Travelling as a couple in Brazil and Portugal: safety, scams and what to do in an emergency

Whether it is a getaway to Rio de Janeiro, a week in the Northeast or a loop through Lisbon and the Algarve, travelling as a couple is easier when the safety basics are sorted before you board. This guide is not about any particular venue: it gathers what official sources say about emergencies, hiring services and scams, and what is worth agreeing between the two of you. The numbers and services mentioned were checked on the official pages linked at the end, consulted on 7 November 2026. Phone numbers and rules change, so always confirm at the source before you travel.

1. Agree on the essentials before you leave

Before looking at flights, talk about what each of you wants from the trip: rest, parties, meeting people, or simply sightseeing. What is a yes, what is a no, and what you will decide on the spot. Either of you can change your mind at any time without explaining, and that matters even more on the road, when tiredness, alcohol and an unfamiliar setting weigh on decisions.

It also helps to settle three practical things:

• A word or signal that means "I want to leave" without arguing in public.
• Who carries what: documents, a backup card and cash in different places, so one problem does not leave you with nothing.
• What you post and what you do not: photos and live location on social media expose your routine and other people's privacy.

2. Know who to call in Brazil

The Brazilian federal government portal (gov.br) describes the most commonly used emergency numbers: 190 is the Military Police, for public-safety incidents such as crimes in progress or situations of risk; 192 is SAMU, for urgent and emergency medical care; and 193 is the Fire Department, for fires, accidents and rescues. When you call, the guidance is to give the address or a landmark, the type of incident, how many people are involved and their condition.

Save these numbers in your phone before the trip and write the name and address of your accommodation on paper in case the battery dies. If you do not speak Portuguese, ask staff at your accommodation to help you make the call.

3. And in Portugal?

In Portugal, as across the European Union, the single emergency number is 112, according to the EU's Your Europe portal. The same page explains that after an accident, serious illness or loss of a passport, consulates and embassies can help. If you travel on a Brazilian passport, check the Itamaraty Consular Portal for the contacts of Brazil's representation. Remember that consular assistance has legal limits and cannot solve every problem.

Also check what your insurance and cards cover abroad. Travel insurance with medical cover is each couple's decision, but it is better made calmly at home than in an emergency room.

4. Booked a tour, transfer or stay? Check the provider

Brazil's Ministry of Tourism advises travellers to check that a company or provider is registered to operate in the sector through Cadastur, the official register, free and online. The ministry itself notes that Cadastur only shows whether a company is registered and that you should verify its background by other means. Its other tips for avoiding scams are practical:

• Be wary of prices far below market, which are often used to push you into paying at once.
• Contact the provider directly and look at its reputation on review sites and social media.
• Complete the booking inside official platforms, avoiding outside channels.
• Check the recipient's details before any bank transfer.
• Ask for a contract listing included services, cancellation terms and penalties, and keep receipts.
• On social media, be suspicious of usernames with slightly altered spelling, newly created accounts with lots of posts and blocked comments.

5. Everyday safety

The Ministry of Tourism's advice for personal safety in public places is simple: do not leave belongings unattended, avoid insistent strangers, do not give personal information to just anyone and do not carry large sums of cash. After a theft or robbery, go at once to a clearly identified police officer and, if possible, a Tourist Assistance Unit, taking an ID or a copy of your passport. A photo of your passport in the cloud and a printed copy in another bag solves half the problem.

At night the usual rules apply: agree how you will get back before going out, do not accept drinks from strangers, keep your phone charged and share your location with someone you trust. If you go to an event, leave together: arrive together, leave together.

6. Respecting the law and other people's privacy

None of this replaces local law, which varies by country and city. In public spaces, follow the rules of the place; photos of third parties require consent. At events and private venues, read the access policy and photo rules on the organiser's official site and respect them.

Quick checklist

1. Talk about limits, your signal and what you will post.
2. Save 190, 192 and 193 (Brazil) or 112 (Portugal) and your accommodation address.
3. Check providers on Cadastur and book through official platforms.
4. Distrust prices that are too low and pressure to pay quickly.
5. Keep copies of documents in separate places.
6. Review insurance, cards and withdrawal limits before boarding.

Sources consulted on 7 November 2026

• Ministry of Communications (gov.br): Emergência: você sabe para quem ligar quando precisa de ajuda?
• Ministry of Tourism (gov.br): Vai viajar? Confira dicas para não cair em golpes and Vai viajar? Fique atento para não cair em ciladas ao contratar serviços turísticos
• European Union, Your Europe: Safety and emergencies
• Itamaraty: Consular Portal, traveller safety