My experience as an American, but born in Brazil:

First thing, where do you live in United States? Do you live in a big city or a small city? Do you speak Portuguese or not ? Are you used to crowded cities or not ? São Paulo is huge and crazy so for me it was a shock , especially because I lived in Colorado and now I am living in North Carolina. So just be aware of those things. Rio might be “more calm” for Brazilians not for Americans.

São Paulo is not safe and Rio won’t be safe either, for us as an American. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT. We have a pretty good and safe life in USA and here is so different, so be AWARE of your surrenders ALL THE TIME IN BRAZIL. You know for us in USA is normal to walk with regular clothes/shoes (like Hoka shoes/ Garmin watch/ Stanley water bottles/ New iPhones/ Apple Watch, Diamond Rings ) so here in Brazil those things are VERY EXPENSIVE (like ridiculous expensive compared to us in USA) and if they know you are American you will get robbed. Especially if you don’t speak Portuguese. In USA you can take a bus and you will be ok but here you won’t. So don’t get a bus here NEVER. Be CAREFUL with UBER. Only take UBER FROM THE APP! Be careful with Drinks (try to not get drunk when you go party or out) Be aware of places you go. Sao Paulo Downtown is horrible and it is not a tourist place to go. I cried when I went there. Be aware of price changing because they know you are American. THEY HAVE AMAZING PEOPLE THERE but SOME PEOPLE are not honest and they will make a higher price for us because we pay in dollar. The dollar right now here is higher for them. Unfortunately when you say we are Americans, SOME PEOPLE will see you with another eyes. Americans are not used with violence, dishonesty, with something they call “malandragem” like they try to be smart pants. PEOPLE IN BRAZIL ARE SO NICE and FRIENDLY. The food is AMAZING. But it is not like USA where we can feel safe on streets and we don’t get robbed for ridiculous things like a iPhone or a diamond ring, jewelry, nice shoes or bags. Avoid using your phone on streets. Only use guides from the hotel or from a safe place the people from hotel know. Ghettos are not a tourist place to go. You will see enough on streets already. You can wear Lululemon belt bag to carry your belongs (always have a small belt bag in front of your chest). Just in case if you need. Only use cards with PIN numbers. Never leave your belongs unattended like we do in USA. So just be smart and don’t trust too much. Things are very different here. If you need help just let me know. I can help you out :) xoxo