Brazil Travel Safety

Road safety

Brazil has one of the highest road accident rates in the world. Traffic laws are not rigorously enforced. Be careful of motorbikes when changing lanes. Road conditions are generally acceptable in large cities but badly maintained in the rest of the country. Driving is hazardous due to aggressive driving habits, a significant number of trucks and motorbikes, reckless passing, excessive speeds, poorly marked lanes, poor signage, construction and vehicles moving in the wrong direction on one-way streets. Be careful when stopping on the side of any highway, because of both traffic and the potential of becoming a victim of crime (such as carjacking). When driving in the city, pay particular attention to your surroundings while waiting at traffic lights. It is common for motorists to treat red lights as stop signs between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM, to protect against hold-ups at intersections. Most cities will have a flashing yellow light to indicate that drivers only need to yield. Pedestrians and motorists proceeding through green lights during these hours should be particularly cautious. If you feel threatened at any time, do not stop. If you are in a traffic accident, call the police immediately. Never confront the driver of the other vehicle. Roadside assistance is generally offered by local garage owners.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Brazil, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

LGBT

Sao Paulo holds the world's largest Pride celebration, which typically passes off very peacefully – incidents of violence at the event are rare. Rio's Pride and those of other cities also attract large numbers. Brazil generally has had a tradition of tolerance. However, Brazilian society is quite conservative, particularly outside the larger towns and cities, and LGBT-phobic violence is a concern - you should exercise discretion. Although the laws of Brazil do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not socially tolerated.

Illegal or restricted activities

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is severely punished. Travellers should not, under any circumstances, carry any items for strangers, especially baggage and parcels. Avoid areas of known drug trafficking.

Driving

An official Portuguese translation of your driver's licence may help when dealing with local authorities. Consumption of any alcoholic beverages prior to driving is illegal in Brazil.