Brazil : Safety by City
- Belo Horizonte
- Brasilia
- Campinas
- Curitiba
- Florianopolis
- Fortaleza
- Porto Alegre
- Recife
- Rio de Janeiro
- Sao Paulo
Brazil’s São Paulo is what some call a concrete jungle.
Located in southeastern Brazil, it sits perched atop the Serra do Mar mountain range.
This megacity is the financial heart of Latin America.
It also has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.
São Paulo is home to the world’s largest gay parade and has a culinary scene similar to that of Paris or New York.
The city is known for both its vibrant culture and its urban challenges.
With 12 million residents, it is no wonder travelers wonder whether São Paulo is safe to visit.
Warnings & Dangers in Sao Paulo
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
São Paulo is a megacity with mega extremes. It is safer than other cities in Brazil, especially when it comes to homicides, but it is a high-risk venue for petty crime and muggings. Although the overall risk is medium, there is a caveat. Travelers must be aware of their situation and surroundings at all times. Some areas are safer than others. São Paulo is a city that values its tourist economy. As a result, there are tourist-friendly districts. If you stay aware and keep safety in mind, you can enjoy your time in São Paulo.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Public transport, especially the Metro, is typically safe during the day. Buses and bus stations can be hubs for pickpocketing, though. At night, the risk rises significantly. Travelers should be prepared to use ridesharing apps such as Uber or official radio taxis. Avoid hailing cars on the street or walking in the dark.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
In a city the size of São Paulo, it won’t surprise the seasoned traveler that pickpocketing is an issue. It is a profession for some of the locals living there. High-risk areas such as Avenida Paulista, the historic center, and outdoor markets tend to be rife with pickpockets. They will work in groups, with someone providing a distraction, while others commit theft. When out, tourists should keep their phones out of sight. Also, it’s best to avoid wearing flashy jewelry or luxury brand bags. They draw attention.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Rainfall is a constant threat in São Paulo, Brazil, especially between November and March. During this time, the city is prone to sudden, torrential downpours that lead to flash flooding and landslides. During these heavy storms, everything in São Paulo stops. This can mean significant delays for travelers, more than life-threatening risks.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Mugging and pickpocketing are professions in São Paulo, and the main targets are tourists. This can involve anything from a quick mugging to steal a phone to armed robbery. Crimes are even common in the good neighborhoods of the city. Criminals often travel on bikes or motorcycles and approach their victims on the sidewalk. If confronted, it is best to hand over what they ask for and not to resist. The crimes can become violent quickly.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Brazil is not a country with a history of domestic or international terrorism that targets travelers. The government monitors threats continuously, but there is no evidence of active terrorist cells in this country. The city does have a significant police presence, but the focus is more on organized crime and the drug trade.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
In a city the size of São Paulo, there are bound to be scams: taxis, especially independent ones, often overcharge. There is also a risk of ATMs that skim card data. People may walk by a tourist and “accidentally” spill something on them. While they help clean up, someone else steals the wallet. Tourists should avoid or ignore residents who offer advice on banks or ATMs. Stick with ATMs in secure buildings, such as banks or malls.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women traveling alone in São Paulo is common. The culture is progressive, so it is generally safe. Like any tourist, women need to be aware of what is going on around them at all times. They should avoid walking alone, whether at night or during the day, in deserted areas. Women should stick to well-populated, well-lit neighborhoods such as Pinheiros or Jardins.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Although the water in São Paulo goes through a treatment process, the aging infrastructure can contain contaminants that will make you sick. Stick with bottled water while in the city. The hotel may offer filtered water that should be safe. If you are not sure, ask to verify.
Safest Places to Visit in Sao Paulo
For those wanting to travel to São Paulo but stay in the safer areas, target the West and South Zones.
This would include Jardins, which is the most prestigious and secure neighborhood.
It features high-end boutiques and some of the best restaurants in the city.
Because Jardins is in an affluent neighborhood, it also has a significant police presence.
It is a place tourists can safely walk around during the day.
Other good options are Pinheiros and Vila Madalena.
These neighborhoods offer a more trendy vibe with art galleries, cafés, and vibrant nightlife.
Make sure to apply some common sense there, especially at night.
