Is Brazil safe for tourists? Things to know before you travel to Brazil

Brazil is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, offering stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural experiences. At the same time, many visitors are concerned about safety due to the country’s relatively high crime rates. The good news is that with some planning and awareness, tourists can enjoy Brazil without undue risk. Safety varies widely depending on where you go - major cities typically come with higher risks, while smaller beach towns, coastal resorts, and national parks tend to be much safer.

This guide explores how safe Brazil is for travellers in general, whether Brazil is safe for female travellers, and provides practical tips to stay safe while exploring this amazing country.

Ready to plan your trip to Floripa - Brazil's safest city? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Florianopolis > Find cheap bus tickets to Floripa

Is Brazil safe for tourists?

Brazil is a country of contrasts when it comes to safety. National crime rates are high by international standards, but most incidents are concentrated in specific areas that tourists are unlikely to visit, such as favelas and peripheral neighbourhoods of major cities. For travellers who stick to tourist zones, use rideshare apps at night, and avoid displaying valuables, the risks are considerably lower. The main concern for visitors is theft, particularly in crowded places such as beaches, markets, and public transport.

The level of safety also varies greatly depending on the destination - and there are a huge number of beautiful destinations in Brazil that are very safe for tourists. Southern capitals such as Florianópolis and Curitiba are consistently ranked among the safest in the country. Islands and popular tourist beach towns like Fernando de Noronha, Itacare, Pipa, and Morro de São Paulo record very low levels of tourist-targeted crime. National parks and the surrounding towns are also considered very safe, such as Lencois in Chapada Diamantina.

Violent crime against tourists is much less common but is more likely to occur in Brazil's large urban cities, especially in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, and Recife. Larger cities pose higher risks because incidents happen directly in tourist areas.

Attending major events with large crowds, such as Carnival, inherently comes with highest risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing. See my full guide to how to stay safe at street parties, including specific tips on how to pack your bag.

For security-conscious travellers, Brazil can absolutely be visited safely, but it requires a little planning, situational awareness, and a willingness to follow local safety advice. If you are concerned about safety, see my list of the safest cities in Brazil for tourists, as well as my list of safe tourist destinations that includes small towns and national parks.

Is Brazil safe for female travellers?

In short, yes. Many women - including myself - solo travel Brazil and have positive experiences. Visiting Brazil's major cities requires the same level of caution for women as visiting any country with high urban crime rates. In smaller tourist towns, particularly the beach towns mentioned above, safety concerns are considerably lower.

For the most part, women face the same types of risks as male tourists. The crimes most commonly reported are opportunistic thefts, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, which occur in crowded areas, on public transport, or at busy tourist sites. These incidents are far more frequent than gender-based crimes like sexual assault or harassment, which, while possible, are less likely. Being aware of your surroundings, securing valuables, and following general safety precautions will mitigate the majority of risks, regardless of gender.

Having said that, risks specific to women are important to acknowledge. Harassment can occur in large cities, especially in busy urban areas and nightlife districts. Unwanted advances are most likely to happen at parties and clubs, and being calm but direct in saying no is generally effective. Crowded bars and clubs can pose risks such as drink spiking, so it is important to watch drinks being poured, keep them in sight, and never accept drinks from strangers.

Basic precautions can make a significant difference. Avoid walking in deserted areas at night, particularly beaches and quiet streets. Using rideshare apps like Uber or 99 after dark is safer than walking, even for short distances.

For women in particular, choosing accommodation in well-reviewed neighbourhoods, going out at night in groups, and staying aware of cultural norms can help minimise risks. Planning and situational awareness are the most effective protective strategies - so having a plan to leave a venue or call a rideshare quickly is useful.

Tips to stay safe as a tourist in Brazil

• Use a money belt to carry your passport, bank cards, and emergency cash. Keep it under your clothing so it is not visible, and avoid regularly taking items in and out of it in public. Additionally, consider a anti-theft fanny pack that has lockable zippers and cannot be cut.

• Keep your phone out of sight when it is not in use, particularly in crowded areas, on buses, or at traffic lights. Quick grab-and-run thefts are among the most common crimes affecting tourists.

• At night, avoid walking alone in dark areas. Stick to well-lit and populated areas at night, particularly in city centres or near beach promenades. Empty streets or quiet back alleys are higher-risk environments, even in otherwise safe cities.

• At night, rely on rideshare apps like Uber or 99. These services are considered safer and more reliable than street taxis as they are tracked through the app. Always pay with credit card through the app, and set it up before going out. Drivers rarely carry correct change for cash payments.

• Avoid taking valuables to the beach. Bring only the essentials that you need for the day. If you plan to swim, ask someone you trust nearby to watch your belongings, as unattended bags are the most common target for theft.

• Avoid flashy expensive jewellery. Items that stand out can attract unwanted attention in crowded places, especially in busy tourist zones or on public transport. It's ok to wear regular, inexpensive jewellery.

• Do not take out large amounts of cash, since almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit or debit cards. When paying by card, always look at the machine and check the value on the screen before tapping.

• Get a Wise Virtual Card - One of the great benefits of using Wise is that you can create virtual debit cards in the app, and add them to your Google or Apple Pay, to use like a regular card. It's a great security hack, because if your card gets cloned, you can cancel it and won't have lost a physical card that is hard to replace.

• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than on the street. These indoor machines are less exposed to card skimming and opportunistic robbery, and they usually have security guards nearby. See my guide to the best ATMs for tourists.

• Listen to local advice from your hotel staff or tour guides about which areas are safe and which to avoid. Locals have up-to-date knowledge about security conditions that may not appear in guidebooks.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil