipanema Beach Hostel. It was like my 3rd day in Rio. They were kind enough to let us 2 bank cards to survive. Now we laugh about it, but still I remember the leblon police telling us how lucky we were as a young chilean man just died from this. Except that, most brazilians were very nice, but a gringo, even brazilian-looking should be careful. I will never complain about safety in Europe anymore.
So proud to be part of the community that came together to fix what the insurance company's couldn't. I'm coming to Rio in February for Carnival. If you need anything from Europe just say the word and I will happily deliver it 🙂
@@SwedishGringoI feel bad for you bro, but you shouldve known. Rio is Just not a holiday destination to go to by yourself. Any country where you have to look constantly over your shoulder, or keep your eyes on your drink 24/7 is not a nice holiday country. You go to holiday to enjoy and shake of all the stress, not to be worried about b.s. try thailand bro. Women not as nice as South america, but its safe 👍
I'm so sorry you went through that. Rio is not dangerous only for gringos, but for Brazilians as well. I was also drugged and robbed when I lived in Rio, unfortunately it is something very usual, so we must be very careful there.
I have partied around the world and in Brazil I dont drink smoke ...do drugs or smoke weed....ever......in my life you dont need those to have a good time.......trust me.
That's so sad. I stayed there 5 weeks in a short rental and was really worried, it restricted me from enjoying myself. Brazilians told me all the time about the bad things that happen to them, and I felt it scared me too much, but they were just being honest. After dark the streets back from the beaches went from bustle and activity to dead quiet.
Yeah, unfortunately the locals fear of getting in trouble adds to the feeling of unsafety. People have so many stories but rarely fell victim themselves
Glad you are ok and I want you and all of us traveling to be safe. There's actually a video of a girl putting something in a guy's drink during a live stream in Cartagena recently and luckily one of his viewers alerted him and he got out of the situation safely. I was in Medellin before the lockdown and ventured out and about by myself my last night in country after my friends had to go home to the states ahead of me for work etc. Thankfully I didn't have issues and met and drank with a couple of locals but next time I won't tempt fate. I Have yet to get to Brazil but that's on the list. The DR is my stomping grounds for lol. Enjoy 🍻 and thank you for sharing
Sorry to hear this bro. I remember the last time you got robbed. Mentally I hope your well because this can really screw with your head. I think your pretty positive guy. You will bounce back better.
Wow, you went through quite alot. Thank God you are doing better now. I hope persons take heed of this video, as it could mean life or death. Keep good my friend, and be safe
With all due respect, I've been watching your videos for some time. It's always important to be safe. Always be on alert. I've been to Rio now 11 times. I've learned Portuguese fairly well, and I'm comfortable walking around Copacabana. I'm also working on a Digital Nomad visa so I can spend more time here. I'm not much for parties, and I ALWAYS err on the side of caution. Please be safe. I'll be here in Rio for another 3 weeks. Luckily, I also blend in well. Rio amazing. But it can definitely be dangerous.
Great video for all tourists that come to Rio … there’s good and bad in every country. Enjoy your visit in Rio because it’s a beautiful place but be careful…
First of all, glad to see you are doing well. I am a fan of your content. There are so many lessons here. Thank you for sharing your experience in detail. You are providing a great service to visitors to Rio. Question: was the video of the perpetrators broadcast on TV in Rio? Hard to believe no one could identify them. Best of luck to you.
I don't go to Brasil for two reasons: It's a hassle to get a VISA, and they charge a lot for that Visa stamp on my passport --- all for me to go SPEND MY DOLLARS in Brasil as a tourist!! In contrast, to go to EUROPE, NO NEED of Visa and I go spend my money there quite often !!! CONCLUSION: That's why you don't see many tourists in Brasil any more as there were in the 70's !!! :(
Still can't grasp what you went through! But very impressed that you somehow managed to keep a positive attitude in life, that truly elevates you! 🥰 Keep up the great work man!
Thank you so much, my friend! It was kinda hard to keep the smile on at times, but I think that's what kept me going. God knows my friends over there had to suffer through some of my less happy outbursts as well ;)
I almost thought you were robbed of everything again. I now see this was a follow up video. Glad you're doing better, sir. God bless you and be careful. Slow down on the partying! Be safe!
Lived in rio for 2 years and visited many times for long periods. Never had any issues. Scope videos get a lot of views and engagement. Good luck to you.
Dear Swedish Gringo, because of you and your cool videos I came to Rio de Janeiro for my Exchange Semester. Will stay here 5 month in total and I have already spent 1 month so far. A lot of shit happened to me: First, we got our phones stolen at Ipanema Beach. Then, on a midnight walk to the 2 brothers mountains we got threatened by a group of drug dealers with machine guns in the forest. After that, my flatmate brought some people home and they turned out to loot in our living room and stole our credit cards and emptied our bank accounts. We think he also got drugged the same like you because he was completely easy to control and even left all the doors open the whole night. 2 days later, I got robbed in Santa Teresa by 2 guys and one pointed a gun at me and I lost everything. 1 minute after the robbery I went to a police car and they told me they will search the robbers and I should wait there but they never returned. Unbelievable! Now I have nightmares and I am afraid of this city and all the shady characters running around here!! I don't know what to do anymore, Swedish Gringo!! So IT IS DANGEROUS here! MAYBE not on a 1 week vacation BUT when you live here for longer it is super sketchy! I also heard a lot of shit happens to other friends in Lapa and Centro at night. Rio is so sketchy, watch really out guys. At the time this shady guy pointed a gun at me in Santa Teresa my life could have also been easily over and nobody would have cared, so it's really serious!
Oh no Ludwig, I don’t know what to say. I’m SO sorry all these things happened to you😫 Even if some of the things you did were a bit risky it’s maximum bad luck to get all these bad things happening to you. How did the robbing in Santa Teresa happen, was it during daytime? If you can, try to get out of Rio for a while and breathe. Ilha Grande would be my recommendation: it’s extremely safe, has none of the Rio stress and is only two hours away. Once again, I’m very sorry 💔
Dear Swedish Gringo - I hope that you are back on track have everything you need to get going. It would be great to show how to protect against a similar experience.
Thank you Bavarian! Easiest way to protect yourself is probably to bring an own cup with a lid, or sticking to bottled beer. Will mention it in upcoming video ☀️🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringo yes - same happened to my wife at the beach, nothing happened because I was with her, groups / family who is with you is a good protection, if you are alone, keep your own cup with a lid only and be careful what you accept. There are many vendors walking on the beach who sell you drinks, food, anything - they are mostly ok. If in your case somebody you didn't know ...well be careful. Brazilian are mostly great people, there are many loaded but also still many poor.
It's good you tell the story as a warning to other gringos. There are many videos on YT with stories like this from Colombia. A few gringos died there. Unfortunately, you take a lot of risks waving your phone around in public and getting wasted in public. I'm surprised you weren't robbed more often. Don't get me wrong. You should not leave Rio because of what happened. Just try to be more discreet, or hire a body guard. My dad used to say, "when you get drunk among others, you are at their mercy." Bom dia.
I've been to Rio twice, including Lapa. I love that place, Brazil is my favourite country of all, but it's so scary thinking that it could happen to me too. Few seconds without looking at my drink could be enough to loose all money, phone, GoPro and even flip flops
I ve travelled far and wide over the years and never been robbed or drugged ; I am old school and if I see even a whisper of risk , I'm walking away and always stick to safe areas always!!!! Been to Rio twice and both times had a blast , met tons of chick's, sex out of this world and was crime free!!! Lord Jesus always keep a delta force guardian angel besides me !!! Thank you Lord!!!
Yes, being a little careful is key. But thinking you’ve ”outsmarted the system” is usually not that good. It took me five visits before I got robbed the first time and another year until this happened. So in a sense Rio is not that dangerous, considering you stand out in the crowd as a gringo.
Thank you so much for this video. I was actually planning my next trip to Brazil, but I am really shocked what happened to you and so many other travelers. It's such a shame that in such a beautiful country with mostly amazing and welcoming people crime exists to such a high degree. Last time I went to Brazil was in 2022. I went to Lapa also and felt this dodgy vibe, but I would have not imagined to end up being drugged and robbed like this. Thanks for sharing this story, it's a warning for fellow travelers to be extra cautious in Brazil. It seems though it's an endless and hopeless battle to improve the crime in this country. I wish you all the best, if I see you in Brazil I will l say hi.
just picked up on your channel as I´m researching Brazil for future trips, and honestly, this shit can happen anywhere. I live in uber safe Norway, and got drugged at a party with some friends, just talking in a bar and left my beer on the table while having a cigarette. In my peripheral vision (my beer was right in front of me but I was engaged in conversation) I thought I saw something drop in my drink, but didn´t really think about it and had another half of the glass. Just a few minutes later, I started to feel like I was going to pass out, legs went like jelly and the room was spinning. I got the hell out of there and noone followed me, but I´m pretty sure it was GBH and maybe whoever drugged me was just testing it. Women get targeted for rape everywhere, but I´m a 50+ year old guy so not an obvious target. But literally every woman I know, knows this stuff- don´t drink alone, or with people you don´t know that well, don´t have an open glass or leave it unattended, never leave a place alone. And from a guys perspective, if you´re travelling in a dodgy area, and some girls come up to you and start chatting, don´t be a slave to your d#ck and think they´re genuinely interested in you-- another friend (also Swedish) got targeted while drunk in Budapest, taken to a bar and then bought over priced drinks and ordered to pay the bill (7000EU) at gun point. I´m kinda curious about how you got a bank card and social security number though, surely you would have to be living there for some time and not just a regular tourist?
