21 Jul 21 Dos and Don’ts to Travel Safe in Brazil

Posted at 20:04h in Brazil, Solo Travel by
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Sunrise at Dois Iramos or Two Brothers in Rio de Janeiro

When I mention that I traveled to Brazil (majority of the time alone) one of the first questions I always get is, “Is Brazil safe to travel to?” Or more specifically, did I feel safe as a solo female traveler in Brazil. Both are fair questions, and my answer is…it’s complicated. 

In short, yes, Brazil is safe enough to travel to – but read my more in-depth response here. My personal experience is that I had no negative incidents involving safety or theft while in Brazil and I loved the country so much I stayed for 3 months and would go back in a heartbeat. However, I simultaneously know many tourists who were victims of theft in Rio de Janeiro especially. 

You could call me lucky that nothing happened to me, which is fair because sometimes things just happen. But I was also extremely cautious and extremely aware. Specifically, I followed the tips mentioned in this blog post and I think that made a huge difference. 

So if you’re traveling to Brazil, here are 21 dos and don’ts to stay safe:

*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.

DOn't...

1. pull your phone out on the street

Walking around with your phone out is really the worst possible thing you could do – especially in Rio. No matter how hard you grip that phone, there’s a decent chance someone will swipe it even in broad daylight. If you must look at your phone (for example directions or ordering an Uber), I recommend stepping into a shop. If that’s not possible, step away from walking traffic and look around before pulling it out quickly. If you’d like to take a photo, consider if it’s a smart move and be conscious of people walking by. 

This is by far the most important tip on this list. I think we’re so accustomed to pulling out our phones constantly to scroll through social media or just walking with our phone in hand. But in Brazil I strongly discourage you from doing this.

2. Don't walk alone at night

Walking alone at night makes you an easy target, especially in places like Copacabana in Rio, so try to avoid it at all costs. 

During the day, it’s obviously okay to walk alone, but it’s good practice to be mindful of your surroundings and the area you’re in. I wouldn’t recommend walking near a favela alone and suggest staying in more populated areas.

3. don't Put valuables in your pockets

If you’re in the habit of putting valuables in your pockets – break it! This is an easy way to be pick-pocketed. Instead I highly recommend having a cross- body sling. A standard sling like this one works, but for safety I most recommend the PacSafe sling which is an excellent investment if you travel often or live in a city. 

4. don't wear showy items like gold jewelry

Flashy items make you a target in Brazil. Personally I love gold jewelry, but even though all of mine is fake, wearing it would make me a target. Studs and small hoop earrings should be fine, but necklaces and bracelets I would refrain from wearing – as recommended to me by local Brazilians.

5. don't leave your valuables unattended to

Never leave your valuables unattended to in Brazil. This includes at coffee shops where you may have your laptop or iPad out while going to the bathroom. It’s not to say that the people around you are bad or won’t watch your things when you ask, because they will. But usually when we ask someone, “Hey can you watch my stuff?” we don’t actually believe someone is going to come and swipe our stuff while you’re gone and the person watching your things will actually need to run after them… However, in some places of Brazil this can totally happen. Especially if you’re sitting near a window near the street. I knew of a girl who lost her iPad this way..so just don’t do it.

6. don't use the metro at night

The metro in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are great. I took the metro in Rio many times and it was cheap, safe, and clean. However, I wouldn’t recommend it in two scenarios: at night and with a laptop or camera. Otherwise I actually recommend it during the day especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Now that you know what not to do to stay safe in Brazil while traveling, let’s jump into what you should do.

Ilha Grande Brazil beach with crooked palm tree

Also read: The Ultimate List of things to do in Rio de Janeiro

DO...

7. Pack a theft-safe cross body bag

A lot of pick-pocketing happens when someone’s wallet or phone is in their pocket or open bag. Do yourself a favor, and get yourself a sling, cross body bag so that your valuables are always zipped away and close to your chest.

My favorite cross-body slings are from Pac-Safe. They’re RFID blocking, have theft-proof zippers, and cut-proof straps. They check all my boxes for a safe cross-body travel sling including having inside zipper compartments and a clip in the front vs. in the back.

