São Paulo Safety

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São Paulo, like any big city in South America, has its crime problems. However, with due caution and common sense, the likelihood of being a victim is very small for the average tourist. Visitors need to take some care when wandering about areas outside the main shopping and hotel districts alone at night, as in any other large city. Leave your jewelry and excess cash in the hotel's safe. Wearing extravagant or expensive-looking clothing will make you stand out if you're traveling by foot or public transportation.

A good tip is to take a money belt and a wallet, put some old credit cards and a little money in the wallet, then if you are pickpocketed or mugged you don't lose credit cards or any significant amount of cash. Note that you want some money in the wallet so that the mugger will leave after taking it. Also if you are mugged local advice is to just keep calm and hand over your wallet.

São Paulo Photos

• Corrego Cora, a stream in Estado de Mato Grosso
• Lago Tauaria, a lake in Estado do Amazonas
• Rio Castanho, a stream in Estado do Amazonas