You’re very right, these things can happen anywhere. But this video was made during a surge of tourist druggings in Rio, which has luckily calmed down now. What saved me was the digital nomad visa, it technically makes you resident for a year. With that I could get a CPF, and those combined (and a lot of begging) opened the door for a bank account
As a carioca I feel ashamed to see this happening to you. Those who did this to you are bad people, stay away from them! They do not represent Rio de Janeiro
Thanks for making this video! I've just arrived in Rio and am trying to learn from your mistakes. Good to hear you recovered all the physical possessions that you need but what about your digital accounts? Are you still battling the robbers with those?
I'd like to say "my pleasure" but frankly this was a tough one to make. At this point I got pretty much everything back/replaced ... but my Apple ID is lost forever. Don't be afraid in Rio, knowing about this situation in Lapa will shield it from getting in trouble.
@@SwedishGringohow can I not be scared bro? After watching this... I respect your positivity bro. Big time 👌 but i will never ever go there myself after watching this.
@@lynic-0091 you can go there with a group. Being less of a target. Than its more safe. I like Rio. But when im on a holiday I dont want to worry about being robbed or drugged. I dont want to worry bout my phone when im making a video from the beach. That aint holiday. Thats why i Iike thailand. Nice vibe, no robberys or being drugged. I like Rio as well. Love the whole vibe. But too dangerous.
I had a Kindle stolen from my hotel room which had all my credit card info on it to order books etc. So I had to close down all my accounts and start over. It was so intrusive because I watched as she kept ordering items on my Amazon accout. I felt so violated, and the hotel did nothing to help me. They knew who was assigned to clean the room that day but they didn't want to waste their time to help me. It's such a hassle to close down accounts and start again. I could have followed the woman that stole it but the police told me to let it go and learn from it. Learn from it?!!! It was stolen right from my hotel room! It was on the floor next to my bed so she thought it wasn't mine idw what her excuse was. Sleezy woman should not be working in a hotel and I know she still is.
This story could also happen in Barcelona a lot of tourists get stolen and thieves also use this drug especially in the clubs alongside the beach. I got robbed 3 times during my 6 years in Barcelona. So use common sense and act like the locals.
Exactly why go back to your apartment with a man and a woman that you don’t know. what type of kinky freaky shit did you plan on happening ?🤔🤷🏾♂️🤦🏿♂️
@IAmtells great point. While yes, he was drugged and making what the mysterious couple wanted, he was clearly looking for a hot night to celebrate his bday! F@##ed and f@#$ing. Unfortunately, Rio is one of those sex-tourism cities, and tbh, he is clearly looking for sex. He is an adult though and nothing wrong with that but EVERYBODY knows Rio is super dangerous. Dude, get out of there because you know what they say, the 3rd is a charm! I hope you value your life gringo!
Yes, people have gotten robbed for ages. Difference is this crime is run professionally, targeting gringos. It’s not a matter of getting too drunk walking the wrong street
That's terrible! I'm planning to visit Rio in November with my best friend. Thanks for putting this video out and sharing your horror story. I'll send this video to her so she can be aware of the dangers in Rio. I'm glad you're safe!
Thank you! It’s also important to remember this is not all of Rio, but at places like Lapa tourists need to be cautious. You’re gonna have an awesome time! ☀️🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringo Of course. I started watching your other videos so I can educate myself where the good/safer areas are. Your videos are incredibly helpful! You earned yourself a new subscriber =)
@@ziniqu4 I still live in Brazil but in a safer but boring place (compared to Rio). I can tell you, not worth your time, money and risk your safety going here.
"Don’t share drinks with strangers and beware of girls in Lapa nightlife district." Do you have any other advice for staying safe? I will be in Rio in November and dont want to have the same fate as you. I have been robbed a couple of times before and it is the worst feeling :( I am so sorry for all that you had to face, but I am happy you are okay today!
I am glad u r feeling better😊😊 There r so many ways to feel happy and meet new people! It is not necessary to drink alcohol and damage your body for that. Just stop promoting drinking caipirinha in every video of yours, even in this one. Your poor body was slowly recovering and u were still poisoning yourself with alcohol! Give yourself and your body more love, care and respect. Why don't u promote açaí or Agua de coco, typical Brazilian things? U r an influencer, u have the responsibility of influencing people's minds. I love how u care about your fans. And they care about u, I care about u. Just think about that. Hugs to u🥰
Simply not drinking takes out about 70% of the risk here. And yet that’s never mentioned in these cases. I was there in May and in my WhatsApp group there were numerous similar cases. And always the same advice - Bring a burner phone! Take a taxi! Go in a group of 3 or 4! But no one ever mentions the alcohol aspect involved or advises to at least “limit” their alcohol. A bit of self discipline will get you real far in a city like Rio. And perhaps open your mind to life in brazil beyond capirihnas and partying.
Some updated advice that I left in the comments section of the 'No Reservations' channel (when he interviewed you): Note: people from Rio de Janeiro are called 'Cariocas'. 1) Don't dress up! You'll just look like a tool (like I initially did). The Cariocas (male or female) don't get dressed up (attracts too much attention) 2) Don't wear shorts as most clubs and nice restaurants won't let you in wearing shorts. If you're a male I recommend wearing tracksuit bottoms with zips on the pockets (to secure your cash / change) or similar clothing that covers your legs. 3) Don't wear flip-flops as most clubs and nice restaurants won't let you in wearing flip-flops. I highly recommend wearing a nice pair of sneakers / trainers instead. 4) Don't go to Lapa (the party area in Centro / Downtown Rio) unless you have someone with you. You can have just as much fun in Zona Sul (Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana etc.) or in Zone Oeste (Barra da Tijuca) 5) Don't carry an expensive mobile / cell phone. Use a cheap 'burner' phone that you don't care if you lose. 6) Don't wear jewellery / bling. You'll look like a tool. The Cariocas don't wear jewellery / bling (attracts too much attention). 7) Only bring enough cards / cash that you need for the night - operate like you're going to get robbed (minimise the damage). 8) Take taxis at night! You can look up videos of Rio taxis on You Tube - they're small yellow cabs. 9) When you get into a taxi make sure that it has a meter. The meter will be visible. You won't be able to miss the meter. If there's no meter then get out of the car. Make sure the driver puts on the meter. If the driver doesn't turn on the meter just point to the meter and say "metro". The meter will read '2' if you're travelling at night (night taxi rates). Rio taxi drivers seem to be more honest than taxis drivers in other parts of South America (from what I've been told)? 10) MOST IMPORTANT TIP - be careful when you're walking (day or night) as the Cariocas are CRAZY DRIVERS i.e. pay attention, don't jaywalk etc. For example, in Rio it's normal to see a bus driver operating his bus at 40KM in a 20KM zone. I wasn't paying attention once and I almost got creamed by a bus. 11) Don't go into favelas ("comunidades") unless you're with a local or on a tour. Also, don't take photographs or take videos inside a favela ("comunidade") unless you have permission. 12) If you do get mugged then don't fight back (see # 7). The marginalised communities (favelas / comunidades) where the muggers come from are adjacent to the nice communities. Most muggings are opportunistic and end quickly Even if you do neutralise the mugger there's the chance that you might run into him (and his pals) another time. You can avoid all of this potential hassle by just taking taxis at night (see # 8).
There is safety tip here , If you look at his room there is a clue on what to do to make your possessions more secure , in the room you can see white cupboards with handles , I always travel with bike locks they are cables with locks attached to them , some are key locked and some are combination locked , the room in this video is ideal , before leaving the room , I would lock all my possessions inside those white cupboard that have two handles on each cupboard , I would get about three of the bike locks and wrapped them around the handles of the cupboards so it would be impossible to open the cupboards in a hurry and with a key lock with the key hidden and a combination locks , the only person able to open the cupboards in a hurry would be the person who locked the cupboards . When I travel the world there are important things in the room that I always look for which is a safe or cupboard in the room that can be locked completely .
Thank you for this tip Philip! It might also be good to make it a ”little hard” for yourself to find the key so you are not convinced to fetch it under influence of drugs
if you don't want to use a key , use combination locks only that means having to undo 3 locks and 12 numbers in total which the average robber can not undo the lock in a hurry
It blows my mind how Europeans get to Rio and just pull their phones out of their pockets and start taking pictures. Rio is one of the most dangerous places on earth not only for visitors but also for locals. So many nice places to visit in other parts of Brazil and visitors still fantasise about Rio. I’ve been there 3 times and I never felt safe. It is scary shit when you find yourself in a foreign country, totally broke, without speaking the language… luckily you weren’t taken to the favelas and murdered.
