Destinations › Brazil › São Paulo › Rules
São Paulo, Brazil
3 laws, restrictions, and customs in São Paulo that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.
Street robbery ('arrastão') and express kidnapping occur in major cities, particularly at night. Armed robbers typically demand your phone and cash. Resistance significantly increases the risk of violence.
Some favelas (informal communities) are controlled by drug factions and can be extremely dangerous for strangers. Even nearby safe areas can feel threatening at night. Tourists have been caught in crossfire.
Brazilian law requires all people on the street to carry government-issued photo ID. Police can stop and detain anyone who cannot produce ID. A certified copy of your passport is generally accepted.
