Brazil : Safety by City
- Belem
- Belo Horizonte
- Brasilia
- Campinas
- Campo Grande
- Curitiba
- Florianopolis
- Fortaleza
- Foz do Iguacu
- Manaus
- Ouro Preto
- Porto Alegre
- Recife
- Rio de Janeiro
- Sao Paulo
Tucked into the mountains of southeastern Brazil, Belo Horizonte is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais and one of the country’s largest cities.
Often called simply “BH” by locals, it was Brazil’s first planned modern city, inaugurated in 1897 with wide avenues and organized blocks.
Today, it is known for its relaxed lifestyle, incredible food scene, and access to colonial gems like Ouro Preto.
Unlike Brazil’s coastal hotspots, Belo Horizonte does not attract massive waves of international tourism.
That can be a good thing.
It feels more local, less chaotic, and generally calmer.
But safety still matters.
I’ve researched crime data, traveler reports, and local insights to give you a clear, practical breakdown of what to expect.
Warnings & Dangers in Belo Horizonte
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Belo Horizonte is safer than some major Brazilian cities, but it still faces urban crime challenges. Violent crime exists, and certain neighborhoods experience higher rates of robbery and assault. Most tourist visits are trouble free when staying in central, well populated areas and avoiding late night wandering.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Registered taxis and rideshare apps are widely used and generally safe. Uber is extremely popular and affordable. Public buses are functional but can be crowded during rush hour. I recommend rideshare services at night for added security and convenience.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Petty theft occurs in busy commercial zones, public markets, and on buses. While not as aggressive as in some larger cities, distracted tourists can become easy targets. Keep valuables secured and avoid using your phone openly in crowded areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Belo Horizonte is not exposed to hurricanes or earthquakes. However, heavy rains between November and March can trigger flooding and occasional landslides in hillside communities. Travelers should monitor weather alerts during peak rainy months.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Armed robberies do occur, particularly in less affluent neighborhoods and at night. According to Brazilian public security data, Minas Gerais has lower homicide rates than several northern and northeastern states, but urban crime remains a concern. Awareness significantly reduces risk.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There is no significant history of terrorism in Belo Horizonte. Protests and demonstrations happen occasionally, usually around political events, but they are typically peaceful and avoidable.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Tourist targeted scams are less common here than in Brazil’s coastal resort cities. Still, minor issues like overcharging or distraction tactics can occur. Always confirm prices in advance and avoid accepting help from strangers at ATMs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women travel to Belo Horizonte independently without major issues. However, street harassment can occur, particularly at night. Staying in central neighborhoods, using rideshare services after dark, and avoiding isolated streets helps reduce risk.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water is treated and generally safe for locals, but visitors with sensitive stomachs may prefer filtered or bottled water. Many accommodations provide filtered options.
Safest Places to Visit in Belo Horizonte
Several neighborhoods stand out as safer and more visitor friendly.
Savassi is one of the best areas to stay.
It is lively, filled with restaurants, cafés, and shops, and has a strong police presence.
During the day and evening, it feels energetic and well populated.
Lourdes is another upscale neighborhood known for good hotels, fine dining, and a calmer atmosphere.
It is clean, walkable, and popular with business travelers.
The Pampulha district, home to the famous Pampulha Modern Ensemble designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is a cultural highlight.
The lakeside area attracts joggers, families, and tourists during daylight hours.
Central areas near Praça da Liberdade are also pleasant during the day, with museums and green spaces offering safe exploration when streets are busy.
As always in Brazil, daytime exploration in active neighborhoods is typically comfortable.
Nighttime requires more planning.
Places to Avoid in Belo Horizonte
Certain peripheral neighborhoods experience higher crime rates and are not suitable for casual tourist visits without local guidance.
Some hillside communities and outer districts struggle with poverty and gang activity.
Parts of the downtown Centro area can feel deserted after business hours.
Empty streets combined with limited lighting increase vulnerability to robbery.
I would avoid walking alone late at night in Centro unless you know the area well.
Bus terminals and poorly lit transit areas after dark can also attract petty criminals.
Even in safer neighborhoods, quiet side streets at night should be approached with caution.
The key difference in Belo Horizonte is that risk often increases sharply after sunset.
During the day, most central neighborhoods feel relatively manageable.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Belo Horizonte
- Stay in Savassi or Lourdes. These neighborhoods offer the best balance of convenience and security.
- Use Uber at night. It is inexpensive and widely used. Avoid walking long distances after dark.
- Keep your phone discreet. Snatch theft can occur when phones are visible near streets.
- Avoid empty downtown streets at night. Centro becomes quiet after business hours.
- Monitor weather in rainy season. Heavy rains can cause localized flooding.
- Carry minimal cash. Use credit cards where possible and keep backup cash hidden.
