Is Brazil safe to travel? (Insider Tips) – The Broke Backpacker (2023)

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How safe is Brazil? (Our opinion)

Brazil is perfect for backpackingand one of the coolest travel destinations in South America. The cities are famous forbeaches, partyingAndliving culture,but Brazil is also home to most of theAmazon rainforest.Biodiversity, anyone?

However, Brazil is not what we would call “safe”. At least not really.

There's a lot of danger out there folks. Brazil has everything from untamed wilderness to a high crime rate. This means that a trip to Brazil requires an extra dose of know-how.

see cities ahigh crime rate,That means thefts, muggings and clashes between gangs and the police. You have to be extra vigilant at big festivals like carnival and in the favelas. The latter is essentially a slum and can be very dangerous places.

The weather in Brazil is not always safe either.During heavy rains, flooding and landslides can occur, which can actually cause many deaths.

While it's not exactly the safest country in the world, we'd still say soBrazil is safe to visit.

Is Brazil Safe to Visit? (The facts.)

Tourism in Brazil is growing every year and is an important part of the Brazilian economy. It's one of themain South American travel destinations, and only second in Latin America to Mexico. Pretty popular.

The thing about Brazil, though, is that there isa high rate of violent crime.We mean robberies and murders. Brazil is also an importer of cocaine and part of an international drug trafficking route, so there are a lot of gangs - and poverty - associated with it.

Brazil ranks on the 2020 Global Peace Index126th on a list of 163 countries.So in terms of general peace, security, security, it's not that hot.

There is also arise in anxietyalong the border toVenezuelaabout immigration. Venezuelan authorities have closed the border since February 2019, meaning any further immigration is illegal. Caution should be exercised when traveling near this area.

In addition, someFavelascan be very dangerous. Fugitives can have high levels of crime and the security situation can change from relatively safe to completely unsafe without warning. Shootouts between police and gangs are regular and unpredictable.

Despite this, it is still possible to visit Brazil safelyonly as long as you know what you're doing.Be alert, travel smart and avoid certain dangerous activities to ensure a great journey. All in all, we would say soBrazil is safe to visit right now - with the right preparation and research of course.

Safest Places in Brazil

A little research and caution is essential when choosing where to stay in Brazil. You don't want to end up in a seedy area and ruin your trip. To help you, we have listed below the safest areas in Brazil to visit.

Florianopolis

The capital of Santa Catarina is Florianópolis, and it's the closest thing to perfection. Florianopolis or Floripa is located on a large island connected to the mainland by a single bridge. Life in Floripa is very simple. The beaches are pristine, the pace is relaxed and amusements are everywhere. Floripa can sometimes be more of a resort than a city, but nobody really cares or notices.

The extreme south of Floripa is completely undeveloped. You can find beaches that are literally deserted because they require a hike to reach them. Lagoinha do Leste is the best example of this phenomenon.

São Paulo

If there's a word to describe São Paulo or Sampa, it's urban sprawl. Sao Paulo is big. I mean really damn big. Almost twenty million people live in the metropolitan area. You could walk around the city for weeks and not see nearly everything. However, when you find your niche, it can be a lot of fun.

Due to its massive size, São Paulo is one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the world. The art is unparalleled, the nightlife is endless and the action is constant. Luckily, the best parts of São Paulo are in the central and western districts.

Pantanal

In fact, the Pantanal is considered to be the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world. The chances of seeing animals are huge here; Reportedly even better than the Amazon actually. Native wildlife includes capybaras, giant anteaters, rheas, jaguars and more!

Due to its size, there are several ways to reach the Pantanal. The best access routes are via Campo Grande and Bonito in the southern state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Campo Grande is a large, modern city, while Bonito is an eco-tourist destination that offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Places to avoid in Brazil

In order to have a safe visit, it is important to know the areas in Brazil that are not super safe. Keep in mind that Brazil is quite a famous tourist destination, so wherever you are, you need to watch out for pickpocketing and petty theft.

• Porto Alegre– Located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, it is one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to many gang violence and drug wars.
• Salvador– Similar to Porto Alegre, Salvador also has a very high crime rate. Even locals tend to avoid this city as much as possible.
• Favelas– These are the poorest areas of Brazil. It is in these areas that you will find most of the crime. While tourists don't typically land there, it's still a good idea to actively stay away
• everywhere at night– It doesn't matter where you are in Brazil, going out at night is always a bad idea. Most of the sketchy characters come out after dark, and you definitely don't want to meet them. If possible, stay indoors or stay with a large group when going out at night.

