Unbeleivable that this sort of thing happens at an international airport, alot of people been cleaned out apparently

ATM Scam at Rio Airport
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g303506-i1199-k4640955-o90-ATM_Scam_at_Rio_Airport-Rio_de_Janeiro_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro.html

Subway strikers, police clash in Sao Paulo

By Associated Press4:32 a.m.June 9, 2014

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian police have used tear gas to disperse about 100 striking subway workers from a station in central Sao Paulo, the city that will host the World Cup opener this week.

Subway workers are on strike for higher wages and have violently clashed with police during recent protests.

Authorities are expecting almost all of the fans attending Thursday's opener in Sao Paulo to get to the stadium on the subway.

Union leader Alexandre Roland was one of the strikers hit by tear gas early Monday. He says that until the government sits down to negotiate, the strike will continue, even through the World Cup.

The strike has thrown Sao Paulo's gridlocked traffic into chaos. The metro area of 20 million relies heavily on the subway and overland commuter trains.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jun/09/subway-strikers-police-clash-in-sao-paulo/

Police, strikers clash in Sao Paulo
Published: 7 Jun 2014 at 09.49

SAO PAULO - Brazil's World Cup preparations endured a rough, as police clashed with striking subway workers in Sao Paulo, massive traffic jams snarled the mega-city and fans booed the national team.


Commuters are seen at the Ana Rosa station during a Metro workers strike, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 6, 2014

The scuffle in the metro station and a separate anti-government protest that gathered 3,000 people raised fears of more unrest when Brazil and Croatia open the World Cup in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

Police fired tear gas and swung batons to beat back picketing strikers inside a central station after commuters tried to enter.

The strike, affecting millions of commuters, will continue for a third day Saturday after the workers' union and their employers failed to reach a deal on a pay raise.

Across town, meanwhile, demonstrators blocked the street in front of the Central Bank in a peaceful protest organized by the Force Union against the economic policies of President Dilma Rousseff.

"Our problem is not with the national team. We will cheer for them. But on October 5, we will send Dilma Rousseff to hell," said union leader Paulo Pereira da Silva, referring to the upcoming presidential election.

The subway strike caused headaches for fans who attended Brazil's labored 1-0 victory against Serbia in the team's final friendly in Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium.

Sections of the crowd jeered the team led by Barcelona star Neymar as it struggled to find the net against the Serbians.

"Our players are ready to accept criticism when they don't play well," said manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose team is under massive pressure to deliver a record sixth World Cup trophy.

While Brazil played at Morumbi Friday, the first World Cup game will be played in the city's new Corinthians Arena, which is awaiting safety clearance to operate at full capacity, highlighting the authorities' struggle to be ready for the tournament.

Officials are hard-pressed to resolve the metro strike because the subway will be the main link to the arena for legions of fans.

With three of five metro stations disrupted by the strike, bumper-to-bumper traffic stretched as much as 251 kilometers (155 miles) as the subway system's 4.5 million users turned to cars or buses amid torrential rain.

"I'm going to have to return home. I can't get to work like this," said Pedro Henrique Rodrigues, a 28-year-old pastry factory worker who stood in a massive bus line.

It was the latest strike to hit Brazil, where bus drivers, teachers and police have staged walkouts in other cities in recent months to demand better wages.

The chaos in Sao Paulo is of the sort Brazilian officials and world football body FIFA want to avoid following the violent protests that marred last year's Confederations Cup, a World Cup dress rehearsal.

It was in Sao Paulo that mass protests erupted exactly a year ago as citizens took to the streets to voice anger at rising public transport fares.

The unrest ballooned into nationwide demonstrations against the more than $11 billion being spent on the World Cup, with more than one million people taking to the streets to demand money for hospitals and schools.

The protest movement has lost momentum since last June, but the transportation chaos risks rekindling anger in the countdown to the opening ceremony.

Rousseff has defended the government's preparations, insisting the money spent will leave a legacy of airports and transport infrastructure that will benefit Brazil for years to come.

But much of the other promised train and road infrastructure has been shelved.

Several of the 12 stadiums have yet to be finished. Eight workers died in construction accidents.

The president's popularity has taken a hit, with an opinion poll Friday showing that her support for the October election dropped to 34 percent in June from 37 percent in April.

She still led the pack of candidates, however, with her main rival, social democrat Aecio Neves, falling by one point to 19 percent.

- FIFA confident -

Despite the latest troubles, FIFA president Sepp Blatter predicted Thursday that tensions would subside once the football began.

"I'm an optimist. After the tournament kicks off, I think there will be a better mood," Blatter said.

Teams are trickling into Brazil. The Dutch team walked along Rio's Ipanema Beach after arriving Friday.

Australia, Bosnia, Chile, Croatia, Iran, Italy and Ivory Coast have also arrived.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/414052/

Travelling football fans urged to visit GP ahead of World Cup in Brazil

By David Millett on the 2 June 2014

A leaflet from Public Health England (PHE) warns fans of the health risks associated with visiting Brazil, including the potential need for yellow fever vaccination and antimalarial tablets for certain areas of the country.

It advises patients to 'see your GP, nurse or travel clinic for advice well in advance of your trip and remember to check you are up to date with your routine vaccinations'.

Dr Jane Jones, a travel health expert at PHE, warned that many of the health issues travellers may face ‘cannot be prevented by vaccinations’.

She said: ‘The health risks whilst travelling to Brazil will vary between individuals and many issues need to be taken into account, such as planned activities, length of stay and the general health of the traveller.

‘Preventive measures need to be taken; for example, consumption of safe food and water, avoiding accidents, safe sex, and protection from sun exposure and insect bites. A little caution and some sensible practices could avoid unpleasant illnesses which could ruin your World Cup experience.’

The FIFA World Cup will begin next week on 12 June and last until 13 July. England's first match, against Italy, takes place on 14 June.

http://www.gponline.com/travelling-football-fans-urged-visit-gp-ahead-world-cup-brazil/infections-and-infestations/immunisation/article/1296800

Brazil squad ready but nation isn’t
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side thrash Panama in friendly as workers scramble to finish five of the 12 stadiums

AFPPublished: 15:16 June 4, 2014Gulf News

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil thrashed Panama in a friendly on Tuesday, looking very much ready for the World Cup, although off the pitch the hosts were still rushing to finish their stadiums nine days from kick-off.

Star striker Neymar opened the scoring as Brazil routed their visitors 4-0 in the central city of Goiania, with Dani Alves, Hulk and Willian all adding goals.

But off-pitch problems continued to distract from the football, with workers scrambling to finish five of the 12 host stadiums.

The original deadline was December 31, but preparations have been plagued by chronic delays, cost-overruns and construction accidents that killed eight workers.


At Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, which will host the opening ceremony and kick-off match between Brazil and Croatia, workers are still finishing temporary stands for 20,000 fans and VIP seats intended for heads of state.

The stadiums in Curitiba, Cuiaba, Natal and Porto Alegre are also unfinished to varying degrees.

Meanwhile, protests that have shaken Brazil before the World Cup continued in Goiania, where about 100 demonstrators gathered outside the hotel where the Brazilian team were staying ahead of their match.

“Wake up Neymar, for the people’s struggle!” chanted demonstrators, carrying signs with slogans such as “Fifa go home!”

Protesters from a wide range of political parties and activist groups have attacked the government for spending more than $11 billion (Dh40.4 billion) on the tournament, calling for it to place more priority on education, health and transport.

But, like other recent rallies, Tuesday’s was far smaller than the mass protests that marred the Confederations Cup, a World Cup dress rehearsal held one year ago, when a million people flooded the streets, some clashing with police.

As the clock ticks down to the World Cup and a presidential election in October, Brazil has also been hit by a wave of strikes. Recent police strikes — and the threat of more during the World Cup — have been among the government’s biggest headaches.

But federal police announced they had reached a deal for a 15.8 per cent raise in exchange for a promise not to strike in the coming months.

Police in the capital Brasilia have accepted the offer, which will be put to a vote in each of Brazil’s 26 states in the coming days, the federal police union said.

Brazil says it will have 157,000 police and soldiers providing security during the World Cup. The military will deploy 57,000 troops, including 21,000 on alert for emergency operations.

The government also downplayed problems with the country’s ageing airports, many of which are still undergoing renovations originally due to be finished for the World Cup.

“I can assure you we are prepared,” said Aviation Minister Wellington Moreira Franco, while admitting: “It is clear we have problems.”

But he said the transport overhaul was being done with an eye to the future. “The new objective is to have new airports for the country,” he said.

