Is Brazil Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Brazil
Safety rating
Women living in Brazil consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Brazil consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 11.7% percentage of women in Brazil have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 198 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 2.5/5 | Moderate |
Safety using public transport: | 3.6/5 | Safe |
Crime rate: | 3/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2.9/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 2.4/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 2.2/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 3.1/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.9/5 | A bit worried |
How safe is Brazil?
Brasília
The Center of Brasília (Plano Piloto) is quite safe, regardless of the time (except for a few places like the bus station and Setor Comercial Sul - SCS). It's easier to get lost walking around than to become a victim of a crime.
Posted: July 17, 2025
Juliana
Tubarão
Tubarão is a big countryside city in the state of Santa Catarina, south of Brazil. In terms of public security, our state is the safest in the whole country. We also have low homicide rate, but there are cases against women happening a few times around the year. I wouldn't say that you can walk by yourself, mainly at night, freely but the police is very effective.
Posted: July 17, 2025São Paulo
Of all Brazilian capitals, São Paulo is the safest. However, I recommend being extra cautious about robberies, especially cell phones, even in cars (there have been some cases of thieves breaking car windows to steal your phone). In general, avoid being distracted by your cell phone in open spaces, keep the car windows up and avoid walking alone at night.
Posted: July 14, 2025
Maria
Brazil
I’ve lived in Brasília my whole life and I admit o have never experienced any robberies or things of such, though I must warn you that I live in a safe area with low crime rate. Generally, here in Brazil you should always be cautious and careful, SPECIFICALLY if you’re going to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, both are very cool places but also very dangerous. I’m always in an alert state and hiding my phone in those cities. I would definitely recommend visiting Brasilia as it’s very nice and safe, although it’s not quite a touristic place.
Posted: July 3, 2025Brazil
Tourist cities are usually safe in the touristic area, although robbers and pickpockets are common. Be careful with scans and do not display your values on the streets. For women, walk alone at night is not recommended anywhere.
Posted: June 21, 2025Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is a capital, maybe the third or fourth biggest in Brasil. So it’s a big city, it’s not like you can walk the streets carefree in the middle of the night. There are parts of the city that are worse, like the centre, but most likely a tourist visiting wouldn’t go there. If you stick to more touristic parts and have your bag close and pay attention, you’ll be ok. It’s safer than São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Posted: June 21, 2025Is Brazil worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 67 experiences from female travelers
Anna
United Kingdom
Brazil, Solo travel
Loved Brazil, its large cities, its UNESCO heritage villages, the tech and the traditional, the beach and the mountains, the unbelievable diversity of its people and its plants. I spent an entire afternoon in a park, contemplating the trees and enjoying a bit of people watching. I went on a couple of amazing walking tours, one in Sao Paulo, about the culinary traditions of the historical immigration neighbourhood of Liberdade, and another in Rio, to hear about the amazing (and often untold) lives of the women who made history. I had great food (pao de queijo eaten at all hours, a massive feijoada that I couldn't finish) and absolutely excellent coffee. Café coado is my new obsession. And they are hosting COP30 next year!
Posted: June 30, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
Suelen
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Solo travel
In Rio de Janeiro, most touristic areas are safe. The local food is amazing. The beaches are impressive. People is very friendly. I highly recommend it. Attractions are not expensive for travelers. You can use the public transport without worry.
Posted: June 20, 2025Safety in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
São Paulo
Florianopolis
Paraty
João Pessoa
Salvador
Salvador da Bahia
Belo Horizonte
Petropolis
Resende
Niteroi
Belem
Brasília
Goiania
Trindade
Ribeirao Preto
Frequently asked questions
Is Brazil safe?
Is Brazil safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Brazil?
What is the crime rate in Brazil?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Brazil?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Brazil?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Brazil?
What is the risk of burglary in Brazil?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Brazil?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Brazil?
