Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil requires vigilance in urban areas, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where petty theft, pickpocketing, and express robbery (arrastão) are common. The interior and smaller cities are generally much safer. Following basic security awareness allows most visitors to enjoy Brazil without incident.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution in Brazil. Some areas have increased risk of crime. Avoid favela communities without experienced guides, exercise extreme caution in city centers after dark, and use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Crime is prevalent in urban areas, particularly violent crime. Exercise caution in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and other major cities.
High Street Crime Risk
Petty crime, street robbery, and theft from vehicles are common. Keep belongings out of sight and use ATMs inside bank branches rather than on streets.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Do not physically resist robbery attempts
Avoid walking on beaches after dark
Do not display expensive jewelry or watches
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Keep copies of passport and documents separate
Avoid informal housing developments (favelas) even on guided tours
Be cautious accepting food or drinks from strangers
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival; Brazil's emergency numbers are 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), and 193 (fire).
Yellow fever vaccination is required before visiting the Amazon, Pantanal, or forested interior regions; mosquito repellent with DEET is essential.
In Rio de Janeiro, avoid using your phone on the street; use it inside cafes or restaurants to prevent express theft, which is common throughout urban Brazil.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unofficial or unlicensed taxis (especially near tourist areas and airports) often have manipulated meters or charge foreigners inflated flat rates
How to avoid: Use Uber or 99 app exclusively for transparent pricing. Never hail taxis near airports or major tourist sites.
Unsolicited guide scam
Strangers who approach offering to show tourists around often lead to overpriced stores, inflated entrance fees, or set up robbery situations
How to avoid: Book licensed guides through hotels or reputable agencies. Be politely firm when declining unsolicited assistance.
Distraction theft
One person distracts you while another steals your phone, wallet or bag - common at Carnival, crowded markets, and beaches
How to avoid: Keep phones in pockets, bags closed, and be aware of people entering your personal space unexpectedly.
ATM cloning
Devices attached to ATM card slots copy card information while cameras capture PINs, especially on freestanding street ATMs
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours. Cover keypad when entering PIN. Check for loose card readers.
Fake police officers
Fake police officers stop tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money, then steal cash and cards when victims hand them over
How to avoid: Real police do not perform random currency checks on tourists. If approached, say you will walk to the nearest police station together.
Bar/club drink spiking
Drinks are spiked in some nightclubs leading to robbery or assault, particularly targeting solo travelers
How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended, don't accept drinks from strangers, and go out in groups especially at night.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination strongly recommended (and required for Amazon, Pantanal, and many states). Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus) recommended. Dengue vaccine available. Consult travel doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Water
- Tap water is not safe to drink in most Brazilian cities. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in hotels and proper restaurants is safe (made from filtered water). Bottled water is cheap and widely available.
- Food
- Dengue fever is present year-round (higher risk November-May). Use mosquito repellent with DEET. Zika and chikungunya also present. Food safety: avoid raw vegetables at street stalls and stick to cooked foods. Traveler's diarrhea risk is moderate.
- Facilities
- Brazil has good private hospital networks (Hospital Albert Einstein, Hospital Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo; Hospital Copa D'Or in Rio). Public hospitals are free but crowded and equipment varies. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Brazil is rewarding but requires more vigilance than many destinations. Stay in well-reviewed hostels and hotels in safe neighborhoods (Ipanema/Leblon in Rio, Jardins/Pinheiros in São Paulo). Connect with other travelers via hostel common areas. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially with visible phones. Join organized tours for beaches and nightlife to avoid isolation.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers are common in Brazil and generally report positive experiences. Brazilian culture can be verbally forward (piropos/catcalling is common but typically not threatening). Dress modestly away from beaches. Trust your instincts in nightlife situations - Brazilians are generally helpful to women in distress. Avoid being alone in poorly lit areas and use ride apps exclusively at night.
Families
Brazil is genuinely family-friendly with Brazilians loving children openly. Beach resorts, Fernando de Noronha, Iguazu Falls, and Bonito are excellent family destinations with low crime risk. Teach children not to display electronics. Family-oriented neighborhoods (Leblon, Ipanema, São Paulo's Pinheiros) are generally safe. Keep children close in crowded markets and Carnival events.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex marriage is legal in Brazil and major cities (São Paulo, Rio) have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and neighborhoods (Frei Caneca Street in São Paulo, Santa Teresa in Rio). Public displays of affection are generally accepted in tourist areas and LGBTQ+ venues. Brazil hosts one of the world's largest Pride parades in São Paulo. However, LGBTQ+ hate crimes do occur, particularly in conservative interior cities - exercise appropriate discretion outside major urban areas and tourist zones.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 190
- Medical
- 192
- Embassy
- US: +55 61 3312-7000 (Brasília); UK: +55 61 3329-2300 (Brasília). Most countries have consulates in Rio and São Paulo.
- Tourist Police
- Rio: 197 (Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turismo - DEAT). São Paulo: +55 11 3120-4141 (Delegacia do Turista)