Sinto muito por ter passado por isso, é realmente algo bem complicado ainda mais se tratando de uma cidade como o Rio de Janeiro. Recomendo vc visitar outros estados e regiões do Brasil para conhecer um pouco mais da cultura do país
@@SwedishGringohey gringo? Where are you now? I would like to invite you to come to Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais for free! 😊 me and my family can show you some things about our city… some places and a little bit about our culture. You can stay here, at my home, with my parents. I would love it. And I can practice my english 😂😂 here you will be safe! I promisse you!
Always enjoy watching your videos. Curiosity question why are the criminals faces blurred in the security camera videos? To me it would be important to release their images. What am I missing?
@@SwedishGringoIf I were you I would release the unedited footage to other youtubers - and keep the edited footage on your channel as you did - their faces need to be exposed and someone will recognize them - they could potentially take another persons life thats how serious it is that they are identified
Been going on a long time down there, just not many have spoken on it. I've seen it happen a lot in Rio back in the day as well. Protect yourself at all times fellas, you're a target for some.
I’ve recently been to Rio for 10 days as a single woman. I felt totally unsafe & left. I speak English & Spanish. Locals were incredibly rude & aggressive towards me in general, though I did meet some wonderful people. I only felt safe when I was with someone else, definitely with Brazilians but they told me I was being scoped out consistently. I’ve been all around the world & never felt this way EVER! Perhaps the pandemic made it worst. I left! I’ve met friendly Brazilians all over the world & it was a main reason I visited Brazil.
When I asked for help ie) the subway, on the street, in shops in Spanish & English, the typical response was to look at me with contempt & wave me away with their hand or plainly ignore me. I saw people watching me all the time. I am very friendly, & smile a lot. I have been all over the world the last 25+ years. I've never seen a country with so much tourism that they seem to resent or actively dislike tourists. I do live in South America the past 9 years, although I am Canadian. So I'm probably way more aware than a typical tourist. Unfortunately I stick out with my "gringo "appearance. I was told it was a bad season to visit. There were also lots of homeless all over the gorgeous beaches. When I was not with a local or another tourist (60% of the time) I was hassled every minute or two on the beach by the hawkers.@@SwedishGringo
Darn, this is nothing like how I’m getting treated. Can’t really say I’ve seen homeless people living on the beach other, apart from under the palm trees at Copacabana boardwalk
Sorry and thanks for your comment. I look very gringo, and can only speak English, seems like going to Brazil on my own would be a bad idea@@cherylsmith8386
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Come tu Buenos Aires after February 15... You´ll love it here and you will be safe
You're an obvious foreigner, who drinks heavily, and rolls solo - you're the perfect mark! I'm not getting on your case as I've travelled around the world solo (including Brazil / Rio de Janeiro) and some crazy stuff went down. Rule # 1 - don't roll solo in downtown Rio (Centro / Lapa). If you want to go out alone then stay in Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon etc.) You can still have a good time there and it's a lot safer (especially Ipanema and Leblon).
Good advice right there Timothy! Think with Lapa, it's just such a fun spectacle, it's a shame not to see it when in Rio. But for safety reasons might be better to stay away at this point
Agree if you go to Brasil either learn Brazilian-Portuguese to be less of a 'gringo' and less inconspicuous, try dressing down with no bling, just maybe a cheap watch on, or go out at night in a group of at least 3/4. Zona Sul is still dangerous bcos crime and gangs are everywhere but agree less so than Centro in 2004 I witness a man getting shot in his Merc because he wouldn't comply with bandidos.
I remember being on Copacabana beach at 1 am drunk eating just amazed and thanking God. All of a sudden a guy sat next to me and another came up from behind. I put my phone under my towel and offered them a couple shots. After about 15-20 minutes we finished a 750ml bottle of Smirnoff and one of the dudes went to show me vila mimosa which I didn't know what to expect. Long story short, if I was white I don't think it would have gone that way, at all.
@@Mike-nz2gu I don't think that the muggers in Rio de Janeiro are that racially sensitive 🙂If you're a 'person of colour' and they can extract funds from you then it's game on - a mark's a mark as far as they're concerned!
@@timothyoreilly6675 I'm Hispanic but can pass as white
I'm so glad you stuck it out, and didn't give up. Your ordeal will help so many people to stay safe while visiting Brazil.
Thank you Denver, I really hope so! Want all the world to see how awesome Rio is, but I also want them safe ❤️🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringo I didn't know that you're an America you don't sound like us. SwedishGringo = SwedishAmerican
God bless you brother I have been to Lapa and believe I was drugged but I blame myself for not paying attention but my loss of money was small because I left everything else in the safe but this video is very educational.
@@fourthdeconstruction Also: Gringo for Brazilians = anyone who’s not Brazilian
No. this smells like a grift. If you were really robbed, and was gifted the money to go back home to recoup .. then go back home to recoup.
Man I’m sorry brother! Hang in There! At least you are not harmed. I actually think people are going to appreciate your channel more after this because you are going to come out on top! Keep the faith!
Thank you so much my friend! I’m inclined to agree 💪🇧🇷☀️
As a brazillian, I'm so sorry this happened to you. If you ever feel in your heart to come back here, in São Paulo, please hit me up and I make sure you have an awesome and safe time, brother! All the best to you!
Thank you so much brother! My love for Brazil hasn’t changed and I will definately come to SP soon ☀️
Go Sao Paulo Coast.
@@SwedishGringo In Sao Paulo you will meet the "trombadinhas" boys ---> teenagers who snatch your valuables and keep running. If you run after him to get it back, his 2 or 3 friends-in-crime will hit you or stab you.... Soooo, leave everything in the hotel, no wrist watch, no gold necklaces, no camera, ..... and just observe how other poaulistas act and behave in the street. kakakaka
@@JoseAntonio-qg1wo
Uma italiana e um suíço tiveram seus celulares roubdos por assaltantes perto de um viaduto no Centro de São Paulo. O crime ocorreu na última quarta-feira (31) na Rua Amaral Gurgel, na Vila Buarque, e foi gravado por câmeras de segurança (veja vídeo acima). Aconteceu em SPdois meses atrás
Stop it!
This dont happen here, what are talking about???
If this happen here the most expensive hotel and terreno will not be here
Pesquise para você ver que aqui nem é a cidade mais perigosa do Brasil
E pesquise em inglês as cidades mais perigosas do mundo.
Uma italiana e um suíço tiveram seus celulares roubdos por asaltantes perto de um viaduto no Centro de São Paulo. O crime ocorreu na última quarta-feira (31) na Rua Amaral Gurgel, na Vila Buarque, e foi gravado por câmeras de segurança (veja vídeo acima). Aconteceu em SPdois meses atrás
Stop it!
This dont happen here, what are talking about???
If this happen here the most expensive hotel and terreno will not be here
Pesquise para você ver que aqui nem é a cidade mais perigosa do Brasil
E pesquise em inglês as cidades mais perigosas do mundo.
I was robbed last summer in Rio and I'm black. They are relentless opportunists. I was living in Brazil at the time. These people that say " Rio's not that bad, just don't go outside at night, use a phone, speak English or any language, or breathe", they drive me nuts..
Was it a prostitute that robbed you?
I hear you! But Rio is also stunning, amazing, fun, unique and wonderful. I put this one out for people to come home with only good memories ☀️🇧🇷
I feel bad for you bro. Honest, but what does your colour of skin have to do with this all...?
Why mentioning skin colour anyway?
I dont understand this at all...
Proves how stupid you are. Theres only 2 types of people. Good or bad. The biggest racists are those who speak in terms of colour and rase...
There you have something to think about 😉
Mr racist....
How did they rob you findyoufree?
I went to Rio last June and was fine. I'm a pale white American to so I stick out like a sore thumb. You just have to know how to move around. Also trust nobody lol.
I got robbed in Rio earlier this year, they are experts in taking your stuff, then when you realize it's all gone. I have not been drugged but they managed to confuse me for a second and lost my phone. It really sucks. I got so sad about it but managed to contact my family from a borrowed phone and they bought me tickets to go back home. I am Brazilian. Rio is beautiful but you just can't go to some places, it happened to me EXACTLY at the same spot (at this gas station in Lapa). I am not going back to this place anymore. Stay safe out there friend!
I’m so sorry for you, every story like this just breaks my heart a little more. I hope you can forgive Rio over time ❤️🇧🇷
I was born in real till the age of 9 where I migrated to do United States With my parents I love visiting. Rio its just great but as a native brazilan I trust no one and nothing. I'm very diligent who I talk to. Down in that country.
Don't go Rio. point. You can be raped or something worse, it's no joke
@@domenicoarantes1664it's not just Rio de Janeiro their is more dangerous cities in Brazil. Brazil is not a save country.