An estimated 600,000 foreign fans and 3.1 million Brazilians are expected to criss-cross the massive South American country during the tournament, and there are fears of transport chaos.

Organisers have shelved much of the infrastructure they had originally promised, from roadworks to a high-speed train to subway and monorail lines.

Teams, meanwhile, continued to trickle in to Brazil, having cut their rosters to the 23-player limit for a Monday deadline.

The Croatian and Iranian squads arrived on Tuesday, joining Australia, who arrived on May 28.
http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/brazil-2014/group-a/brazil-squad-ready-but-nation-isn-t-1.1343016

Brazilian city Campinas gripped by dengue fever ahead of World Cup

DateMay 31, 2014 - 3:13PM

The Brazilian city where Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Nigeria's John Mikel Obi will train for the World Cup is in the grip of a crippling dengue fever epidemic.

Workers in Campinas have embarked on a huge operation to eradicate mosquitoes, which spread the disease, before the Portuguese and Nigerian teams arrive.

Some 32,384 people have been infected by dengue this year in the southeastern city about one hour from Sao Paulo. At least three people have died.

"It's a record epidemic. It's bigger than the 11,500 cases registered in all of 2007," said Andrea Von Zuben, who co-ordinates the Campinas dengue control program.

Dengue is a viral infection carried by the aedes aegypti mosquito.

The fever is like chronic influenza with severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, vomiting and a rash.

Severe cases can be deadly. Three people have died of dengue this year in Campinas, women aged 27, 69 and 81. Three other deaths are being investigated to see if they were caused by the disease.

There is no cure for dengue, so prevention is the best medicine.

The World Health Organisation recommends people in infected areas prevent mosquito bites with window screens, insect repellant and mosquito coils.

It also suggests covering exposed skin - advice that may cramp Portuguese captain Ronaldo's bare-chested style, a topic of much commentary after his pectoral-flexing goal celebration at this year's Champions League final.

Brazil has been hit harder by dengue than any other country so far this century, with seven million cases reported between 2000 and 2013.

Von Zuben said the Campinas outbreak was being driven by a heatwave at the beginning of the year, the prevalence of a particularly virulent dengue strain and poor sanitation that leaves pools of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

But she said the areas where the Nigerian and Portuguese squads will be are a mosquito-control priority for health officials.

AFP


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/fifa-world-cup-2014/world-cup-news-2014/brazilian-city-campinas-gripped-by-dengue-fever-ahead-of-world-cup-20140531-zrtsu.html#ixzz33J32Yarb

World Cup protests continue in Brazil, snarl Rio traffic

Published time: May 31, 2014 02:39

Several demonstrations aimed at Brazil’s upcoming World Cup tournament took place in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, snarling traffic towards the city center.

At least two distinct protests gathered in Rio, organized mainly through online social networks, O Globo reported.

As with previous unrest in the country, many of those who showed up to Friday's events covered their faces with masks and wore dark clothing, holding signs with slogans such as “We want schools, subways, trains, buses, and standard hospitals FIFA.” A large group of teachers was said to have taken part in Friday’s mobilization.

The Latin American country has seen its share of riled demonstrators in the run-up to the World Cup. Protestors have come to link the exorbitant sums spent in preparation for the football tournament as a symptom of government corruption and ineptitude.

Many Brazilians feel that funds which have gone towards World Cup preparations should have been invested into transportation infrastructure and government services, chiefly education and healthcare.

Likewise, protesters have often specifically attacked FIFA, the international football federation, and even the group’s leadership and football players for what they say is the organization’s complicity with the country’s government.

Beyond the demonstrations, preparations for the world sporting event have run into a number of setbacks. FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed concern on Thursday regarding the state of three of the twelve massive stadiums that have been built or refurbished for the event, capping off a two-week trip by warning organizers in Natal, Porto Alegre, and Sao Paulo - which will host the first match in two weeks - that it is now a “race against the clock.”

http://rt.com/news/162672-brazil-world-cup-protests/

How British technology could keep World Cup fans safe from gunmen

By Paul Peachey, Cahal Milmo

12:41 PM Saturday May 31, 2014

A vendor wears a Brazilian soccer jersey as he waits for customers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo / AP A vendor wears a Brazilian soccer jersey as he waits for customers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo / AP

A mobile scanner designed to spot a 3D-printed plastic pistol hidden under a gunman's clothing is to be used in Brazil after threats by organised criminals to disrupt the World Cup.

The scanner - initially developed by British university physicists to help undercover police identify armed London gang members - can discover hidden weapons within a couple of seconds from up to a distance of 25 metres even if the weapon has no metal parts.

The makers say that one of the units is due to be taken to Rio de Janeiro and used unobtrusively in popular public areas during the tournament to identify potential threats in one of the world's most dangerous countries. More than 50,000 people were victims of homicide in 2012 in Brazil which has the third-highest murder rate in South America, behind Venezuela and Colombia, according to the United Nations.

The Brazilian authorities have ramped up their use of CCTV and other security measures in the run-up to the first of two global sporting events from this summer, with the Rio Olympics following in 2016.

Preparations for the World Cup have been dogged by protests over corruption and the huge costs, and threats by organised criminals last year to disrupt the tournament because of complaints about prison conditions.

Senior police said the device was the first effective system to spot plastic guns made using a 3D printer which have been identified as an emerging threat to the long-term decline in violent crime in Britain. The number of gun crimes has fallen 66 per cent since a peak in violence a decade ago, with 30 people killed in 2012/13.

A US group last year released a free blueprint for a downloadable gun known as the Liberator; it can be used to create 16 components to make a gun that is all-plastic apart from a metal firing pin. The plastic guns can avoid detection when passed through metal detectors and conventional scanners.

The scanner device is being flown for rigorous testing by the US military this week to assess if it can be used to spot explosive devices carried by potential suicide bombers. Pakistan and Venezuela have also shown interest in taking the technology, according to the marketers of the scanner.

Scientists say it has an 80 per cent success rate of identifying weapons. "It measures the shape, size and depth and can tell how symmetrical the object is," said Dr Stuart Harmer, one of the developers at Manchester Metropolitan University. "Handguns and bombs don't look like much else that's carried."

In a demonstration for The Independent this week, researchers showed how the system used high-frequency radio waves to scan a target and translate the radar result through a complex algorithm to assess whether it is a weapon. The user focuses on-screen cross-hairs to run over the target's body and bleeps if it identifies a weapon, including a plastic gun. Scientists say the scanner works best if the target is moving.

- The Independent
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11264627

Brazil's Ronaldo urges crackdown on World Cup vandals

DateMay 30, 2014 - 1:58PM

World Cup 2014: Ronaldo slams 'fake protesters'

Brazilian World Cup legend says police must react against "fake protesters" who cause damage on the streets, but says he supports peaceful demonstrations.

Former Brazil soccer star Ronaldo said on Thursday authorities must crack down if violent protests break out during the World Cup and urged police to "bring down the clubs" on vandals.

Strikes and small demonstrations are widespread two weeks from the June 12 opening match as many Brazilians who see no benefits from the costly event use the tournament as an opportunity to air a growing range of grievances.

"Protests are always valid ... But the moment masked vandals appear the police have to contain them," Ronaldo said at an event sponsored by the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo. "I think they have to bring down the clubs, get them off the street."

Security is one of the government's primary concerns.

Fernando Grella, the top security official for Sao Paulo state, told Reuters that police are assembling possible criminal cases against a small number of protest leaders, perhaps a few dozen, who he said are conspiring to "commit violent acts, break things, vandalize and attack people."

Ronaldo's warning came days after he said he was embarrassed for his country's failure to complete the promised infrastructure in an interview with Reuters that triggered a sharp response from President Dilma Rousseff.

"As I told Reuters, my embarrassment is on behalf of the population that really expected these large investments ... airport reforms, urban mobility, everything that was promised and not delivered," he said on Thursday.

Ronaldo is a member of the Local Organizing Committee and one of the most visible backers of soccer's world governing body FIFA and the Brazilian government. He was a member of the Brazil teams that won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002.

Reuters


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/fifa-world-cup-2014/world-cup-news-2014/brazils-ronaldo-urges-crackdown-on-world-cup-vandals-20140530-zrsvq.html#ixzz33Ci0tgZD

Food confiscated at Italy hotel

By Football Italia staff

Italy and England have seen their hotels booked in Brazil for the World Cup raided and fined for expired food.

Reuters report that the hotel chosen by the Azzurri for their training base at the Portobello Resort & Safari in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro and the Hotel Royal Tulip, booked by Group D opponents England and also in Rio de Janeiro, have been raided by Brazilian health and safety officials.

