Is Brazil safe for female travelers? Short answer, Yes. But this is a nuanced question, so I will dive deeper into sharing the context in which this is important, the safest cities in Brazil, what to expect in Brazil as a female traveler (whether you are going solo or in a group), how to stay safe, where to stay, and if you’d like, a safety checklist for your upcoming trip to Brazil. 

Why Safety in Brazil Is a Common Question

Even as a woman and a frequent traveler, I thought about safety in Brazil the very first time I went. Then the second, then the 3rd. The truth is, regardless of the country where I go, I always think about safety. But in the specific case of Brazil, my radar was heightened because of the popular media misconception that we have about countries in South America. Never mind how close the Brazilian culture is to the African culture, the similarities and the fact that people welcomed me with open arms: at the back of my head, I thought I always had to watch my back. But after having traveled to Brazil 3 times: first as a duo, second as a solo female and third in a group, I can confirm that Brazil is a safe country just like any other, and you only need to apply common safety rules, and “common sense” habits when traveling through the country.

 The Short Answer: Is Brazil Safe for Female Travelers?

Yes, Brazil is safe for women travelers, whether you go there solo or in a group. But just like any other country, safety depends on where you go, how you travel, and when (the time of day) you travel.

Comparing popular cities in Brazil like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, I would say they are as safe as New York City or Paris. So, just like when you would travel to those cities, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings (but not afraid).

Why People often Think Brazil is not Safe for Women

One of the reasons is the popular image that people have about Brazil (and many other South American countries). I won’t dive too much into this, because I think if you’re still reading, you know what I mean. Another reason why people might think Brazil is not safe for women could be because of socio-economic inequality and how it affects crime patterns. However, let’s be honest: these inequalities are real in every single country. Yet, we don’t generalize and consider them unsafe, do we?

When it comes to crime, just like in very populated countries, it tends to also be localized and not random. So, it is very unlikely for you to be attacked unprovoked. The other aspect to consider is where you are exploring: tourist zones vs residential areas. From what I have observed exploring Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, tourist zones in Brazil are very secure (with law enforcement officers) on site. At no point during my (multiple) stays, did I feel in danger going to popular tourist spots, taking photos or eating at restaurants. 

Safest Cities and Areas in Brazil for Female Travelers

Based on my experience having explored Brazil a few times, I would say every city has a level of safety, and the safest areas to be at are where the tourists are. I have been to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Brasilia (the capital – no, it is not Rio), and I always felt safe in popular touristy areas. And even when I would go to malls and shopping centers where locals would spend time, I did not feel unsafe as a female traveler. One area where I would recommend being cautious though, regardless of where you go in Brasil, is the favelas. Favelas are residential neighborhoods where Brazilians of different socio-economic levels live, and they are not considered your “typical tourist areas”. Because of that, they tend to be very territorial and going there on your own might put you at risk. Nonetheless, some tour operators offer guided favela tours. In those instances, you can go but only if you are accompanied by a professional, recognized and official tour operator. 

Beach towns and popular tourist attractions in Brazil like the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Sugarloaf mountain, are also safe to navigate on your own, even if you are traveling solo. 

Solo Female Travel in Brazil: What to Expect

As a solo female traveler anywhere in the world, you always need to be aware of your surroundings. So, when it comes to Brazil, it is not any different. Be mindful of how you dress when you go out in the daytime and the night time, make sure all your electronics are always secured, and don’t brandish your phone openly in public spaces, and don’t stay out too long at night especially if you are alone.

Brazilians are very respectful of women, and they are also very friendly. If you are not used to south American culture, you might feel as if they are a bit flirty or being disrespectful, but friendliness towards women is part of their culture, and oftentimes it means no harm. They also compliment women a lot, and that would be a good thing to get used to!

Common Safety Concerns for Women in Brazil

When traveling to Brazil as a woman, you might be concerned about pickpocketing, your phone being stolen, catcalling or even harassment. But I personally did not experience any of that. I was always in tourist areas, and even hanging out with some locals, I always felt respected and celebrated. Like in any other countries, you might encounter specific scams targeting tourists, but these are not specific to Brazil.

In terms of transportation, I used Uber everywhere in Rio de Janeiro because every tourist attraction was about a 20-30 minute ride. Except of course for the Barra Beach, which was steps away (15 mins walking) from the hotel in Rio de Janeiro where I stayed. Another perk of that hotel (apart from the proximity to the beach and the breakfast included), was the fact that they also provided a shuttle to the beach at regular time intervals. And this worked perfectly for me.

Accommodation Safety: Where to Stay in Brazil

Whether you are going to Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Bahia, Sao Paulo or Brasilia, there are multiple options of where to stay in Brazil, based on your budget: from hotels (with multiple stars) to Airbnbs. Everything depends on your budget and your preferred location. If you are traveling solo, I would recommend staying at hotels downtown or close to the tourist sites you want to visit. If you are choosing an airbnb, make sure it has good reviews and high ratings. During my stay in Rio de Janeiro, I was at the Radisson Barra hotel. I found it was affordable, had different price points, and was conveniently located near one of Rio’s most popular beaches. In addition, breakfast was included in my room rate so I did not have to worry about that aspect of my stay. Finally, there is a shopping mall 2 minutes away from the hotel, which added to its convenience. 

All in all, convenience and safety are the most important elements to take into consideration when choosing where to stay in Brazil.

As you can see, Brazil is a safe country for you to visit as a female traveler, whether you are going solo or in a group. And here are some additional safety tips that I want to share with you, that would apply for visiting any country. 

11. Practical Safety Tips Every Female Traveler Should Know

Regardless of where you are going in the world, here are some practical safety tips that I would always recommend:

• Be mindful of what you wear as a woman
• Protect your valuables: don’t flaunt your electronic devices and gadgets especially at night, in overcrowded environments
• Learning a few local sentences and words always help in case of emergencies: “Hello, thank you, I need help, I am not feeling well”.
• Always be connected wherever you go: I recommend using an e-sim when you travel, to make sure that you have data connection at all times (I have used Airalo internationally, in the USA, Europe, and South America and it has worked well for me)
• Have a notebook with emergency numbers at home, and quick contacts at your destination (embassy, police, hospital, hotel where you are staying). 

Final Verdict: Should Women Travel to Brazil?

Yes, absolutely! Once you follow simple, practical advice to stay safe when traveling, you will be fine. Brazil is a country that has so much to offer. Do not deny yourself the opportunity of exploring it because of fear. So pack your bags, be safe and wise, and have an amazing time!