But if you’re looking for a cheaper option, I suggest this highly-rated one on Amazon. 

8. Be cautious of your valuables while sunbathing on the beach in Rio

The beaches in Rio are stunning, but while sunbathing be wary of your belongings. I recommend keeping everything in your bag (i.e don’t leave your phone or kindle out on the towel) and have your bag secured somewhere. Personally, when I would close my eyes I put the strap around my arm so my bag could not be grabbed in passing.

If you go to the beach alone (which I did often) also don’t leave your valuables unattended when you swim. I use a waterproof fanny pack or you can ask someone to watch your things if you feel comfortable doing so.

9. leave one bank card in your suitcase

When you go out, it’s best not to bring all your bank cards in case, god forbid, your wallet is stolen. I always leave my debit and credit cards locked at my place and take only one travel credit card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is my go-to.

Read more about why I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred card here.

Note: this tip is good practice always when you travel, not just in Brazil.

10. Use Uber if possible

Uber is a really convenient way to get around, and for safety reasons I love it because you have more control as the passenger: you have a set price, the information of the driver, and you can share your trip for added security. Uber is available in the major cities of Brazil, so if it makes you feel safer, use it.

11. Leave your passport in a safe place, and bring copies to the country

Whenever you go somewhere (unless it’s required or needed) it’s best to not walk around with your passport in your day bag, just in case you lose it. But in the worst case scenario that you do, it’s also good to travel with printed copies in your suitcase if you needed to go to your embassy for a lost passport. 

12. Bring minimal stuff when you go out to party

Now that I’ve mentioned to leave your passport and any unnecessary cards locked at your place, make sure you DEFINITELY do this when you go out to party in Brazil. This is when many people are pickpocketed because they’re drunk or high and less mindful. I know some people who even use burner or their old phones when partying in “high-risk” destinations like Rio or Salvador during Carnaval. Not a terrible idea if you have an extra or old phone.

13. Try not to stand out as a tourist too much

Being a tourist is not a bad thing and to be honest, even if you try not to stand out, you probably still will. And that’s okay! It’s more about not standing out too much and making yourself a massive target for pick pocketing. So don’t wear flashy items, be protective of your phone and camera, and maybe switch your “I Love Rio” shirt for a Flamengo jersey (Flamengo is a local and very popular team in Rio de Janeiro).

14. Practice extra caution in heavily touristic areas

Touristic areas of every destination always have a downside…they seem to attract the most sketchy characters. This is the same for Brazil. For example, in Rio you should practice extra caution in Copacabana, Lapa and other touristic places.

15. Be mindful of your things at an outdoor restaurant

When seated at an outdoor restaurant (which will happen often because Brazil loves al fresco dining), again be mindful of your things. Don’t plop your phone on the table and swing your purse over the back of your chair which faces the street. This behavior may be a habit to you, but like all the other tips in this list – think about your valuables and make sure they’re secured and can’t be swiped.

16. Avoid deserted areas

In general, it’s best to stay away from deserted areas. When you’re alone there’s no one to help so it’s always best to stay where others are too.

17. Double check the area of your accommodation before booking

Before booking your stay, it’s always good practice to do a little research on the area and read reviews from other travelers with location safety in mind.

18. Party safely

Partying in Brazil is not only a must, but a difficult thing to avoid. And as someone who was there for two Carnavals, I full heartedly support this! Just make sure you party safely by: 

  • Going out with people you trust
  • Leaving any unnecessary valuables locked at your stay
  • Keeping everything in a zipped sling
  • Being mindful of how much you drink
  • Having a plan how to get home
  • Don’t do random drugs off the street
  • Don’t ever leave your drink unattended and then drink it
  • Don’t accept a drink you didn’t see poured
 

You’re an adult, you know the drill.

19. Use lockers and padlocks for your belongings

If you’re staying in a hostel this is always a must for your valuables. I recommend using this padlock which works for both lockers and your luggage and is TSA approved. 

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel, for some peace of mind you should also lock your things in the safe if available. 

None of this is specific to Brazil, it’s just standard practice. Theft from your accommodation isn’t common for tourists in Brazil, although there are wild stories around Carnaval time when the country is full of tourists, so best to be cautious.

20. Be careful when you withdraw money

Like many destinations, in Brazil you should always be careful when withdrawing cash. I recommend only doing so during daylight hours, going with a friend if you can, and trying to find an ATM located indoors. As a standard practice (since seeing those ATM scamming videos) I also always tug on the card reader first and only go to an ATM when I see someone else go before me. That way if it’s going to eat a card, it won’t be mine! 

After withdrawing money, make sure you have plans to return to your place immediately so you’re not walking around with loads of cash on you.

21. Make sure you're covered with Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must for every trip, but especially for a destination like Brazil where you may be engaging in adventurous activities, have a lot of reservations, and you’re at risk for theft as mentioned in this post.

So do yourself a favor and make sure you’re covered! No one wants to think about unfortunate scenarios like robbery, delays, cancellations, injury or sickness happening while traveling, but they do and almost every traveler can attest to a time when travel insurance really saved them.

Check out World Nomads travel insurance here which is made for backpackers. 

*Disclosure: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Rio de Janeiro Futbol Match

I’ve mentioned a lot in this blog post, but all of it will prove useful to staying safe in Brazil.  Overall, I hope I didn’t scare any readers; I think Brazil is a wildly amazing place and one of my all-time favorite travel destinations. Just stay aware, stay safe and you’ll have a smooth and wonderful trip.

Also read: The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Rio

More Resources for Your Trip to Brazil:

Planning your own trip? Here’s everything I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Brazil.

Hostels

If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others,  Hostelworld is the best place to search. 

Hotels

Booking.com has so many options in Brazil from affordable to more luxurious stays.

Flights

Flights to Brazil and within Brazil can be pricey if not booked ahead of time. To get the best prices I recommend using Skyscanner. The cheapest airport to fly into will most likely be São Paulo, but if visiting Rio de Janeiro it’s worth it to fly directly there.

BUSES

No matter the destination, I always check Rome2Rio to see options on how to travel. However I found using Brazilian bus companies to book could be a pain because you need a CPF often. The most useful sites to me were BusBud & FlixBus.

Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for every trip, and I highly recommend it for Brazil. My go to is always WorldNomads which is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here.

Tours & Experiences

There’s a lot of free thing to do in Rio but joining a tour does have its advantages, and if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet people then tours are a great option. In Rio you can find awesome experiences on GetYourGuide, Viator, & Airbnb Experiences (hit or miss but mostly good).

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ways to stay safe in Brazil

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5 Comments
  • Bea Adventurous
    Posted at 03:05h, 17 June Reply

    I’ve heard a rio can be bad with theft so these tips are really helpful so thank you!
    I definitely think it shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting but to take these precautions for sure!
    Thanks Caroline!

    • Caroline Rose
      Posted at 19:05h, 23 July Reply

      You’re welcome!! So glad you found these helpful. Have the best time in Brazil!

  • Mary Candler
    Posted at 14:45h, 30 July Reply

    Thanks for your information about Brazil.
    I am hoping to go to Rio to volunteer as a English teacher for 3 weeks then head to Minas Gerais to see a friend.
    Any specific comments for a 70 Yr old who doesn’t take too many risks and has done a fair amount of solo travelling.
    I’ll be staying in medium hotels when not in the volunteer programme.

    • Caroline Rose
      Posted at 18:14h, 09 August Reply

      Hi Mary! I don’t have any specific safety recommendations other than what I’ve listed here. As for things to do, there are some really great tours I think you’d enjoy like to Christ the Redeemer and Sugar loaf mountain. Also check out the botanical garden, it’s beautiful! I have a full list of things to do in this blog post!

  • David Young
    Posted at 10:30h, 29 August Reply

    So how do you take photos? I love taking photos with my phone when I’m traveling. It sounds like that would be risky at most outdoor locations in Brazil. Also how was intercity travel? Did you take buses or fly? I know not to take the bus at nighttime, but I wonder if there are other precautions advised. Thank you.

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