I was drug like this in a place in Milan, Italy
I grew up in Rio. Lapa has always been the most dangerous place to party around zona sul, that's nothing new. For tourists it may be attractive because it's cheap, and easier to get chicks there. Baixo Leblon, Baixo Gávea and Jardim Oceanico are much safer places where you can also have a lot of fun
Yes, I’ve known Lapa for many years. But this is not normal, shady Lapa with some robbers lurking around. This is a tsunami, with new drugs involved.
These guys have been making hundreds of thousands of dollars in a few months.
In rio you gotta be careful about everything. Don't trust anyone, and also don't trust things you buy at the beach so much. Tourists are really easily targeted in rio because it's really easy to recognize them, and people around there know it's easier to take advantage of them.
Cariocas are really "malandros", and know how to manipulate people. These drinks you get at the beach are also really easy to put drugs in, since you usually don't see how and where they were prepared. So be careful man!
Sam, I was thinking the same about caipirinhas from the barracas. Best to stick to beverages in lata/can that you can wipe down/open. Also, aside from that reason that ice can be sus. The worst food poisoning/virus I had in my life was from caipivodkas com muito gelo na barraca da praia em Ipanema. I was sick for more than a month.
It's so classy of you to share such a painful experience so that others do not suffer the same way. God bless you! I've been meaning to visit Brazil for a long time. I'm hoping this will be the year. But it looks like if I go I'll need to be more careful than I thought. Anyway, good luck to you!
And I’m happy you got the message: Visit Brazil, enjoy amazing Rio but just be careful with your drink at night (especially in Lapa).
As a traveler, I know better to NOT drink if alone. I didn't feel safe in Colombia and was warned by locals. Sorry if this is real and happened to you. Research before you go and be alert. And I also know people do stories like this to raise cash. Good luck!
Nice of you to get a litte ”if” in there.
I’m a solo traveler and often eat/drink alone and never had any issues in Colombia or Peru. I’m not a big drinker and mostly drinks with lunch/dinner. NEVER take drinks from strangers is #1 rule
@@SwedishGringoI didn't get the "sorry if it was real"....
They don't need to put it in a drink. In Colombia my buddies cousin had it blown in his face in powder form in a fake taxi.
Colombia is open season on Gringos, be safe, scopolamine is everywhere
Learning the language, and having local Friends, will make your life in Río a lot easier and smoothier
Yes, and more fun as well! ❤️🇧🇷
My friend, I simply don't have words to describe your sobriety about all the chaos you went through in Rio. I'm Brazilian and I suffered watching your entire story in this video. I wish my country was safer, because I don't even risk walking in Rio... It would be the last place in Brazil where I would spend my holidays...
Thank you so much my friend! That all seems like such a long time ago now. I’ve simce then been m humbled over the kindness of Brazil - it still wins ❤️🇧🇷
It takes a lot to share your story. I’m glad you’re safe. I visit brazil a lot and I have Brazilian friends in Rio, Recife, Salvador and São Paulo. These are cities I often visit. When I go out at night to party I ONLY go with my Brazilian friends and we all leave together and message each other when we are inside our apartment. They also vet the girls I date. If my Brazilian friends (men and women) don’t like the girls I won’t date them. Unfortunately criminals are everywhere now and I’m not surprised scopolamine is now being used in Brazil. Take care of yourself and thanks again for sharing your story. Stay safe and God bless. ❤
Thank you for sharing this, Zion. And for the praise 🙏
@@SwedishGringodude you need to pay serious attention to and follow the advice in this comment. Also your bank and bank cards need to have tighter security than what you may have had.
You also need to start thinking about developing higher values for directing your life.
@@dbuck1964 great comment
@ziontrain7887 Could you tell me how they "vet" the girls you date? What are signs girls like this on dating apps for example could be criminals?
@@lynic-0091 one major thing is them having a social media account. Anyone can make an account on tinder and once they delete it then its gone. You can’t track it. Thats why scammers use tinder. Always get their social media
So much respect for how you handled a setback like that ✊✊
Ah, thank you Josef! I simply don't like giving up :)
The secret must be to live in the 'Hood Jardem Primavera, look as much like a Carioca as possible, have a Carioca consort with you at all times, no clubbing, no booze, no drugs, no prostitutes. Brazil has been great so far. Thanks to you, Timmy Karter and that class of TH-camrs. I found my calling here.
All good tips. And in particular: avoid Lapa at night like the plague. Unfortunately.
Caxias? Damn ...
Dude this place is crazy too... 😂
Your drink was drugged and you do it again on the beach take drinks from a stranger. Bad example.
That was not a stranger, it was my friend working in my local beach bar
@@user-tt6sq1ft1m: And by doing that you would definately be safe. But would you have fun?
glad to see that you got back on track. Happy to see that you have a pretty positive approach to all this. Keep the good content and I hope everything goes up from now!
Thank you Alejandro! Now we'll keep things positive for a while on
Very happy that you made it through this safely SG! I know that you seem to enjoy your solo life but I think that it might be a good idea to start moving in a group. Much safer. I toured Lapa for a night on my first trip to Rio and it wasn’t my thing… too chaotic. Not surprising that bad things could happen there. Unfortunate that some bad apples want to ruin what is a great, great city (and country).
Thank you my friend. You are absolutely right, freedom has its price
Swedish Gringo, we absolutely love your energy & truly admire how you've maintained positivity throughout this entire terrible process.. We are headed to Rio in about two weeks, and found your videos through searching for good tips on staying safe in the city. You have two new fans here, wishing you all the best moving forward ❤❤
Wow guys, thank you so much! But I promise, there were days I maintained positivity better than others, and luckily some of those low points were never caught on camera😅 Don’t let this stort scare you, I’ve lived more than a year in Rio and this was the only really dangerous situation I’ve been in ❤️🇧🇷
I'm from Rio and during the day you're 200% safe in all touristic places. But you always have to aware of pickpockets (just like any other major city). During the night it's safe too but don't go to Lapa if you plan not to lose your mobile. I never go there. Prefer Ipanema or Botafogo neighborhoods for the nightlife (more wealthy people there).
I am so sorry this happened to you, but your positive energy and attitude is truly impressive and happy to see you’re still making content!
Thank you so much Victoria! 🙏❤️🇧🇷
well as a brazilian what can i say brazil is a place where you can have a lot fun but becareful violence,poverty,scams... is part of the game as well
Unfortunately yes. But love prevails 💪❤️🇧🇷
I grew up in Brasil, Sao Paulo, and went to Rio de Janeiro ONCE when I was 19 yrs old, and never again. Never had any trouble in Rio because I knew before hand where NOT to go or places to avoid. But it's just the stigma and fear of visiting Rio, the beaches, the thieves all around you without knowing if any is going to rob you or screw you up!! I have NO need to go to Rio when there are so many other nice cities and other countries to visit !!
You are right: Brazil is full of amazing places! But Rio is Rio ❤️🇧🇷
O Rio é a Cidade mais legal do Brasil eu morei lá por 10 anos. Sou de Belém do Pará e já conheci outras Cidades do Brasil. Mas o Rio é a melhor. Apesar do Perigo.
Me neither!! I live in Rio 15 years and this never happen to me and even with my cleaner that live in Rio das Pedras
@@Sheilamoraes27: Rio is safer than many tourist think … if you’re not making all the bad decisions ❤️🇧🇷
@@brunapetite1297 Belém é mais perigoso que o Rio, o Norte é brabo🙄
Olha as datas e pare de presumir as coisas, como só porque você acha que é mas os dados não mentem, queridinha!🫠
Thank you for telling this story . It will help other people!
Thank you New Wave! I hope this will help people to return home with only good memories of amazing Rio ❤️🇧🇷
I’m sorry to hear that! Violence is real in Brazil. It’s traumatizing even for us, who live here! I’m glad you didn’t give up of your trip. Be safe! 😔 God bless you! 🙏🏻
Thank you so much! I love Rio and haven’t had any more problems after this
love your positive attitude
Thank you! ☀️🇧🇷
I got robbed in Ipanema at gunpoint, in January of this year. There wasn't much I could have done to prevent it. Despite it being traumatic, I'd still go back to Rio - incredible place.
Rough, where are you from?
Whoa, I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m very glad this hasn’t ruined Brazil for you ☀️🇧🇷
@@mickeyblue8 California, U.S.
Where were you when you got robbed? Was it at night? Were you alone?
Crazy that they are literally on camera but still not taken in
I kinda agree
3rth world country polices are a joke, I hate them
As a Brazilian who lives in Norway there are some things you should evade in Brazil like.
1. Don’t travel to Rio and Sp there are so many more beutiful places to see in Brazil like South and North
2. Don’t go out alone and get drunk best to stay in your apt or hotel take som few bears
3. Don’t say you travel alone say you stay with family or friends
4. Avoid Tinder here if you can because of kidnapping
5. Avoid going out with phone, lots of money, card and fancy watches and clothes specialy in Rio and Sp
So sorry this happend to you stay safe and hoping you’r having a more positive experience in Brazil next time.