Use either rideshare programs or dispatched taxis to get around and avoid walking distances at night.
Ibirapeura Park is a secure option for museum hopping.
Most of the museums sit in the same area, so you can use the park to go from the Museu de Moderna Art to the Afro Brazil Museum and then to the Biennial Pavilion.
Places to Avoid in Sao Paulo
The most dangerous neighborhood in São Paulo is Cracolândia, and anywhere near Luz station.
It is a place heavy with drug use and crime.
It is off-limits to tourists.
The historic center is a place many travelers like to visit.
It is known for its beautiful architecture, but it can be dangerous after business hours and on weekends.
Periferia, the city’s outskirts in the North and East Zones, has very little police presence.
Also, travelers should avoid favelas or shantytowns.
In other areas of Brazil, the shanty towns are favorites to visit as part of guided tours.
In São Paulo, they are unmonitored and home to many organized crime groups.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Sao Paulo
- Don’t be a target: When traveling in a city like São Paulo, it’s important to do so as unobtrusively as possible. Wearing a flashy watch or carrying an expensive phone or camera makes you stand out. Keep expensive items tucked away and leave them at the hotel. Try to blend in as much as possible. You can be a tourist without looking like one.
- Carry two phones: Carry a dummy phone, like an inexpensive pay-as-you-go model, with you. That way, if you get mugged, you give up the cheap phone and keep your more expensive one hidden away, preferably in your waistband or a hidden pocket.
- Use rideshares: Rideshare programs have a digital footprint and provide a vetted driver. If you go on the street and try to hail a taxi, you don’t know what you’re getting, especially at night. When ordering a car, always check the license plate to make sure it is the right one before getting in.
- Don’t use your phone in public: Go old-school for maps, if necessary. If you do need to use your phone, step inside a local shop or café. Also, don’t use your phone while sitting inside a car near a window.
- Only use ATMs during the day: Choose ATMs that are inside a bank or shopping mall and only take money out during the daylight hours. Avoid outdoor ATMs. They are prone to skimming devices and provide no protection from people who want to look to see what you are doing.
- Carry a backup: You’ll want to carry at least one backup credit card and leave it in the hotel safe. Also, leave a copy of your passport there for safekeeping. Take the absolute necessities only when you go out.
- Learn some basic Portuguese: This is important any time you travel to a country that speaks a different language. You should be able to ask for directions and understand them, and say “excuse me” and other polite statements. If you ask directions and struggle to understand them, you make yourself a target for onlookers.
- Watch out for Motoboys: Motorcycles are tools used for robbery in São Paulo. They’ll drive right up the sidewalk to grab a bag or phone. If you see a motorbike coming up the street, move away or slip into a local business.
- Don’t roll the car windows down: If you are in a car, keep the windows up and the doors locked. Thieves sit at traffic lights and watch for vulnerable people. They can walk up to you at a light, snatch your phone or bag, and run away.
- Trust your instincts: If something looks off, assume it is and move on. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a street seems too quiet, change directions. São Paulo is a city where your intuition can be a powerful tool.
So... How Safe Is Sao Paulo Really?
Statistically, São Paulo has seen a dramatic decrease in violent crime, including homicides, in the last two decades.
The tourist trade has a lot to do with this drop.
Travelers benefit the local economy.
It is one of the safest capitals in Brazil in terms of violent crime.
However, property crime is more common.
Cell phone theft and light kidnappings, where someone is held for a few hours to take money from their bank accounts, are a problem in the city.
For travelers, São Paulo is as safe as you make it.
It is a city that requires you to remain vigilant.
If you walk around wearing expensive jewelry or carrying a high-end smartphone, your chances of getting robbed are high.
If you dress more like the locals and stay in the designated green zones, such as Jardins, the risk drops to a safer level.
The danger in São Paulo is concentrated, so if the average traveler uses some common sense and stays in the cultural hubs, it is a safe place to visit.
Choosing to visit São Paulo is a bit of a calculated risk, but it can be a rewarding adventure when done safely.
