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 3.1 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 80 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.1/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 2.2/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Crime rate: | 3/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 3.1/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 2.5/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 2.5/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.9/5 | A Bit Worried |
Is Brazil safe for women?
Curitiba
Curitiba is a great city to live in Brazil, but like any big city, we can never ignorate crime, which also happens here! I don’t like walking alone on the streets at night, but I always take Uber and it’s very safe. In the evening or at restaurants, it’s always very welcoming.
Posted: October 14, 2024São Paulo
São Paulo, like any large city, has safe areas and places to be cautious. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, avoid displaying valuables, and use trusted transportation Always be aware of your surroundings
Posted: October 14, 2024
Lari
Brasília
I won’t advise to walk alone in the park after 9pm, but as long as it’s busy with more people you will be fine. Never had a friend that had a phone stolen, haven’t seen cases with guns, knives or anything like this. Please note I am talking about Brasilia, not the whole Federal District. So, Asa Sul, Asa Norte, Sudoeste, Lago Sul and Lago norte.
Posted: October 12, 2024
Ana
Itapetininga
Itapetininga is a safe small town. Some robberies have been taking place in the last 2 or 3 years, but its quite safe overall. Its not a touristic destination, and theres not much to do. However, you can find some nice places to eat. Its a lot cheaper than São Paulo, thats 2 hours away from Itapetininga.
Posted: September 27, 2024
Jacqueline
Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is a reasonably safe city due to its many nighttime activities. Some more distant neighborhoods are not very safe for women alone at night, but in the central neighborhoods where there is a lot of movement, it is safe.
Posted: September 19, 2024
Julia
Belem
Belém is a big city, capital of Pará, a state in the Amazonian region. Don't get me wrong, I love Belém. I live here by choice. The city has so much beauty, and the food is simply unique and marvelous. However... It's not really a safe place. It's one of the poorest regions in Brazil. Poverty leads to poorly educated people, which leads to crime. Crime here is common, it's not unusual to be robbed or mugged. I've been once, my wife twice. As someone who was born and raised here, we learn how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, so I manage to live a nice, safe life. But if you're coming here by yourself... Be careful. SPECIALLY if you don't speak Portuguese, or if you "look gringo", which screams easy money and attracts thieves. If you wish to visit Belém (which I Do recommend!), do it safely: hire an agency or get to know someone who lives here to guide and help you around. Oh, and while women are much more vulnerable, this also applies to males. Sexual violence and harassment is far less common than robbery. Still, I don't go walking outside (only Uber or my car) after dark.
Posted: September 16, 2024
Camila
Brasília
It depends a lot on the place and time. Places that are less crowded and later at night tend to be more dangerous. You have to stay alert; it's risky to walk around blatantly using your phone (even though many people do it). Gender-related crimes are more of the femicide type, related to partners. However, kidnappings and rapes also occur.
Posted: September 13, 2024
Brenda
São Paulo
In são paulo you need to be carefully everywhere, especially in the big centers, but if you hide your fone and walk fast there will be less chance of something bad happen to you, but I do not recommend to walk alone at night in the big centers like "placa da se" and "estacao da luz". But there is some safe places like Pulista Avenue.
Posted: September 13, 2024Belo Horizonte
If you are traveling solo, I would recommend avoiding walking around the city center during the night. My suggestion is to uber places if you feel unsafe, as it is not on the expensive side! I would not recommend public transportation.
Posted: September 8, 2024Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a beautiful city, not better stay where all the tourists are. If you go to a local place it's not safe. So, better listen what they say at the hotel. Stay safe! Don't go to favela safaris. Instead go to see the touristic attractions.
Posted: September 4, 2024Is Brazil worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 44 experiences from female travelers
Rio de Janeiro, Solo travel
Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city where I have left my heart many times! I love being there, I love the energy the place offers. For a year, I went there every month to take a course, and I highly recommend it! Everyone should have the opportunity to visit that place!
Posted: October 14, 2024Brazil, Family travel
Brazil is a beautiful, and diverse country. Although I traveled by plane to get there, I also took a grey hound bus and car once I landed. I visited with my husband's family, but visited several different locations. For the most part, I felt safe, but I was advised to not wear jewelry or clothing that would draw attention to me. Do not miss partaking in the Pão de quejio, it's wonderful! The food was excellent, the atmosphere lively. São Paulo was pretty congested with traffic. I was not in the touristy areas, but got first-hand knowledge of Brazil's interior. I enjoyed the people and the culture.
Posted: September 7, 2024Experienced: September, 2007Meet locals in Brazil
Maura
About Me
I am a retired professional who loves traveling, music, nature and harmonious atmosphere everywhere I go. Although I am retired, I still teach English online to complement my income.
Speaking
Nathalia
About Me
I'm a girl from Rio who has visited and lived in many Brazilian cities. So i have been a guide for several times, in different cities (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Aracaju and Porto Alegre). The best part is the opportunity to change experiences and make new friends! I really love it! Easy-going person, who loves to introduce my country and our culture to people.
Speaking
Safety in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
São Paulo
Florianopolis
Paraty
João Pessoa
Salvador da Bahia
Belo Horizonte
Resende
Belem
Brasília
Campinas
Itanhaém
Curitiba
Balneario Camboriu
Blumenau
Fortaleza
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?
