Breathtaking beaches, impressive mountains, and vibrant city life full of history and stunning architecture – Brazil has it all! This Latin American country is a haven for adventure lovers too. The Amazon rainforest (ever heard of it), and the Ilha Grande are among the major attractions that just happen to be on many people’s bucket lists.
Here are some tips to get you ready for your trip to Brazil, and help you make the most of your adventure in the largest country in both South America and Latin America.
What do I need to know about Brazil?
Formal name: Federative Republic of Brazil (República Federativa do Brasil)
Capital: Brasília (nope, not Rio. Rio de Janeiro was the country’s capital from 1763 – 1960)
President: Jair Bolsonaro
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Time zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3)
Currency: Real
What do I need to know about Brazilian culture?
Language: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and it is what is predominately spoken. However, more than 150 languages and dialects are spoken by the Indigenous peoples in Brazil today!
Etiquette: Brazilians love life and other people! Touching arms, elbows, and backs while speaking is very common and acceptable. Brazilians also tend to stand close to one another, so don’t let it shock you.
What about health and safety?
Safety: As of this post, the U.S. State Department has listed Brazil as Level 2 because of crime in some areas. This means you should exercise increased caution while traveling there. As with all travel, always aware of your surroundings and follow the advice of the State Department for all international travel.
Health: Make sure to be up-to-date on all standard vaccinations. Though not required to enter Brazil, the CDC recommends travelers should also consider receiving a yellow fever vaccine prior to travel.
Weather: Temperatures in Brazil rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), apart from in the mountains and southern regions. The climate varies from hot and dry in the interior, to humid and sticky in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon. The wettest month is December with an average of 169mm of rain.
Food: Meat reigns supreme in Brazil! Traditional dishes include feijoada, a rich, hearty stew made with different cuts of pork and black beans, and picanha, a barbequed meat dish. In the mood for something sweet? Don’t leave Brazil without trying a brigadeiro, a truffle made of condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, then finished with chocolate sprinkles covering the outside layer.
How do I use my phone in Brazil?
International calling: The number to call in case of emergency is 190 – this is the police number. Call 192 for an ambulance.
0021 is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of Brazil.
For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, always contact them directly.
Adaptors: When traveling abroad, it is always best to get a universal adaptor that will work anywhere.
What do I need to get in, out, and around Brazil?
Passport and visa: Your passport must be valid on date of entry. As of June 16, 2019, U.S. citizens no longer need a visa if they are traveling to Brazil for tourism, business, transit, artistic or sport activities, with no intention of establishing residence.
Money: Brazil uses the Real. Be sure to carry at least some Real around with you. Credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged a few for using your card abroad, and definitely notify them of your travel dates so they won’t think your card has been stolen. Check out the exchange rate for USD to Real before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favorable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you are best off using a debit card at an ATM during your trip, but be aware of any international fees.
Also, be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for spending money abroad.
Transportation: Driving on Brazil’s roads poses significant risks. Poor roads and high-density traffic make road travel more hazardous than in the United States. Road maintenance is inadequate in many areas and some long-distance roads through the Amazon forest are impassable much of the year due to flooding. The large metropolitan areas of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have modern metro networks, but in most of the cities buses are the common mode of public transportation.
Are you a teacher who is interested in taking students along for the ride? Explorica takes care of all of the little details so you can focus on making your trip to Brazil educational and fun. Plan a trip to Brazil today!