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

4.6 /5

based on 46 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
fernanda

fernanda

Brazil

Sana, Group travel

I Felt Very safe because i was with a group that Felt me safe. The waterfalls of sana are kind dangerous actually but everyone was always helping everyone and that's was awesome. I paid Very cheap for a group like that And the guides took all photos of us ALL the day, i loved It!

Posted: December 25, 2024Experienced: December, 2024
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Florianopolis, Solo travel

Florianópolis is a place with beautiful beaches and infrastructure. It is worth visiting and enjoying the tours, appreciating the landscapes, and indulging in the dining options as well. The cost of living is a bit higher.

Posted: December 8, 2024
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Brazil, 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, 2007
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Jenny

Jenny

Peru

South America, Solo travel

Heyy I'm Jenny Since 6 month now en Perú and Bolivia, very amazing, I love it. The food is cheap and good, find vegetarian opcion it's possible 🤪 . I don't go to the danger like all you girls, I imagine...

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
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Florianopolis, Solo travel

It is a really nice city, the public transportation is not good at all so I recommend having a bike or a car rented. Overall people were really kind, of course in the center of the city is more dangerous so you need to be extra careful there

Posted: June 13, 2024
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Brazil, Solo travel

I travelled 3 months in Brazil. I had an amazing time. The people are very friendly, even though it was hard to communicate sometimes, because I don't speak Portuguese and they most of the time don't speak English. A recommendation if you like nature: Chapada dos Veadeiros.

Posted: May 23, 2024
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Rio de Janeiro, Solo travel

I loved Rio, I stayed in Copacabana and adored the restaurants on the beachfront. I went paragliding and it was an incredible experience. The city is lively and for those who like entertainment it is the ideal place, there are parties every day.

Posted: April 21, 2024
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Extrema, Family travel

A beatiful city! I recommend it for everyone that come to Brazil! 🌎💙 Sooo safe, the people are so good and nice! .

Posted: March 30, 2024
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Ilha Grande, Solo travel

The island was from beginning to the end a dream land close to paradise! From the beautiful green hills and the sea close by. It was easy to meet people and anywhere you would go there would be something new and delightful waiting. A safe heaven for anyone traveling to Brazil 🇧🇷

Posted: March 27, 2024
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Maceió, Family travel

Maceio is not a safe city for tourism because many tourist spots have drug users or homeless people nearby. The only place that we can say is safe for tourism is the beach, but even so, one must be careful.

Posted: March 23, 2024
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Is Brazil safe for women?

Safety index

3.1 /5

Based on 96 local experiences

Crime index

3 /5

Based on 96 local experiences

Curitiba

Your biggest concern would be pickpockets in the city center, especially at night, but overall, the city's crime rate is one of the lowest in the country. People tend to be more antisocial, and the climate is colder, but as a woman it is a great city to relax and have tourism linked to nature and cuisine.

Posted: December 25, 2024
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Brasília

In my neighbourhood is very safe but there are areas that you must be careful. I use public transport and ealk after dark around my neighbourhood. Brasilia is a planned city. With a lot of cultural events

Posted: December 25, 2024
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Meet locals in Brazil

Iris

Iris

About Me

Travelling keeps me fulfilled.

Speaking

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Ana

Ana

About Me

Love meeting new people, arts, thrifting, historical places and live music. In my free time, I’m a home cook and learning how to dance 💃

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Brazil

Iris

Iris

Rio de Janeiro

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Travelling keeps me fulfilled.

Speaking

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fernanda

fernanda

Rio de Janeiro

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Im Fernanda, um a sociologyst who loves to travel and i have a bed on my Room where someone can spend a night in Exchange of receive in your house in Europe. I have a trip schedualed for the Summer in europe

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Brazil

Niko

Niko

About Me

Digital Nomad currently living in Buenos Aires for 3 months!

Speaking

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maggie

maggie

About Me

I love a good meme, sweet tooth, history lover. 💜💚✊🏿🇵🇸🇨🇩🇨🇴🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Speaking

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Safety in Brazil