The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security has given Rio a crime rating of critical, which means that the crime threat in that area of Brazil has a major impact on the work and life of the community and is a principal threat to visitors.

While there are no specific threats against Americans, drug dealing, petty theft and aggressive pan-handling are fairly common. Other threats include exposure to the Zika virus, kidnapping risks, cyber security issues, and even dangers associated with traveling around the city. Travelers who suffer a medical emergency could also encounter issues they wouldn't experience in the United States.

Minimize exposure

"Many of our customers will be sending employees to Brazil, and first on their minds will be how to keep them safe," said Jim Breitkreitz, vice president and executive technical director for risk engineering at Zurich North America. "Typically, travelers are equipped with some common-sense advice, but such guidance may not be all that common to those unaccustomed to traveling abroad."

However, there are some steps that travelers can take to minimize their risk exposure when traveling in more dangerous areas:

Avoid standing out in a crowd or flashing a lot of money or expensive jewelry to reduce your chances of being targeted by thieves.

1. Theft and muggings

"Always travel in groups and be aware of your surroundings at all times," suggests Breitkreitz. "Do not attract attention by wearing expensive clothes or jewelry, or displaying expensive gadgets like cameras."

Criminals look for people who stand out in a crowd, so travelers should try blending in with the locals by avoiding bright, distracting colors and not carrying large, expensive handbags.

The State Department also cautions visitors against walking on beaches or parks after dark, since assaults are more common then. Public transportation hubs such as bus stations, hotel and tourist areas have the highest crime rates. If traveling to a more rural area, be aware that there is a much greater potential for roadside robberies.

Changing your routine such as how and when you leave the hotel, and where you eat or shop can help reduce the chances of being targeted as well. 

Zika poses a particular risk to pregnant women and their unborn children and they should avoid areas where the virus is prevalent.

2. Zika virus

The virus, which can cause severe birth defects and has already arrived in the United States, is a particular risk in Rio de Janeiro. Spread primarily through infected mosquitoes, it can be passed from one person to another or from a mother to her unborn child.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that pregnant women not travel to areas with Zika such as Rio. Because the virus stays in the bloodstream for about a week, an infected person can sexually transmit it to a partner or spouse.

Visitors can reduce their risk by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes. An EPA-registered insect repellent should be sprayed on clothes before venturing outdoors. Travelers should also look for hotels with air conditioning and window or door screens to help keep insects out of the room. 

Credit card skimming is just one of the risky behaviors tourists should be aware of when traveling. 

3. Credit card skimming and cyber threats

The State Department has flagged Rio as an area for major security concerns when it comes to credit card and ATM scams.

"The use of credit card cloning devices and radio frequency interception at restaurants, bars and public areas is epidemic in Rio," according to the Brazil 2016 Crime & Safety Report.

Local cyber criminals are also targeting ATM terminals to obtain credit card and banking information. While chip-and-pin cards used in the United States are more secure, it is still possible for hackers to capture information off of the magnetic strip on the back of the credit card.

Travelers should carry any credit cards separately from their wallets. That way if the wallet is pickpocketed, the thief will not get everything. They should only bring a couple of credit cards when traveling to reduce the risk of theft. It also makes it easier to monitor expenses.

The Federal Trade Commission advises travelers to keep an eye on their credit cards and make sure they get the cards back before leaving a restaurant or store. Saving receipts is a good way to double-check any charges to the credit card. If a card is lost or stolen, it should be reported immediately to the issuer to minimize liability. In some cases homeowners or renter's insurance may cover some of the losses.

Zurich's Breitkreitz also advises travelers to notify their credit card companies of any travel dates and cities so the company can monitor for any unauthorized charges. 

There are a lot of local delicacies to be sampled, but travelers should use common sense when choosing food vendors.

4. Foodborne illnesses

Trying local foods is always part of the travel adventure, but eating the wrong thing can make you very ill or worse.

Travelers can reduce their risk of getting sick from contaminated water by only drinking boiled or bottled water. Making sure to only eat food that is fully cooked, frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer can also reduce the chances of getting ill. Breitkreitz even recommends going so far as to brush your teeth with bottled water.

If eating from a street vendor is too much of a temptation, make sure to check and see if the vendor is wearing gloves, has the food properly refrigerated and has access to a hand-washing station nearby. 

