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São Paulo is a vibrant, modern city filled with culture and excitement, but safety is a valid concern for travelers. Here's an overview of the current safety landscape, crime statistics, and transportation options for visitors in 2024.
São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and one of the biggest in the world. Like most sizeable cities, crime is a problem in some areas. But São Paulo’s reputation for danger is somewhat exaggerated, and it has been getting progressively safer – in 2024, São Paulo saw its lowest homicide rate in 24 years. It’s considered less dangerous than other major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janiero, Salvador, or Recife.
For visitors, petty crime is a much bigger concern than violent crime. The most common crimes in 2023 were robbery and theft (such as pickpocketing). Theft showed a slight increase from 2022, while robbery (which involves violence or the threat of violence) dropped. Vehicle thievery and robbery are also high on the list, though not as frequent.
But São Paulo is generally considered safe for visitors if they stay alert, take basic precautions, and avoid neighborhoods known for high crime.
Travelers should always keep personal belongings secure. Carry your items in a closed purse at the front of your body or in a front pocket to deter pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like downtown, Paulista Avenue, and Vila Madalena. Avoid displaying valuables like cell phones and cash, as this can attract thieves.
Crime in São Paulo is very localized – some districts are quite safe, and some are quite dangerous. Here are some areas you should steer clear of.
Some of the coolest neighborhoods in São Paulo are also among the safest. These include trendy Vila Madalena, diverse Pinheiros, Bela Vista (home to the Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand), and upscale Jardins.
São Paulo's transportation system is extensive and reasonably safe, but awareness is key. Theft on public transit is most common when vehicles are crowed, while robberies tend to happen on nearly empty buses and at night, when it’s easier for criminals to escape quickly. You should be especially vigilant at bus and metro stops late at night, as thieves often wait there for unwitting passengers.
Women can generally feel safe walking around the city, although caution is advised in less populated or poorly lit areas. Traveling in groups is recommended, and in case of an emergency, call the women's police unit at 180.
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8 Comments
Ask if the restaurant serves "agua da casa" for free water :)
Great article! Thank you for all the information shared here.
If you want a stress-free travel to São Paulo, The best bet option when it comes to transportation is to hire a private driver. But even though it's safer, it's important to choose a reliable company.
Perdizes is not far from the center. Nor is it particularly dangerous. Also most people in Sao Paulo do NOT own a car.
“Places far from the city center, like Pari, Perdizes and Lapa and most of the poorer neighborhoods, like Campo Limpo, Vila Clementino and Capão Redondo should be avoided because they can be dangerous.”
I wonder how well you know São Paulo lol. Perdizes and Vila Clementino are among the nicets neighborhoods in the city and they’re very safe for everyone. You mjst be crazy!
"...which reflects the poverty and disadvantage of where they come from": awful careless statement. Poverty does not equal crime. I agree they can be related, but you cannot use poverty and disadvantage as a sign of crime.
I agree with you but I don´t blame them. São Paulo can be unsafe if you don´t have the basic information (just ask for it) to walk throught the city and they have difficulties (and don´t want) to learn portuguese. We got more poverty that´s true but we know the large maiority is inoffensive.
The great opportunity to understand what I´m talking about Brazil is to come as soon as possible to see how great we are in terms of work, happiness, social responsability and globalization.
We´ll be glad to receive them with our know receptivity.
they will learn from all of its own roots and veggies that a new democracy. but we havd not as a whole lot of people who are 5