Tag Archives: Curitiba

Security Advisory: FIFA World Cup

The group stage is over and we’re into the knockout stages following today’s rest day. The tournament has now finished in four locations: Cuiaba, Curitiba, Manaus, and Natal but I’m sure the party will continue in full force despite the lack of visiting teams.

With regard to the potential violence of South American fans I mentioned yesterday, an Argentine fan was shot in the leg during a dispute in Porto Alegre (the closest host city to the Argentine border). Brazil previously had a ban on selling alcohol in stadia due to violent fans, this law was rescinded as a FIFA stipulation for hosting the tournament, indicating that there is a propensity for drunken violence at these matches. When it comes to international rivalry, things may get even worse. I’m not forecasting the apocalypse however, be aware of your surroundings and don’t get baited into an argument with rowdy fans from another country.

The heavy weather in North of Brazil proved too much for many fans. There were an unfortunate number of empty seats for kick off due to the widespread flooding and impassable streets. One report stated a 40min drive took 4hrs! This had been a serious concern for matches in both Recife and Natal however the storm has been weathered and there is only one match to go in Recife on Sunday but the forecast is for rain. Just be ready with an alternative route in mind and leave plenty of time to get to the game, this has to take into account both the transit time and the large security queues that could be even longer when have the staff can’t make it for similar reasons. Be aware of your valuables in these instances, tropical rain isn’t a misty shower like NYC or London; you will be drenched to the core in a matter of minutes so be prepared to get very wet, very quickly, while keeping your phone, money, and tickets dry.

Security Advisory: Fifa World Cup

Last day of the group stages and the big news at the moment is the torrential rain in Recife for the big USA vs Germany match scheduled for this evening.  If it keeps falling at the current rate, the match maybe cancelled.  Equally important is the difficulty some fans are having at getting to the match.  Get moving early if you want to get in and see the game, if it happens….

With the qualifications almost set the concern now is the future games between neighbouring South American countries.  These have a higher likelihood of getting rowdy, even violent.  As we saw in the Argentina match yesterday, they didn’t mind taunting the Brazilians in the stadium and they will be likely to carry on outside the stadium as well. Of particular note are Brazil vs Chile, and Colombia vs Uruguay both on Saturday.  Hopefully this concern proves unfounded but it would be foolish not to be aware of the possibility.

Today’s matches are in Brasilia (28C, 53% Humidity, Clear), Sao Paulo (29C, 56% H, Clear), Recife (28C, 100%H, heavy rain trailing off towards the end of game time), Curitiba (22C, 83%H, foggy, clearing later).

Security Advisory: FIFA World Cup

Half of the games down (32), and the sky has not fallen upon Brazil and the World Cup Finals. And unless FIFA attempts to snatch disaster from the hands of victory, as the Americans achieved last night in the 95^th minute, all is looking to go well.

Although there is no game in Belo Horizonte today, the UK government has issued a warning concerning the likelihood of protests.  It is the third largest city in Brazil and ranks 48^th out of the 50 most dangerous cities according to the UN’s murder statistics.  That said, six other host cities in Brazil make the list and none have seen much in the way of violence against tourists and fans.  Steer clear of any areas that are known for being protest hotspots and leave at the first signs of unrest; don’t wait for things to get out of hand.

Fan fests have been great parties throughout the country for those who don’t have tickets to the games.  They have had a good balance of freedom and security, preventing crime but letting the public enjoy themselves.  After all, this is Brazil, who is better known for throwing big parties?!

We’re now into the last games of the round robin and there are four games a day for the next four days, two concurrent games, with no late match.  Today’s games are in Sao Paulo (24C, 88% humidity, clear), Brasilia (26C, 77% humidity, slight chance of rain), Curitiba (21C, 94% humidity, clear), Recife (27C, 89% humidity, heavy rain expected).

Brazil World Cup Travel Advisory: Curitiba, Natal and Salvador

CURITIBA

City Description

Curitiba is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Paraná. The city’s population numbered approximately 1,760,500 people in 2010, making it the 8^th most populous city in Brazil and the largest in the country’s South Region.

Security

While Curitiba has been known, for many years, as a safe city, crime rates have been on the rise in recent years.

Crime involving tourists is generally non-violent and related to thefts and pickpocketing. While neighborhoods throughout the city are generally safe, you are advised to be cautious especially in the area near the Main Bus Terminal; Downtown squares, while safe during the day, during the night these areas are known to be hideaways for drug dealers and robbers; the Historical Center; and the neighborhoods of Batel, Rebouca and Prado Velho.

The neighborhoods located on the south side of the city, including Sitio Cercado, Fazendinha, Pinheirho, Cidade Industrial, Tatuquara, are the poorest areas and should therefore be avoided as the crime rates in these areas are particularly high.

Tourists to the city are advised to remain cautious when crossing streets throughout Curitiba. This is due to the fact that crossing signals do not always work, and often require maintenance.   Drivers in the city are also known not to respect pedestrians.

At night, you are advised to take a taxi when travelling in the city.

Transportation

International Airport

Afonso Pena International Airport is Curitiba’s main airport and is located in the nearby city of São José dos Pinhais. All commercial flights operate from this airport.

Bacacheir Airport is a smaller general aviation facility.

Public Transport

Curitiba’s public transportation consists entirely of buses. It is known as the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, Rede Inegrada de Transporte.

Roads

Moving around by car can be difficult in and around the city center. This is due to the many one-way streets and frequent traffic. The Trinary Road System allows quick access to the city center for drivers.

NATAL 

City Description

Natal is the capital and largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern state in Brazil.

Security

While the city of Natal was once safe, recent statistics have indicated that crime is on the rise, however it Natal is safer than other touristic cities in the northeast of Brazil, including Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador.

While pickpocketing is common, violent assaults in the city are rare.

If visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, MS Risk recommends that you travel by taxi and avoid walking along the Praia Forte. This is due to a recent surge in assaults and robberies that have targeted tourists along the beach. Ponta Negra beach is also not secure, with armed assaults on the beach occurring at any time, including day and night.

MS Risk advises all travellers to the beach to avoid taking any valuable articles with you.

Transportation

 International Airport

Augusto Severo International Airport in Parnamirim is located 18 kilometers (9 miles) from Natal.

Highways

Federal Highway BR-101 is the most important access to Natal, coming from the south of Brazil through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim. If travelling from the State of Ceará, the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR-304, through the boundary with the municipality of Macaíba, where you pick up BR-226.

When leaving Natal, an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the RN-063, which is also known as the “Sun Route” (Rota do Sol). This route takes you to the beaches of Pirangi, Búzios, Tabatinga, and up to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. The North Shore is accessible from the Newton Navarro Bridge, following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu, and the Igapó Bridge, following the district of Igapó by BR-101 to Touros, and by BR-406 to Macau.

Bus

Natal is connected to all the 167 municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte, along with dozens of locations and Potiguar districts, through the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal, which is located in the Eastern zone of the city.

Taxis

Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are white and have red plates. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is. Fares are regulated by the government.

SALVADOR

City Description

Salvador is the largest city on the northeastern coast of Brazil and is the capital of the Northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia.

Security

While Salvador is fairly safe, MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times. Always avoid deserted streets, especially after dark.

Transportation

International Airport

Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport is located 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of downtown Salvador.

Highways

The BR-101 and the BR-116 Federal highways cross Bahia from north to south, connecting Salvador to the rest of the country.

Bus 

The bus station, or Rodoviária of Salvador, is located in Iguatemi district, with direct buses to larger cities in the country and to many destinations in the state of Bahia.