How Does Sao Paulo Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sao Paulo |
50 |
| Porto Alegre |
21 |
| Curitiba |
51 |
| Brasilia |
65 |
| Belo Horizonte |
45 |
| Florianopolis |
72 |
| Campinas |
57 |
 Belgrade | 70 |
 San Jose | 59 |
 Regina | 74 |
 Drogheda | 72 |
 Longview | 82 |
| Chandler | 64 |
Useful Information
Visas
As of April 10, 2025, Brazil officially reinstated visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia. You must apply online for a visa via the e-Visa, VFS Global, portal at least two weeks before the trip. The cost is roughly $81, and a visa lasts for 10 years in the U.S. With it, you can stay in the country for 90 days a year.
Currency
The currency in São Paulo is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Most areas in the city will accept Visa or Mastercard, so it is a good idea to have some cash for small purchases. You can exchange your currency at official Câmbio shops located in malls or at the airport. Avoid exchanging money on the street if possible. The rates will be higher with street vendors.
Weather
São Paulo has a humid subtropical climate. From December to March, you can expect warm days and lots of rain. In the winter, from June to August, the temperature is milder. The weather day to day is a bit unpredictable, though. You may experience all four seasons in one day. Dress in layers to accommodate these shifts.
Airports
There are two main airports in São Paulo: Guarulhos (GRU), which serves international flights, and Congonhas (CGH), which serves domestic flights. GRU is about 30km from the city center. You can reach your hotel via an authorized airport taxi or Uber.
Travel Insurance
Look for insurance that covers theft of electronic devices and emergency medical care. The private hospitals in São Paulo are top-notch if you have insurance.
Sao Paulo Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
27 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Low °C |
18 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| High °F |
81 | 82 | 79 | 75 | 72 | 70 | 70 | 73 | 73 | 75 | 77 | 79 |
| Low °F |
64 | 66 | 63 | 59 | 55 | 52 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 59 | 61 | 63 |
Brazil - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Belo Horizonte | 45 |
| Brasilia | 65 |
| Campinas | 57 |
| Curitiba | 51 |
| Florianopolis | 72 |
| Fortaleza | 40 |
| Porto Alegre | 21 |
| Recife | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 45 |
| Sao Paulo | 50 |
I am from middle east. will they think i am a tourist when im there? cus my skin color is likely the same as brazilian people
You will love Brasil
Once you speak, they will know you are a tourist. I have been to Sao Paulo and trust me, the people are great. They are friendly and very helpful. They look upon it as an honour you are visiting their country and they are proud of their country. There was no racism or anti colour feeling there that I saw. You will love the place.
People are not helpful if your skin is brown or darker, just don’t go. This review is simply not true.
São Paulo is a great city
I spent a year in São Paulo in the Jardin neighborhood. Walked all hours of the night and never had an issue. In other areas of the city, of course, there are problems.
Stay at the Renaissance off Paulista it’s a great safe neighborhood as much as a big city can be safe.
UWu
Many places such as rio de janeiro and sao paulo are majority white so no
Brazilians minimize everything
They are not. Brazilians love to say that but it’s simply not true. I’d say in SP people are around 30-35% fully white. Then you get around 40% who are mixed and brazilians call them(selves) white but they wouldn’t be classified as white in North America (or even in Australia). Finally, the rest are simply not white and not mixed.
Yes, we will, plus you’re not welcome.
Nice
Nice brudda. How interesting. thanks for sharing bro. Thanks for letting me know. Thanks for sharing info. I got knifed in the back of the head bro. Rip bro.
Agreed
Some guy shot at but I dodged the bullet so you’ll probs die
My opinion about São Paulo
As a Brazilian I would say that São Paulo is a melting pot (I myself am descendant of Japanese) and you may be mistaken at first for a local. However, racism is present and if you come to São Paulo you’ll notice that if you go to nice and rich neighborhoods the majority of people you will find there will be white. Sadly, it’s true that if your skin color is brighter you will be treated better than someone with darker skin. It’s not always, but it happens a lot.
Last but not least, just to align expectations, let me tell you that São Paulo is just a very large city, good for business, qirh nice restaurants, but not full of nature as some foreigners would expect of any Brazilian city.
It really depends
It’s alright, São Paulo is safe is certain areas but if you’re in a sketchy looking place, then trust your gut.
