Will traveling in Brazil as a solo travel be any different than in other countries? Yes and no. In some things it will definitely be different but in others ways, you will use the same tactics as you would use in other countries. The most important one is always use your common sense when you travel. But to help you on your way, here are my best tips for traveling as a solo (female) traveler in Brazil.
Transport
Brazil has limited train options, but there are plenty of planes, buses, and cars for getting around. Below, I will list the main modes of transportation and provide some tips for traveling in Brazil.
Traveling by car
It depends on where you are going how safe it is to travel by car. Some states in Brazil are very safe when you drive and others not so much. Generally speaking the south of Brazil is a bit more safe than central and north of Brazil. You can of course use Ubers and taxi’s to get around in most cities. But when you travel alone by car make sure you close the windows enough that people can’t reach inside when you stop. Try not to stop at a traffic light but a bit before so you can drive off fast if that would be necessary. People have been mugged while standing still at a traffic light.
Tips
- If you are traveling by car, try to leave expensive things at home.
- Close the doors while driving.
- Don’t open doors or windows only when it’s necessary
- If possible don’t park in the street but in a car park (or a so called Estação).
Flying by plane
This is considered the safest way of traveling long distances in Brazil. Having said that, again try to leave your most valuable things at home or if you really want to, put them in your carry-on luggage so you can keep an eye on them.
Tips
- Keep valuables with you at all times.
- Don’t leave your luggage unattended
Traveling with the bus
There are three types of buses, the city bus, the regional bus or the long distance buses. All buses are easy to use. I would say that the city buses and the areas around bus stops are the most likely places where you can get robbed or where your wallet can be stolen. Generally I don’t use the city bus if it’s too far out of the busy city center, if I don’t know the area or if it’s late at night. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tips
- Find out how far it is from the bus stop to your final destination. Is your destination in a safe area or do you need to walk a for a while?
- Find out where you have to go out in advance so you can blend in with the locals more.
- Place your bag with the valuables closest to your body.
- If you are taking a long distance bus, take your smaller bag with your important things with you inside.
- If possible pay in advance, if it’s not possible make sure you have the right amount with you so you don’t show your wallet and how much money that you have to people on the bus.
Using the the subway
In some larger cities you have a subway system. It’s very quick and cheap to use and it will take you everywhere in the city you might want to go to. As in most other subways you will need to watch out for pickpockets the most. There have been people that got robbed in the hallways as well so try to blend in as much as possible, if you can.
Tips
- Try to blend in with the locals, if you don’t speak Portuguese it’s best if you don’t talk too much in the subway. If they find out you’re a foreigner, and an easy target, they can follow you. * Try and dress low-key.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Have your bags in front of you.
- If possible bring an anti-theft bag with you.
* It has happen to me that I was followed. I waited at a safe spot, a little store and let the person pass me by, before moving on myself.
If you are going to do a lot of site seeing a great option is going with an organization. They will pick you up in the morning and bring you back at night. It of course depends on where you are going but in most cities there are multiple options. Because they are locals they can give you tips on what areas are safe and what the things are you have to consider.
Not in the mood to read this blog post? You can also watch this video I made:
Favelas in Brazil
Favelas are Brazils slums. In every major city there are people who live in the favelas. In recent years there are popping up more and more tours to go in there to see how people live. Personally I don’t think it’s a great idea to participate in these excursions. First of all, it’s kind of strange to pay an organization to see people that are poor. You don’t know how much of that money goes to the people in the favelas. Maybe they will take you to a place where you can buy some food or drinks and you think, at least I’m buying something here but if you really want to make a difference there are other ways. And second, it’s still a dangerous area to travel to even if you are going in group. If you really want to make a difference you can help out local organizations that provide help to the people who are in need of it. Like The favela foundation.
Local safety
Where ever I am in Brazil the first thing that I do is talk to some locals to ask them how the safety it is in that area. Usually I ask a couple of people so you can get a better understanding of what areas to avoid and what places you can go easily.
For instance in Foz de Iguaçu, the city and surrounding region was very safe but when crossing the border to Paraguay it was less safe. In Rio de Janeiro on the other hand there are more places you should avoid.
Using your phone and/or camera on the street
As in all big cities there are robberies and thefts going on. When you are in big cities you of course will need your phone to see where you are going or maybe you need to make a phone call or you want to take a picture. This is normal but there are some tips to avoid getting robbed.
Tips
- Only use your phone when you absolutely need it. If you are finished put it back in your bag. If possible place it in an ant-theft bag but avoid putting it in your pocket. It’s easier for pickpockets to steal it.
- Try to take a picture further from the street, robbers drive by with a bike and grab your phone or camera out of your hands.
- Always be alert and if you don’t feel safe go away.
- If you take a picture with your phone or camera buy a cord that goes around your neck, it will be harder for someone to get it from you.
General tips when traveling
Just use your common sense. I have lived in Brazil for almost 2 years and I have never been robbed. I did have some doors of accommodation that would not close properly so I love my trusted door lock to keep me safe. Be alert where ever you go and if you don’t feel safe, just leave. Go inside a shop or mall and talk to the locals for some help. The Brazilians are always eager to help so please use that opportunity. They will definitely help you back on your way.
I really hope you will go and travel in Brazil because it’s a beautiful country! Check out my other blogs from Brazil to learn more about big and awesome country.
Is this country/ city accessible for wheelchair users?
Museums*
Good, most museums have ramps and elevators. Of course check before you go because it will be different museum to museum.
Café’s and restaurants
There are so many places where you can enter but a lot of place don’t have ramps. Bathrooms in smaller places usually are upstairs.
Public transport
Bad in most cities, one of the exceptions is Curitiba, the bus stop usually has a ramp.
Toilets
If you go inside malls or other public places you will have a designated toilet for wheelchair users.
*And other attractions
Items I have talked about in this blogpost
XD anti-theft roll top bag pack
My roll top backpack is almost 3 years old but I still use it every day, not only when I travel. Because of the roll top and the add lock system it is anti-theft. It’s also cut proof and water resistant. There is a separate section for your laptop and water bottle.
Door lock
My portable door lock goes everywhere with me. Especially as a solo traveler it makes me feel way more safe. It can be use in most doors (only a couple of times I wasn’t able to use it) and it’s super sturdy.