Safety in Brazil

Despite the country’s natural beauty and friendly people, there are safety challenges in Brazil continues to experience challenges with social inequality and poverty. An unfortunate consequence of this has been the country’s continuously high crime rates. Safety and security in Brazil is, therefore, a concern for many expats contemplating a move there and a reality that cannot be ignored.

Crime in Brazil

Crime levels are still a concern in Brazilian cities, although the country has seen improvements in recent years. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo continue to experience regular incidents of pickpocketing, robbery, assault, burglary, and murder. Crime rates are slightly lower in other cities, such as Brasília and Recife, although states like Bahia and Pernambuco also report significant crime numbers.

Mobile street gangs and organised criminal groups generally operate from within densely packed and typically low-income parts of the city known as favelas. Foreigners have traditionally been advised not to enter, but with ongoing police presence through programmes like the Pacifying Police Units (UPP), it isn’t uncommon for expats to visit or even live in a favela. The safety situation is complex and can vary significantly between different communities, so check in with locals who know the area.

Most crimes are opportunistic, taking place in popular tourist areas and on crowded public transport. Hotspots for these crimes include beaches, hotels, bars, and nightclubs. Keep your valuables out of sight when driving, as incidents of smash-and-grabs and carjackings are not unheard of.

For safety reasons, many expats in Brazil’s larger cities live in apartments or houses in secure, closed compounds that have 24/7 security.

Kidnappings in Brazil

Incidents of kidnapping have been known to occur in Brazil, particularly ‘express kidnappings’. This type of crime involves the victim being held at gunpoint for a short period and taken to an ATM to withdraw cash or to shops to use their credit cards.

A variant of express kidnappings that has more recently emerged is ‘flash kidnapping’, where criminals force an individual to use a common cash transfer app to send them a large amount of money. There have also been reports of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings targeting people known to hold digital assets.

The best tactic to avoid becoming a victim is to be aware of your surroundings and only use ATMs in well-populated places during daylight hours.

Banking, Money, and Taxes in Brazil

Road and transport safety in Brazil

Brazil has an extensive road network, and there are ongoing infrastructure improvements. Road conditions vary significantly across the country. Major highways are generally well-maintained, particularly those managed by private companies. Road markings and lighting can be inconsistent in many areas.

Brazilian drivers are notorious for driving aggressively though. Exercise caution and drive defensively in Brazil. Leave extra space between vehicles, as motorcycles frequently weave through traffic. Be prepared for sudden lane changes. Due to the driving conditions, you may want to reconsider your need to drive, and rather make use of the public transport system if possible, or hire a local driver who better acquainted with the surroundings.

The Brazilian public transport system is generally safe, although experiences vary by city and type of transport. City buses run frequently and are reliable in most areas. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo’s metro systems are safer alternatives to street-level transport. Still, be aware of the risk of pickpocketing at crowded transport hubs and on buses and trains, and be particularly aware during peak hours.

Public Transport, Driving and Driver’s Licences in Brazil

Safety tips for Brazil

Here are a few basic safety tips to help you stay safe in Brazil:

• Expensive jewellery and equipment should be kept out of view. These items make a person an attractive target for criminals.
• Avoid ATMs in isolated areas, especially at night. It’s best to choose an ATM in a hotel, bank branch, or well-lit shopping centre. Be cautious of card skimming devices and cover your PIN when entering it. Be aware that scammers may also approach you claiming there’s an issue with the machine.
• Avoid walking alone at night. If travelling at night, use a taxi or ride-sharing app rather than other forms of public transport.
• Be careful when leaving and arriving home. Before leaving, make sure there is no one outside who could pose a threat, and when arriving home, make sure that no one has followed you.
• Avoid using mobile phones in the street and keep cameras out of sight when they are not in use. When you must use your phone, duck into a shop or restaurant.
• When stuck in traffic or stopped at traffic lights, be vigilant as carjackings and hold-ups may occur at intersections. Keep doors locked and windows up.
• Be cautious of dating app scams and approaches from strangers in bars or nightclubs, particularly during major events like Carnival. Criminals may use drugging tactics or romantic approaches to target visitors.
• Share your travel plans with trusted contacts and consider using your phone’s emergency SOS feature, which can quickly alert authorities and your emergency contacts.
• Use secure messaging apps like WhatsApp to stay in touch with contacts, and save important local emergency numbers in your phone.