It's a great city
I was born in São Paulo and still live here. I am 30 years old and have never been mugged, stolen or suffered any kind of violence. I’m not saying that it doesn’t happen here, but it changes a lot from one place to another. If you are going to tourist places, just be aware of your surroundings and don’t be too naive. Streetwise is a differential.
Beware brazilians opinions
Stop lying mate, you know your city is only safe compared to Rio which is one of the most violent places in the western hemisphere.
Kidnapped, tortured, made homeless and robbed
He is lying: when I was in Sao Paulo I was kidnapped in a fake hotel by people that either were or were linked to terrorists, tortured by the police who used pharmocological torture. I had my computer stolen, bought another had this one stolen, had my phone stolen: when kidnapped. I also had my passport stolen at knife point in GRU airport, and had to go effectively homeless because I could not discern how to make sure any hotel was real and not for kidnapping. When I got back to the airport the people that I had my flights with would not let me use their phone to call my embassy. Instead they said they would call but would not because obviously as a white British westerner I somehow am at fault that their country is not a first world country. I ended up in the airport for almost a month. Its an extremely dangerous country which In say people should avoid at all cost.
Well, if it's true it wasn't your day!
I’m Brazilian although the country isn’t safe at all your story sounds phony. Sorry, it’s too “fantastic”, almost a psychological thriller by David Lynch.
Golden rule
The golden rule is to exercise caution when walking on streets or other public places. Even during the day. Do not stop to talk with strangers who come with some persuasive talk or some ordinary question. By night, avoid nearly any street walking, with the exception of crowded restaurant and bar streets such as those from Vila Madalena neighborhood. Said that, everything else tend to be pretty safe.
Be keen.
The rule is be cautious. If you ever lose direction, don’t show it out, read ch out for map and get yours ass fixed. Teens are equally malicious in the city.
Don't go
How is São Paulo mediumly safe? Muggers can smell turists in 10miles. There is a 0% chance that you will not be mugged if you come from outside south America and if you stay here long enough. Locals saying “I have never been mugged” OF COURSE! YOU ARE BRAZILIAN!! Brazilian come out of their houses with no wallet, no purse and dressed like they are entering a favela. Of course they don’t get mugged. If they are rich they simply never leave their safe places, they never take a walk, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. I dare you going out for drinks in ANY fancy neighborhood (NOT SKETCHY ONES, it would be too easy to get mugged there) and walking there without getting mugged. I also dare you to put your phone in your bag in ANY form of public transportation. Let’s see how many seconds it lasts. Especially if you are from Europe.
Now I will go down the rabbit hole that this website is to find out which city has earned a worse classification of São Paulo, asking myself how is that even possible, unless you count Rio or those states in Brazil with saints names in it.
(Also ref: I am from Southern Europe and I have been working and living in pinherios, São Paulo for 5 years)
Tru
Yeah good shout
10000000% accurate!! don’t trusth brazilians specially in this kind of websites!
I worked in Brookling Paulista and I agree with you, city is big and that’s why it has big companies but is simply… TRASH.
Ugliest largest city in South America
It’s extemely misleading about getting scam… in real life brazilians deal with scammers everyday, they call them ‘golpistas’. If you are a gringo your chances or getting scammed are VERY HIGH.
City is extremely unsafe near downtown, and very unsafe and dangerous around Avenida Paulista and somewhat in the rest of the neighborhoods. Don’t trust brazilians about it being ‘safer than Rio’. Río has war-like statistics, so maybe even Bagdad is safer than Rio!
They say São Paulo is richer state in Brazil but city is very poor… you will see some rich people living in bunker-like towers and using helicopters but 90% of the city is ugly and quite poor. Graffities and homeless everywhere, small streets of 40cm wide with no threes and ugly houses or buildings (usually you only will see a fence in decay). I suggest you to check on google street view how people live there before you dare to go.
Also, avoid it all cost if you african american. People are racist and hate crime is rampant trough whole city.
STAY AWAY
Odds
It wasn’t worth my time and they tried to scam me several times. At least Rio is ugly and dangerous but has Pao de Acucar; São Paulo it’s just ugly and dangerous.