It is understood that the hotels have been fined after an inspection carried out discovered expired food at both locations.

The raids were part of a wider campaign that also included inspection visits at 13 restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, shops and hotels.

Italy’s prospective hotel was one of the biggest raids carried out and saw 25kg of seafood and margarine confiscated for being past its sell-by date and a further 24kg of meat, sauces, cheese and sugar removed for having no visible sell-by date. including shrimp, beef, salmon and butter confiscated, having been discovered as past their sell-by date, or without a sell-by date indicated.

Meanwhile, England’s hotel saw 2.6kg of salmon, parma ham and butter similarly removed from the premises.

Reuters also report that both hotels were ‘warned for not providing condoms to guests, as is required under Brazilian law’.

Netherlands’ team hotel, the Hotel Caesar Park, was also visited, but no irregularities were discovered there.

Many of the 32 competing nations at this summer’s World Cup are expected to bring their own food and chefs to Brazil.

http://www.football-italia.net/49707/food-confiscated-italy-hotel

Brazil team bus attacked

2014-05-27 11:24

Cape Town - Brazil’s preparations for their World Cup campaign got off to an unsettling start when hundreds of protesters surrounded the team bus on the way to their first training session, hamming on the sides of the bus as it pulled away. The team were then greeted by even more protesters on arrival at the Selecao training ground.

According to KickOff.com website, the protests started outside the team’s hotel in Rio de Janeiro where coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had just met his squad on Monday. The hostile crowd, consisting mainly of striking teachers, covered the bus in stickers with messages protesting against next month’s tournament.

One of the banners read “There will not be a cup” while the crowd chanted "There will be no World Cup, there will be a strike”.


With just 16 days to go until the spectacle kicks off, the ongoing riots and protests, as well as the incompletion of three of the stadiums, is causing a growing concern over the country's readiness to host the tournament.


Brazil legend and Fifa World Cup ambassador Ronaldo voiced his personal concern and embarrassment over the situation in his country.

“In 2007 when they decided that the World Cup would be in Brazil, President Lula signed everything and agreed to everything and then they get here and there’s this bureaucracy, total confusion and lateness,” he said.

“It’s a shame. I am embarrassed, this is my country and I love it and we shouldn’t be transmitting this image abroad.

“But we mustn’t forget that Brazil wasn’t perfect before the World Cup. It was the same or worse.”

A total of 157 000 soldiers and police have been deployed to beef up security around the country, with an estimated 300 000 visitors expected in the country for the global event.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/International/Brazil-team-bus-attacked-20140527

World Cup: Brazil Mobilizes 157,000 Security Officials

Security forces will be spread among the 12 host cities and state capitals Vitoria, Aracaju and Maceio, which will all have base camps for teams playing in the FIFA World Cup.

Brasilia: Brazil said it is mobilizing 157,000 soldiers and police to ensure security during the World Cup, which opens in 20 days against a backdrop of violent protests and strikes.

The defense ministry yesterday said it would provide 57,000 navy, army and air force personnel for the event, including 21,000 who will be on a state of alert for situations requiring immediate intervention.

The ministry has invested 709 million reais (USD 322 million) since 2012 in modernizing its forces and preparing them for the tournament, which runs from June 12 to July 13.


Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said he did not believe the recent string of demonstrations and strikes across Brazil would escalate to the level of protests that gripped the country last year during the Confederations Cup, a World Cup dress rehearsal.

Those protests drew a million people into the street and turned violent at times, embarrassing the tournament's organizers.

"Our feeling is that (the protests) will be smaller than the ones last June. But, sincerely speaking, we are prepared for any situation," Cardozo told journalists at a joint press conference with Defense Minister Celso Amorim.

The protesters are angry over the more than USD 11 billion being spent to host the World Cup in a country with glaring inequality and pressing needs in education, health care, housing and transport.

The security forces will be spread among the 12 host cities and state capitals Vitoria, Aracaju and Maceio, which will all have base camps for teams playing in the tournament.

The military will also work with police to secure the enormous South American country's 16,800 kilometers (10,400 miles) of borders.

The anti-World Cup protests have shrunk in numbers since last year, but have also grown more radical.

As the tournament approaches, a series of police strikes -- plus the threat of a nationwide strike by federal police --have also raised concerns about security in a country with one of the world's worst crime rates.

Around three million Brazilians and 600,000 foreign tourists are expected to attend the World Cup.

http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/224644-world-cup-brazil-mobilizes-157000-security-officials

The world’s worst travel scams

KATE SCHNEIDER, TRAVEL EDITOR
news.com.au
May 23, 2014 3:44PM

WHEN Australian traveller Sam Mangan booked a trip to Cabo, Mexico, he hoped to spend it relaxing on an idyllic beach with his friends.

However he claims his dream holiday took a rather unexpected turn when he became the target of scammers.

Keen to take to the water with his mates, 23-year-old Sam hired two jet skis. But when the Gold Coast resident returned them, he was shocked to be told they were damaged and he’d have to fork out $900 or face jail time.

“I’ve travelled all over the world, and it was easily the most terrifying ordeal of my life,” Sam told news.com.au.

“It must have been a scam. I saw no scratches, and it was impossible for us to have damaged them because the area where we were riding them was completely open water, there were no rocks or walls. We even had to get off the jet skis in the water while it was still a bit deep and swim in with them, to avoid any damage.”

He says the police became involved when they refused to pay up.

“The argument got quite heated and the vendor called the police. So we ended up at a local police station where we were told we’d have to pay or we’d be arrested, unable to fly out of the country (obviously) and put in the jail cells right behind us. We were told it could be months before we get to court to explain our side of the case.”

Realising it was a hopeless situation, they paid up.

Travel scams such as the jet ski scenario are surprisingly common and can be dangerous.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) warns on its Smartraveller website that Australian travellers continue to report harassment and threats of violence by jet ski operators on tourist beaches in Thailand such as Phuket and Koh Samui.

“Many travellers have reported that, after returning hired jetskis, they have been confronted by gangs claiming that the tourist damaged the jetski. There have been reported instances of such gangs threatening violence, including at knifepoint, if a large sum of money in compensation for the alleged damage is not paid.”

So key advice here is to remember to take photographs of the jet ski before you use it (including the underside).

Travel scams a real threat

Ultimately, as a tourist in a foreign country it’s an unfortunate reality that you’re a prime target for opportunist thieves, especially if you arrive without knowing what tricks to look out for.

Here are 20 more of the world’s worst — and most surprising — travel scams out there.

1. Drink up!

This is one of the oldest scams in Europe, and is particularly popular in places such as Budapest, Hungary. It involves local women or “helpful” taxi drivers luring unsuspecting (usually male) tourists to a particular establishment. The women are usually overly friendly and order a LOT of drinks. When the bill comes it’s exorbitant, the women refuse to pay and the staff and bouncers insist the male tourist coughs up the cash.

DFAT advises travellers to check prices before ordering in Hungary: “Certain bars, clubs and restaurants (mainly in the business district of central Pest) charge exorbitant prices. Disputes about overcharging have been known to lead to violence. Security guards may compel you to pay. Be wary of seemingly helpful taxi drivers, who may receive commissions for taking tourists to such establishments, and of other unsolicited invitations to socialise.”

This traveller learnt the hard way in a rather sticky situation!

2. Faking it in the city of romance

Unlicensed taxis are a big problem in various locations around the world, and Paris is definitely one of them. Just two weeks ago, a tourist was caught in a terrifying fake taxi ordeal in Paris. The 29-year-old ended up being caught up in a high-speed police chase, and she was forced to pay the $600 bill before being dumped by the side of the road.

Another common taxi scam sees drivers pretend they are lost and take tourists further than they want to go in order to jack up the price. It’s important to always get in a licensed cab and ask to use the meter.

3. Hot dog bother

At locations around the world — commonly airports — scammers eat hot dogs and “accidentally” squirt mustard on nearby travellers — or alternatively they’ll drop bird poo on them. While they clumsily “help” clean up the mess, valuables are stolen. So make sure to place your bags between your legs and pay attention.

4. Hotel hassles

It’s a red flag if hotel staff say they are having trouble with your card details, but tell you to go to your room and they’ll call if there are any issues. Later you may receive a call asking you to repeat the card details, and somehow a large (and unexpected) sum of money will be transferred out of your account.

Make sure you always go to the front desk for transactions as you can’t be sure who is pretending to be on the end of the phone.

5. Express kidnapping scams

Express kidnappings occur when tourists are abducted for short periods by criminals who hope to receive a pay-off from the victim’s family, business or ATM cards. DFAT warns tourists to be on alert in South American countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia, with the situation often turning violent or even deadly.