Thank you for the advice Kennedy! Norway, what a strange place for a Brazilian to be 😅❄️
@@SwedishGringo you welcome! Yeah i know but i lived in Norway since i was a kid and i love Norway and Sweden exept for the weather😅🥶
Rio is a hot mess right now. Went there in March, stayed in a beautiful hotel in Ipanema, and didn’t feel safe at all. Not even in the best neighborhoods…
Damn, I’m so sorry for this experience
@@SwedishGringo I am sorry for what happened to you my man. It’s unfortunate that Rio has become such a dangerous place… Wish you all the best!
I had problem in Soho, London.
@worldofhospitality4326 do you mind elaborate a bit on why you didn't feel safe even in the good areas? I would like to visit Rio and the plan would be to just stick to the good parts of the city as people say it's much safer. But then the opinions are very mixed. I'm interested to hear your reason since you've been there.
@@Marianne019 Rio has been suffering economic, social and political woes for quite a while. You have to be extremely vigilant everywhere you go: people get robbed all the time in places like Ipanema or Copacabana. You just have to be careful, that’s it. 🙌🙏
Swedish Gringo, I’ve always wanted to go to Rio and your bad experience has ended that dream. I’m glad to hear that things are getting back to normal for you and hope that your future travels are safer and a lot more fun.
Please don’t think like that. I’m expozing the hazards so you can enjoy the rest. Rio is still one of the most awesome cities in the world ❤️🇧🇷
I have been over 11 times to Rio, and nothing ever happened to me there. Its an incredible city with amazing people. Just avoid being drunk and be aware of your surroundings, youll be fine. When going out, be with a group of friends, that will give you some more protection from this stuff to happen.
I think my concerns about Rio go beyond what happened to the Swedish Gringo. I know that public ATMs are a huge risk for getting your debit card hacked and that walking anywhere near Copacabana beach at night is a recipe for getting robbed. I guess that the targeting of tourists by criminal organizations with no countermeasures from the police make me want to take my tourist dollars elsewhere. I truly hope that things improve for Rio so I can cross it off my bucket list one day. 🤙🏽
@@msmascare Brazil doesn't resume in Rio, there are 25 states excluding Rio and they are beautiful and 100X safer then Rio, some states with amazing beaches to visit and enjoy.
@@kerketjRio is not the most dangerous City in Brazil, is far from this!! I have friends that always came here and love here.
This is very weird because i live here in Leme and this never happened to me either.
Do a International resheach and you will see the most dangerous City in a world
Takes a lot of courage getting back up. Thanks for posting this video.
Thanks buddy! I kind of owed you all this one 🙏
As a Brazilian from Belo Horizonte, I've never felt safe in Rio de Janeiro, although I love the city. Lapa is a place I always avoid to go when I'm in Rio. The feeling of safety some areas of the city have (like zona sul) makes you think every place is safe, but it's not, and that's where you can get in trouble. I'm so glad you're ok and nothing serious happened to your health, but please be more careful in Rio, especially with drinking.
And please don't go to Lapa again. You've exposed some of those criminals, although you blurred their faces, but they might seek revenge.
Thank you Vinicius!🙏 Yes, definately no Lapa for some time on.
@@SwedishGringo Man, don't go Lapa forever, you don't know exactly what you're getting into. They are people who kill in exchange for 200 or 300 reais, a reality you don't understand, be safe and far of these places, and don't walk unaccompanied without friends who know well the place.
Brazil is dangerous 💯
Kill for 300? What losers@@domenicoarantes1664
Bartenders are often in on the drugging ! Which makes you easy pray ! Glad you survived as you know some people don't
Thank you! Yes, I consider myself lucky after all 🙏
Through this video people can be aware. Keep up the good work. 🙏🏼
Thank you Stef, that was my ambition with the video!
"It's free drugs!" Bruh I'm dead 💀
At that moment I was kind of thinking: ”Okay, I did what I could”
Morei no rio por 10 anos,nunca me aconteceu nada,sei as zonas e horarios seguros,é importante saber entrar e sair de um local pricipalmente quando n samos nativos,sou do nordeste.
Obrigado, foi um bom conselho!
Only White folks from a sheltered environment get Finessed like this 😂. A adult should already know things like this
Not every Brazilian will take advantage of someone. Most of the people in northeastern Brazil are not taking advantage of anyone either.
@@seuconrado3365 Not all things in Brazil have an absurd price.
It was around Christmas time in 2014, I was in Tallinn, Estonia for a job interview originally, but I ended up staying for 3 months. Went out to a bar for a beer, and that's all I remember. Woke up in a doorway in some place I'd never been before, minus my phone, wallet. I was lost so I tried to find my way home at 02:00 in the morning, finally made it, I then crashed for a good 3 days. During that time I was unable to do anything, just sleep, and couldn't get out of my bed. I was watching my credit card get drained of about 4000 euros over that time. Your story is way worse than mine, but I'm really reminded of that situation. Apparently they were Norwegians
Holy moley! You just can’t trust those Norweigans😅 Sorry, brotherly joke. Definately not a typical Norse trait, glad you made it through!
thats why Santa Catarina is the Safest place to be in Brazil. its beatifull as Rio, but doesnt have so much party everyday like Rio.
I agree entirely ☀️🇧🇷
Bro, Rio de Janeiro is really fun to party!! But unfortunately even as a Brazilian I’m fucking scared of going out there.. it’s really dangerous, you can easily get robbed or stabbed. When I want to party and have fun, mostly I go to Europe where I can have fun without fearing for my life. As a Brazilian it’s sad to say it, but why do you think that we have armed bodyguards 24/7 at the buildings entrace here? It’s a really dangerous country, with a corrupt government
I totally hear you. Living every day in a reality is different from temporarily visiting it. I would probably go to Europe for vacation too if I was born in Brazil, for the change.
you are right!@@SwedishGringo
Rio de Janeiro is a real adventure, here we really compare it as a roller coaster in which the ups are really amazings and the downs are quite scary and dangerous. while europe might a safe walk in the park
Thank you for not giving up and making us aware!
Thank you so much for telling me, Luke🙏 Had a few pretty rough days there
You should still leave Brazil for a while. Life is cheap there and if they think you can identify them you are in danger.
Not only in Rio
It happened to me in Dublin, Ireland in the Mercantile Bar on Dame Street Dublin 2
But, it really can happen anywhere
I only remember being lifted up by the door men from the basement.....yes....below ground floor....missing for 5 hours....I've no idea to this day what happened to me.
Nothing robbed
Wow, that’s one heck or a story 😲
With me in Soho, London!
@@SwedishGringo hey sorry to hear about what happened. These people are in plain sight and have informants. I felt exact same as you the next morning - very confused and mentally I couldn't process. The memories came back slowly but a long time after. I was chucked into a Lane way at the back of the pub and the cold air woke me up. It was very cold and December. Somehow I got to the taxi and got back home and had my Keys on me.
The upside they left you in your place. It's a very bad thing to do to somebody and you just don't know what happened and that's scary.
I just don't want to think why I was put in the basement. It makes no sense to me. I cannot understand how it happened. I was actually at a work Christmas party.
@@user-ve2qg1cg8g wow, it's a terrible experience
AVOID temple BAR AREA in DUBLIN.
Hey Swedish Gringo. Just want to tell you that we were drugged and robbed in the same fashion in Ipanema around the same time. We used to look at your previous video to feel less alone in our mess. I understand and recognize everything you say 😅
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this. Where in Ipanema did it happen? I’m deeply disturbed hearing this
@@SwedishGringo Thanks bro! It started in an expat event in Ipanema Beach Hostel. It was like my 3rd day in Rio. They were kind enough to let us 2 bank cards to survive. Now we laugh about it, but still I remember the leblon police telling us how lucky we were as a young chilean man just died from this.
Except that, most brazilians were very nice, but a gringo, even brazilian-looking should be careful. I will never complain about safety in Europe anymore.
That’s sucks, what kind of event was it…Mundo Lingo?
@@iliassol5720: I’m so sorry to hear about this. Ipanema beach hostel is supposed to be a safe place.
@@SwedishGringo Yes mundo lungo. Actually it was very safe at 99,9% but the 0,1% of odd people was enough for it to happen. Rio is not for beginners !
So proud to be part of the community that came together to fix what the insurance company's couldn't. I'm coming to Rio in February for Carnival. If you need anything from Europe just say the word and I will happily deliver it 🙂
And I’m so glad you had my back, Lucky! By now it will be me paying you back with a 🍹
Change your ticket to thailand. Same fun, no robberys
@@SwedishGringoI feel bad for you bro, but you shouldve known. Rio is Just not a holiday destination to go to by yourself. Any country where you have to look constantly over your shoulder, or keep your eyes on your drink 24/7 is not a nice holiday country. You go to holiday to enjoy and shake of all the stress, not to be worried about b.s. try thailand bro. Women not as nice as South america, but its safe 👍
@@benny7882 not as pretty either
@@benny7882 LADY BOY
nice come back brother never give up stay stronger now
Thank you my man! Comments like these really cheer me up 🙏☀️🇧🇷
I'm so sorry you went through that.
