Whenever Brazil is mentioned, it’s often accompanied by stories of danger and crime. The first thought that usually comes to mind is, “Is Brazil safe?” I’d like to share my experience to provide a different perspective.
Belonging’s
From my time in Brazil, I found it wasn’t nearly as dangerous as many people make it out to be. My mum and I spent two months travelling across the country, and we encountered fewer issues than I did during previous trips to Southeast Asia (nothing too serious, though). We probably stood out as tourists, especially with my mum’s distinctive look—she has pink hair and is heavily tattooed.
The negative stories we heard before arriving in Brazil made us overly cautious, impacting our enjoyment a bit. I was initially scared to take my phone out anywhere other than our hostel. But here’s a tip: just stay aware of your surroundings. You can usually spot anyone suspicious by the vibe they give off. The most common crime against tourists is phone theft. To avoid this, be sensible with your phone—don’t wave it around or leave it in your pocket. I used one of those Uniqlo dupe bags and had no issues.
Physical Safety
As for physical safety, we had no problems. Although there were times we felt a bit uneasy, nothing bad happened. It’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you stand out as a tourist as we did. Sometimes, people were probably just curious about us, particularly in areas less frequented by tourists where they might not often see someone like my mum. Overall, we had wonderful interactions with locals. Even with our limited Portuguese, people were kind and eager to help, and we managed with a mix of basic phrases and Google Translate.
Favelas
One important piece of advice: avoid wandering into favelas. These areas can be dangerous, as poverty often leads to higher crime rates. Personally, I find it disrespectful to treat these communities as tourist attractions. You’ll stand out even more and increase your risk.
Accommodation
Interestingly, some hostels in Brazil don’t advertise themselves. When we arrived in Rio de Janeiro, we had trouble finding our hostel since on the outside, it looked like an ordinary house, and you had to be buzzed in. This makes sense, as it’s safer not to have a big sign indicating a place where tourists are staying. Just keep this in mind when you’re trying to find accommodation.
Don’t be discouraged by people who haven’t visited Brazil. Many negative opinions come from those who rely on media portrayals, which often focus on the worst aspects. Trust me, Brazil is a beautiful country with so much to offer, and it’s a shame to let fear keep you from experiencing it.