It is important to know that all the places we have just listedCAN be visited, but you need a local guide and do a lot of research beforehand. Some parts of these cities may be safe, but you just can't ignore the high crime rates. Although tourists explore these areas, we recommend avoiding them completely if you want a truly safe trip.

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Of course, you will worry when you visit Brazil. A high crime rate coupled with an unstable political situation and a dangerous nature means you have a lot to think about.

But to help you stay as SAFE as possible on your trips to Brazil, we've compiled a list of our top safety tips for traveling to Brazil.

1. Be aware of your surroundings– Pickpocketing is particularly common in cities. Minimize the risk with aseat belt.
2. don't look rich– flashy jewellery, watches, SLR cameras, designer handbags, clothing, etc. All of these only make you a target.
3. Don't use your smartphone when walking down the street– it could easily be snatched away
4. Don't tour a favela– 1) they are not zoos, 2) the security situation in them is often unstable.
5. But do you know that some favelas are actually pacified– Favelas can be peaceful, but their security status often isconstantly changing.
6. Be careful when using Google Maps in cities– “fastest way”maywalk through favelas. People have actually been harmed by accidentally stumbling into a favela in this way. Stay on the main roads – ALWAYS.
7. Familiarize yourself with the area– maybe your hostel has a hiking tour, maybe you look at your maps at the end, but before you head out you should know a little bit about the country’s location. It pays to appear confident.
8. Hand over the goods– Could be muggersveryhigh andveryarmed. If someone asks for your things, it's best to give them.
9. Stay away from drugs– Human trafficking is widespread. There are often checkpoints in front of nightclubs. Harsh penalties, folks.
10. Don't leave your bags or other things on a table/chair in a coffee shop– they will probably disappear.
11. Pay attention to distraction techniques– Even asking for a cigarette can be a way to make you lose your guard. BEWARE!
12. Be VERY careful with your belongings on beaches- some people will just grab your stuff and push it aside.
13. And don't go to the beaches at night- It's basically a good way to get robbed or attacked.
14. Be careful when using an ATM– keep your cardinsight. It is best to go to one in an official place, e.g. B. a shopping center, in a bank.
15. Do not use the ATM if it looks tampered with– or when shady looking people are around.
16. Stay away from demonstrations– they can become violent. Avenida Paulista, Largo da Batata, historic downtown (São Paulo),Copacabana Strand (Rio de Janeiro) and Esplanada dos Minsterios (Brazil) are known for confrontational protests.
17. Learn some Portuguese– It will definitely help you get around, read menus, communicate with locals, etc.
18. Protect from mosquitoes– Cover up and use a DEET-based repellent; Dengue fever, yellow fever and the Zika virus are on the rise.
19. Watch out for warning flags on the beaches– There are often strong currents so be VERY careful if you go too deep.
20. Shark attacks occur in Recife– so do not go into the water when there are warning signs. people have died.
21. Keep an eye on the news– Heavy rains cause flash floods and landslides, not only in the countryside but also inpoor urban areasto.
22. Note the rainy season– in the north-east from April to July; in the south it runs from November to March.
23. Do research on companies when you head into the rainforest– it's a dangerous place, so only thosepreferablycompany will do it.

There are crime problems in Brazil – as well as natural disasters to worry about. But if you follow our tips, keep your belongings close by, and don't do anything silly (e.g., walk through confusing neighborhoods early in the morning or late at night), you should be fine.

When it comes to solo travel, it's all about us. There are so many benefits of traveling the world solo. you come toChallengeyourself to dowhat you want, when you want; You can learn a thing or two about yourself and grow as a person!

But there are also disadvantages. Apart from gettinglonely and boredYou will be more of a target to yourself.

No worries; There are many other solo travelers doing what you do in Brazil. And we're also here to help with some solo traveler tips to make it a breeze.

• It iseasy to make friends with Brazilians.Even if you don't speak Portuguese, you can at least have a chat with a local. They'll be warm and open, so don't be shy: join the conversation and learn more about this cool country.
• Book yourself insocial hostel.Make sure you do your research, read reviews, and stay somewhere that doesperfect for youIt's a great way to meet, maybe even make, conversations with other travelerstravel companion,and help beat themSolo travel blues.
• take onefree walking tourif your hostel offers one (probably they will). This is a great way to get to know the city you are in, learn more about the area and Brazil as a whole, and even make friends.
• Ask the staff at your hostel about itthe safety of the area.They will likely be locals or know WAY more about the area than you do.
• Travel as light as possible. Carrying too many things around is a) inconvenient and b) means you just have to keep more track of things.keep everythingin a bag- and not too heavy either.
• Don't walk around in confusing areas at night.This is just PLEASE trouble. You'll be a lot more of a target anyway if you're walking around alone, regardless of whether it's a dark and deserted area.
• We recommend that you do not take anything you do not need with you to the beach if you are going alone.It's easy for things to get lost/stolen.
• Stay in touch with people. if you don't have anyget a data simKeeping in touch with people is a good waykeep your feet on the groundAs you travel around make sure you don't get exhausted from what you are doing.

