I took Uber while I was in Rio. It was perfectly safe. Uber Black is much different in Brazil than it is in the United States. You aren't getting into an Escalade, but typically a Toyota or Honda. Also, you could only pay via credit card. Maybe this is limited to Sao Paulo, but most Brazilians I spoke to were happy that Uber was in Brazil.
> You aren't getting into an Escalade, but typically a Toyota or Honda.
Keep in mind that popular cars in the US can be luxury cars in Brazil. My Brazilian friends' first reaction when I tell them I have a Honda Civic here is "damn, freaking awesome, you're loaded!"... and then I tell them that's a pretty basic car in America :)
Same here, Uber Black everywhere in Rio. Never had any problems, quite opposite actually - going with the little one, folding buggy, drivers were always helping etc. - very pleasant experience. Also very cheap. There are too many yellow cabs in Rio anyway, they're just making traffic driving empty up and down.