However, there are also an increasing number of fake abductions, called “virtual kidnapping”.

Perpetrators will wait for their victim to be in an uncontactable area (such as a place without phone coverage) and will contact their family, saying their loved one has been kidnapped and demand a ransom.

6. Gold ring scam

Some say if you haven’t had this scam tried on you, you haven’t really been to Paris. Typically a scammer will approach a tourist with a gold ring (or other valuable-looking object) and ask if it’s theirs. When the unsuspecting tourists picks it up for a closer look, someone else steps forward to demand money for the “newly-found gift”. Or the scammer will leave the ring in plain sight and wait for someone to pick it up before they pounce.

7. China’s cringe-worthy teahouse scam

Australians have been the target of a number of scams in China, including being drugged and robbed after accepting offers of food, drink or transportation from strangers; and the increasingly common “teahouse scam”.

According to DFAT, this is how it goes down: “An increasing number of tourists are being approached and invited for a drink at a teahouse nearby for an number of reasons including ‘to practice English’. Afterwards the tourist is presented with a vastly inflated bill and is not permitted to leave until they pay the bill by credit card. Physical violence, including serious assault, and credit card skimming or duplication has occurred.”

8. All tied up in Europe

There are many variations of this scam. Typically, someone will approach a tourist and place something on them. This could be as innocuous as tying a piece of string around their wrist, putting a flower in their pocket or placing a trinket in their hand. However, the person will then demand payment for the object, in some cases very aggressively. They may even scream that the item is being stolen, making the traveller very uncomfortable.

9. Gypsy baby toss

Here a gypsy woman will approach travellers — usually single females — and toss what appears to be a young child (really a doll) into their arms. Fellow scammers then grab valuables from the traveller amid the confusion. Move away quickly if approached by gypsy beggars. They may also attack with newspapers.

10. Spain’s sprig scam

In Spain there’s a popular scam where an older woman will offer a tourist a sprig of rosemary, as a sign of friendship. Then she’ll grab their hand, read their fortune and demand payment.

11. Good Samaritan scam

Scammers around the world often target tourists who look lost or having trouble communicating. They might approach with seemingly innocent intentions of helping out, but will then attempt to rob the unsuspecting tourists. The best thing to do is to look assertive and walk with a purpose, and refuse unwanted help. If you’re lost, go into a nearby restaurant or hotel for help.

12. Dual menus

Often a bar or restaurant will lure tourists in by providing a menu with cheap prices, then switching it with a pricier “tourist menu” once inside. It could see the bill double in the end. This scam is common in China and parts of southern Europe. Try to hold onto the menu first that is shown to you.


13. Bogus monks

Southeast Asia has its fair share of scams, but fake monks appear to pop up in almost all countries in the region. Dressed just like the real deal, these fake monks hit up tourist hot spots looking to collect “alms”, but they’re really after “financial donations”.

14. Driving you crazy

Travellers to small towns in East Africa may be approached by a bystander claiming their wheel bearing is spilling oil (or has some other problem). Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler explains: “In fact, the bystander has just sloshed a cup of oil onto your wheel, and tells you there’s a garage around the corner that’ll fix your problem.” The profit from the scam is shared between the bystander and the garage owner.

15. Fake police

Phony police officers are common in destinations such as Thailand and often falsely accuse travellers of committing crimes. For example, fake police may charge an on-the-spot fine of 5000 baht ($155) for putting out a cigarette in public. Make sure to check the officer’s ID and contact the real police if in doubt.

16. Paint the town red

In Argentina there’s a scam where someone will put paint (commonly a bright colour such as red) on a traveller’s bag, be very apologetic and try and wipe it off, then they grab it. If someone does this, hold onto your bag tightly and say you do not need help.

17. The ‘double-steal’

In Barcelona, a man on a bicycle may grab a seemingly random person’s bag and ride off with it. They may even cut it off. As the sympathetic bystander drops their bags to give chase, an accomplice will attempt to make off with the abandoned valuables.

18. Tuk-tuk trickery

This is most prevalent in Thailand, but common throughout Southeast Asia in general. A tourist may ask the driver to take them to a particular hotel, temple, or shop and he’ll say it’s closed/burned down/no good, but he just happens to know a better one close by! The driver gets a commission for delivering the tourist to the destination, and it’s usually a poor imitation of the desired destination.

There’s even an entire fake tourist centre not far from Bangkok airport, according to travel safety specialist at Travel Insurance Direct Phil Sylvester: “Here the travel agents will say they’ve never heard of your booked hotel, but thankfully they can arrange a room at another establishment. Phew, how lucky — NOT!”

19. Scoot away

Also in Thailand, tourists should be careful of where they leave a rented scooter. If it’s left outside a tourist attraction it may “disappear”and the hire company may try to make the visitor pay for the whole thing (when really it’s tucked away in the back of the shop again).

Try to drive a good distance before you decide to stop and be vigilant.

20. Gemstones

A tuktuk driver may offer travellers a “special deal” on a ride to a local temple. But at these locations so-called strangers will approach them and casually mention the merits of gem trading. If a traveller show interest in the gems, they will be taken to a store to spend thousands on “jewels” that are actually just polished glass.


So how can you avoid being taken advantage of while abroad?

Michael Callaghan, Executive General Manager at SureSave said Australian travellers should always be on the lookout for tricks.

“It’s very difficult to determine exactly how many people are victims of scams as many go unreported, but scammers are relatively common across regions such as Europe,” he said. “There are scams that show up time and time again, including pickpocketing, card skimming, and various confidence tricks. It pays to be informed, aware and to be watchful at all times.”

Ultimately, if you find yourself in a dangerous situation it’s best to co-operate.

DFAT advises to never agree to let companies use your passport as a deposit or guarantee before hiring jet skis or motorbikes.

This list was compiled from sources including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and insurance companies comparetravelinsurance.com.au, SureSave.net.au and Travel Insurance Direct. For more travel advice go to Smartraveller.gov.au.


http://www.heraldsun.com.au/travel/travel-advice/the-worlds-worst-travel-scams/story-fni0bfk2-1226928812296

World Cup 2014: What you need to know if you're off to Brazil
- last updated Mon 19 May 2014 Health

Thousands of football fans from across the North West will be travelling to Brazil for the World Cup in less than a month.

Liverpool's School of Tropical Medicine is preparing to vaccinate thousands of fans from Merseyside and across the North West against potentially dangerous diseases they could bring back from Brazil.

England will face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in the group stages in Manaus, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte in June.

Experts say the risks are different in each location and of the three, the sticky climate of Manaus, is expected to present the most health hazards.

So, if you are heading out there, what do you need to know?

HEALTH ADVICE

Public Health England say anyone travelling out to the World Cup should, ideally, seek advice about vaccines four weeks before you go.

However, even if you are travelling last minute, it is not too late to get advice. Some vaccines can be given at short notice and antimalarial tablets, if needed, can be started just before travel, including on the day you travel.

Malaria is a serious, potentially fatal, illness spread by night biting mosquitoes. Antimalarial tablets are recommended if you are going to any Amazon areas. This includes the city of Manaus in Brazil.

There is a risk of yellow fever in many parts of Brazil, so you might need to get advice on whether you need vaccine from a yellow fever vaccination centre.

To find out where your local yellow fever vaccination centres is, click here.

MORE TIPS
It is hot. Carry a bottle of water if outdoors for a long period of time
Alcohol plus sun can quickly lead to dehydration
Never accept drinks from strangers and do not leave your drink unattended at any time

In case of an accident or emergency, you will be taken to a public emergency hospital where you will be seen by a doctor; this is usually free but longer term treatment will carry a charge.
http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2014-05-19/world-cup-2014-what-you-need-to-know-if-youre-off-to-brazil/

This just isn't going to end well :(

Aussies alerted to Brazil security risks amid protests

19 May, 2014 Anne Majumdar

Aussies alerted to Brazil security risks amid protests

Australians due to travel to Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup are being urged to go fully prepared as a wave of protest, strikes and crime sweeps the country in the build-up to the event.

Last week, protests fired up in 12 cities nationwide including Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Recife, with many taking advantage of the media spotlight to air grievances which range from the cost of hosting the event, to ongoing corruption and inequality.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade service advised Aussies to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the high crime levels.

“Large scale protests have occurred in many cities throughout Brazil disrupting private and public transportation,” it said.

“During the World Cup it is expected that these protests will continue and possibly increase.”

It advised travellers to avoid all protests and demonstrations in case they turn violent and urged them to heed the directions of police or security, particularly in stadiums.