Although it is quite a dangerous country in some respects, it is doable to travel around Brazil alone. AndImpressively!The cities here are amazing and bustling with life, the beach destinations are incredible, the food is immense, the outdoors is stunning and chances are you'll have it all to yourself.

Is Brazil Safe for Female Solo Travelers?

Like many other countries, it's no surprise that Brazil isn'tthe best place for female solo travelers.For one, crime rates are not low. Depending on where you go, you will have a different experience. Big cities are more liberal, traditional areas… not so much.

Most of Brazil is safe for women traveling alone –especially if you stick to the beaten track.But like anywhere in the world, there are additional safety precautions that you should take as a solo female traveler. So here are some tips to help you protect yourself.

• In some places, mainly innortheastern rural areas, there might be more curiosity that you are a female solo traveler. Being aware of the country's diverse ethnic and cultural landscape will definitely help you in your travels.
• Ofshould NOT hitchhike alonein Brasil. We wouldn't feel safe recommending anyone to use this means of getting around here. It's really not safe in Brazil and it can end very badly.
• There are areas in theNordenAndwestof the country that seems to bedominated by men.If you were planning to travel to these regions of Brazil, try not to go alone and instead find someone to befriend.
• It is not a good idea to go to bars and clubs alone in cities. Try to find some peoplebuddy withif you want to go to bars and clubs. You may receive annoyance/unwanted attention while travelling; show disinterest or somethingyou are not happy with itand it will probably stop.
• So to get you some friendsStay in a well-rated hostel.Make sure there are positive reviews from other solo female travelers. This will help you find the safest place possible.
• when you're outsideKeep an eye on your drinkand accept no drinks from strangers. Drink spiking is a reality. Also,drink too muchis also not a smart move.
• In places likeCopacabanaAndIpanema,You'll be able to wear whatever the heck you want. Everyone else does (men included – those Speedos!). Other places are not so liberal. A good rule of thumb is to look at how other women dress to gauge the right attire.
• Use Uber to get around at night.This is easily the safest way to get around Brazil after dark. Walking around alone at night, not so much.
• If you feel overwhelmedgo on a tour. This is a good way to see the country safely. It's definitely not a cop out.

Although it doesn't seem like a safe place to travel, many solo female travelers make their way to Brazil and have a great time.

You just have totravel wisely.In Brazil in particular, this means that you can't really do many things on your own away from the big cities.Jump on a tourbut make sure you research and findthe best company for you.This is probably the safest way.

More on security in Brazil

We've already covered the main security concerns, but there are still a few things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to travel safely to Brazil.

Is Brazil Safe for Families?

Well, Brazil cana little challengesay the least.

But we won't lie - it's a great travel destination. It isdefinitivewill be an experience for you and your family.

Brazil has a family-friendly atmosphere and a family-based society. While there is something to do with families in Brazil,You have to planto ensure a smooth process.

1. Basics: You will want toInsect repellent(complete with DEET), antimalarial medication, sunscreen, and clothing that protects your children from living creaturesAndThe sun.dengue fever and malariaare both present, but mainly in the rainy season from November to March.
2. It's important to make sure your kids are eatingclean foodAndkeep hydratedif in Brazil. Young children are more at risk from things like food poisoning.
3. Public transport can also cause problems when traveling with children. Nightmare rides on hot sweaty buses versus getting offa lotMoney for flights across the country.
4. Traveling around Brazil by car can be convenient, but you will need your own car seats. This can be very cumbersome, especially on short family trips.

Although challenging,Brazil is safe for families to travel to. Best between November and January,it's not that hot and crowdedlike at other times of the year. However, you really need to plan.

Is it safe to drive in Brazil?

Driving in Brazil is doable but can be a headache –especially in cities.

However, if you're the kind of person who likes to travel at your own pace, traveling by car in Brazil will be a rewarding experience. There are definitely a fewrisksalthough.

1. In cities and on busy roadsCarjacking is an issue.It is important to keep your doors LOCKED and your windows CLOSED while driving – especially at traffic lights.
2. Brazilians can be quite passionate drivers. That meansdriving aggressivelyIgnore traffic signs or one-way streets.
3. Another problem is the poor signage. Breakdown vehicles also simply remain on the road.
4. Oh andtorrential rainduring the rainy season isn't exactly fun - it can be dangerous at times.
5. As you might have guessed, Brazil actually has quite a high proportion oftraffic accidents;Thousands of people are killed on the streets every year. This indicates poor driving and road standards. To drive in Brazil it would REALLY help to have aconfident driver.
6. Driving at night can be deadly. Although there is a zero tolerance policydrunk drivingNight drivers are often a little more battered.
7. Busy roads like thatHighway between Rio and Sao Pauloare particularly dangerous.

So no. Brazil is not the safest country to drive in. But if youReallyIf you want to see the country at your own pace, you can drive yourselfSomuch more convenient than public transport in Brazil.

Is Uber safe in Brazil?

As in MANY countries, Uber in Brazil has been through some turbulent times.

The relationship between Uber and Brazil has been something of a rollercoaster ride.

It arrived2014,BUT some rides ended up inKidnapping, robbery and even murder.There have been some pretty nasty experiences from people using Uber in Brazil and quite a few complaints from Brazilian users.

However, Uber has responded with investments$70 millionin aSão PauloOffice supporting Uber's efforts in Brazil.

Uber is mostly safe to use in Brazil, but you shouldn't feela false sense of security just because you use Uber.

To avoid trouble, only accept rides from drivers with lotspositive reviews. There will be Tons of options to choose from so don't be scaredcancelif you are not comfortable with a rider record (or lack thereof).

Uber is available in40 Brazilian cities.

Are taxis safe in Brazil?

It's pretty much a given, but always alicensedTaxi in Brazil is a MUST.

You can find them underlicensed taxi ranksin all cities of Brazil. They come in countless shapes, sizes and colors. Be sure to check the company details on the car's side.

Another way to get a licensed taxi in Brazil is to use aTaxi-App.These obviously work like Uber. But welcome it if you're inside a building so you don't hang out on the street with your phone off.

A popular taxi app is99 Taxi. Very pleasant.

Outside of the big cities, taxis are not metered. This means mustnegotiate a price.Always do this before boarding.

In general, taxis in Brazil are fairly safe. Even safer than Uber. They're cheap, they're reliable, and a great way to get home at night.

Is public transport safe in Brazil?

Public transportation in Brazil is PRETTY safe... depending on where you are and what type of public transportation it is.

Thecity ​​busesare pretty reliable. In each city, these are carried out frequently. For most Brazilians, this is what they use.

Crime can be a problem on these local buses.Robberies are more common in urban areas4 p.m. and 9 p.m.The evening rush hour(s) basically.

InRio de JaneiroAndSão Paulo,you can use the...Metro!

National railways werescrewed backand are now quite limited. There have also been some "security incidents" on the network. Unless you want to make a fewscenic trips,We wouldn't really recommend taking the train anywhere in Brazil. There's a handful of these you can get into,DieSteam train between Sao Joao del Rei for example to Tiradentes.

Flying is also expensive but probably the safest.

Buses in Brazil

That leaves the humble travelerintercity buses.These are surprisingly safe. Most are well maintained and comfortable. Long-distance buses are available at all major transport hubs.

Long-distance bus travel is very popular in Brazil. But like most placesFind out about companies before you travel.Consider the following:

1. On any bus, but especially on the cheap options, DO NOT place valuables under the bus.
2. store valuablesin sight(i.e. under the seat in front of you or above youAndacross the aisle).
3. A small surcharge also helps with possible breakdowns. Opt for a larger company and they are more likely to have oneBackup-Buswho will pick you up and continue the journey.
4. There are three different classes for long-distance buses. Companies that offer air-con, fully reclining seats, refreshments, and pillows for long-haul travel can costtwice as muchas the cheapest option. But then again...24-hour PLUS ridesmight deserve more than a rudimentary seat.
5. Book one of these by stopping by the bus station. Although it isn'ttravel smart.We recommend booking throughClickBus,a bus app/website. This will also give you time to research. Glob.

Is it safe to eat in Brazil?

Food in Brazil isdamn delicious.There's plenty to try.

But you WILL want to stay safe in Brazil when it comes to food as food hygiene standards are not followed everywhere. We've compiled a list of our top food safety tips for Brazil to help you navigate the country with ease.

• Eat in places that arebusy with locals.These are likely to be trusted by locals (duh), so they will bedelicious, and you shouldn't have a problem getting sick from eating there.
• When it comes toStreet vendor,Try to go to places where fresh food is prepared right before your eyes.
• Sometimes the street vendors resellbeachescan be a bit dodgy. Just make sure they at least appear clean.
• There is a REAL abundance ofSeafood in Brazil.Be careful when it comes to shellfish. If it looks bitten off, smells funny, tastes funny, DO NOT EAT IT.
• Make sure you don't buy any fruit or vegetablescan be cleaned and peeled by yourselfbefore you eat them.
• Watch out fortourist traps.These places are often not that clean, just want to make money and don't serve the tastiest food anyway.
• And finally, WASH YOUR HANDS. You could eat in the cleanest placealways,but if your own hands are not clean, you could make yourself ill.
• Are you traveling with an allergy?Research ahead of time how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that shopkeepers and restaurant workers may not be aware of all foods that contain allergens, so it helps to know the names of some of them as well. If you aregluten free, get a handy gluten-free translation card with descriptions of celiac disease, risk of cross-contamination, and local Brazilian ingredients in Portuguese.

Then there is plenty of international cuisine. Let's not forget that Brazil has themlargest Japanese population outside of Japan.Portuguese, African and Italian influences abound. Just be smart about where you choose to eat, and your taste buds and tummy will thank you!

Can you drink the water in Brazil?

Drinking water in Brazil is safe…

…Butnot always.

It is safe to drink the water in itRioAndSão Paulo.

However, most hotels offerfiltered water.That's because the unfiltered stuff is pretty awful and doesn't taste good. You want to bring onereusable water bottleSo you can take some of that liquid gold with you instead of using single-use water bottles.

Outside of these cities, and especially in remote areas, we wouldn't trust the liquid coming out of the taps. Bring iodine tablets, water conditioner, or just boil the water - a minute should do the trick, but add some extra boiling time for higher altitudes.

Another way to feel safe about your water is to bring that with youGRAY GEOPRESS. If you're ever unsure, you can light it up for extra safety (and stomach).

It's always good to bring an insulated water bottle to take your clean water with you and keep it cool during your day adventures.

Is Brazil safe to live in?

There are definitely some issues when it comes to thislive in Brazil. It mostly has to do with thatCrime.

You will probably have to live very differently than you are used to.

It's the kind of place where everyone knows someone affected by crime in some way. And where many people live in guarded apartments or in gated communities - or both.

Brazil has oneculturally diverse landscape.Many foreigners live in Brazil. There will certainly also be cultural differences that you will have to contend with if you live here.

Basically, living in Brazil is not 100% safe and your safety always depends on the city. Again, it depends on where in that city you live. More specifically, what you can afford in terms of housing, driver, etc. also contributes significantly to your safety.

Think long and hard about where you want to settle in Brazil before taking the plunge. This one heredeserves research.LOTS of it!

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Brazil?

It is definitely safe to rent an Airbnb in Brazil, but of course you have to choose the right area. With the reliable rating and rating system, you can not only choose from amazing houses, but you can also get detailed information about the place you want to book. With previous guest reviews, you know exactly what to expect.

Note, however, that hosts can also rate their guests. This usually guarantees a very respectful and uncomplicated visit from both sides.

Is Brazil LGBTQ+ Friendly?

Brazil can be incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, but you have to be in the right area. Rio de Janeiro, for example, is known for being a great destination for queer people, while the more rural areas can be a bit conservative and reserved.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community may face discrimination, but it's nowhere near as bad as in other South American countries. The rights of same-sex people are also quite advanced. There are countless LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, hostels and other facilities.

Brazil Security FAQs

Planning a safe trip to Brazil can be quite overwhelming. That's why we've listed and answered the most frequently asked questions about security in Brazil.

So is Brazil safe?

Brazil is such a huge country that it's difficult to say definitively "yes, it's safe" or "no, it's not safe". The truth is, it's basically BOTH.

Areas of some cities are just as unpredictably violent as it would becompletely stupidto wander into them. Sometimes you'll wonder what all the fuss about gangs and petty crime was all about. The answer as to whether Brazil is safe is therefore essentially:it depends.

It depends on what region of the country you are in (the Northeast isn't that great for thatWomen traveling alonefor example), it depends on what CITY you are in, what part of that city, what time of day, what public transport you travel with, what kind of clothes you wear, what kind of restaurant you have chosen to dine at a restaurant... Yes. you have the ideaThere are many variables to stay safe in Brazil.

We would therefore say that the best way to stay safe when visiting Brazil is to keep it simpleBe extra vigilant at all times.Research which areas of the city you should/shouldn't be in. Pay attention to who is around you.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions are changing daily around the world. We do our best to advise you, but this information may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for the sake of transparencyPlease note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means if you book your accommodation, buy your gear or buy your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). However, we only link to equipment we trust and never recommend services that we believe are not up to date. Thanks again!