This vast country, home to more than 207 million people, certainly has its problems with crime, social inequality and gang violence. But is Brazil safe for tourists to visit? I wholeheartedly say, yes it is.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Brazil really can feel like a tale of two cities. There’s the warm society that basks in the sunshine and then there’s its dark undertow that isn’t always seen or felt, but we all know it’s there.
Is Brazil safe? First, let’s address the elephant in the room
Okay, Brazil has a reputation for being a dangerous country. When you look at the raw stats, Brazil’s murder rate is staggering by anyone’s definition. Bitter rivalries between the nation’s two biggest drug gangs — the Sao Paulo-based First Capital Command (PCC) and Rio de Janeiro’s Red Command — are akin to a civil war. While Brazil is not a poor country, high levels of social inequality mean that poverty is a very real issue within particular communities. Add systematic corruption, police brutality and drug trafficking into the mix, and you start to get a clearer picture of the problems Brazil is facing.
When you travel to any country, it’s important to do so with your eyes wide open. However, just as important is maintaining perspective. As a visitor to Brazil, it’s highly unlikely that you will encounter any of the problems listed above in your day-to-day life.
Firstly, when you strip gang violence out of the crime statistics, the numbers are far less daunting. Secondly, gang violence is largely contained to favela communities, areas that tourists are unlikely to visit. Like anywhere else, there is opportunistic crime, but there are also some common sense steps you can take to keep yourself out of harm’s way.
The reality is that Brazil is actually a safe, warm, welcoming place for visitors. Here are our tips for keeping safe and enjoying your holiday.
Get out of the city
Brazil’s capital cities can be beautiful, exciting places to visit, but like any big city, you need to keep your wits about you. Take our word for it, once you leave the city and get out into the smaller towns and villages that we recommend on this website, you will instantly feel the change in atmosphere. Everything is much more relaxed and laid back. That’s why we love getting off-the-beaten-track in Brazil. We’re certain that you will too.
However, while you’re in the city, keep the rest of these tips in mind.
Blend in
Dress down. Don’t walk around speaking English at the top of your lungs. Avoid wearing expensive clothes or accessories. Forget the jewellery and leave the posh handbag at home. Just do as the locals do. Take a look in the mirror at what you’re wearing and make sure your look doesn’t scream ‘tourist’. For instance, if you’re wearing a bum bag, take it off. Oh, and if you’re planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Brazil, remember to wear all white, or you’ll stick out like a sore thumb!
Don’t show off your valuables
Nothing screams ‘tourist’ like big expensive cameras or walking around town looking at your iPhone, oblivious to your surroundings. If you’re not sure of where you’re going, find a discreet spot to look at your map, then put it away while you walk. Keep in mind that in Brazil, an iPhone X retails for around 6 months’ salary for someone on minimum wage.
Be careful around cash machines and bus stations
After dark, avoid using cash machines and using public transport. Download Uber to your phone – use our promo code 6hkek to get a discount on your first ride. Uber is a cheap and easy way to get around town. If you’re in a bus station, keep to the busy areas so you’re not sitting on your own.
Don’t walk alone at night
Take an Uber home, even if it’s just a short walk. Avoid taking quiet back streets and alleyways if you’re not familiar with your surroundings. Don’t walk along the beach at night – sticking to well-lit, populated areas will help keep you safe in Brazil.
Don’t get too drunk
Buy your own drinks and keep your eye on them at all times. When you’re tipsy, you might think it’s a good idea to walk home, but be smart – take an Uber or hail a licensed cab.
Swim in safe areas
Take advice from locals. When there are flags on the beach, swim between them. And if you swim in the beaches in Recife, you do so at your own risk, as there have been a number of shark attacks there.
Know where you’re going
Don’t go to favelas. If you are following a GPS, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, make sure it doesn’t take you on a route through a favela. It’s exciting to explore a new place, but don’t just wander aimlessly in an unfamiliar city. Chat to the staff at your hotel and find out which areas to avoid. Go with your instincts – if an area feels dodgy, just jump in a taxi and get out of there.
If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be fine.
However, if you do find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, be sure to remain calm and comply as best you can. Then be sure to report any crime to the tourist police.
