For economical, historical and political reasons Brazil is an emerging world economy. What does that mean? It means that althought the country has a rich economy (Brazil is the sixth biggest world economy - The Guardian) and there are millions of rich people there are still millions poor people too. Poverty is getting smaller and middle class bigger, but we still have some security issues.
Inspite of some midia exageration and excessive bad news coverage it is a safe town. Check bellow some basic tips, most of them good are for any major city around the world:
- São Paulo has 5 zones: Oeste (west), Leste (east), Norte (north), Sul (south) and Centro (downtown). Oeste and Centro are the richest areas and safest, and with more cultural attractions. The other areas are okay too, just don't go too deep is some poor areas, and know where you are going.
- Don't leave anything visible inside your car, no visble jackets or bags. When parking try to use paid parking lots, remove the detachable radio dashboard for safety. If you park anywhere and leave visible articles inside the car, you might find your window glass broken. Put valuables and things in the trunk, where nobady can see.
- Downtown is prety safe and has good police patrol, avoid the suburban neighbourhoods (those are quite far from where you will be around).
- In dark areas, away from the crowd , avoid behaving like a distracted tourist, pay attention to some suspitious people.
- Don't show off expensive equipment and expensive cellphones. Be discrete. Avoid using tablets and iPads in public transportation.
- Those events are rare, inspite of bad publicity and unfair news, but in case you are robbed: Do not react, do not try to fight back if a thief robs you. Do not run after him. If you are threatened with a knife or gun, take the threat seriously, and hand him the objects he wants. Contact the police at a Distrito Policial nearby and ask the policeman to fill in a BO (Boletim of Ocorrencia) describing what was stolen and how.
Take care and have great fun in São Paulo :)
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