Rio is not dangerous only for gringos, but for Brazilians as well.
I was also drugged and robbed when I lived in Rio, unfortunately it is something very usual, so we must be very careful there.
Oh no, I’m so sorry we share the same experience. I’m glad so seem to have grown from it and still have your love for Rio ❤️🇧🇷
I've only seen Lapa during the day, and I've seen enough shady characters that I wouldn't even think about going there at night.
I kinda understand what you mean. It is a very thrilling place though … at the moment perhaps a bit too thrilling
I have partied around the world and in Brazil I dont drink smoke ...do drugs or smoke weed....ever......in my life you dont need those to have a good time.......trust me.
You are 100 percent right 🌟
agreed
That's so sad. I stayed there 5 weeks in a short rental and was really worried, it restricted me from enjoying myself. Brazilians told me all the time about the bad things that happen to them, and I felt it scared me too much, but they were just being honest. After dark the streets back from the beaches went from bustle and activity to dead quiet.
Yeah, unfortunately the locals fear of getting in trouble adds to the feeling of unsafety. People have so many stories but rarely fell victim themselves
This is why I like visiting countries where the punishment for pedi crimes is severe. Brazil has basically no protection for foreigners..
Sometimes you’re a bit too exposed, I agree ☀️🇧🇷
Glad you are ok and I want you and all of us traveling to be safe. There's actually a video of a girl putting something in a guy's drink during a live stream in Cartagena recently and luckily one of his viewers alerted him and he got out of the situation safely. I was in Medellin before the lockdown and ventured out and about by myself my last night in country after my friends had to go home to the states ahead of me for work etc. Thankfully I didn't have issues and met and drank with a couple of locals but next time I won't tempt fate. I Have yet to get to Brazil but that's on the list. The DR is my stomping grounds for lol. Enjoy 🍻 and thank you for sharing
Thank you buddy! Nothing better in life than traveling, and sometimes you need to swallow some bad experiences in the process
@@SwedishGringo absolutely!
Where did I find the video.
Brazil is an unique country with many great experiences, but what screws it is the crime that is really ahead of the times there.
Yes, almost like the design didn’t allow Brazil to be entirely perfect so they had to throw in some crime
Sorry to hear this bro. I remember the last time you got robbed. Mentally I hope your well because this can really screw with your head. I think your pretty positive guy. You will bounce back better.
Thank you my friend! Yes, I’m now fully recovered, mentally as well. A learning experience… which I don’t want to repeat 😅
I’m so sorry that happened to you. Don’t be embarrassed of gofundme. That’s why it’s there, for situations like this and others.
Thanks you Joeb! 🙏
Wow, you went through quite alot. Thank God you are doing better now. I hope persons take heed of this video, as it could mean life or death. Keep good my friend, and be safe
Thank you Dom! It sure was a bumpy ride and even bumpier than what the video shows. I simply couldn't fit it all.
@@SwedishGringo wow, I hope your Manaus expedition was more pleasurable. Keep good my friend.
Good Luck. Keep up the optimistic spirit and cheerfulness.
Thank you so much Happysimus 🙏☀️🇧🇷
With all due respect, I've been watching your videos for some time. It's always important to be safe. Always be on alert. I've been to Rio now 11 times. I've learned Portuguese fairly well, and I'm comfortable walking around Copacabana. I'm also working on a Digital Nomad visa so I can spend more time here. I'm not much for parties, and I ALWAYS err on the side of caution. Please be safe. I'll be here in Rio for another 3 weeks. Luckily, I also blend in well. Rio amazing. But it can definitely be dangerous.
Great advice there buddy! Let’s hope this was the last time we heard of a gringo getting robbed in Rio 😅
Good on you man, good attitude to turn things back up and make it back to normal
Thanks bro! Breaking apart every once in a while is a good way to build yourself up
Great video for all tourists that come to Rio … there’s good and bad in every country.
Enjoy your visit in Rio because it’s a beautiful place but be careful…
Yes, I hope people still watch my 30+ videos showing why Rio is still AMAZING! ❤️🇧🇷
First of all, glad to see you are doing well. I am a fan of your content. There are so many lessons here. Thank you for sharing your experience in detail. You are providing a great service to visitors to Rio. Question: was the video of the perpetrators broadcast on TV in Rio? Hard to believe no one could identify them. Best of luck to you.
Thank you so much Daniel! Don’t think the footage was released to the tv stations, I had to work quite hard just to get my own hands on it
I don't go to Brasil for two reasons: It's a hassle to get a VISA, and they charge a lot for that Visa stamp on my passport --- all for me to go SPEND MY DOLLARS in Brasil as a tourist!! In contrast, to go to EUROPE, NO NEED of Visa and I go spend my money there quite often !!! CONCLUSION: That's why you don't see many tourists in Brasil any more as there were in the 70's !!! :(
The visa demand is postponed at least until april, so hurry up over here! ☀️🇧🇷
This was a great story of turning difficulties into a positive ending ! Excellent video !!!
I watched all the way to the end
I’m so glad to hear this! Put my heart and soul into this one 🙏
Still can't grasp what you went through! But very impressed that you somehow managed to keep a positive attitude in life, that truly elevates you! 🥰 Keep up the great work man!
Thank you so much, my friend! It was kinda hard to keep the smile on at times, but I think that's what kept me going. God knows my friends over there had to suffer through some of my less happy outbursts as well ;)
I almost thought you were robbed of everything again. I now see this was a follow up video. Glad you're doing better, sir. God bless you and be careful. Slow down on the partying! Be safe!
Thank you! I owed this to all who helped me, donated and wanted the whole story. You fans really saved me 🙏
Lived in rio for 2 years and visited many times for long periods. Never had any issues. Scope videos get a lot of views and engagement. Good luck to you.
Thank you buddy 🙏
Dear Swedish Gringo, because of you and your cool videos I came to Rio de Janeiro for my Exchange Semester. Will stay here 5 month in total and I have already spent 1 month so far. A lot of shit happened to me:
First, we got our phones stolen at Ipanema Beach.
Then, on a midnight walk to the 2 brothers mountains we got threatened by a group of drug dealers with machine guns in the forest.
After that, my flatmate brought some people home and they turned out to loot in our living room and stole our credit cards and emptied our bank accounts. We think he also got drugged the same like you because he was completely easy to control and even left all the doors open the whole night.
2 days later, I got robbed in Santa Teresa by 2 guys and one pointed a gun at me and I lost everything. 1 minute after the robbery I went to a police car and they told me they will search the robbers and I should wait there but they never returned. Unbelievable!
Now I have nightmares and I am afraid of this city and all the shady characters running around here!! I don't know what to do anymore, Swedish Gringo!!
So IT IS DANGEROUS here! MAYBE not on a 1 week vacation BUT when you live here for longer it is super sketchy! I also heard a lot of shit happens to other friends in Lapa and Centro at night.
Rio is so sketchy, watch really out guys. At the time this shady guy pointed a gun at me in Santa Teresa my life could have also been easily over and nobody would have cared, so it's really serious!
Oh no Ludwig, I don’t know what to say. I’m SO sorry all these things happened to you😫 Even if some of the things you did were a bit risky it’s maximum bad luck to get all these bad things happening to you. How did the robbing in Santa Teresa happen, was it during daytime?
If you can, try to get out of Rio for a while and breathe. Ilha Grande would be my recommendation: it’s extremely safe, has none of the Rio stress and is only two hours away. Once again, I’m very sorry 💔
be carful because you are turning into an alcoholic. just be safe.
Thank you, A 🙏
I had exactely the same in Colombia 😢 Never go for drinks alone in these countries and always stick to your drinks 👍
So sorry to hear that bro. This is after all a drugging custom imported from Colombia
@@SwedishGringo Going back to Colombia this winter though 😁 Take care and thanks for sharing!!
A wise man learns from other peoples mistake, a smart man learns from his mistakes and an idiot never learns.
Haha wise words. But you do realize this is the full version of my previous robbery right?
Dear Swedish Gringo - I hope that you are back on track have everything you need to get going. It would be great to show how to protect against a similar experience.
Thank you Bavarian! Easiest way to protect yourself is probably to bring an own cup with a lid, or sticking to bottled beer. Will mention it in upcoming video ☀️🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringo yes - same happened to my wife at the beach, nothing happened because I was with her, groups / family who is with you is a good protection, if you are alone, keep your own cup with a lid only and be careful what you accept. There are many vendors walking on the beach who sell you drinks, food, anything - they are mostly ok. If in your case somebody you didn't know ...well be careful. Brazilian are mostly great people, there are many loaded but also still many poor.
It's good you tell the story as a warning to other gringos. There are many videos on YT with stories like this from Colombia. A few gringos died there. Unfortunately, you take a lot of risks waving your phone around in public and getting wasted in public. I'm surprised you weren't robbed more often. Don't get me wrong. You should not leave Rio because of what happened. Just try to be more discreet, or hire a body guard. My dad used to say, "when you get drunk among others, you are at their mercy." Bom dia.
