Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Solo Travel in Brazil

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

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

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

4.3 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.2/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Andrea

Andrea

Brazil

Armacao dos Búzios, Solo travel

Buzios is a very safe place; it is a peninsula. It has many beautiful beaches with different characteristics. Among the most characteristic tours are the trip to Arraial do Cabo and the boat trip around Buzios. Sometimes during high season, there are boat parties to enjoy in the evening.

Posted: March 23, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Rio de Janeiro, Solo travel

Rio is beautiful, like no other city I have been to because of it being built into the mountains but you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings. Not many people outside tourist areas speak English.

Posted: February 6, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Brazil safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 77 local experiences

Crime index

3 /5

Based on 77 local experiences

Ana

Ana

Itapetininga

Itapetininga is a safe small town. Some robberies have been taking place in the last 2 or 3 years, but its quite safe overall. Its not a touristic destination, and theres not much to do. However, you can find some nice places to eat. Its a lot cheaper than São Paulo, thats 2 hours away from Itapetininga.

Posted: September 27, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Jacqueline

Jacqueline

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is a reasonably safe city due to its many nighttime activities. Some more distant neighborhoods are not very safe for women alone at night, but in the central neighborhoods where there is a lot of movement, it is safe.

Posted: September 19, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Brazil safe right now?

Before your visit to Brazil, it's essential to check travel advisories for Brazil, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Brazil due to crime. Some areas have an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 19, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: October 1, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 27, 2024

Meet locals in Brazil

Iris

Iris

About Me

Travelling keeps me fulfilled.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Maricí

Maricí

About Me

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

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Brazil

Iris

Iris

Rio de Janeiro

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Travelling keeps me fulfilled.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Renata

Renata

Campinas

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I Just love to travel, learn new things, meet people from another cultura, tryng to learn New languages Just like english, french and spanish...

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Brazil

Connect with upcoming visitors to Brazil who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Marianne

Marianne

About Me

Hi! I’m Marianne, and I’m interested in art, photography, sightseeing and trekking. I work as a web UX/UI designer, I enjoy working in local cafes and taking pictures to all the places I visit. I also love running and in every new city I visit I try to go at least for a run so if you enjoy running please join me!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Paula

Paula

About Me

I’m 22 years old Polish girl that loves traveling:)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Brazil