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

Safety rating

Moderate
2.6 /5

Women living in São Paulo consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.6 out of 5.

Crime rating

Moderate
3.3 /5

Women living in São Paulo consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.3 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 34 experiences

Safety rating:

2.6/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

1.8/5Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

3.2/5Moderate

Crime rate:

3.3/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

3.5/5Fairly worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

3.3/5Moderate

Worries of being physically attacked:

2.7/5Moderate

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

2.5/5A bit worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

4/5Fairly worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

2.1/5A bit worried

How safe is São Paulo?

Júlia

Júlia

São Paulo is not as dangerous as it seems or as they make it seem, but at the same time, it is a city where you always need to be alert... people tend to be a bit rude and there are many robberies and muggings here. Don't go out alone at night, and if you do go out, try to take an Uber!

Posted: January 30, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

São Paulo we needs to be in attention, about cellphone, bags, depending the neighborhood, because big city, different peoples… but we can walk around, visit different places. There’s some neighborhood we fell more save than others

Posted: January 21, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Julia

Julia

Sao Paulo is a big city and so it has its risks. I never leave my place without self-defense items, but, yeah, i dont let it stop me from going out and enjoying until later at night, tho. I’ve only been robbed once in like 8 years ago.

Posted: January 8, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

If you're careful, I don't think the city is as dangerous as they say. Just pay attention and don't trust strangers. Don't be careless by using your cell phone anywhere or displaying expensive things. Always stay alert, as you would anywhere.

Posted: January 4, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Fernanda

Fernanda

Sao Paulo can be somewhat dangerous depending on the area you visit and the time of day, specially for non-locals. I have never experience anything bad but being a big city, a lot can happen. However, the most turistic points here are crowded and not that dangerous. I can guide you on the best and safest places to go and when (day, night) and how to be vigilant and safe!

Posted: January 2, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

I think São Paulo can be both really safes and really dangerous. It all depends on which neighborhood you’re going to. But overall the people are very nice and friendly, always cooperative and wanting to help you.

Posted: December 28, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
mari

mari

São Paulo is very dangerous! Never walk alone and prefer to use apps like Uber, 99… and don't use taxis or buses. If you need to use the subway, go with someone! And prefer to stay in places far from subway stations, they are very dangerous.

Posted: December 23, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Ananda

Ananda

São Paulo is a big city and you should consider its risks as a woman in a big city. Unfortunately, I don't feel safe walking by myself at night, but during the day, I'm pretty much OK. Public transportation is really good and not expensive, but you should be worried at all times with your phone and bags.

Posted: November 25, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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

Is São Paulo worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.1 /5

based on 5 experiences from female travelers

Emma

Emma

Germany

Couple travel

I felt save almost every moment during day time, but not in the neighbourhood “Luz” I’d never walk there alone in the night. The city is amazingly big but so beautiful! I really recommend tasting traditional food, going to the Parc d’Ibirapuera and visiting Sampa Sky

Posted: January 24, 2025
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Louisa

Louisa

Germany

Group travel

My travel buddy and I are currently in São Paulo and we’re travelling low budget. So far we’ve stayed in a hostel in Guarulhos and had enough luck to be able to stay at a really lovely Ladies place that we found through this app. We visited Sampa Sky, the Liberdade neighbourhood, Beck de Batman, the mercado municipal paulistano and a couple more attractions. So far all our experiences were good even in the areas locals warned us about. Maybe we were just lucky, but I’d recommend staying vigilante at all times, especially with your phone and bags. Most locals don’t speak a lot of English so sometimes it’s hard to communicate but we have found that everyone makes an effort to help you out.

Posted: January 22, 2025
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in São Paulo

Maricí

Maricí

About Me

I'm a girl that loves traveling, learning and sharing cultures.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
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

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 2.6 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 1.8 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 3.3 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 relatively high, with an overall risk rating of 3.5 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 3.3 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 2.7 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 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 2.1 out of 5.