Minister for foreign affairs Julie Bishop on Friday reiterated the advice, strongly suggesting that all Australians planning to travel to Brazil visit the Smartraveller website for further information on a range of topics from ticketing, visas and transport to safety and security.

“To ensure you receive the latest updates to the bulletin and the travel advice, I encourage Australians to subscribe to Smartraveller, so e-mail updates can be sent directly to you while you are on the move,” she said.

“I also strongly advise all Australians travelling to the World Cup to register their travel and contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and to take out comprehensive travel insurance.”

http://www.travelweekly.com.au/news/aussies-alerted-to-brazil-security-risks-as-protes

England vs Uruguay World Cup venue protected by riot police

...as protesters block roads outside stadium with burning tyres


By David Kent

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Members of the Workers Without a Roof Movement (MTST) protest in Sao Paulo

Protesters began a wave of demonstrations around Brazil, burning tyres and blocking highways to draw attention to housing and education needs before the World Cup.

In Sao Paulo demonstrators blocked two key roads into the city and hundreds protested near the Itaquerao Stadium, which will play host to England's World Cup match against Uruguay on June 19.

Less than a month before the tournament kicks off, and four months before a presidential election, Thursday's protests will gauge the ability of demonstrators to once again rally frustrated Brazilians and the competence of police to manage unrest that occasionally escalated over the past year into violence and vandalism.

A main thoroughfare was blocked with burning tires in Brazil's biggest city of Sao Paulo and protesters stormed a building in the capital Brasilia. Looters also took advantage of a striking military police force in the northeastern city of Recife, a World Cup venue, where security has been handed to the army until the police return.

Groups, including the Homeless Workers Movement, marched towards a World Cup stadium in Sao Paulo, site of the opening game between Brazi and Croatia, that has become a target because of families displaced by its construction.

One banner carried by demonstrators read: 'The cup without the people, all to the streets again!'

In Brasilia the Homeless Workers Movement entered the headquarters of Terracap, the state company that manages the city's 1.4 billion reais ($630 million) stadium - the country's most expensive.

Protests are planned in up to 50 cities throughout the day, as demonstrators hope to rekindle momentum that led to millions of people hitting the streets last year during the Confederations Cup, a two-week World Cup warmup.

Last year's demonstrations prompted President Dilma Rousseff, who faces a bid for re-election in October, to address the nation and acknowledge deficiencies in public services and investment in everything from education and health care to transportation and security.

After a near-decade of steady growth before she took office, Brazil is now struggling with a sluggish economy, persistent inflation, rising crime rates and lackluster investment.

Thursday's protests come in a week which has already seen widespread strikes from dissatisfied labor unions across Brazil, from bus drivers in Rio de Janeiro to military police in the northeastern city of Recife.

—Daily Mail
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/England-vs-Uruguay-World-Cup-venue-protected-by-riot-police

Brazil prison inmates 'take 120 hostages'

DateMay 18, 2014 - 1:43PM

Brasilia: Inmates in a prison in the northeastern Brazilian state of Sergipe have taken 122 hostages - nearly all of them visiting inmate relatives.

A prison spokeswoman said that there were four prison guards among the hostages at the Advogado Jacinto Filho prison in the city of Aracaju, the Sergipe state capital.

"We don't believe that the inmates will hurt their own relatives," the head of military police in the state of Sergipe, Mauricio Iunes, said.

In Brazil there are currently 548,000 people in prison - and a need for 207,000 spots to prevent prison overcrowding, according to Conectas, an NGO specialising in inmate rights.

The reason for the unrest was unclear, though it may be related to inmate demands to be transferred.

Negotiations for the release of the hostages would resume early on Sunday.

AFP


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/brazil-prison-inmates-take-120-hostages-20140518-zrgdn.html#ixzz323XjIK6t

World Cup 2014: police will wear 'Robocop' style suits of armour to protect themselves

Police in Rio de Janeiro to wear heavy duty body armour during the World Cup

By Donna Bowater

4:53PM BST 13 May 2014

World Cup police in Rio de Janeiro will be kitted out in a 'RoboCop' style suit of armour to protect officers in the event of violent protests during the tournament.

Members of a special unit set up for the World Cup and 2016 Olympics in Rio received 200 sets of the special 22lbs (10kg) protective equipment, which is flame resistant to up to 427C.

The equipment also includes a helmet and vest that protects the back, chest and shoulders, as well as space for a pistol, stun gun, handcuffs, baton and gun loader.

The Major Events Police Battalion (BPGE), a branch of the military police, was formed in January this year in response to widespread public demonstrations during last year’s Confederations Cup.

Last year, there were ugly scenes of clashes between police and demonstrators as thousands protested against public spending ahead of the World Cup, which starts next month.

Rio de Janeiro will host seven games during the competition, including the final on July 13.

The unit was announced in Rio state’s Official Gazette and has 600 specially trained officers.

The announcement by Jose Mariano Beltrame, state secretary for security, cited “the need to give the military police specialised, efficient and intelligent instruments for patrolling, aimed at the preservation of public order in public places where there is the presence of a crowd of people gathered together.”

Lieutenant colonel Wagner Villares, commander of the unit, said the equipment, which is reminiscent of the action character RoboCop, would protect officers from missiles like the firecracker that killed cameraman Santiago Andrade earlier this year.

“The plastic uniform is resistant to knocks and blows,” he told news website Ultimo Segundo.

“Underneath the plastic that covers the back and the chest, there is another protective layer that absorbs and spreads the force of a blow.” The armour is similar to that worn by the Choque battalion, a special riot control unit.

Like police units in Sao Paulo, the Major Events Police Battalion officers have also received martial arts training.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10828159/World-Cup-2014-police-will-wear-Robocop-style-suits-of-armour-to-protect-themselves.html

lets hold a World Cup there....

Clashes Near Sao Paulo Airport 27 Days from World Cup

World | Agence France-Presse | Updated: May 17, 2014 12:11 IST

Clashes Near Sao Paulo Airport 27 Days from World Cup

AFP


Riot police prepare to clash with demonstrators claiming for better housing in a neighborhood near the Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 16, 2014.

Sao Paulo: Dozens of protesters clashed with police late Friday, throwing fireworks and torching at least two vehicles near Sao Paulo's airport, which has just opened a new international terminal ahead of the World Cup.

Police responded with stun grenades to disperse the estimated 50 protesters who demonstrated in the Sao Paulo suburb of Guarulhos to demand better living conditions, according to media reports.

"They looted fireworks and ignited them and threw them at police. There were no reports of injury but some vehicles were damaged," a police spokeswoman told AFP.

The protest occurred just 27 days ahead of the World Cup, with a substantial flow of international attendees slated to pass through the gates of the new Guarulhos airport terminal.

A series of protests have shaken Brazil ahead of the month-long tournament that will begin June 12.

Brazil faced a major test of its security preparations Thursday as 10,000 demonstrators upset at the cost of the World Cup took to the streets in Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Rio and Sao Paulo.

In business hub Sao Paulo, about 6,000 people staged several marches throughout the day, with demonstrations ending in vandalism and confrontations with police.

Meanwhile in the northeastern city of Recife, a partial strike by military police was lifted after youths took advantage of the opportunity to loot stores and go on a rampage.

Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo reassured reporters that demonstrations will decrease during the World Cup and the country will adopt a festive atmosphere.

About 600,000 foreign visitors are expected for the tournament, in addition to about three million Brazilians who will travel domestically for the matches.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/clashes-near-sao-paulo-airport-27-days-from-world-cup-525828?curl=1400320659

World Cup: Dengue fever risk predicted in Brazil

May 17, 2014 by bbc

Scientists have developed an “early warning system” to alert authorities to the risk of dengue fever outbreaks in Brazil during the World Cup.

The analysis, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, estimates the chances of an outbreaks of the mosquito-borne infection disease.

They say the risk is high enough to warrant a high-alert warning in three venues – Natal, Fortaleza and Recife.

If they come top of their group, England will play in Recife on 29 June.

About a million fans are expected to travel to the 12 different cities hosting matches during the World Cup, which runs from 12 June to 13 July.

Brazil recorded more cases of dengue fever than anywhere else in the world between 2000 and 2013, with more than seven million cases reported.

Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted between humans by mosquitoes.

It can cause life-threatening illness and there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments.

Screens, air-conditioning and using insecticides can all reduce the risk of being bitten.

The early-warning system covers 553 “microregions” across Brazil.

The team looked at rain and temperature data from 1981 to 2013 as well as population density data and altitude

The risk of dengue fever is low in Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, and Sao Paulo.

However, they predict that there is some chance of dengue risk exceeding medium levels in Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador and Manaus.

