Brazil Ultimate Travel Guide (2024)

The temperature in Rio de Janeiro

Water Temperature in Rio de Janeiro

Rainy days in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil has 2 Major classifications of Visas. These are:

Tourist Visa or Brazil Visit Visa: This type of Visa is for short-term stays not longer than 90 days. Under this category, there are three other types, which are:

• Brazil Tourist Visa

• Brazil Business Visa

• Brazil Transit Visa

However, since 2019, the Brazilian government has provided a Visa Exempt for any tourists from any country for 90-days, provided that they wouldn’t seek employment. Below is the list of countries that are included in this Visa Exempt Policy.

Temporary Visa or Brazil Temporary Visa: This type of visa is for long-term stays and is required to be registered within the 90-day period on the Brazilian Federal Police (DPF). This registration shall be renewed 1-3 years after. Under this category, these types of visas are included:

• Brazil Work Visa

• Brazil Student Visa

• Brazil Family Reunion Visa

• Brazil Retirement Visa

• Brazil Digital Nomad Visa

Updated: October 2022

Source: https://visaguide.world/south-america/bolivia-visa/

Type C and N plugs

The official currency in Brazil is Brazilian Real (BRL).

Exchange Rate Converter

If you are using international cards, expect that Brazilian ATMs do have little fees, but this depends on which bank you’ll get your money from. To avoid such fees, getting a travel card is recommended.

Withdrawal Fees for International Cards:

• Bradesco: 5.5% fee
• Santander: Fees are deducted to the local currencies of the cardholder; contacting the bank is an option to know the amount.

Other Banks/ATMs that offer International Card Withdrawal:

• Banco do Brazil: with fees

• Banco 24 Horas: with fees

Also, I would recommend using online banks like Wise, which allows you to take money from ATM abroad without commission (2 times per month), and has one of the best conversion rates.

*Note, if ATM is asking for a conversion rate, use the local currency, as your bank probably would provide a better conversion rate, than ATM.

Below is a Brazil Travel Guide 2024 table showing the prices for popular items while visiting Brazil

Brazil’s five biggest telecoms are the following:

• TELEFÔNICA BRASIL (VIVO): The leading telecom company carries 33% of the overall telecom market in the country.
• AMÉRICA MÓVIL (CLARO): The second leading is the leader for both fixed – broadband and pay-TV market.
• OI: This company acquires 16% of the overall telecom market in the country.
• TELECOM ITALIA (TIM)
• AT&T (SKY): This company is the leader in providing satellite pay TV.

Personally, I would recommend Claro for its download and upload speed. It also has a great reputation in the overall market.

Another option is to use eSim like Airalo.

The two major airports of Brazil are located in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The mode of transportation below is sourced from local taxis.

Rio de Janeiro (GIG AIRPORT)

Sao Paulo (GRU AIRPORT)

* You can also take the metro, plus a bus transfer from GIG to the City Center for a total of 8 BRL.

* You can also take the metro, plus a bus transfer from GIG to Copacabana for a total of 8 BRL.

* You can also take the train or metro from GRU to City Center for 4 BRL. Bus is also an option for 7 BRL.

For private taxis like uber, it is best to book in advance.

Despite Brazil’s beauty the locals warn most travelers to be observant and alert, especially in metropolitan areas.

The locals of Brazil warn travelers to be wary of crimes, especially robbery. A robbery in Brazil usually ends up with a simple resolution and little to zero punishments. Hence, to counteract the possible risks, travelers are advised to avoid going out late at night, avoid flashing valuable things and don’t be afraid to ask for safe places.

Frankly, every inch of the Earth has its own risks; however, it doesn’t mean that a place must be totally avoided. On that note, people must also know about cities such as Florianópolis, Balneário Camboriú, Curitiba, Gramado, Maringá, and Londrina which are safer cities as compared to capital cities such as Rio de Janeiro. Lastly, health is also taken into account by the country. A program called “Responsible Tourism Seal” was created by the Ministry of Tourism to have Brazil as safe as possible – especially with the ongoing health issue.

If you are traveling, I would say insurance is a must. I saw so many times when people get injuries and health problems, and their relatives/friends are organizing fundraising campaigns for the treatments.

