If you’re looking for tips for planning a trip to Brazil, you’ve obviously come to the right place.
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- Check here to see if you need a Visa to visit as rules change somewhat frequently. When we visit from the US, we won’t need a Visa for stays up to 90 days, but the rule will change soon after we get home.
- Make sure you’re up to date on all of your routine vaccinations, in addition to getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. Additional vaccines may be recommended depending on your specific risk factors so check the CDC Traveler’s Health page or another reliable source for up-to-date info.
- Brazil is a huge country, making internal flights almost necessary. The airlines Avianca, GOL, LATAM, and Azul frequently offer flight deals if you book ahead and typically allow changes to flights. Search Google Flights to find the best flights.
- Bus services in Brazil range from basic to luxurious, and they can reach almost anywhere in the country. Use Buser or BusBud to find schedules and buy your tickets. If you book your tickets at least a day ahead of time, you’ll usually find that you can save some money.
- While renting a car is inadvisable due to notoriously dangerous conditions, if you do choose to drive, you’ll need an international driving permit and be aware that driving while wearing Havaianas (flip-flops) is against the law. BlaBlaCar is a ride-share service that you can use as an alternative to get between cities.
- Reach Brazil’s tropical islands from coastal cities via ferries and speedboats, operated by local transport companies. Purchase tickets directly from ticket offices at mainland ports. Riverboats and overnight ferries with hammocks are often the only means of transportation in the Amazon. Hidroviarias, or ferry terminals, connect major riverside cities like Manaus, Santarém, and Belém. Purchase tickets directly from hidroviaria ticket offices. Ferries usually depart daily, but it’s wise to be flexible with your schedule as the river is not great at sticking to a schedule.
- While taxis are available, ride-share apps like Uber and 99 are generally cheaper and more widely used in major cities. However, be aware that ride-share drivers may cancel short trips. If you opt for a taxi in rural areas, ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before getting in.
- Pack a travel adapter for type C and N outlets (2 round prongs) or consider getting an international travel adapter.
- Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and stores but may not work online without a Brazilian Tax ID (CPF). ATMs are readily available if needed; look for Citibank, Banco do Brasil, or Bradesco ATMs as these are more likely to work with foreign cards. At restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually included but additional tipping is not customary.
- Tap water is considered safe in Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Brasilia, and Belo Horizonte, but isn’t considered particularly palatable. In other parts of the country, tap water isn’t safe to drink. Pack a water bottle with a built-in filter to reduce waste and ensure your water is always safe.
- Mosquitoes are common in Brazil and can carry diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Zika. It is crucial to use strong insect repellent, and you might want to consider taking malaria prophylaxis medication depending on exactly where you’ll be traveling.
- Do not flush toilet paper.
- Be careful not to walk alone at night and avoid displaying expensive electronics and jewelry, as crime is widespread throughout Brazil. Don’t resist if someone points a gun at you and asks you to turn over your possessions. Be careful accepting drinks, cigarettes, or sweets from strangers.
These are the tips I found helpful in planning my trip to Brazil, but please share anything you’d like to add.
I hope you found these Brazil trip planning tips helpful. If you’re looking for more, here’s where you’ll find all of my posts about Brazil.
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