The three cities with the greatest chance of high dengue risk are Natal, Fortaleza, and Recife.

Dr Rachel Lowe from the Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, who led the research, said: “Recent concerns about dengue fever in Brazil during the World Cup have made dramatic headlines, but these estimates have been based solely on averages of past dengue cases.

“The possibility of a large dengue fever outbreak during the World Cup, capable of infecting visitors and spreading dengue back to their country of origin, depends on a combination of many factors, including large numbers of mosquitoes, a susceptible population, and a high rate of mosquito-human contact.”

The researchers say being able to plan in advance can give local authorities the time to implement measures to reduce or contain epidemics in their areas and to deal with the mosquito populations there.

Writing in the same journal, David Harley and Elvina Viennet from the Australian National University in Canberra say: “Travellers, particularly those attending matches in high-risk cities, might return home with dengue.

“Those who return home unwell will seek treatment. Doctors must be aware of causes for febrile illness in World Cup spectators.”
http://www.punchng.com/news/world-cup-dengue-fever-risk-predicted-in-brazil/

2014 World Cup safety information: How to keep safe in Brazil

May 17, 2014 08:00
By Nigel Thompson


The samba nation does have much higher levels of crime than the UK - here are the precautions the Foreign Office advises fans to take

The vast majority of Three Lions fans will no doubt have a safe and enjoyable World Cup and come home with happy memories of Brazil (bar the inevitable England penalty shoot-out horror).

However, the samba nation does have much higher levels of crime than the UK and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office warns:

“Violence and crime can occur anywhere and often involves firearms or other weapons.

‘’Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, watches and clothes. Don’t carry large sums of money. Keep mobile phones and cameras out of sight and leave your passport and valuables in a safe place, though you should carry another form of photo ID like a driving licence with you at all times.

"Be ready to hand over valuables if you’re threatened. Don’t attempt to resist attackers. They may be armed and under the influence of drugs.”

Sensible precautions for England supporters including avoiding secluded areas and going out on your own, and being alert to the risk of pickpockets.

The FCO advises fans to be aware of who is nearby when using ATMs. Some have been fitted with a device that applies pink ink to notes if an ATM has been tampered with. Any pink note will not be accepted.

If you withdraw cash and it has any sort of pink marks, speak to the bank straight away to get it changed.

If outside bank hours or not in a bank branch you should get a bank statement from the ATM showing the withdrawal and take it with the marked note to a police station to get a police report


http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/usa-long-haul/brazil-2014-world-cup-safety-3551860#ixzz31xrCkGfx
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

Brazilian prostitutes getting free English lessons to mint money from British fans during World Cup!

Saturday, 17 May 2014 - 12:25pm IST | Agency: ANI

London: Prostitutes in Brazil have signed up for Free English lessons in order to get a good grip on the language so that they can welcome the British World Cup fans 'properly' during the tournament next month.

More than 300 Brazilian hookers have reportedly been attending government-funded classes to learn key phrases in English as they prepare for the big kick-off on June 12.

According to the Daily Star, Cida Vieira, president of the Association of Prostitutes in Belo Horizonte, where England play Costa Rica on June 24, said that it is vital that the hookers know the language as the sex trade is legal in Brazil and the business is expected to boom during the month-long tournament.

Vieira said that it would be important for the girls who will be able to use English to let their clients know what they are charging and learn about what turns them on, as they want to give the England fans a proper welcome and provide them with a value-for-money service.

The Brazilian hookers will reportedly mingle with England fans in the street as they test out their newly acquired language skills in order to look for business and they are also planning to hang around bars to pick up tourists and dance with prospective clients.
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-brazilian-prostitutes-getting-free-english-lessons-to-mint-money-from-british-fans-during-world-cup-1989236

Mass protests against World Cup in Brazil turn violent, ‘bandit’ fans fire AK-47s at amateur game

This story was published: 7 hours ago May 16, 2014 5:04PM

A group of football fans in Brazil have given a whole new meaning to the term shootout, celebrating their amateur team's penalty with rapid gun fire.

IF you’re travelling to Brazil for the World Cup, we’ve got some news that you may not like.

From AK-47-wielding bandits at an amateur game to mass protests against the World Cup itself in the country’s biggest cities, it’s fair to say the atmosphere in Brazil is fairly tense, less than a month away from the start of the tournament.

But if you’re brave enough, read on.

ANTI-WORLD CUP RIOTS FLARE UP

There have been more violent anti-World Cup protests in Brazil, with riot police firing tear gas and protesters hurling stones during a demonstration in Sao Paulo against the cost of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.

Thousands of protesters in Brazil’s two biggest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, were forced to disperse, despite some burning tyres and blocking roads in a fierce battle with police.

The protests weren’t nearly as large as the ones that rocked the Confederations Cup last year, but they will still cause concern for the Brazilian government, FIFA and the tens of thousands of football fans that will descend on the country in the coming months.

The demonstrators said they were against the massive amounts of money being spent on hosting the World Cup, saying the country should be spending that money on social projects and housing.

And in more worrying news for those travelling to Brazil, video has emerged of fans firing AK-47s into the air to celebrate a goal during an amateur match.

There was a glimmer of hope for the under-fire organisers of Brazil 2014, with one of the host venues holding its first major test event without any major issues.

The Arena de Baixada stadium in Curitiba — which will host Australia’s third group match against Spain on June 23 — is still yet to be completed but was close enough to being finished to host a friendly between club sides Corinthians and Atletico Paranaense.

Brazil's greatest sporting stars have joined forces to urge Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic to attend this year's World Cup as a spectator after his national side failed to qualify for the tournament.

That’s not to say the event went off without a hitch — fans reported some of the bathrooms not working properly, while the food and media areas were yet to be completed, and some of the last seats are still waiting to be installed.

But compared to the state this and other stadiums — including the venue in Cuiaba that will host Australia’s opening clash against Chile — were in a few months ago, this is a vast improvement.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/mass-protests-against-world-cup-in-brazil-turn-violent-bandit-fans-fire-ak47s-at-amateur-game/story-fnkjl6g2-1226920517282

Really just a visual deterrent more than anything. No zip-up luggage is secure, locked or not.

http://smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/Brazil_World_Cup

Many Australians will travel to Brazil this year for the FIFA Football World Cup, which commences on 12 June 2014. This travel bulletin will help you prepare for the World Cup, and should be read in conjunction with the travel advice for Brazil. This bulletin will be updated with more information as it becomes available. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to receive these updates – see the ‘Register, Subscribe, Insure’ section below.
Download our World Cup flyer and take a copy with you in your passport.

Before you go
Tickets
Tickets are strictly controlled and should only be purchased from FIFA. You will be refused entry if you hold tickets purchased from an unauthorised retailer. Tickets are ID-specific (must be in the holder’s name) and scalping and re-selling tickets is illegal.

Visas
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Brazil, and the Brazilian Government has special visa arrangements in place for Australians who hold tickets to the World Cup. Information is available on the Embassy of Brazil's website.

Transport and accommodation
Make sure you confirm online bookings, accommodation and internal transport arrangements early. Accommodation is expected to be extremely limited. You should book accommodation in advance of travel, as it is unlikely that you will be able to find accommodation when you arrive.
Fans travelling from Australia should note that there are limited flights to and from Brazil each week and flights may sell out during this period. Brazil is larger than Australia and travel distances between cities can be significant, so you should plan accordingly. Travellers are required to present photographic identification when boarding flights and intercity buses.
Fans wishing to make airline bookings or change airline bookings while in Brazil should note that TAM (the major airline) only allows use of foreign credit cards on-line with their international website. Other airlines such as GOL, Azul, Avianca do not accept foreign credit cards on their websites; the same applies for travel/tour agents. Fans wishing to make bookings (other than with TAM) will need to arrange to either pay cash at the airline office or consult with an Australian travel provider to arrange these flights.

Vaccinations and travel health
It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. Before travelling, see your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss vaccinations. Brazil is endemic for yellow fever, which is a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitos. We strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against yellow fever before travelling to the World Cup. For more information about yellow fever, including Australian re-entry requirements, see the Department of Health website.
Malaria and dengue fever are also risks in Brazil. You should take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
You can find more information in the health advice for Brazil.

Banking
Prior to travel you should check with your bank whether they have an affiliate bank in Brazil. Difficulties are often encountered in withdrawing money despite ATMs displaying the Cirrus/Maestro logo. For this reason, it is often necessary to try a number of different ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted for payment of any goods and services.

