I will be on vacation in 10 days and still hesitate between Rio and BA.
I am afraid of going to Rio as it appears to not be safe at all and maybe dangerous for a unexperienced and maybe "naive" guy like me...
What would you suggest me? Are there any tips that would help me to keep myself away of any bad situations?

Rio is safe enough if you use reasonable common sense and caution. You might want to talk to BrazilSpecialist (maybe stay with him if he has a room available), he's knowledgable about how to avoid danger in Rio and can make a newbie's experience excellent. Read his posts (ClubHombre.com: -TripReports-: 2004/05 Brazil Specialist - Rio and Brazil, Off the Beaten Path).

Hunterman is correct on the safety issue. Just don't walk down a dark alley at 3:00 am or get stumbling drunk. Like anywhere, you are a welcome target in that situation. You may want to consider the services of a guide. Don is mentioned frequently on the boards (don't have his contact info handy) and I've met him in person several times and he is a great guy. His fee is very reasonable for your first trip to Rio and I wished I has used his services on my first trip. It would have made it much better. He will show you all around Rio, usually with some other guys from the US or Canada. The termas, bars, Help, and the rest. He'll give you pointers on what's up and what to pay. Definately good value for a Rio first-timer.

If you do your part, listen to safety advice, then the dangers are quite controllable. Find my report on the Rio safety issues

you can contact me via email or private message.

Welcome in Rio.

I think Rio is safe enough for even the inexperienced. Remember that at night the area around Help (Miguel Lemos, Aires Saldanha which runs parallel behind Help) is very dangerous at night. There are a lot of people there looking to rob you. I dont care if you are going one block, pay a taxi to take you around the block and drop you off in front of your apartment/hotel unless you are walking with a group of guys.

I wouldn't risk going to Rio! Go to Tiajuana or Costa Rica if you're fearful.

hahahahhahahah. Stop it, your killing me. A mans safety is at risk here and you shouldnt pull his leg like that.

I dont know about TJ, but downtown San Jose in Gringo Gulch at night is about as bad as the area around Help. I dont think I can agree that Costa is much safer than Rio.

I've been to Rio 4 times now and never had a problem.

Would you get drunk and walk down a street in NYC at 2am? If you did, would you be surprised if you got robbed?

Just don't do stupid things and Rio is fine.

It's more than fine, its a man's paradise. I've been to other destinations including TJ and Costa Rica. To me, they are distant seconds to Rio in atmosphere, cost and most importantly quality and attitude of the girls.

Good luck and have fun.

Hey, the guy is clearly full of fear, after all, we're talking about Rio!

Stay out of the wrong neighborhoods and have a little sense about you and Rio (Copa, Ipa, Leblon...) is as safe (other than petty crime like the shoe boys, or having to deal with irate TVs when you won't give a squeeze) as most US cities, certainly safer than many/most SA cities (Caracas? San Jose? TJ?!!).

Michigan, go to BA and stay in Recoleta, only visit Centro in day or with friends if at night. That is the safest Central/South America option you have.

Thank you to everybody for the information. I have booked my flight to Rio and will be there in 10 days.
I understand I should not have any safety issue if I use common sense and that makes sense.
Thanks again for your help. I will send you some news during my trip.

Michigan

Michigan one more thing..never ever walk back to your hotel from Help at night. ALWAYS ALWAYS TAKE A CAB. Its tempting to walk when its nice out and there's a cop car on every street corner on Atlantica but it never stopped me from getting robbed.

Right. Take a cab. The ones driving down Atlantica will charge the normal metered fare. The ones parked in front of Help will charge a little more, like R10. A few bucks is worth the safety. Also, you are sure to run into other gringos who can give you a little advice while you are down there. Don't sweat it and have the time of your life.