Safety tips

DEATUR, the Specialized Tourist Police, put together some suggestions to make your stay in the City of São Paulo as pleasant and safe as possible. These tips are based on research carried out all over the world regarding tourist safety. At the airport Pay close attention during check-in and when claiming baggage as these are the most critical times for travelers, who are often tired. Airport crowds can also be distracting, making travelers more vulnerable to theft. Always remain alert at airport terminals and observe the following tips: Upon claming your baggage, make sure that it is closed in the exact same manner as when you checked it. To ask for information or assistance, always look for a duly identified police officer or an employee of the company with which you are traveling. Never talk to strangers. There is a DEATUR police station at all São Paulo airports, staffed by professionals specially trained to provide assistance to travelers. Always keep a close eye on your belongings. Be careful with men or women who approach you to ask questions. Their objective could be simply to distract you. Respond normally while not letting your baggage out of your sight. Do not open suitcases or other bags in public, especially if they contain electronic equipment or money. Never handle large quantities of cash in public. If you must use an ATM, make sure no one is watching when you type your security code. If the machine malfunctions, only request assistance from duly identified employees. Never agree to carry packages for people who you don’t know. If another person is not feeling well and asks you to go get help, do so but do not leave your belongings with this person, even if he or she insists that you can move more quickly without your belongings. When using taxis or renting cars, choose only registered professionals and companies. When entering the vehicle, ask that all of your belongings be placed in the trunk. If the driver refuses, look for another taxi. It is important to keep your luggage in the trunk, especially if you are carrying a laptop computer. When using your mobile phone inside the taxi, keep it away from the window. In slow traffic, do not handle large quantities of cash inside the vehicle. At hotels It is important to pay special attention at hotels, as they are the places where visitors spend the majority of their time. Despite having security guards and a close relationship with the police, hotels are not immune to crime. Follow these suggestions to have a more pleasant stay: While checking in or out, leave your bags with a hotel employee or keep them in front of you, preferably between your body and the reception counter. During meals, it is preferable to leave your belongings inside the room. You can also ask an employee to keep them for you while you enjoy your meal. Don’t leave your wallet, purse, cell phone or handheld computer on the table if you need to get up momentarily. While in hotel common areas, always keep your belongings in sight. Never put them next to you or behind your seat and always keep them close by. Don’t bring people you don’t know to the hotel. If you do receive visitors in the room where you are staying, it is of utmost importance that they fill out the visitor’s form. When you want to go out, ask the hotel employees for information. They can help you with good suggestions for activities and restaurants that are conveniently located and safe. If you are organizing an event at the hotel, all participants should be properly identified with badges. When leaving meeting rooms, make sure the doors are closed. Both before and during the event, keep hotel security duly informed. Use the safe in your hotel room. Try not to discuss important matters, especially those involving money, near people you don’t know. Never accept help from strangers. All hotel employees in the city wear uniforms with proper identification during work hours, and are trained to help visitors. At restaurants During meals your attention is focused on the table, which could compromise your safety. Put into practice the following advice to avoid problems: Choose places recommended by friends or the hotel staff where you are staying. Find out the best way to get there, the best time to go and what type of service the restaurant offers, etc. When you get to the restaurant, ask that your bag or baggage be checked. Use baggage locks if you are carrying valuable objects or money. When your objects are returned to you, make sure everything is in order. If the restaurant does not have an appropriate place to keep your belongings, keep a close eye on your belongings. Avoid leaving valuable objects on the table such as wallets or mobile phones, especially if you leave the table, even momentarily. In public areas or at large-scale events Events and public places where there are a lot of people with bags and other belongings are attractive targets for thieves. Take the following precautions to avoid any unpleasant occurrences: Avoid talking to strangers, especially those who are insistent. Always keep an eye on your belongings. Never give out personal information. Do not handle large amounts of cash. Carry camcorders and cameras discreetly. Use only officially registered forms of transportation. If you need assistance, look for a properly identified employee. Anhembi Exhibit Park has a Specialized Tourist Police station, whose staff is trained to provide assistance to park visitors. Locations of Specialized Tourist Police Stations Familiarize yourself with the location of the police stations specializing in tourist service and protection. These stations offer information on public safety and are staffed with qualified professionals to meet your needs. Port and Airport Police Division, special services for tourists and protection for dignitaries Rua São Bento, 380 – 5º - Downtown Tel. (11) 3107-5642 and 3107-8332 DEATUR Av. Olavo Fontoura 1209, Parque Anhembi Tel. (11) 6226-0653 and 6226-0664 São Paulo Police Station at Congonhas Airport Avenida Washington Luis, s/nº Tel. (11) 5090-9032, 5090-9043 and 5090 9041 São Paulo Police Station at Cumbica/Guarulhos International Airport Rua Dr. João Jamil Zarif, s/nº - Cumbica /Guarulhos Tel. (11) 6445 3064, 6445-2686, 6445-2162, 6445-3464, 6445-2221; International Police Station at Viracopos/Campinas Tel. (19) 225-5426. Porto of Santos Police Station