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 59 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Wlianni

Wlianni

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Couple travel

A city with beautiful places but I constantly felt in danger and had to stay alert all the time. I really liked the places I visited. I avoided going up hills, but I wouldn't return to the city because of the lack of safety.

Posted: April 21, 2025
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São Paulo, Solo travel

It's an interesting place, the culinary variety is wonderful. I just didn't feel very safe walking around some places. I prefer traveling with someone. I think my experience wasn't that good because I was alone, so I avoided going out after dark.

Posted: April 20, 2025
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São Paulo, Group travel

São Paulo is a city full of culture, we stayed at Pinheiros neighborhood which was pretty safe but you still have to be alert and prefer areas where there's a crowd of people. There's a lot of good restaurants and cafes to enjoy

Posted: April 18, 2025Experienced: March, 2023
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Livia

Livia

Brazil

Bahia, Family travel

I always travel to Bahia, it is two days always by car from where I live, but it’s always worth it. By going to Bahia I skip going to Salvador, the capital, bc I always go on high season (January, June, December) and this is not the best city to go in these times of the year. So I go to Chapada Diamantina. This is the best region of Bahia, where you’re in the interior of the state and can see the most beaten landscapes of your life. To go to Chapada Diamantina you really need a tourist guide to go with you to the places there, bc it’s not a very known place and walking by yourself is kinda hard. It is a very safe place to women, the less safe pleces is the road full of trucks and poorly signposted. (that’s also why I said it’s better to go with a guide) Moreover and last but not least Chapada Diamantina has the best people in the world. You can live a completely new experience, for example trying to find somewhere to eat and ending up in someone else’s home cause people wanted you to eat with them. And a lot of other amazing things you can find on your way there. Oh, also Chapada Diamantina doesn’t have beaches. My pictures at the beach was taken in Morro de São Paulo, which as island in the state of Bahia.

Posted: April 1, 2025
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Nicolette

Nicolette

United States

Costa Rica, Solo travel

I never felt unsafe in Costa Rica, and I went to a handful of different towns on my own. I think the scariest part was the spiders in the cloud forest! I had great food, and met really hospitable locals. I tried to practice my Spanish but everyone kept speaking to me in English! So if you don’t know Spanish I think you’ll do just fine here.

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Ouro Preto, Family travel

Ouro Preto is a beautiful city in the Minais Gerais mountains. It feels really safe, has nice restaurants as well. I would recomend visiting the different churches over multiple days, there are so many!

Posted: March 26, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Paula

Paula

Portugal

Rio de Janeiro, Solo travel

I loved Rio! I also managed to see some carnival celebrations as they started in January already! I felt very safe although I was also cautious because I know that it can be very unsafe there. Prices were very affordable but, as usually, in more touristic areas they were higher than they should be. I can definitely reccomend! And the weather was awesome.

Posted: February 3, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Kassandra

Kassandra

Germany

Ilha do Superagui, Solo travel

The island is extremely chill. Apart from Christmas and New Year’s and carnival there is nothing going on. If you like that you’ll have a great time there. Just mind that many restaurants might be closed. Bar nativos seems to be one of the best food places on the island. First I was a bit stressed if it is okay to walk down the beach at night. But it seems to be okay. At least that’s what a local woman told me. The community there is so small. If you like it simple, easy-going and lots of nature join the right place. I had a room with breakfast in Pousada Maresia. Host Luis did a great job.

Posted: February 2, 2025
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Kassandra

Kassandra

Germany

Pomerode, Solo travel

I was told Pomerode would be the most German place in Brazil. So as a German I was interested in what that could mean. But it feels really strange, because there is a hype for something that doesn’t exist. It is very tourist orientated, a bit like Disneyland. It seems to be mainly about selling stuff like beer glasses with Germann flags on, cuckoo clocks, chocolate, meat and wurst stuff. You get pretty decent cake and good beer though! If you are looking for vegan food: the Palmito salad ( without cheese) in Schornstein Restaurant is really good! It is nice to be there for one afternoon & evening. I had a cheap room in Stettin hostel, the room is okay, but very loud. Earplugs recommended strongly.

Posted: February 2, 2025
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Emma

Emma

Germany

São Paulo, Couple travel

I felt save almost every moment during day time, but not in the neighbourhood “Luz” I’d never walk there alone in the night. The city is amazingly big but so beautiful! I really recommend tasting traditional food, going to the Parc d’Ibirapuera and visiting Sampa Sky

Posted: January 24, 2025
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Is Brazil safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 172 local experiences

Crime index

3 /5

Based on 172 local experiences

Wlianni

Wlianni

Brazil

In Brazil, there are several very safe places, small towns that allow you to travel alone without much worry. However, some states and capitals are very dangerous. Where I live, it's quite peaceful, but the capital Fortaleza is more dangerous.

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Alinny

Alinny

Recife

Always stay in busy places and avoid going out after dark, Recife is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. The cuisine, the landscapes, and for those who like old buildings, Recife and Olinda can be paradise. But be careful.

Posted: April 20, 2025
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Meet locals in Brazil

Priscila

Priscila

About Me

Hi! I'm Nix, a tattoo artist, creative soul, and explorer at heart. I’m based in São Paulo, Brazil, and I love traveling to connect with new cultures, and people in brazil. Besides tattooing, I also work with visual arts, branding, and photography. I’m always down for deep conversations, spontaneous adventures, and good food. Real underground SP/ZS

Speaking

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Wlianni

Wlianni

About Me

Olá, me chamo Wlianni . Eu sou de Jericoacoara/Ceará e tenho 30 anos. Sou Agente de Viagens e Hoteleira. Apaixonada por viagens , culturas , comidas , danças

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Brazil

Priscila

Priscila

São Paulo

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi! I'm Nix, a tattoo artist, creative soul, and explorer at heart. I’m based in São Paulo, Brazil, and I love traveling to connect with new cultures, and people in brazil. Besides tattooing, I also work with visual arts, branding, and photography. I’m always down for deep conversations, spontaneous adventures, and good food. Real underground SP/ZS

Speaking

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Duda

Duda

Santos

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I'm Duda, a Brazilian girl who's staying in Italy for some time during spring! I used to do social sciences in university but dropped out last year and now I'm studying to get back in another one! I love righting and photography, I'm also a leo and love to go out dancing, for coffe, or just walking around!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Brazil

d

d

About Me

22 year old student from toronto. hoping to meet new people and have some cool experiences :)

Speaking

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Amber

Amber

About Me

Hi there! I’m a fun, social, wine drinking, cheese loving, adventure seeking 30 year old living in Santiago! I just moved to the city from the US and would love for some girls to give me the lowdown! Bonus if you know a few Afro-chileno spots in the area! Open to meeting new girls/people, traveling the world and having fun while doing it!

Speaking

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Safety in Brazil