Is Salvador Brazil Safe to Travel To?

Salvador, the capital of Bahia in Northeast Brazil, is a beautiful coastal city proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches and its cuisine. Its the 3rd largest city in Brazil and people come from all over the world to experience its unique culture and taste some of the world’s best seafood. But with any city around the world, you should always be mindful of your surroundings and check in with locals to get the most up-to-date travel information before planning a trip or even booking an AirBnB or hotel stay. This can pose somewhat of an issue if you’re planning your trip to Salvador, because there are many articles on the internet – from well-known media outlets – that seem to portray Salvador as a dangerous place to visit. In this article, we’ll provide some useful information to help you make an informed decision on whether it’s safe to travel to Salvador, Brazil.

Crime Rates in Salvador

There is no doubt that Salvador has its share of crime. Unfortunately, it is home to the world’s second highest murder rate. The US State Department has issued travel warnings for the city, citing high levels of violent crime and drug trafficking. However, there are several reasons why the murder rate is so high. Many of the incidents happen between drug gangs and rival factions, so tourists are generally not at risk. For example, over 70% of homicides are due to turf wars between drug gangs, rather than random attacks on innocent citizens. Additionally, much of the crime that occurs in Salvador isn’t what one would call “random”; instead it typically involves people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately, this means tourists who venture too far into rough parts of the city might be putting themselves at risk.

Tips to Stay Safe in Salvador

Despite the high crime rates in Salvador, it is still possible to have an enjoyable and safe stay in the hip and vibrant city. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety:

Stay In Popular Areas

Salvador has several popular areas – especially along the beach in Barra and an area known as ‘Pelourinho’ in the old center – which offer plenty of options for shopping, dining, dancing and even taking photographs. Sticking to these popular areas will not only help reduce your chances of getting into trouble, but will also ensure that you get to experience the city’s vibrant culture in all its glory.

Avoid Dark Alleys & Unmarked Pick-up Trucks

Although it’s generally considered safe to walk around popular areas during the day, it’s important to avoid questionable spots and unmarked vehicles at night. There have been reports of thieves targeting unsuspecting visitors in dark alleys and unmarked pick-up trucks cruising around popular tourist spots looking for victims after dark. So be sure to carefully plan your route when heading out at night and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Research Your Hotel

The area where you stay can make a huge difference to your safety while visiting Salvador. It’s important to do your research before you book a hotel and choose one that is located in popular tourist areas with plenty of security features such as 24 hour staff and CCTV cameras. Avoid staying in out-of-the-way locations as you may miss out on important safety measures like police patrols and extra security guards.

Be Mindful of your Possessions

It’s important to be mindful about where you keep your valuables when visiting Salvador. Avoid leaving your valuables lying around and make sure that you securely store them away when not in use. When on public transport or out exploring popular tourist destinations, it’s a good idea to carry a bag with you that has a zip or clasp at all times, so you don’t fall victim to pickpockets.

Living Conditions In Salvador

For all its problems with crime, Salvador has some excellent living conditions and a great quality of life. Most tourists will find that people are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to get involved with such as stunning beaches, bustling markets and vibrant nightlife. The city is also home to some excellent universities such as the Federal University of Bahia. These universities offer excellent opportunities for foreign students and even employ graduate students as teaching assistants – making them some of the best universities in Latin America. In addition, Salvador boasts some excellent healthcare services that provide access to both medical treatments and emergency care for visitors to the city. The city also has a good public transport system, meaning it’s easy for visitors to get around without having to rent a car or take a taxi.

Conclusion

Despite its reputation for crime, Salvador has plenty to offer when it comes to sights, sounds, culture and great living conditions. As long as visitors take appropriate safety precautions when visiting – such as sticking to popular tourist areas and avoiding risky spots – then it is perfectly safe for them to explore this vibrant city. For more information about safely visiting Salvador make sure to check out this guide.