Brazil: Basic Travel Guide

Brazil

📍 Destination

Brazil is a vast and diverse country known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant cities, and warm, welcoming culture. From the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro to the crystal-clear waters of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

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ℹ️ General Information

• Official name: Federative Republic of Brazil

• Capital: Brasília

• Official language: Portuguese

• Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)

• Currency exchange locations: Available at banks and exchange bureaus

• Predominant religion: Catholic

• Time difference:

  • USA: Brasília is GMT-3 (EDT+1 / PDT+4, varies by state and season)

  • UK: Brasília is GMT-3 (4 hours behind UK time in summer, 3 in winter)

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📄 Required Documentation

• Passport: Required for US and UK citizens; must be valid for the entire duration of your stay

• Visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days (tourism or business)

• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required only if you’ve recently visited a yellow fever endemic country

• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended

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📅 Best Time to Visit

• Climate: Tropical, with regional variations

• Rainy season: December to March, especially in the North and Central-West regions

• Best months to visit: April to October – less rainfall, pleasant temperatures

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🕐 Opening Hours

• Public services: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

• Banks: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

• Shops: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM / Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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✈️ How to Get There

Flight time: Approx. 10 hours from London / 9–11 hours from US East Coast (depending on destination)

Main airports:

• (GIG) Rio de Janeiro International Airport – Tom Jobim

• (REC) Recife-Guararapes International Airport

• (SSA) Salvador International Airport

• (FOR) Fortaleza International Airport

• (MCZ) Maceió International Airport

• (NAT) Natal International Airport

• (SLZ) Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport

Distances and times to hotel zones:

• GIG → Rio de Janeiro: 25 km, about 50-60 min

• REC → Recife: 50 km, about 60 min

• REC → João Pessoa: 150 km, about 2h30-45min

• MCZ → Maceió: 23 km, about 50-60 min

• NAT → Natal: 33 km, about 50-60 min

• SSA → Salvador: 26 km, about 35-45 min

• SSA → Itapuã: 9 km, about 15-20 min

• SLZ → São Luís do Maranhão: 14 km, about 20-30 min

• FOR → Fortaleza: 8 km, about 25-30 min

🚖 Transfers: Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Uber and 99) are available at all major airports.

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💊 Health & Medications

• Required vaccinations: None (unless arriving from yellow fever endemic countries)

• Recommendation: Bring personal medications and consult a doctor for specific guidance

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💰 Currency and Costs

• Credit cards: Widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard)

• Exchange rate: Approx. 1 USD ≈ 5.3 BRL / 1 GBP ≈ 6.7 BRL (rates vary)

• Tipping: Not obligatory, but 10% is appreciated (often included in restaurant bills)

  
  

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🧳 What to Pack

• Lightweight clothing for daytime

• Swimwear for beach and pool

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Type N power adapter (220V)

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🏨 Where to Stay

• Luxury: Copacabana Palace (Rio de Janeiro)

• Modern and central: Hotel Fasano (São Paulo)

• Family-friendly: Costão do Santinho Resort (Florianópolis)

• Great value: Pousada do Sandi (Paraty)

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🚕 Transport and Accessibility

• Taxis: Available in all cities; use apps like 99 or Uber recommended.

• Public transport: Buses and subways in major cities; be cautious with personal belongings

• Car rental: Available at airports and city centers; valid foreign driver's license accepted

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⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 220V

• Plugs: Type N (three round pins) - – adapter needed for US/UK electronics

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📞 Communication

• Country code: +55

• Language: Portuguese is official; English spoken in tourist areas

• Local SIM cards: Available at airports and shopping centers

• Wi-Fi: Common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants

🎯 Tip: Avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link) —

🏖️ Main Holidays

• January 1 – New Year’s Day

• April 21 – Tiradentes Day

• May 1 – Labor Day

• September 7 – Independence Day

• November 2 – All Souls’ Day

• October 12 – Our Lady of Aparecida

• November 15 – Republic Proclamation Day

• December 25 – Christmas

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🍽️ Local Cuisine

• Feijoada

• Churrasco

• Moqueca

• Acarajé

• Brigadeiro

• Caipirinha

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🕵️‍♂️ Safety Ti

• Brazil is a popular destination, but caution is advised

• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

• Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes

• Use official transport services (licensed taxis or ride apps)

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🚑 Emergency Services

• SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service): 192

• Military Police: 190

• Firefighters: 193

• US Embassy in Brazil (Brasília): +55 61 3312-7000

• UK Embassy in Brazil (Brasília): +55 61 3329-2300

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🔗 Useful Links

• Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitbrasil.com/en/

• US Traveler Registration: https://step.state.gov/step/

• UK Travel Advice Registration: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil