Interestingly, Natal has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Brazil. In bigger cities like Rio, organized gangs control the drug market and have a reputation of violence; Natal does not have such a complex gang structure. Instead, the rare and random crime in Natal is committed mostly by individuals.

Also, in the North east, the cost of living is less than in the south. For instance, if desperate, a poor person could survive off eating coconuts and cuscus on the street. In Natal, people can even live on the beaches throughout the year, so the situation of poor does not tend to be so dire.

Also, there is an omnipresent existence of police on the streets of Natal. Throughout the area, there are several fixed police posts; Also, random blitzes occur on a rather regular basis. On a blitz, police stop drivers and view their passports and papers.

In Natal, it is legal to consume tobacco and alcohol can after one is older than 18. In general, marijuana, cocaine and heavier drugs are illegal and holding or possessing such drugs results in a minor demeanor.

There are plenty of Delegacias, or police stations, throughout the city. Therefore, if a tourist is robbed, the first step is go to to the Delegacia and make an official statement.