Check with your insurer before leaving to see what type of health coverage you have in case of an emergency.

5. Illness

If you do eat the wrong thing and get really sick, are injured or fall ill and have to go to the hospital, be aware that the claims and payment process abroad can be very different.

When going to a hospital or doctor's office, it is important to keep all of your paperwork since some doctors will bill insurance providers directly, while others will not. As a patient, this means paying for expenses out of pocket when the service is rendered and getting reimbursed for eligible expenses later.

A travel medical plan can offer a wide range of benefits and it is important to get one that offers coverage for hospitalizations, accidental death and dismemberment, political and medical evacuation, personal liability and terrorism. An agent can explain which policies offer specific types of coverage.

Traveling across Rio can be fraught with hazards and dangerous situations. Only use reputable taxis or car services and avoid isolated areas. 

6. Transportation issues

The State Department recommends against using city buses, metros or other public transportation since many of them travel routes through high-crime areas and may be robbery targets.

Protests and demonstrations frequently target the mass transit systems — buses may be robbed in transit or burned. Pickpockets frequent the metro system and females have reported being groped or touched inappropriately.

Taxis are one option, but again may prove to be targets of opportunity. Only legitimate, well-marked taxis, which are usually white or silver with green and yellow stripes should be used. Private car services should be relatively safe or the hotel can contact a transportation service.

Gypsy vans provide private transportation in the city, but usually have a criminal element associated with them and should not be used by Westerners.

Private vehicles are another possibility, but still provide some risk due to armed bandits on motorcycles who are known to prey on victims at stoplights or in heavy traffic.

If planning to drive overseas, check with your insurer about what kinds of coverage are offered, the limits, how to report a claim and how the jurisdiction handles accidents.

While kidnappings in Rio happen less often, thugs still see them as a way to make some quick money. 

7. Kidnapping threats

While less frequent, the threat of kidnapping for ransom in Rio still exists, particularly from gangs who watch for individuals to withdraw large sums of money from ATMs or banks.

A "quicknapping" according to the State Department, occurs when criminals kidnap an individual at gun point and force him or her to withdraw cash from multiple ATMS before releasing the victim.

Similar to this are "express kidnappings," where kidnappers capture an individual and ask a family member or friend to pay a smaller ransom that might range from $500 to $2,000 for a faster payoff. Denise Balan, the lead kidnap and ransom underwriter and part of XL Catlin's U.S. crisis management business, says there may also be a "virtual" kidnapping, where someone is attending the Olympics and somehow gangs there get a hold of personal information through a cellphone or other means.

"They may call someone at home, say they have the loved one in custody (even though they don't) and ask for ransom money to be wired quickly. The (kidnap, ransom and extortion) coverage that we offer not only provides ransom reimbursement, but also helps a victim's family negotiate and supports them through a kidnap scenario."

To reduce the risk of being kidnapped, be aware of your surroundings. Look for multiple exits and be aware of who and what is around you. Minimize the use of cellphones and GPS so you're focused on your surroundings and not your phone. 

Multiple insurers offer kidnap and ransom insurance, which should include ransom coverage, possibly access to an experienced crisis response team to negotiate your release and cover any items surrendered to the kidnappers. 

Make extra copies of your passport and email one of them to yourself in case yours is lost or stolen.  

Staying safe

"The most important thing anyone can do when traveling today, whether it's to the Olympics or on their family vacation is to be aware of your surroundings and exercise added precautions," Balan said. "This includes doing some very practical things like pre-arranging your transportation, especially airport transfers. We also encourage people to keep a low profile — dressing down instead of wearing their most expensive jewels or watches — that puts more of a target on them."

Balan also recommends that travelers carry a list of phone and emergency numbers, as well as a notarized photo copy of their passport. We also suggest the travelers e-mail these documents to themselves as well. Having them in multiple places is a good thing.

Tourists should also check with their insurer to see what kind of coverage they have before leaving home. "Insureds can liaise with their brokers and insurers to make sure they are properly protected under different scenarios," Balan said.

Security services and travel guidance are offered by a number of insurers and may offer access to risk consultancies that can provide critical information to insureds before they leave home or while they are away.

"Traveling abroad is inherently risky, but a trip to the Summer Games can be an enjoyable experience for those who are willing to plan ahead and heed safety warnings," Breitkreitz added.