Is São Paulo Safe for Women? Crime Rate in São Paulo

Safety rating

Moderate
2.5 /5

Women living in São Paulo consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Crime rating

Moderate
3.2 /5

Women living in São Paulo consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.2 out of 5.

Violence rating

11.7%

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.

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 24 experiences

Safety rating:

2.5/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

1.7/5Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

3.2/5Moderate

Crime rate:

3.2/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

3.4/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

3.1/5Moderate

Worries of being physically attacked:

2.5/5A Bit Worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

2.5/5Moderate

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

4.1/5Fairly worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.8/5A Bit Worried

Is São Paulo safe for women?

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Brenda

Brenda

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, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
helena

helena

Sao Paulo is known for being a unsafe city, and in fact, it can be. But it really depends on how you see the city, where and with who you experience it. its important to be “smart” and able to identify traps. some cautions that are good to have, but its not at all a place that i would say “dont go because its too dangerous and you will feel unsafe as a woman”. actually it can be a really free place, full of cultural and urban life.

Posted: August 12, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Gabrielle

Gabrielle

As it is a big city you have to be careful when walking around, before following directions from google maps look at pictures of where you need to go through or ask locals about the place to know if it is safe to walk there. Try not to walk with your phone out on the street!!

Posted: July 19, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

São Paulo is a very large city where you need to know where you are going. There are many safe neighborhoods where you can walk in the morning and afternoon without danger. Avoid going out alone at night and walking in unfamiliar areas, unless it's a very busy place.

Posted: July 18, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

São Paulo is a complicated city in terms of safety, mainly regarding thefts. It’s necessary to take care of your belongings and search beforehand the area you are visiting. Never use your cellphone in the middle of the street or try to avoid the most.

Posted: July 18, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Rafaela

Rafaela

Sao Paulo is a city with lots of things to do and cool places to go, but I only recommend it if you know someone in the city who can accompany you and give you tips. Mainly for those who don't speak Portuguese or who aren't from Latin America. I don't think it's a safe place for women alone, but there are possibilities and ways to get to know the city alone!! You just need to know very well how the city's dynamics work and what to do and, above all, not to do.

Posted: July 16, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

São Paulo is not the safest city, but it's not the most unsafe either. Walking around at night by yourself might be frightening but it depends on the neighborhood you choose to stay. Always choose a place near metro stations cause they're usually safer.

Posted: July 5, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

You can feel safe in some places, but overall it’s not a place that I feel the safest. If I’m on the street I’ll not use my phone in public, I never bring my camera with me and so on. It’s sad, because it’s my home, but it’s true

Posted: June 30, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Mayara

Mayara

São Paulo is a huge city and some neighborhoods are safer than others. Generally speaking, you just have to stay alert and keep your phone/wallet stored away, never in sight. It's also important to avoid deserted streets, especially at night. Choose busier places instead.

Posted: June 21, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is São Paulo worth visiting?

Travel rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I traveled last year for vacation. I went alone for seven days. I got around using the metro and buses - to and from the airport, as well as for long-distance trips to Rio de Janeiro. I love this city, there is a lot to see and many beautiful places.

Posted: September 13, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I spent a few days alone in São Paulo. The biggest struggle for me was Portuguese. I cycled around the city, which was really great, and I also discovered three beaches on a walking tour. I was there during the carnival and I would recommend everyone to experience the carnival at least once in their life. I spent the whole day walking around various Blocos de Rua (street carnivals) and always felt very safe.

Posted: April 30, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in São Paulo

Maura

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

mode_comment 0
Bia

Bia

About Me

I’m a Brazilian writer - wellness creator - photographer who loves to travel and experience real life in different countries. I’m passionate about seeing beauty in everyday life, creating a better and more loving world and getting to know people’s stories. I also looove astrology (specially astrocartography!), meditation, being in nature, watching live music and street artists and all around mystical & spiritual topics 🤍✨

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Brazil

Frequently asked questions

Is São Paulo safe?

Women living in São Paulo consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Is São Paulo safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in São Paulo consider walking alone at night to be relatively unsafe, with an overall safety rating of 1.7 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider public transport to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.2 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.2 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 3.4 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 3.1 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the risk of being physically attacked to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.5 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the risk of burglary to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.5 out of 5.

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be relatively high, with an overall risk rating of 4.1 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in São Paulo?

Women living in São Paulo consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.8 out of 5.