Secure transportation & Security Drivers in São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Secure travel for VIPs across Brazil

We provide secure transportation  for ultra-high net worth business travellers across Brazil, most commonly in the major cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

São Paulo (Portuguese for ‘Saint Paul’) is the most populous city in Brazil, the country’s financial, economic and cultural centre, and home to a large number of foreign corporations. Secure transportation is essential for VIPs in this alpha global city that’s among the 10 most expensive in the world.

Rio de Janeiro (commonly shortened to Rio) is the second most populous city in Brazil. As well as being a centre of tourism, it houses the headquarters of Brazilian oil, mining, and telecommunications companies – including two of the country’s major corporations – as well as Latin America’s largest telemedia conglomerate.

Wherever they need to go, our trained and experienced security drivers will always get our clients there, safely and in comfort.

Security drivers in São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro

Our security drivers are sourced in the relevant area, so they know their way about and can ensure a safe and punctual journey. Although Portuguese is the most spoken language in Brazil, all our drivers speak English, and we can also provide translators to ease communication locally.

São Paulo is on a plateau which is part of the Brazilian Highlands.

There are two main highways up from the coast. The terrain in the urbanised areas reaches into a higher elevation and into the Atlantic rainforest. The city has nine zones for the purpose of traffic control (identified by coloured street signs), and urban sprawl.

Traffic jams are relatively common on the main avenues of São Paulo.

Rio de Janeiro is near the west end of a strip of Brazil’s Atlantic coast, and faces largely south. It’s divided into the historic centre (Centro), wealthier South Zone (Zona Sul), residential North Zone (Zona Norte), and peripheries in the West Zone (Zona Oeste).

Rio has faced serious problems of environmental pollution and there are large numbers of vehicles in circulation, which usually makes road travel slow.

Security vehicles in São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro

We use luxury limousines that blend in with the surroundings and are specially adapted for security use. Our drivers are familiar with the vehicles so they can provide a comfortable ride and can take appropriate action safely and promptly if it becomes necessary.

If the security risk assessment demands it, we can provide armoured vehicles for travelling around São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as armed drivers to protect your executive travellers and their entourage.

We do a lot of work with armoured cars or soft skin, with or without armed protection, as required.

One more thing… If our client is attending the 2025 climate conference in Belém and our local fleet is already at capacity, we’ll relocate sufficient vehicles from Rio at no extra charge and pass the savings on, as long as it’s within eight weeks of the event. So don’t leave it too late to book!

Overview of São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is a country that faces socio-economic challenges, so can be one of the world’s most dangerous places.

Yet São Paulo has been identified as ‘the safest Brazilian city for young people’. In 2011, the UN cited it as an example of how large cities can reduce crime.

And, despite the high perception of crime, Rio actually has a lower incidence than most state capitals in Brazil.

That said, we recommend you avoid carrying valuables, venturing into unsafe areas, or travelling at night.

Security risks in São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is a country that faces socio-economic challenges, so can be one of the world’s most dangerous places.

There are significant disparities between rich and poor, with different socioeconomic groups largely segregated into different neighbourhoods. Although both cities rank among the world’s major metropolises, large numbers of people live in slums known as favelas. In these areas, 95% of the population are poor, compared to 40% in the general population.

According to the 2010 Census, Rio has more people living in slums than any other city in Brazil. More than 1,500,000 people live in its favelas, which is 22% of Rio’s total population. São Paulo has more favelas, but with proportionally fewer people living in them than Rio.

São Paulo is one of the largest healthcare hubs in Latin America, although access to medical care can be affected by civil unrest. However, our teams constantly stay on top of the news to ensure our passengers are kept safely away from any such outbreaks.

Violent crime

In 2008, São Paulo was ranked as the 4th least violent in Brazil. Between 2000 and 2010, the homicide rate reduced by 78%, robberies fell by 34%, and rapes reduced by 8.09%. It’s now considered the least lethal and second safest capital in the country.

Rio has a large proportion of state-sanctioned violence, with about 20% of all killings committed by state security. In 2019, police killed an average of five people each day in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with a total of 1,810 killed in the year. This was more police killings than any year since official records started in 1998.

Non-violent crime

Like many city centres, São Paulo and Rio can suffer from gang violence, drug trafficking, and prostitution.

In urban areas, travellers face a high threat from robbery, carjacking, pickpocketing, kidnapping and violence.

Muggings can occur when people are stuck in traffic. Visitors should also watch out for abductions when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Corruption is a pervasive social problem.

Terrorism

Under the Brazilian military Government from 1964–1985, all forms of opposition to the state were considered ‘terrorist’ acts.

There have been few major terrorist acts since then, and counter-terrorism legislation is in progress.

Riots

There have been large protests which can result in fatalities, injuries and property damage. For example, there were significant anti-government protests in 2021.

Events

São Paulo hosts 75% of Brazil’s business fairs. Regular cultural events include the São Paulo Grand Prix, São Paulo Jazz Festival, São Paulo Fashion Week, Comic Con Experience, and the São Paulo Gay Pride Parade (the second biggest LGBT event in the world). The city also hosted the 1950 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and the nightlife is considered among the best in the country.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival, samba, bossa nova, and beaches including Copacabana and Ipanema. Additional landmarks include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and Sugarloaf Mountain with its cable car.

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