Major FAQs-Brazil
Health and safety
Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend visiting some of the following websites for health and safety information:
WHO website for international travelers ( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/ )
General Safety Tips for Volunteers in Brazil
- Due to high social imbalance, Salvador has abundant street crime. Travelers should be aware that a possible mugging is reality and should take necessary and simple precautions to deter these crimes.
- People with darker complexions will have an advantage over those with pale skin. Blacks are likely to blend in well; other dark-skinned people may be inconspicuous in many places, but others can be immediately labeled as either upper class citizens or tourists, and might be specially targeted.
- If you are traveling on foot, by bicycle, or by bus, it is best to go out during the day. Avoid bringing anything valuable, just enough money for the day. The Flamengo and Stella Maris beaches are among the safest places to go during the day, and they are the best option if you just want to enjoy a good beach without local culture.
- Many streets and beaches are guarded by police and volunteers should stick to these areas when alone. Salvador recognizes the importance of tourism to the city economy, so most important tourist sites such as Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo, as well as main popular festivals like the Carnival are usually well guarded. Walking in groups is best. If you are traveling alone, consider finding some other volunteers with whom to connect.
- Generally, be suspicious if people approach you directly or in a friendly way as they either want money or to sell you something.
- At night, it is better to travel by taxi. Stay at reasonably crowded places. If you do not see other tourists where you are, then it is probably not a place you should be.
General Health Tips for Volunteers in Brazil
- Water is very safe throughout most of the cities in Brazil. When traveling to the beaches or very rural areas, drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Tap water should not be considered safe at the beaches nor fountain drinks and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by both filtering through an "absolute 1 micron or less" filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. "Absolute 1 micron filters" are found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
- Buy bottled water from respectable outlets/vendors to guard against an upset stomach. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is intact as it is common for local street merchants to sell tap water in resealed bottles.
- The most common health complaint in any developing nation is an ailing digestive system. In many cases, the illness may be attributed merely to a change in diet, but occasional cases of food poisoning can occur, whereby the symptoms occur very quickly, severely and explosively. These are seldom serious or extended illnesses, but medical treatment should be sought if it occurs.
- Avoid eating food from roadside stalls/vendors. Do not eat unpeeled fruits or prepared fruits from unknown handlers on the street. If volunteers must eat food at a questionable location, make sure the food is served hot.
- If you require any prescription drugs, bring enough for the duration of your stay in Brazil. They will need to be carried in their original prescription bottle and the prescription must be in your name.
- It is advisable to carry a small health kit, which should include remedy for upset stomach, some antiseptic cream, hydration powder, mosquito repellant, sun block, band-aids, etc.
|