Register, subscribe, insure
We strongly recommend that you register your travel plans with Smartraveller, so that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can contact you in case of an emergency. You can also subscribe to the travel advice for Brazil and this travel bulletin to receive an email notification each time these are reissued with the latest information.
Football fans – like all travellers to Brazil – should take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy.

On the ground
Safety and security
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil because of the high levels of serious crime. The incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, home invasions, kidnapping (especially express kidnappings) and sexual assault, is significant. Carjacking is also common, particularly in major cities.
If you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Thieves are often armed and you could be seriously injured or killed.
Avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, or carrying valuable items. Dress down and carry minimal cash and credit cards, as victims are often targeted for perceived wealth or value of personal possessions.
Large scale protests have occurred in many cities throughout Brazil, disrupting private and public transportation. During the World Cup it is expected that these protests will continue and possibly increase. You should avoid all protest and demonstrations, as they may turn violent. At all times, you should follow the instructions of police or security, particularly in stadiums.
You can find more information in the safety and security advice for Brazil.

Language
English is not widely spoken in Brazil. If you don’t speak Portuguese, consider using a Portuguese phrasebook or translation app to help you get around.

Australia’s group matches
The Socceroos group matches will be played in the following locations:
•   Cuiaba (13 June), the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, is located in the geographic centre of South America, close to the border with Bolivia. The climate in Cuiaba is humid and dry.
•   Porto Alegre (18 June) located near the coast in the south of the county at the confluence of five major rivers. The climate is subtropical and winter can be cool.
•   Curitiba (23 June) is a large city around 550 km south of Rio de Janeiro. Winter weather is cool and can drop to zero.
Be aware that Brazil is a large country and that the distances between match venues are considerable. Air travel will be the most convenient means of travelling between venues, particularly the 2100 km between Cuiaba and Porto Alegre to attend the first and second matches.

Match day reminders
Traffic congestion and transport disruptions are anticipated throughout the World Cup. Allow plenty of time to get to matches.
There will be exclusion zones around stadiums. Ticket holders should prepare to walk up to 5 kms from transport drop off points.
You and your bag may be subject to a search before you are allowed entry to a stadium. No food or drink will be permitted into the stadiums. Allow extra time to clear security checks and follow the instructions of local authorities.
FIFA has advised that ticket holders who are intoxicated will be refused entry into matches.

Keeping up to date on the go
Fans should follow Smartraveller on facebook and twitter for the latest updates to the travel advice for Brazil and over 160 other countries, as well as useful travel tips.
You can also follow the Australian Embassy in Brazil on facebook.
Get the latest information and advice on the go with the Smartraveller mobile website and iPhone/iPad app. Download the app for free from the app store.

Where to get help
Local emergency services
In an emergency or accident with injuries, dial 193 (fire department) throughout Brazil. Other important nation-wide numbers include the police (190) and public ambulance (192). Be aware the operators may not speak English.
Consular assistance
You can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy, Brasilia
SES QD 801
Conjunto K, Lote 07
BSB, DF 70200-010,
Brasilia, Brazil
Telephone: +55 61 3226 3111
Facsimile: +55 61 3226 1112
Email: embaustr@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.brazil.embassy.gov.au
or
Australian Consulate-General, São Paulo
Edificio Trianon Corporate – Cerqueira Cesar
Alamenda Santos 700
9th Floor, Unit 92
São Paulo, 01418 100, Brazil
Telephone: +55 11 3171 2851
Facsimile: +55 11 3171 2889
Limited consular assistance may be obtained at the:
Australian Embassy temporary office, Rio de Janeiro
Office 108
Regus Offices,
Mourisco Botafogo,
Praia de Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro
Email: ausriowc14@gmail.com
There will also be temporary offices in each of the host cities for Australian group matches (Cuiaba, Porto Alegre and Curitiba) two days prior to the Australian match and two days after to provide emergency consular services.
Telephone: +55 61 9925 4204
Email: ausmobile14@gmail.com
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305, or SMS +61 421 269 080. Within Australia, call 1300 555 135.
Useful links
•   FIFA World Cup
•   Football Australia
•   Brazilian Government’s World Cup Portal
•   Australian Embassy in Brazil
•   Travel advice for Brazil

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Official DFAT Travel Advice for Brazil

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Brazil

•We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil because of the high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities.
•Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
•Large-scale protests occurred in many cities throughout Brazil in 2013. Demonstrations can occur at any time and can turn violent with little or no warning. We recommend Australians avoid all demonstrations and protests and monitor local media for information about expected demonstrations.
•The incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings and sexual assault, is significant. See Safety and security: Crime for more information.
•Australians planning to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup should read our World Cup travel bulletin in addition to this travel advice.
•Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
◦organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
◦register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
◦subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
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Additional information Entry and exit .Entry and exit Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Brazil for the most up to date information.

The Brazilian Government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws. You should ensure you have a proper and valid visa prior to your arrival and remain aware of your visa status while in the country. Australians will be detained on arrival if they have not obtained the correct visa and will be prohibited from entering Brazil. A visa will not be granted on arrival. If you have any concerns about the status of your Brazilian visa, you should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Brazil.

The Brazilian Government has special visa arrangements in place for Australians who hold tickets to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Information is available on the Embassy of Brazil's website.
B
razil is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease preventable by vaccination. We strongly recommend that all travellers be vaccinated for yellow fever before travelling to Brazil (see Health section).

As the quarantine requirements for yellow fever vaccination differ between countries, we recommend that you check the yellow fever entry requirements for Brazil and all countries you intend to enter or transit by contacting their foreign missions in Australia. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. For more information about yellow fever, including Australian re-entry requirements, see the Department of Health website.

If you intend to leave Brazil and return during your trip, you should ensure that an exit stamp is placed in your passport by Brazilian immigration authorities when you depart. On arrival you must complete an arrival card, which has a carbon copy. The carbon copy must be retained and presented to immigration authorities on departure. Failure to do so may result in delays and possibly a fine when departing Brazil.

If you are travelling to Brazil through the United States of America, or if you are transiting in Honolulu or other US points of entry, you are required to meet US entry/transit requirements. Make sure you check with your nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States your visa requirements well in advance of your travel. You should also read our travel advice for the United States of America.

Brazilian law requires that for all travel, Brazilian children (including dual nationals) travelling alone or with one parent must carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) authorising travel. The letter must be in Portuguese and certified by the Brazilian embassy or consulate in Australia or by the Juvenile Court in Brazil. There is an office of the Juvenile Court at all airports in Brazil.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a passport photo taken within six months in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Summary Safety and security .

Safety and security Terrorism Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.

Civil unrest/political tension Large-scale protests occurred in many cities throughout Brazil in 2013, including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Curitiba and Belem. Demonstrations can occur at any time and have become violent on
occasion with little or no warning, disrupting public and private transportation. We recommend Australians avoid all demonstrations and protests and monitor local media for information about expected demonstrations.

Industrial action also occurs intermittently in Brazil’s major cities. All airports have the potential to experience industrial action during major events or key holidays, including in the lead up to Christmas, and passengers can experience considerable travel delays. We recommend Australians monitor local media for information regarding expected industrial action and prepare for extended waits during these times.

Crime We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil because of the high levels of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Violence and crime, often involving firearms or other weapons, can occur anywhere and at any time.

The incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, home invasions, kidnapping (especially express kidnappings), and sexual assault, is significant, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, Salvador and other large cities. Carjacking is also common, particularly in major cities.

You are advised to avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, or carrying valuable items. Dress down and carry minimal cash and credit cards, as victims are often targeted for perceived wealth or value of personal possessions.

Tourists are often targeted by criminals, especially directly prior to and during public festivals such as Carnaval. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, including by young men on motorcycles. Thieves operate in outdoor markets, in hotels and on and around public transport. Crime levels in shanty towns or ‘favelas’ and many satellite cities are very high. Tourists should avoid these areas, even with a well-organised tour group, and especially at night.

Tourists have also been robbed and assaulted when using unregistered taxis. Use of a prepaid taxi ticket on arrival at the airport or taxis from registered taxi ranks may reduce the risk of robbery. As a guide, licensed taxis are generally required to have their photographic licence displayed.

Robbery and assault can also occur on Brazilian beaches. You should take a minimal number of personal belongings to the beach and leave passports, wallets and other valuables in a secure place. Isolated areas on the beach should be avoided, particularly in the early evening, when a high number of robberies occur. Sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas.

Some armed groups in Sao Paulo have robbed patrons in restaurants, both in rich and poor neighbourhoods.

