Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Brazil is a country of many contrasts with unique culture and affluent natural beauty. However, safety can be a concern, particularly for solo female travelers. The different parts of Brazil present varying levels of security. Some safer regions like Florianopolis and Rio Grande do Sul can be enjoyed with relative peace. However, cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo tend to have higher crime rates. It's always advisable to stay alert, avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and to keep your belongings close. As always, knowledge of the local language Portuguese is invaluable to navigate any safety concerns.

Safety rating

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How safe is Brazil?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Brazil, particularly major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, could pose some safety concerns for a solo female traveler at night. Though there are safer neighborhoods and Brazil boasts beautiful night-time sceneries, it's generally advised not to roam alone after dark. This advice is particularly useful when it comes to secluded or dimly lit areas. Using a reputable taxi service or Uber to get back to your accommodation, rather than walking, could be a safer option.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Brazil varies greatly depending upon the location. In large cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the metro and buses run regularly, are relatively safe and usually crowded. However, it is always advised to stay alert for pickpockets, especially during peak hours. At night, it is advisable to avoid certain areas and use trusted taxi services or ride-sharing apps instead. In more remote areas, public transportation can be less reliable and potentially riskier. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your journey carefully, stay in well-trafficked areas, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

In Brazil, there can be instances of street harassment, such as catcalling or unwanted attention. However, this largely varies by region and individual experiences. Universally, awareness around one's surroundings, avoiding isolated areas, and blending in with local attire can mitigate the risk.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

Brazil has a considerable rate of petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, mugging, and theft, especially in crowded public places and tourist hotspots. There is also the occurrence of 'quicknappings', where criminals abduct a person for a short period to get money from their bank account. As a solo female traveler, it would be wise to take precautions such as not displaying wealth, being vigilant in public areas, and avoiding walking alone at night.

Is Brazil worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 69 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Pietra

Pietra

Italy

Brazil, Solo travel

Rio de Janeiro is a violent city, but I've gone a couple of times there and everything was good. Day 1: Christ & Sugarloaf; Day 2: Copacabana & Ipanema; Day 3: Santa Teresa & Lapa; Day 4: Tijuca Forest hike; Day 5: Maracanã & Samba night. Restaurant: Aprazível, which won a Michelin

Posted: August 18, 2025
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Merle

Merle

Germany

Manaus, Solo travel

I have super mixed feelings about the experience. I didn‘t like Manaus because I felt unsafe and there was a lot of trash and ugly buildings (I know that a lot of people like the centre but I didn‘t find anything special) but it‘s the gate to the amazing Amazon Forest and I loved being in the nature. So yeah, I expected more from the city but you should definitly go there to start your trip to the Amazon forest! (I personally can recommend the Cabana Nativa Paraíso a lot!)

Posted: August 4, 2025
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Anna

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
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Suelen

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, 2025
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Pipa, Solo travel

I really loved Pipa, its a totally safe place, with very nice people open to meet and hang out, from all parts of the world. There you have 4 amazing beaches to go walking, you can go everywhere walking bc its no so big. I stayed in hostels with shared rooms, and met a lot of people. You can take surf lessons, but I dont recommend the company MarAlto for your classes.

Posted: June 2, 2025
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Is Brazil safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 205 local experiences

Crime index

3 /5

Based on 205 local experiences

Ángela

Ángela

São Paulo

I'm from Bogotá, Colombia, so that's the only place I can compare to São Paulo. This city has welcomed me very well; people are somewhat reserved, but they're also very open and kind. As a foreigner, they help you a lot; if they know you're from elsewhere, they're interested in listening to you and sharing their culture, and they also give you great advice :)

Posted: August 20, 2025
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Safety in Brazil