Didn't enjoy it but i was in a cruiser
Agree with most of reviews here
Agree with the negative reviews, seems than most of the ones who gave positive comments are brazilians or in love with one…
HORRID
Extremely dangerous for woman, been there and regret it.
I had one of my worst times down there.
Brazil not worth it
I visited Brazil once and that is the only South-American country I will never visit again for sure. People are not helpfull and not friendly. I did not experience any robberies or crime activities but damn, it just is not a nice place to be. I suggest going to Colombia or central-american countries like Panama and Costa Rica, much much better and people there are sincerely friendly unlike to Brazil. Sad because it could be a top destination, but that country is just fkd up due to corruption and crime
Not hot water
They don’t have hot water and sanitation is bad
got stabbed went to hospital got bad disease
Safe if you aren't easy target
Shame to see all the negative reviews. I spent 3 months in SP. I am a tall, white male that is clearly a foreigner.
I stayed in the nicer parts of the city (think Jardins/Itaim) and never had an issues except losing my phone at a nightclub (I ended up recovering it).
There were a few times where I walked alone at night, and while I was definitely on-guard, never had any problems. I carried myself with confidence. Never made myself an easy target.
I went out / partied a lot. There were plenty of times where I was sauced af, but still, no issues. Those 3 months in SP were amazing.
What made my experience safer and better was I had local brazilian friends who live there, and I also spoke conversational Portuguese.
I hope to return soon!
I know you were there because I can tell by your story which is the exact same story as mine except I was there for a year in the same location.
I would leave O’Malley’s all hours of the night and walk back to the Renaissance with no issues. Ali the owner of O’Malley‘s told me it was safe but be aware.
Felt safe, but you can’t be naive
I’ve had a similar experience during my time in Brazil. Many travelers are arrogant, naive and don’t plan ahead. If you don’t speak any portuguese or know anyone you’re more likely to have issues. I’ve been here for a month and go out constantly. Never had an isse and I find Brazilians helpful if you try and apeak portuguese
I felt safe
I personally been to both. São Paulo and Rio and at no point did I ever feel scared for my life or unsafe. I was however accompanied by a local Brazilian. Mostly traveled in a group of 3 but did walk alone a night a few times to grab food. I however am a black man . I did experience colorism though. If you’re dark skin they will automatically assume you don’t have any money which honestly is fine by me. They weren’t Harassing me on the beach to buy sunglasses like they did my white counterpart. Nice how far the dollar stretches down there. You can easily ball out for a few hundred dollars out there.
I loved brazil very nice place welcoming people hardworking and friendly
I have been to brazil and found it a very nice respectful safe place I’m a tourist there and just loved the culture people and the food and drink. Like any where just take precautions when out and about especially at night. It’s not safe to travel on your own at night especially as a woman and I do agree on what others have said. I was alone female travelling to brazil on my own and went throughout brazil caught buses trains went on cable cars etc never had a problem I made sure I had little money on me I made sure when I took taxis they was from booked from airport or hotel and I didnt walk alone in any streets I wasnt confident about. Its using your common sense and just having caution and taking responsibility. Respect the locals they are lovely very welcoming friendly hardworking people yes they are dangers about but you can minimised the risk by taking advice from locals and taking responsibility too using common sense dressing down not showing off valuables money and using licenced taxis
There’s something special about the energy in São Paulo, especially when you’re wandering through the market and trying all the different foods.
There’s something incredible about the vibe in São Paulo; the mix of cultures and energy feels like a constant celebration of life, especially when you’re wandering through the markets or getting lost in the art scene.
Not sure if I’d call it the capital of rich people, but the nightlife definitely has its moments, just don’t expect the beach vibes.
It’s easy to get lost in the energy of São Paulo, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the city’s charm often hides its real urban struggles.
Navigating the hustle and bustle of São Paulo felt like diving into a whirlwind of flavors and cultures, and I must say, that food scene really keeps your taste buds on their toes!
Sure, they hype it as the financial heart of Latin America, but after squeezing through a crowd that felt like a chunk of those 12 million people to reach a tiny food stall, I came away half convinced the city is both a bit chaotic and somehow worth the mess.
So after getting stuck in two-hour traffic and clinging to a packed metro while the coxinha smell makes you hungry, are you actually telling me São Paulo is just a concrete jungle?