Is Belo Horizonte Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Belo Horizonte is Brazil’s sixth-largest city, the center of its third-largest urban area and the capital of the state of Minas Gerais.

Conveniently laid out the structure of city streets makes the city convenient for tourists and residents.

For travelers, it’s a good stopping point on the way to the beautiful colonial towns such as Ouro Preto and Tiradentes.

Travelers also come here to see the sizeable park-filled plaza in the city center, designed to be the hub of state administration and power, with the Government Building and the public library, Palácio das Artes – on the south-western edge of the municipal park is the Palácio das Artes, Central Market with unique Brazilian products and a lot of fascinating museums.

Warnings & Dangers in Belo Horizonte

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The crime rate is high enough in the Belo Horizonte. The outskirts of the city should be avoided - these are the most dangerous areas. The tourist areas are safe in the daytime, but in the dark, it is better to stay at the hotel and not walk alone.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not particularly safe and is not recommended for tourists. Taxis can be used, but be sure to discuss the price of the trip in advance - sometimes the driver can overcharge and try to trick you. It is better to take a licensed taxi, do not catch the car on the street.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is common in Belo Horizonte. It’s important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. To prevent pickpocketing, take the usual precautions (e.g., not leaving your camera unattended or keeping your wallet in your back pocket), and consider using a money pouch or a hidden belt.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The area of Belo Horizonte is suffering from rainfall time from time, which leads to floods in the city. Familiarize yourself with the situation in the region before your trip to this city.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of severe armed robbery in the Belo Horizonte is quite high. You should not carry precious things, expensive devices, and a lot of cash. Avoid remote streets in the city where you may be attacked with the purpose of robbery.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorist attacks are not excluded in the region of the city. Even though in the near past there were no significant attacks on Belo Horizonte, the proximity to the conflict zones with Venezuela creates the likelihood of terrorist attacks in Brazil.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Fraud is common and happens quite often with tourists, especially during festivals and carnivals. You should buy tickets for performances and shows only in licensed places, do not take them on the streets, even if the price is attractive - they may turn out to be fake. In crowded areas, watch your pockets and wallet, especially carefully. Be careful with those who offer you help or distract you with questions - at this time, another thief may empty your pockets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling alone in Belo Horizonte are not advised to be alone in bars, not to walk late at night through the city streets. It is also better not to get around by taxi or to hitchhike alone. Wear more modest clothing to avoid unwanted attention from men.

So... How Safe Is Belo Horizonte Really?

Belo Horizonte is not a very safe place in Brazil.

The index of crime is high here.

Significant problems in the city are connected with armed robbery, car thief, home mugging, and drug dealing.

A level of bribe and corruption is extremely high.

Also, the city often violates traffic rules, so you should be especially careful when crossing the road – usually signs for pedestrians are ignored, and some violators can cross avenues even at a red traffic light.

The city has its police, the Municipal Guard, the uniform is blue, and officers are found in parks, near monuments, schools, hospitals.

Do not hesitate to ask for help from the police if a crime has happened to you.

It is wise to avoid walking alone at night or carrying expensive electronics such as cameras, notebooks, jewelry, or a lot of cash.

It’s recommended to stay and live in the city center, the outskirts of the Belo Horizonte are dangerous.

The city has a high crime rate associated with drug trafficking and use, so you should be especially careful not to get involved in fights and deals with drug dealers.

In case you were attacked with the purpose of robbery, do not resist and give all your valuables.

How Does Belo Horizonte Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to Brazil must obtain a visa from one of the Brazilian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Visas are not required for airport transit, from any nationality, as long as the traveler does not leave the international transit area. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil since 1994. It is subdivided into 100 centavos. It has a sign: R$ and code: BRL. The Brazilian real is the nineteenth most traded currency in the world by value.

Weather

The best time of the year to visit Belo Horizonte is– April to September. They are the driest months when the weather is more related cooler and the humidity lower. The Brazilian summer lasts from December to March and includes itself in the wet season (with the highest humidity).

Airports

Belo Horizonte - Tancredo Neves/Confins International Airport, formerly called Confins International Airport, is the primary international airport serving Belo Horizonte. It's located 43 km from the city. The airport serves international and domestic flights.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Belo Horizonte Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Brazil - Safety by City