I totally understand and agree with your advice. Thanks for sticking up 🙏
I've been to Rio twice, including Lapa. I love that place, Brazil is my favourite country of all, but it's so scary thinking that it could happen to me too. Few seconds without looking at my drink could be enough to loose all money, phone, GoPro and even flip flops
That might unfortunately be the case until this situation is under control
Don’t go alone, find nice locals.
Or don’t go to the center of the city.
glad that you came out still healthy and safe
Thank you buddy! Having a major flu at the moment but can’t really blame anyone else for that 😅
That’s the bad thing about Brazil, people are robbed all the time 😓
Yes, without the crime Brazil would be heaven on earth ❤️🇧🇷
Same as in KENYA.
Not all people, don't exagerate.
@@LucasMartins-el7kn guess its TOURISTS.
@@LucasMartins-el7kn I said all the time not all people 😅 eu falei o tempo todo não todas pessoas 🙃
I ve travelled far and wide over the years and never been robbed or drugged ; I am old school and if I see even a whisper of risk , I'm walking away and always stick to safe areas always!!!! Been to Rio twice and both times had a blast , met tons of chick's, sex out of this world and was crime free!!! Lord Jesus always keep a delta force guardian angel besides me !!! Thank you Lord!!!
Yes, being a little careful is key. But thinking you’ve ”outsmarted the system” is usually not that good. It took me five visits before I got robbed the first time and another year until this happened. So in a sense Rio is not that dangerous, considering you stand out in the crowd as a gringo.
Sex with Jesus is definitely out of this world😂😅
I usually just give them my drink and I drink their then stare them down 😂
Thank you so much for this video. I was actually planning my next trip to Brazil, but I am really shocked what happened to you and so many other travelers. It's such a shame that in such a beautiful country with mostly amazing and welcoming people crime exists to such a high degree. Last time I went to Brazil was in 2022. I went to Lapa also and felt this dodgy vibe, but I would have not imagined to end up being drugged and robbed like this. Thanks for sharing this story, it's a warning for fellow travelers to be extra cautious in Brazil. It seems though it's an endless and hopeless battle to improve the crime in this country. I wish you all the best, if I see you in Brazil I will l say hi.
Thank you buddy! Don’t be scared about coming to Brazil, but in case you don’t really need to maybe avoid Lapa ❤️🇧🇷
just picked up on your channel as I´m researching Brazil for future trips, and honestly, this shit can happen anywhere. I live in uber safe Norway, and got drugged at a party with some friends, just talking in a bar and left my beer on the table while having a cigarette. In my peripheral vision (my beer was right in front of me but I was engaged in conversation) I thought I saw something drop in my drink, but didn´t really think about it and had another half of the glass. Just a few minutes later, I started to feel like I was going to pass out, legs went like jelly and the room was spinning. I got the hell out of there and noone followed me, but I´m pretty sure it was GBH and maybe whoever drugged me was just testing it. Women get targeted for rape everywhere, but I´m a 50+ year old guy so not an obvious target. But literally every woman I know, knows this stuff- don´t drink alone, or with people you don´t know that well, don´t have an open glass or leave it unattended, never leave a place alone.
And from a guys perspective, if you´re travelling in a dodgy area, and some girls come up to you and start chatting, don´t be a slave to your d#ck and think they´re genuinely interested in you-- another friend (also Swedish) got targeted while drunk in Budapest, taken to a bar and then bought over priced drinks and ordered to pay the bill (7000EU) at gun point.
I´m kinda curious about how you got a bank card and social security number though, surely you would have to be living there for some time and not just a regular tourist?
You’re very right, these things can happen anywhere. But this video was made during a surge of tourist druggings in Rio, which has luckily calmed down now.
What saved me was the digital nomad visa, it technically makes you resident for a year. With that I could get a CPF, and those combined (and a lot of begging) opened the door for a bank account
As a carioca I feel ashamed to see this happening to you. Those who did this to you are bad people, stay away from them! They do not represent Rio de Janeiro
You don’t have to feel ashamed my friend. The real cariocas are wonderful, honest people ☀️🇧🇷
Good and bad people everywhere mate, it's not a Brazilian thing, it's a people thing
Brazil is not a save country. It's a insecure country.
Thanks for making this video! I've just arrived in Rio and am trying to learn from your mistakes. Good to hear you recovered all the physical possessions that you need but what about your digital accounts? Are you still battling the robbers with those?
I'd like to say "my pleasure" but frankly this was a tough one to make. At this point I got pretty much everything back/replaced ... but my Apple ID is lost forever. Don't be afraid in Rio, knowing about this situation in Lapa will shield it from getting in trouble.
@@SwedishGringohow can I not be scared bro? After watching this... I respect your positivity bro. Big time 👌 but i will never ever go there myself after watching this.
@@SwedishGringo Dont be afraid in Rio? After seeing this?
@@lynic-0091 you can go there with a group. Being less of a target. Than its more safe. I like Rio. But when im on a holiday I dont want to worry about being robbed or drugged. I dont want to worry bout my phone when im making a video from the beach. That aint holiday. Thats why i Iike thailand. Nice vibe, no robberys or being drugged. I like Rio as well. Love the whole vibe. But too dangerous.
I had a Kindle stolen from my hotel room which had all my credit card info on it to order books etc. So I had to close down all my accounts and start over. It was so intrusive because I watched as she kept ordering items on my Amazon accout. I felt so violated, and the hotel did nothing to help me. They knew who was assigned to clean the room that day but they didn't want to waste their time to help me. It's such a hassle to close down accounts and start again. I could have followed the woman that stole it but the police told me to let it go and learn from it. Learn from it?!!! It was stolen right from my hotel room! It was on the floor next to my bed so she thought it wasn't mine idw what her excuse was. Sleezy woman should not be working in a hotel and I know she still is.
This story could also happen in Barcelona a lot of tourists get stolen and thieves also use this drug especially in the clubs alongside the beach. I got robbed 3 times during my 6 years in Barcelona. So use common sense and act like the locals.
Yes, common sense is always key. And Barcelona especially is work famous for its crafty thieves
Very happy to hear it all worked out. Stay safe
Thank you Nicolet! 🙏❤️🇧🇷
Dude, it's weird that you are still there after all that happened...it just doesn't make sense
I just refuse to give up. Still love 🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringo ok, then don't cry!
Exactly why go back to your apartment with a man and a woman that you don’t know. what type of kinky freaky shit did you plan on happening ?🤔🤷🏾♂️🤦🏿♂️
@IAmtells great point. While yes, he was drugged and making what the mysterious couple wanted, he was clearly looking for a hot night to celebrate his bday! F@##ed and f@#$ing. Unfortunately, Rio is one of those sex-tourism cities, and tbh, he is clearly looking for sex. He is an adult though and nothing wrong with that but EVERYBODY knows Rio is super dangerous. Dude, get out of there because you know what they say, the 3rd is a charm! I hope you value your life gringo!
Yes I agree. He has to get out 💯
Lapa was never safe even for Brazilians , a guy i know stabbed and robbed in Lapa on March .
Yes, people have gotten robbed for ages. Difference is this crime is run professionally, targeting gringos. It’s not a matter of getting too drunk walking the wrong street
That's terrible! I'm planning to visit Rio in November with my best friend. Thanks for putting this video out and sharing your horror story. I'll send this video to her so she can be aware of the dangers in Rio. I'm glad you're safe!
Thank you! It’s also important to remember this is not all of Rio, but at places like Lapa tourists need to be cautious. You’re gonna have an awesome time! ☀️🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringo Of course. I started watching your other videos so I can educate myself where the good/safer areas are. Your videos are incredibly helpful! You earned yourself a new subscriber =)
don't go, as a brazilian, don't go to that hell hole... it's dangerous and they will suck your money out of you with abusive prices and/or robbing
@@allcaps4141 Ah, do you still live in Brazil? How did you come to that conclusion, what have you experienced or heard?
@@ziniqu4 I still live in Brazil but in a safer but boring place (compared to Rio). I can tell you, not worth your time, money and risk your safety going here.
Thank you so much for your testimony
You’ll help many people !
Thank you! Meeting people who have seen it almost every day here, so hopefully someone’s been saved 🙏
Desejo força e q DEUS afaste os maus de você. Paz e Força meu amigo
Obrigado amigo! 🙏☀️🇧🇷
This happens when you're too friendly, naive & have zero street smarts. This could never happen to me.
No need to say it, keep it to yourself
Lol… you know how many people have said this same thing over the years? And still been robbed or killed?
Well, I’m sharing my shortcomings for people not ending up the same way. If you already got it covered I’m happy for you ☀️🇧🇷
"Don’t share drinks with strangers and beware of girls in Lapa nightlife district."
Do you have any other advice for staying safe?
I will be in Rio in November and dont want to have the same fate as you. I have been robbed a couple of times before and it is the worst feeling :( I am so sorry for all that you had to face, but I am happy you are okay today!
