The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Arraial D'Ajuda

Things to know before you go to Arraial d'Ajuda

The city center is lined with bars, restaurants and shops - though most only open at night, so don't plan any day time shopping. Most nights you'll find a few bars playing live music with samba or forro. However, this is a very touristy area. The beaches lining the northern coast (closer to the ferry terminal) are quieter, and can be reached by foot or by taking the minivan towards the ferry.

Is Arraial d'Ajuda safe for tourists

Arraial d'Ajuda is generally a safe city to visit, and the majority of tourists who stay in the tourist areas and take some simple precautions will not have problems. Sticking to well-known areas, planning your movements in advance, and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.

In Arraial d'Ajuda, the main tourist area is typically safe, however many accommodations are located down dark streets a short walk from the centre. When possible, avoid walking home alone late at night due to the risk of pickpocketing.

These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe in Arraial d'Ajuda:

• Book accommodation in the recommended areas for visitors

• Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in quieter streets with little lighting

• Keep your phone, jewellery, and other valuables out of sight when walking at night

• If in doubt, ask your hotel or host for up-to-date local advice on places to avoid

Do you need travel insurance for Arraial d'Ajuda

Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is a safeguard that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about the financial impact.

The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.

For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.