Crime in Porto Alegre, Brazil

There are good and bad parts to the city. It is not a war zone in general, maybe it is in some areas, like in ALL big cities. Porto Alegre is as a city quite attractive with many parks and green spaces. Nice cafes etc etc. However, Downtown Centro is bad, especially at night. Do not go there at night if you do not need to. If you do need to, do not go alone. I do not feel safe there, even during the day. You have to be careful with taxi drivers. They will rip you off if they can and take a few streets extra to earn a bit more cash. Do not stop at traffic lights at night in Centro areas and around the bus station as it is very dangerous. You should always be on high alert in the city center. When getting out of a car you always have to look if someone is coming at you. They appear quickly and aggressively, so be aware. Keep your doors locked. When you have nothing to lose, then many people here will kill you without even thinking about it. They´d get three meals and a bed and would be happy. In general we go about our daily lives and nothing happens. But as with all cities, especially here in Brazil, you have to be always on alert. Walk quickly to where you need to go. Do not go out at night on your own if possible.

I don't feel safe walking on the streets. Mugging is really really common here. When I go out, I put my good cellphone in my underwear and leave an old one in my pocket, just in case.

There's a total lack of insecurity. I guess it has become the most dangerous city of Brazil. I feel afraid to be killed even during daylight. If you don't give any value to your life, it's a place to be.