Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Brazil. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Brazilian Real (R$)
Best SIM Provider
Claro
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cards accepted
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
Controlled substances
Some medications common in other countries are controlled in Brazil. Carry original prescription with Portuguese translation if possible.
General medications
Bring medications in original packaging. For controlled substances, obtain a letter from your doctor before travel.
Essential Apps
99
UberNotes for Visitors
- iFood (main food delivery) requires Brazilian phone number - not available to most tourists
- Rappi and Uber Eats work with international accounts
- Pix payments require CPF (tax ID) and Brazilian bank account - tourists use cards or cash
- 99 (rideshare) works with international numbers and cards
- Many loyalty/rewards apps require CPF registration
SIM Cards & Internet
Local SIM recommended for convenience. Claro, Vivo, TIM all have good coverage. Available at airports. Data is affordable. eSIM options also work well.
- Tourist SIMs available at airport kiosks
- WhatsApp is used for business so data is essential
- Some prepaid SIMs require CPF - ask for tourist options
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Brazil is increasingly card-friendly in cities. Pix (instant payment) is hugely popular but requires Brazilian bank account. Cash still needed for street vendors and small shops. Many places charge extra for cards.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs inside banks during business hours. Banco do Brasil and Bradesco work with foreign cards. Be very careful at ATMs - don't use them at night or alone. Fees can be high.
Tipping Culture
Restaurants often add 10% 'serviço' to bills (not mandatory but expected). If not included, 10% is standard. Bars: round up. Hotels: R$5-10 per bag. Taxis: round up.
- Pix is everywhere but requires CPF (Brazilian tax ID) and bank account
- Some establishments charge 5-10% extra for card payments
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Available at all major airports. Use designated pickup areas.
Pre-paid at counters. Safe but expensive.
Available in São Paulo and Rio. Cheap but slower.
Line 13 connects to Guarulhos Airport
Local Transport
Most convenient and relatively safe option
São Paulo and Rio have good systems. Safe and cheap.
Extensive but can be confusing. Avoid with valuables visible.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Brazil requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
60 city / 110 hwy
Alcohol limit
Zero tolerance
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in Brazil
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Brazil across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Exercise increased awareness, especially in Rio and larger cities
- Avoid walking alone at night - use Uber/99 even for short distances
- Be cautious with valuables - don't display expensive jewelry or electronics
- Stick to well-traveled tourist areas and avoid favelas without a trusted guide
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Brazil has a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, especially in São Paulo and Rio. Same-sex marriage is legal. São Paulo hosts the world's largest Pride parade. However, Brazil also has high rates of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals - exercise normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- São Paulo has the largest Pride parade in the world
- Rio's Carnival is famous for LGBTQ+ participation
- LGBTQ+ neighborhoods exist in major cities - research before you go
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Major cities are improving accessibility but challenges remain. Rio's metro and tourist areas like Copacabana have accessible features. São Paulo's metro is more accessible. Older areas and cobblestones can be difficult.
- Rio's metro has accessible stations at major stops
- Beach wheelchairs available at some beaches in Rio
- International hotels generally have accessible rooms
- Sidewalk quality varies significantly
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Express Kidnapping
Criminals force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. More common in certain areas at night.
Prevention: Avoid ATMs at night. Use ATMs inside malls during day. Don't resist if confronted.
Distraction Theft
Someone creates a distraction (spilling something, asking questions) while accomplice steals.
Prevention: Stay alert in tourist areas. Keep valuables hidden. Use anti-theft bags.
Fake Uber/99
Drivers claim to be your app driver but aren't. May take you somewhere dangerous.
Prevention: Always verify license plate and driver photo in app before entering.
Beach Theft
Thieves target belongings while you're swimming or distracted.
Prevention: Don't bring valuables to beach. Take turns watching bags. Use hotel safes.
Overcharging Tourists
Restaurants without prices, taxis without meters charging inflated prices.
Prevention: Always ask prices before ordering. Use app-based taxis with fixed prices.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Brazil's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
23-31°C (73-88°F)
High rainfall
Hot, Carnival season!
Mar – May
21-28°C (70-82°F)
Medium rainfall
Autumn begins
Jun – Aug
15-24°C (59-75°F)
Low rainfall
Winter, dry season
Sep – Nov
20-28°C (68-82°F)
Medium rainfall
Warming up
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC Yellow Book, Brazil; CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
127/220V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
C, N
Voltage varies by region (127V in Rio/SP, 220V in some states). Check before plugging in. Most hotels have both.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
Commonly Spoken
English Proficiency
Limited English outside tourist areas. Learning basic Portuguese is highly recommended.
Essential Phrases
Oi
Hi
oy
Obrigado/a
Thank you (m/f)
oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah
Quanto custa?
How much?
KWAN-too KOOSH-tah
Tudo bem?
How are you?
TOO-doo beng
Não entendo
I don't understand
now en-TEN-doo
A conta
The bill
ah KOHN-tah
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Challenging as Brazilian cuisine centers on meat. Major cities have vegan restaurants. Say 'sou vegano/a'. Açaí bowls and tropical fruits are naturally vegan. Watch for hidden animal products.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Meat-centric culture but options exist. 'Por quilo' restaurants often have good vegetable selections. Say 'sou vegetariano/a'. Rice, beans, and salads are staples.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice and beans are staples and naturally GF. Tapioca crepes are popular GF option. 'Sem glúten' is understood in cities. Traditional food often uses wheat flour.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires standard international export certificates and localized agricultural agency validation desk check-ins.
Timeline
10-15 days before travel
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Local agency signoff (ICA, SENASA, AGROCALIDAD, SAG).
Key Constraints
Requires external parasite treatment (ticks/fleas) within 10-15 days of departure. Vaccination logs must show clear serial numbers.
Pet Culture
Exploding urban nomad support. Major rental hubs packed with local pet culture, leash laws, and pet fashion.
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Cultural Tips
Greetings involve cheek kisses — one in São Paulo, two in Rio, three in some regions. Wait for the local to lead.
Personal space is much closer than you're used to. Arm touching, close standing, and animated hand gestures are all signs of warmth.
'Brazilian time' is real — social events start 30-60 minutes late. Arriving on time to a party means you'll help set up.
Learn basic Portuguese. Brazilians speak zero Spanish and may be offended if you assume they do. Even 'obrigado/a' goes far.
Every region has its own identity, food, and accent. Don't assume Rio represents all of Brazil — paulistas, baianos, and gaúchos will set you straight.
Tipping: 10% service charge (gorjeta) is usually included on the bill. Check before adding more — 'serviço incluso' means it's already there.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Açaí in Brazil is nothing like the smoothie bowls abroad — it's served frozen, thick, and topped with granola and banana. And it's savory in the Amazon.
Havaianas (flip-flops) are acceptable footwear for almost every occasion short of a wedding — beach, office, church, you name it
Brazilians will feed you until you physically cannot move, then offer dessert. Saying 'I'm full' is interpreted as 'I could eat a little more.'
The thumbs-up gesture is universally positive and solves most communication gaps when your Portuguese runs out
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Speaking Spanish - Brazilians speak Portuguese and can find Spanish insulting
Flashing valuables in public - keep phones and jewelry out of sight
Walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas - use Uber, even for short distances
Only visiting Rio - São Paulo, Salvador, Florianópolis are incredible
Underestimating distances - Brazil is continental-sized. Plan flights between regions.
Not trying the food - Brazilian cuisine is diverse and delicious beyond just churrasco
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Brazil
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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