Brasilia is a safe city, but usual measures should be taken. The surrounding cities like Taguatinga and Ceilandia aren't tourist destinations and aren't considered to be as safe as Brasília itself. In fact, in those cities there are a lot of danger zones, and if you don't know where to avoid, it's better not to go to them. At night, the area near the central bus station is not considered to be safe (prostitution and drugs). Avoid walking alone at night throughout the city.
There are an increasing number of cases of "flash kidnap". This consists of attacking people near or inside their own car, robbing and getting away with the car, and sometimes driving with the owner to make them withdraw money from automatic cash machines or even committing other kinds of violence. The local Police give some advice on how to avoid these crimes:
1) Try to walk with company, avoiding deserted places or those with bad ilumination. Be aware of people aproaching to ask for information, specialy during the night;
2) When coming out of a bank, verify if you are being followed or if there are suspicious people near the vehicle;
3) Aproaching your car, have the keys ready, to make it easier to get into the car;
4) Going home (or to your hotel), do not park immediately. Watch the sides of the buildings and corners and only then stop the vehicle. Do not react to any kind of crime, as the criminals do not act alone.
Police officers are usually polite, but as they have to deal with considerable violence they might appear harsh in situations when they have to be alert. Respect is the key for good interaction. In case of police intervention at a crime (i.e. when they withdraw their guns), lay down on the floor and put your hands on your head and don't make any subtle movement. Do not react if searched. Follow instructions and, as it is possible, inform someone of your situation by phone.
To get police assistance, dial 190 in any public or private phone. For medical emergency, dial 192.
Although drug consumption does not lead to incarceration, it is still a crime im Brazil, and being caught with small amounts of illegal substances may lead to bureaucratic complications when leaving the country. Selling or transporting drugs for use of others is considered trafficking, a very serious crime, and will lead to severe consequences. So, do not use or carry drugs of any kind.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Brasilia
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Brasilia - updated May 2024
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Brasilia Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
