Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Female Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is generally considered safe for female travelers, however, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Women should avoid walking alone at night, dress modestly, and be aware of their surroundings. It is also recommended to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. Additionally, it is important to research the local laws and customs before traveling to Rio de Janeiro. With the right precautions, female travelers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Rio de Janeiro.

Experiences from Rio de Janeiro

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 13 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

4.5/5

Solo travel experience

I was in Rio for a while and I enjoyed the touristy spots I visited. My advice is to keep your phone safe and use Uber. Don't walk about when it gets dark.

Posted: September 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Local experience

I’m half Brazilian and go to Rio almost every year to visit my family. People usually tell that it’s not a safe city but honestly, you need to be cautious like any other city, but there are some extra precautions you can take. Don’t walk around with your phone in your hand or draw a ton of attention to yourself, especially in high tourist spots like Zona Sul. Leave your fancy jewelry at home and don’t have your windows open too far if you’re sitting at a red light. Tourists are unfortunately targets for muggers but as long as you keep everything close you should be good. These are all rules locals follow and what I’ve been taught since I was a kid. Rio is a beautiful city and I absolutely love it there, you just need to be a little extra cautious is all.

Posted: June 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed in the Copacabana neighborhood and loved it. I didn’t go out late at night and just made sure to be cautious of my belongings in crowded areas, just as I would in any other large city. I heard mixed reviews before I went, but I was very pleasantly surprised and overall felt safe in Rio. Highly recommend checking out a steakhouse, Sugarloaf Mountain, and taking the cable car the Christ the Redeemer.

Posted: June 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent 10 days in Rio solo a few months ago and fell completely in love with that city. One of the top places I’ve visited and I never felt very scared or fear for my own safety, but I did follow all those common safety rules. Brazilians are some of the most friendly and joyful people I’ve met.

Posted: May 31, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Rio de Janeiro is a city it is worth visiting. Crime is high but knowing how to move around will allow you to have plenty of experiences You can stay 2 weeks or 2 years and still have new things to do.

Posted: May 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 1/5
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Group travel experience

Rio is such an amazing city! But can get very unsafe, even in Copacabana. We went for carnival and had such an amazing time.

Posted: May 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Group travel experience

I was in Rio with my friend for like 11 days and we never experienced anything dodgy at all. We stayed in Copacabana and did our own tours. We used Uber and all were fine except not everyone speaks English but not a big problem as we were translating basic Portuguese using google. It was one of the best places I've been and if there's a chance I will definitely go back.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went for Carnaval and loved it. I stayed in the tourist areas and felt reasonably safe the whole time I was there. It can be pretty cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. I also really enjoyed the free walking tour in the city center.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I did sense some sketchiness in downtown or when I'm walking home after dinner. Other than that, I felt completely safe. The Brazilian people are so friendly and hospitable - they totally made my experience worthwhile.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Couple travel experience

My favourite city in the world! You can hike and see the native animals and breathtaking views in the morning, go to a beach and see the sunset in the afternoon and then hit the amazing bars which offer a taste of Brazil’s awesome Cousine and music. Recommend staying in Zona Sul (specially Copacabana) as it is closer to most interesting locations and quite safe.

Posted: April 18, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 2/5
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Meet locals in Rio de Janeiro

Julia

Julia

Speaking

About Me

I'm a young 21 years old brazilian who wants to meet new people, show around my city and make them know how is the real and tradicional Rio de Janeiro beside the turistic points! our culture, food, what we like to do and also, practice my english. I think it would be a good way to make memories, of course. As a good brazilian, I LOVE talking and have fun!!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇹 Portugal

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Isadora

Isadora

Speaking

About Me

I'm isadora emer, 19 years old, brazilian from rio de janeiro. Traveler, student, singer, songwriter and a great enthusiast of Brazilian music (especially forró pé-de-serra). On Instagram: @isadoraemmer

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil

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Raquel

Raquel

Speaking

About Me

Hi, My name is Raquel and I'm interested in art, culture, events & social, education, backpacking, history, languages, live music, nature, photography and solo travel

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇴 Angola, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇾 Uruguay, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇻🇪 Venezuela, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Stay with locals in Rio de Janeiro

Isadora

Isadora

Speaking

You can stay for:

4 days

I can host:

2 guests

About me

I'm isadora emer, 19 years old, brazilian from rio de janeiro. Traveler, student, singer, songwriter and a great enthusiast of Brazilian music (especially forró pé-de-serra). On Instagram: @isadoraemmer

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil

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Karen

Karen

Speaking

You can stay for:

4 days

I can host:

2 guests

About me

Hi, My name is Karen and I'm interested in animals, art, cinema, dancing, food & cuisine, nature and solo travel

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇾 Paraguay

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Shélida

Shélida

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

I can host:

1 guest

About me

Hey!, My name is Shélida and I'm interested in books, art, cinema, business, food & cuisine, history, photography, running, shopping, swimming, technology, writing, fashion and events & social

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇴 Colombia

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Upcoming visitors to Rio de Janeiro

Vanita

Vanita

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, My name is Vanita and I'm interested in history, art, nightlife and solo travel

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Alena

Alena

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, I'm Alena and I live in Berlin

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Travel Safety in Brazil

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Frequently asked questions

Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for solo female travelers, but it is important to take the necessary precautions. Women should avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and should be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is also recommended to dress modestly and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and customs, and to research the areas you plan to visit before you go. With the right precautions, Rio de Janeiro can be a safe and enjoyable destination for solo female travelers.

Is Rio de Janeiro Safe at Night?

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for female travelers at night, however it is important to take extra precautions. It is best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and to stay in well-lit and populated areas. It is also recommended to dress conservatively and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. Additionally, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts.

Is Rio de Janeiro Safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Rio de Janeiro is generally considered safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, particularly female travelers. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming atmosphere, and there are many LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and events. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the same safety precautions as you would in any other city. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws in Brazil, which do not provide the same protections for LGBTQ+ individuals as in other countries.