USEFUL TRAVEL TOOLS -BRAZIL

Brazil encompasses almost half of South America’s landmass, making it the largest country on the continent. Because it’s so large, it’s not surprising that it is made up of a wide variety of landscapes, coastlines, and experiences. Wildlife lovers can explore the wetlands and the rainforest, while city lovers can wander the streets of Rio. Along with beautiful beaches, one of the world’s best soccer teams, and the world-famous Carnival celebration, Brazil is truly a melting pot, perfect for every kind of traveler.

 

Ipanema Beach

 

Passport / Visa requirements

It is an excellent idea to be aware of any passport and visa issues. Check with the embassy in your home country to make sure about the requirements to enter Brazil for your particular nationality. Check that your passport also has a validity of no less than 6 months for travel to Brazil.  In general, most people will receive a 3-month tourist visa on arrival, which you would need to extend with The Federal Police, should you want to stay longer.

 

Brazil Passport

 

Travel Health

 The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Brazil: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Check with your travel clinic or Doctor about vaccination issues. The jungle regions have yellow fever outbreaks 
It is also important to make sure you have adequate travel insurance before you leave and don’t forget to make sure you have a secure supply of money throughout your trip, the banks and money information will help you with this. 

 

Doctor in Brazil

Booking Accommodation

Finding hotels and long-term accommodation options can be a difficult process. We recommend  these websites to find the best accommodation deals: www.booking.com, www.hotels.com, www.expedia.com , and https://www.airbnb.com.pe/. 

 

Sea View

Flight Bookings

Brazil’s biggest flag carriers, GOL and LATAM, offer regular airline deals if you book in advance, and they tend to be flexible with flight changes. Smaller Brazilian budget airlines, including AZUL, also operate in the country. You can also find many international flights to travel to Brazil using sites like www.skyscanner.net     www.despegar.com  or www.kayak.com. 

 

 

Rio Airstrip

Rent a Car Options

If you don’t speak the local language, renting a car can be a difficult process, however if your Spanish skills permit you, check out www.rentalcars.com  to compare rental providers and find the best deal on car hire in Brazil.

 

Sao Paolo Car Hire

 

Climate

 

Brazil is one of the few destinations on Earth that is warm year-round. Because of its tropical landscapes, there are several climatic extremes, though none of which are too extreme to deter travelers. Winter in Brazil lasts from May to September, but no matter where in Brazil you are visiting, temperatures won’t drop below 60 F. It’s one of the best times to go sightseeing and hiking in cities like Rio, thanks to plenty of sunshine and cooler temps.

During the spring and summer months, November to March, temperatures can get up to 48°C so layer on plenty of sunscreen and prepare for heavy humidity. Don’t let this deter you, though. Brazil’s famous Carnival takes place around February to early March, and that is not a celebration you want to miss.

 

Thunder Storm over Sao Paolo

What To Expect

Language

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. You’ll also find that not many people outside of the tourism industry speak English so you’ll want to brush up on some basics before you go.

 

Currency

The official currency of Brazil is the Real (BRL).

ATMs & Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil. Although many small businesses, cafes, markets, and spots outside of larger cities often don’t accept cards. ATMs are common in major towns and cities but might be a bit more difficult to track down in the countryside. Many places that do have ATMs will lock them overnight for extra security so don’t plan on using one late in the evening.

 

Brazil´s Currrency

Plugs Sockets

 In Brazil, the power plugs are type N, the standard voltage is 127 / 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.  I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers.

Safety

Brazil has a bad reputation for being unsafe and is known for its high crime rates. In general, the scenarios that involve tourists are typically mugging and pickpocketing. Safeguard your belongings, avoid traveling alone if possible, and practice caution at all times and you should be just fine.

 

Avoid Beaches at Night