- Do not resist if confronted. Personal safety always comes first.
- Research neighborhoods before booking. BH is large, and location matters greatly.
- Avoid flashy clothing and jewelry. Blend in with local style.
- Know emergency numbers. Police emergency number in Brazil is 190.
So... How Safe Is Belo Horizonte Really?
Compared to cities like Rio de Janeiro or some northeastern capitals, Belo Horizonte generally reports lower violent crime rates.
Minas Gerais consistently ranks in the middle tier among Brazilian states for homicide statistics.
That does not mean crime is absent, but it is less intense than in certain high risk regions.
Most crime affecting tourists involves opportunistic theft rather than targeted violence.
Areas like Savassi and Lourdes benefit from visible policing and strong commercial activity, which improves safety.
From what I have seen in reports and traveler feedback, Belo Horizonte is a manageable Brazilian city.
It is not risk free, but it does not carry the same level of international concern as some other destinations.
If you take practical precautions, choose the right neighborhood, and avoid unnecessary risks at night, BH can be an enjoyable and culturally rich destination.
How Does Belo Horizonte Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Belo Horizonte |
45 |
| Rio de Janeiro |
45 |
| Foz do Iguacu |
69 |
| Campo Grande |
67 |
| Florianopolis |
72 |
| Curitiba |
51 |
| Porto Alegre |
21 |
 Kenosha | 74 |
| Longview | 82 |
| Meridian | 84 |
 Andorra la Vella | 89 |
 Puerto Viejo | 52 |
 Montpellier | 48 |
Useful Information
Visas
Brazil allows visa free entry for many nationalities, including travelers from the United States and much of Europe, typically for stays up to 90 days. Always confirm current visa policies before departure, as requirements may change.
Currency
The official currency is the Brazilian Real. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels. For cash, withdraw from ATMs inside banks or shopping centers for better security.
Weather
Belo Horizonte has a tropical savanna climate with warm temperatures year round. Summers are rainy, especially from November to March. Lightweight clothing is ideal, but pack a light jacket for cooler evenings and rain protection during wet months.
Airports
The main airport is Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves International Airport, located about 40 kilometers from the city center. Airport buses, taxis, and rideshare services connect travelers to central neighborhoods in roughly 40 to 60 minutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It can protect you against theft, medical emergencies, and unexpected trip interruptions. Private healthcare in Brazil is good but can be expensive without proper coverage.
Belo Horizonte Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 |
| Low °C |
19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
| High °F |
82 | 84 | 84 | 82 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 82 | 82 |
| Low °F |
66 | 66 | 66 | 64 | 61 | 59 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 64 | 64 | 66 |
Brazil - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Belem | 59 |
| Belo Horizonte | 45 |
| Brasilia | 65 |
| Campinas | 57 |
| Campo Grande | 67 |
| Curitiba | 51 |
| Florianopolis | 72 |
| Fortaleza | 40 |
| Foz do Iguacu | 69 |
| Manaus | 60 |
| Ouro Preto | 69 |
| Porto Alegre | 21 |
| Recife | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 45 |
| Sao Paulo | 50 |
This is SO wrong
This article is wrong in so many ways.
Flooding may indeed occur in some parts of the city during the summer, but overall safety is great in Belo Horizonte.
Also… there’s more than 6.000 kilometers separating Belo Horizonte from Venezuela, so it’s absurd to say the city is near Venezuela’s conflict zones (whatever you call that).
Belo Horizonte is way safer than São Paulo city, which you ranked better.
He's lying
Of course Marcelo from brazil will disagree, I’m telling u people. Don’t trusth random brazilians.
Haha! It’s true!
Don’t trust any Brazilian, I’d say. Still love them though
It’s a crappy city face it my friend.
Stay Away
Ugly city, locals die for white gringos but overall not recommended. Looks like any other ugly brazilian major city.
Meh
Nothing special here.
No me gustó, saludos desde Colombia
i was born in Belo Horizonte, I disagree that it is unsafe, but its definetively not worthy visiting as there is just absolutely nothing to do here. Its a cultureless place. Brazil is amazing, but Belo Horizonte is shit, although the state it is in has lots of very nice places to visit, like Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Inhotim, etc.
The article is exaggerating
Belo Horizonte has its security problems, but this is not what they say is the chaos in the assessment. Compared to Rio de Janeiro, for example, I consider it much safer. The only recommendation, this goes for Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro or any other big city you visit here in Brazil is to be aware of your valuables and not trust strangers. Avoid places and times with little movement. Other than that, make the most of it, Brazil is an amazing country and all of us Brazilians will be with open arms to welcome you!
Can’t get over how the corner pão de queijo still hits at midnight, makes the calmer streets feel friendlier.