Sure, I acctually made a Rio safety guide last year. ”How dangerous is Rio and Brazil”. Watch that first and comment there if you have more questions.
Love your videos, sorry to hear what happened to you. Thanks for sharing your experience so candidly.
Thank you whitey! I owed this video to everyone that's been helping me. But I'd rather not have to do it again :)
I am glad u r feeling better😊😊 There r so many ways to feel happy and meet new people! It is not necessary to drink alcohol and damage your body for that. Just stop promoting drinking caipirinha in every video of yours, even in this one. Your poor body was slowly recovering and u were still poisoning yourself with alcohol! Give yourself and your body more love, care and respect. Why don't u promote açaí or Agua de coco, typical Brazilian things? U r an influencer, u have the responsibility of influencing people's minds. I love how u care about your fans. And they care about u, I care about u. Just think about that. Hugs to u🥰
Thank you Elina! I hear what you're saying and I love açaí.
Simply not drinking takes out about 70% of the risk here. And yet that’s never mentioned in these cases. I was there in May and in my WhatsApp group there were numerous similar cases. And always the same advice - Bring a burner phone! Take a taxi! Go in a group of 3 or 4! But no one ever mentions the alcohol aspect involved or advises to at least “limit” their alcohol. A bit of self discipline will get you real far in a city like Rio. And perhaps open your mind to life in brazil beyond capirihnas and partying.
@@timothyryan170: True words, Tim! I’d come off as a bit hypocrite suggesting it, but totally true
@@timothyryan170oh my god❤️❤️❤️ finally a person who sees the same as me🤗🤗
Some updated advice that I left in the comments section of the 'No Reservations' channel (when he interviewed you):
Note: people from Rio de Janeiro are called 'Cariocas'.
1) Don't dress up! You'll just look like a tool (like I initially did). The Cariocas (male or female) don't get dressed up (attracts too much attention)
2) Don't wear shorts as most clubs and nice restaurants won't let you in wearing shorts. If you're a male I recommend wearing tracksuit bottoms with zips on the pockets (to secure your cash / change) or similar clothing that covers your legs.
3) Don't wear flip-flops as most clubs and nice restaurants won't let you in wearing flip-flops. I highly recommend wearing a nice pair of sneakers / trainers instead.
4) Don't go to Lapa (the party area in Centro / Downtown Rio) unless you have someone with you. You can have just as much fun in Zona Sul (Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana etc.) or in Zone Oeste (Barra da Tijuca)
5) Don't carry an expensive mobile / cell phone. Use a cheap 'burner' phone that you don't care if you lose.
6) Don't wear jewellery / bling. You'll look like a tool. The Cariocas don't wear jewellery / bling (attracts too much attention).
7) Only bring enough cards / cash that you need for the night - operate like you're going to get robbed (minimise the damage).
8) Take taxis at night! You can look up videos of Rio taxis on You Tube - they're small yellow cabs.
9) When you get into a taxi make sure that it has a meter. The meter will be visible. You won't be able to miss the meter. If there's no meter then get out of the car. Make sure the driver puts on the meter. If the driver doesn't turn on the meter just point to the meter and say "metro". The meter will read '2' if you're travelling at night (night taxi rates). Rio taxi drivers seem to be more honest than taxis drivers in other parts of South America (from what I've been told)?
10) MOST IMPORTANT TIP - be careful when you're walking (day or night) as the Cariocas are CRAZY DRIVERS i.e. pay attention, don't jaywalk etc. For example, in Rio it's normal to see a bus driver operating his bus at 40KM in a 20KM zone. I wasn't paying attention once and I almost got creamed by a bus.
11) Don't go into favelas ("comunidades") unless you're with a local or on a tour. Also, don't take photographs or take videos inside a favela ("comunidade") unless you have permission.
12) If you do get mugged then don't fight back (see # 7). The marginalised communities (favelas / comunidades) where the muggers come from are adjacent to the nice communities. Most muggings are opportunistic and end quickly Even if you do neutralise the mugger there's the chance that you might run into him (and his pals) another time. You can avoid all of this potential hassle by just taking taxis at night (see # 8).
Thank you Timothy! Very good advice right there.
There is safety tip here , If you look at his room there is a clue on what to do to make your possessions more secure , in the room you can see white cupboards with handles , I always travel with bike locks they are cables with locks attached to them , some are key locked and some are combination locked , the room in this video is ideal , before leaving the room , I would lock all my possessions inside those white cupboard that have two handles on each cupboard , I would get about three of the bike locks and wrapped them around the handles of the cupboards so it would be impossible to open the cupboards in a hurry and with a key lock with the key hidden and a combination locks , the only person able to open the cupboards in a hurry would be the person who locked the cupboards .
When I travel the world there are important things in the room that I always look for which is a safe or cupboard in the room that can be locked completely .
Thank you for this tip Philip! It might also be good to make it a ”little hard” for yourself to find the key so you are not convinced to fetch it under influence of drugs
if you don't want to use a key , use combination locks only that means having to undo 3 locks and 12 numbers in total which the average robber can not undo the lock in a hurry
Top video, make part 2 of this story too pls
There is no part 2. But I will elaborate on safety issuses
Thanks!
Thank you so much buddy! All my revenues go straight into procuction of the next videos, you just helped a lot!
It blows my mind how Europeans get to Rio and just pull their phones out of their pockets and start taking pictures. Rio is one of the most dangerous places on earth not only for visitors but also for locals. So many nice places to visit in other parts of Brazil and visitors still fantasise about Rio. I’ve been there 3 times and I never felt safe. It is scary shit when you find yourself in a foreign country, totally broke, without speaking the language… luckily you weren’t taken to the favelas and murdered.
You’re painting an even darker picture than me there😅 It’s not a perfect situation but it’s bot THAT bad ❤️🇧🇷
I am happy you are doing better my friend. GOD bless you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much my friend! 🙏❤️🇧🇷
Sinto muito por ter passado por isso, é realmente algo bem complicado ainda mais se tratando de uma cidade como o Rio de Janeiro. Recomendo vc visitar outros estados e regiões do Brasil para conhecer um pouco mais da cultura do país
Obrigado🙏 Já estive em mais de uma dúzia de outros estados e fiz guias de viagem deles também ☀️🇧🇷
@@SwedishGringohey gringo? Where are you now? I would like to invite you to come to Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais for free! 😊 me and my family can show you some things about our city… some places and a little bit about our culture. You can stay here, at my home, with my parents. I would love it. And I can practice my english 😂😂 here you will be safe! I promisse you!
Always enjoy watching your videos. Curiosity question why are the criminals faces blurred in the security camera videos? To me it would be important to release their images. What am I missing?
Thank you buddy! Two main reasons: they are not convicted and I’m a gringo, so can’t make too much of a fuss.
Ah that makes sense you would think the police would want to release to protect other people so they don’t end up drugged or potentially worse
@@SwedishGringoIf I were you I would release the unedited footage to other youtubers - and keep the edited footage on your channel as you did - their faces need to be exposed and someone will recognize them - they could potentially take another persons life thats how serious it is that they are identified
@@michaelomondi-gq5yh: I’ve already shared it ✔️
@@SwedishGringo Well wishes brother - hope to run into you in Brazil one day - bless you
Been going on a long time down there, just not many have spoken on it. I've seen it happen a lot in Rio back in the day as well. Protect yourself at all times fellas, you're a target for some.
❤️❤️🇧🇷
The best is yet to come. Long live my friend!
So true! Let’s push for that horizon!
I’ve recently been to Rio for 10 days as a single woman. I felt totally unsafe & left. I speak English & Spanish. Locals were incredibly rude & aggressive towards me in general, though I did meet some wonderful people. I only felt safe when I was with someone else, definitely with Brazilians but they told me I was being scoped out consistently. I’ve been all around the world & never felt this way EVER! Perhaps the pandemic made it worst. I left! I’ve met friendly Brazilians all over the world & it was a main reason I visited Brazil.
I’m so sad hearing this💔 In which way were they aggressive, did they hit on you?
When I asked for help ie) the subway, on the street, in shops in Spanish & English, the typical response was to look at me with contempt & wave me away with their hand or plainly ignore me. I saw people watching me all the time. I am very friendly, & smile a lot. I have been all over the world the last 25+ years. I've never seen a country with so much tourism that they seem to resent or actively dislike tourists. I do live in South America the past 9 years, although I am Canadian. So I'm probably way more aware than a typical tourist. Unfortunately I stick out with my "gringo "appearance. I was told it was a bad season to visit. There were also lots of homeless all over the gorgeous beaches. When I was not with a local or another tourist (60% of the time) I was hassled every minute or two on the beach by the hawkers.@@SwedishGringo
Darn, this is nothing like how I’m getting treated. Can’t really say I’ve seen homeless people living on the beach other, apart from under the palm trees at Copacabana boardwalk
Yes, you speak Portuguese, are male & seem to be surrounded with other people all the time. @@SwedishGringo
Sorry and thanks for your comment. I look very gringo, and can only speak English, seems like going to Brazil on my own would be a bad idea@@cherylsmith8386