The health system here is very expensive. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it.

I personally buy for EUR 42/month (can have a daily option) SafetyWings travel insurance. That gives me peace of mind. It has $250 deductible, with $250 000 max limit. I had 2 claims, and both of them got covered.

*This is an affiliate link. This means I will get a commission if you use it. But as I mentioned before I am using this insurance myself.

Sao Paulo

WeWork (Co-Working)

Pto de Contato (Co-working)

Osmose Coworking – Unidade 24/7 (Co-working)

All Living (Co-working & Co-living)

VIP Office (Co-Working)

Rio de Janeiro

We Work (Co-Working)

Selina (Co-Work & Co-Living)

Ragus (Co-Work)

Florianopolis

Vilaj (Co-Work)

Selina (Co-Work & Co-Living)

Impact Hub (Co-Work)

FB Groups

Brazil Travelers

Brazil Travel Community

Brazil Backpack & Travel Tips

Foreigners in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: is a perfect spot for tourists. It has such beautiful attractions that may bring you closer to nature. These are the places where I recommend staying:

• Copacabana – not only it is popular, but this area also offers cheap and pricey accommodations, bars, restaurants, and shops.
• Ipanema – this place has a bigger variety of places to stay in, plus the beach is wonderful.
• Leme – a smaller and quieter place that is connected to Copacabana.

Sao Paulo: If you want to be indulged in culture and fun, Sao Paulo is the best way to go.  It has the most lively nightlife, exquisite food, and an amazing cultural and art scene. These are the places where I recommend staying:

• Pinheiros/Vila Madalena – this neighborhood is very lively as it offers the funkiest bars, satisfying restaurants, cafes, and streets full of people from day to night.
• Jardim Paulista/Jardins – museums, galleries, and gourmet restaurants are around this area, yet it still offers budget hostels.
• Vila Mariana – this area is convenient since there are some metro stations that are within walking distance.

Florianopolis: This place is known for its best beaches. These are the places where I recommend staying:

• City Centre – this area offers the best choices for hotels.
• Canasvieiras/Ingleses – this neighborhood is a great option if you want to be near calm beaches and fun nightlife.
• Campeche – opposing the calm beaches in Canasvierias, Campeche’s beaches have strong waves perfect for surfing and other water activities.

Here is the list of things you can do in Brazil:

Prior to entering the country, a traveler must have:

• Proof of vaccination, printed or in electronic form, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish; OR
• Proof of a negative or not detected antigen test or RT-PCR, taken one day prior to boarding.

The Healthcare system is different in every city in the country.  Some cities require the wearing of face masks yet some are permissive to have them voluntarily. Moreover, some establishments may ask for proof of COVID-19 vaccination, adding an extra layer of precaution to the health and safety measures.

In case a traveler feels symptoms, they must undergo isolation for 14 days. However, in emergency and severe cases wherein difficulty of breath is present, hospitalization is the most effective option. Just keep in mind that some hospitals don’t accept credit cards. Hence, health insurance would come in handy, , especially for unforeseen circumstances.

Source: Brazil Covid Information

• It’s safer to walk with lesser cash on hand as it prevents the risks of getting mugged.
• Most tips at restaurants would be included in the receipt, however if not, it is advised to leave at least 10%.
• Withdrawing on Fridays, especially on the first Friday of the month would be hectic since this is the time when people get their pensions and paychecks.
• Tap water in Brazil is not drinkable.
• Avoid hanging belongings over a chair for safety.
• Not everyone in Brazil knows English, hence, knowing Portuguese (official language) might help
• Most women would greet with a kiss on the cheek while men prefer handshakes.
• Drinking is part of the culture.
• Brazilians are often late comers and they could be late for 15 minutes – 1 hour.
• The Northern part of the country where the Amazon is located is humid and hot all year round.

1. Bom dia – Good morning

2. Como está/vai? – How are you/ How’s it going?

3. Eu gostaria de pedir/comer – I would like to order/eat…

4. Oi/Olá: Hello

5. Tchau: Goodbye

6. Por favor: Please

7. De nada: You’re welcome

8. Obrigado/a: Thank you

9. Sim: Yes

10. Não: No