Is São Paulo Safe for Women?

It depends a lot on the region you go to, but generally it's a very reasonable place.. unfortunately, as women, we are at risk everywhere and in different situations.. but thankfully I've never experienced bad things, it's a city that I love!!!!

Stay in the touristic areas and please don’t trust anyone in the streets. Unfortunately there are a lot of robbery victims in São Paulo in a daily basis. Watch your stuff when walking out, keep your phone safe!

You have to know where and when to go. Choose good neighborhoods and take care of your belongings! I do not feel scared of being sexually assaulted as I live and walk through safe neighborhoods. I understand the great risk is being robbed in São Paulo. As a tourist, especially in Ubers while stopping in red lights.

There’s no area to choose where you gonna feel unsafe, you need to check you surroundings every time and everywhere. Do not trust people too easily and even the cops can get you in trouble (not all of them). It’s a very great city, but people are really violent.

São Paulo as others big metropolitan areas is a place to be aware of yourself and your surroundings, I recommend always be with a local friend, especially at night! I recommend staying at the center and avoid going too far from the south of the city!

São Paulo is a very heterogeneous city regarding safety. Some neighborhoods are safe in general, apart from mugging and pickpockets (for example Jardins, Pinheiros, Itaim, Vila Madalena). Neighborhoods not known for being part of this “safety bubble” should better be avoided. Even in safe places, it’s important to be extra cautious at night. The historic city center is very touristic and it’s being revitalized. It is worth the visit, but super extra caution is necessary, I wouldn’t recommend going solo. The same applies to Santa Cecília neighborhood.

As a local (and Brazilian) I know how it works here so I feel kinda safe. Obviously it’s necessary to be careful and aware of your surroundings, it’s very common to be robbed in public places, but it never happened to me, you need to take care of your belongings and keep them in safe places. At night the risks are higher, so try to be safer when’s dark and try not to walk 100% alone. Don’t let fear consume you and don’t avoid to do anything because you’re afraid, just remember that you are in a new country you don’t know and be safe and responsible! It will be fine

I lived in São Paulo for over 10 years. I always frequented upscale neighborhoods, but only late at night. I've witnessed some robberies (mobile phones/backpack/purse being stolen). There are always stares (catcalling is also common). At clubs/bars there is the risk of someone spiking your drink, but I never met anyone who experienced this. At one point there was a strange man injecting women on the subway, and at another time there was a gaseous substance being used by Uber drivers to disorient their passengers.

Most neighborhoods are very safe during the day. However, there’s always risk of getting robbed (especially by people in bicycles or bikes). It’s always better not to use your phone openly and only check it inside restaurants or stores

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

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.