'Express kidnappings' and car-jackings, where individuals are abducted for short periods for a quick payoff from the victim’s family, business or ATM cards are a significant threat. Vigilance is key. We recommend approaching your car with the keys ready, driving with doors locked and windows up, and not remaining in parked vehicles. Take particular care if approached while sitting in a car or at traffic lights, especially at night. Express kidnappings are common in major cities including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Salvador and Recife. Victims are frequently released in remote areas, and should seek to alert authorities by approaching somebody at the nearest safe area, which could be a home or commercial establishment.

If you are robbed or are a victim of an express kidnapping, you should cooperate and not resist as these situations can quickly turn violent. Victims have been seriously injured or killed when resisting perpetrators.
Gang-related violence is common, particularly in the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Criminal activities related to drug trafficking and trafficking of illicit goods are common along Brazil’s western and northern border areas, including the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Pará and Amapa, as well as the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu city) and Paraguay.

Travellers should avoid leaving food and drinks unattended in bars and places of entertainment as there have been incidents of drink spiking.

Due to the risk of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Mobile phone cloning occurs in Brazil. You should take care of your handset at all times.

It is unlikely Brazilian police will be able to recover stolen property, however, we strongly recommend you obtain a “boletim de ocorrencia” (police report) at a “delegacia” (police station) if any of your possessions are lost or stolen. In most cases, you will require a police report to lodge a travel insurance claim related to lost or stolen possessions.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Brazil, particularly in the north-east of Brazil. See our travel bulletin on piracy. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues a piracy report that displays all Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.
Money and valuables Before you depart Australia, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Brazil. You should check with your Australian bank whether they have an affiliate bank in Brazil.

Banking facilities such as ATMs, EFTPOS and credit card machines may be unreliable. Difficulties are often encountered in withdrawing money despite ATMs displaying the Cirrus/Maestro logo. For this reason, it is often necessary to try a number of different ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted for payment of any goods and services

Credit card fraud and ATM tampering is widespread in Brazil. We recommend travellers using ATM or credit cards in Brazil check billing statements for unauthorised charges. ‘Good Samaritan’ scams are also common.

In efforts to combat fraud and thefts, many ATMS and banks do not permit withdrawals on foreign cards of more than R$400 per day and/or reduce the amount that can be withdrawn after-hours.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Entry and exit Local travel .

Local travel Delays of domestic and international flights are common in Brazil. You should check with your travel agent to ensure that itineraries take this into account and be prepared for the possibility of extended waits at airports. Airport strikes can also occur.

There is a significant risk of becoming lost or injured while trekking in remote parts of Brazil, including the Amazon border regions and the Pantanal wetlands. We recommend use of an experienced guide to reduce these risks.

Driving in Brazil is hazardous due to aggressive driving habits, poorly maintained roads and large numbers of trucks and other slow vehicles on main routes. Stop lights are often not obeyed at night in Brazil’s larger cities. Pedestrians should not assume that cars will stop. If you find yourself in a vehicular accident, call 193 (fire department) if there are injuries or 190 (police) if no injuries. For further advice, see our road travel page.

Airline safety Please refer to our air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.
Safety and security Laws .

Laws When you are in Brazil, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we cannot get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for possession or trafficking of illegal drugs in Brazil are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

It is a legal requirement to carry your passport or a form of identification issued by the Brazilian Government at all times.

Penalties for driving with a blood alcohol level greater than zero are severe.

Homosexual activity is not illegal in Brazil, however gay and lesbian travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly in rural communities. See our LGBTI travellers page.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Information for dual nationals Australian/Brazilian dual nationals must enter and exit the country using their Brazilian passport.

Australian/Brazilian dual national males aged 18 years or older who reside long-term in Brazil are required to register for military service. Dual nationals are advised to contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate for further advice regarding military service obligations.
Our Dual nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Local travel Health .

Health We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.

The standard of private medical facilities in large cities such as Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Campinas, Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba is comparable to Australia. Other larger cities in Brazil also have small private hospitals providing adequate services. Outside of major cities, however, facilities can be very limited. Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive. Doctors and hospitals may expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to one of Brazil's large cities would be necessary. Costs would be considerable (in the tens of thousands of dollars).

Brazil is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which is preventable by vaccination. We strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against yellow fever before travelling to Brazil. See the Entry and Exit section for important information about vaccination certificate requirements. For more information about yellow fever, see the Department of Health website.

Malaria is a high risk in Brazil throughout the year. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, filariasis and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers, with a higher incidence during the wet seasons (May to August and November to January).

You should take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, staying indoors whenever possible and using a mosquito net at night, if mosquitos are likely to be present.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and leptospirosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Rabies is also present in Brazil. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

HIV/AIDS is also a significant risk in Brazil. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more information at the World Health Organization website.
Laws Where to get help .

Where to get help In Brazil, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy, Brasilia SES QD 801
Conjunto K, Lote 07
BSB, DF 70200-010,
Brasilia, Brazil
Telephone: 55 61 3226 3111
Facsimile: 55 61 3226 1112
Email: embaustr@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.brazil.embassy.gov.au

or
Australian Consulate-General, São Paulo Edificio Trianon Corporate – Cerqueira Cesar
Alamenda Santos 700
9th Floor, Unit 92
São Paulo, 01418 100, Brazil
Telephone: 55 11 3171 2851
Facsimile: 55 11 3171 2889

Limited consular assistance may be obtained at the:
Australian Honorary Consulate, Rio de Janeiro Veirano e Advogados Associados
Av. Presidente Wilson, 231, 23rd Floor
Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20030-021, Brazil
Telephone: 55 21 3824 4624
Facsimile: 55 21 2262 4247

The São Paulo Tourist Police can be contacted at (11) 3120 4447 and (11) 3151 4167. In Rio de Janeiro, tourist police can be contacted at (21) 2332 2924, (21) 2332 2511 and (21) 2332 5112.
In Rio de Janeiro, there is a dedicated police unit for tourists:
Special Police Unit for Tourism Support
Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 159 - Leblon
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Delegado Mr. Fernando Vila Pouca
Phone: (21) 2332-2924/2885/2889
Phone/Fax:(21) 2334 6802
e-mail: deat@pcerj.rj.gov.br

In an emergency or accident with injuries, dial 193 (fire department) throughout Brazil. Other important nation-wide numbers include the police (190) and public ambulance (192). Be aware the operators may not speak English.
If you are travelling to Brazil, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia. If the event affects a number of Australians, the Embassy may recommend courses of action via its Facebook page and the Ambassador’s twitter account.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Health Additional information .

Additional information Natural disasters, severe weather and climate Storms, flash flooding, and landslides are common in southern Brazil in the wet season between December and March. They can result in loss of life and property damage. Wildfire, especially in central Brazil, occurs during the dry season.

If a natural disaster occurs, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Many beaches in Brazil have very strong and dangerous riptides, including those in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza. There is the possibility of shark attacks, especially at many north-eastern beaches. Obey the warning signs.
For parents For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with children page.
Where to get help Summary .


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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/10126634/Brazil-World-Cup-protests-Thousands-clash-with-police-in-Brazilian-cities.html?frame=2592987
http://www.latimes.com/world/brazil/la-fg-ff-brazil-soccer-protest-20140511-story.html

Brazil Police to World Cup Visitors: Don’t React When Robbed


By Blake Schmidt May 11, 2014 1:00 PM GMT+1000

Brazilian police will distribute pamphlets to World Cup visitors advising them not to argue or scream when being robbed, according to the daily Estado de S.Paulo.

The campaign was designed by the head of the committee created by police in Brazil’s biggest city to prepare for soccer’s marquee event and is aimed at avoiding an increasingly common crime in Sao Paulo: robberies that end with homicide.

Police officer Mario Leite told the newspaper the tips are included in pamphlets that embassies and consulates from the U.S. to Europe will distribute to visitors boarding planes to the South American nation. To be published in English, Spanish and French, the brochures also advise against showing off certain possessions and walking alone at night, and recommend that tourists check to make sure they aren’t being followed.

“Don’t react, scream or argue” with robbers, the pamphlets will say, Leite told the daily. “Tourists coming from Europe or the U.S. don’t come frequently and aren’t used to seeing these types of crimes. Since they’re not used to it, they will react to an assault. With the pamphlets, they know not to flaunt certain objects, to be careful at night and to only walk around if accompanied.”

In preparation for the 600,000 foreign visitors expected for the World Cup in Brazil, to begin in Sao Paulo on June 12 and running through July 13, police have prepared to handle emergency calls in English and Spanish, the daily reported.

While the number of murders in Sao Paulo state fell last year, so-called latrocinios, or robberies that end in murders, rose 9 percent to a nine-year high of 385.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-11/brazil-police-to-world-cup-visitors-don-t-react-when-robbed.html