Before traveling to a new country, especially one as vast and unique as Brazil, there are a few things you need to know. I've outlined a few things you need to know before traveling to Brazil: how to get around, the best time to visit, what to see, what are the must-try items, what to do, what the food and drink situation is, safety regulations, prices, and what not to do in Brazil.

Brazil is a must-see destination. Its rich culture and vast territory make it truly special. No matter what kind of traveler you are… City dweller, hiker, beach bum, backpacker, or all three? Brazil's diverse nature, architecture, and cuisine await you.

SOME GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BRAZIL

• Continent: South America
• Population: 212 million
• Area: 8,516 million sq. m
• Capital: Brasilia
• Largest city: São Paulo
• 5 regions: North, North-East, Central-West, South-East, South
• 26 states
• Official language: Portuguese (Brazilian)
• Currency: Real (BRL)
• Religion: Christianity (88%)
• Time zone: from UTC -2 to -5
• Side of traffic: right

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BRAZIL?

There is no short answer to this question… Since Brazil is a huge country with many seasons and different weather conditions, you will have to decide what you prefer… Hot and rainy weather versus cooler and less rainy…

WET SEASON (SUMMER) VS. DRY SEASON (WINTER)

The seasons reverse south of the equator, so Brazilian summer lasts from October to March, and winter from May to August. Most of the country has a tropical climate, and it's warm year-round. Therefore, Brazilians prefer to use the terms "wet" and "dry" instead of "summer" and "winter."

• Northern Brazil has an equatorial climate. Therefore, it is rainy and hot here year-round, although there is less rainfall from July to September. This is the ideal time to visit the Amazon rainforest.
• The central part of the country has a tropical climate.The first half of the year is humid and hot, while the second half is drier and warmer. Because the country is large, the seasons are slightly staggered.
• Southern Brazil has a subtropical climate. with hot and rainy summers (September-March) and moderate winters (May-September).

The rainy season isn't called the rainy season for nothing. It typically rains every day, sometimes for just an hour, sometimes for several days. Streets can be flooded, and cars can get stuck, as most drainage systems weren't designed properly.

High season runs from December to March due to the warmer weather. Europeans and North Americans want to skip winter? I've done it several times. March is a popular month because the carnival attracts large crowds. Just keep in mind that prices are higher during peak season.

Advice!

When I look for weather information, I always go to the website Climates To Travel, where you can find all the information about the climate, average temperatures, weather conditions, the best time to travel, and even what to pack.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELLING TO BRAZIL?

VISA REQUIREMENTS

TOURIST VISA

A tourist visa (not a visa) is sufficient for most countries. Upon entry, your passport will be stamped "90," meaning you can stay in Brazil for 90 days within a 180-day period. Therefore, if you enter another country and return to Brazil, your 90 days will not start over.

Depending on your citizenship, you may need a visa to enter Brazil. I always check Passport Index, to stay informed about the rules.

You can request information from your local Brazilian consulate. Different types of visas (work, student, and business) usually require applications before travel.

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA TO BRAZIL

Brazil introduced a digital visa for nomads in February 2022, allowing for a one-year stay with the possibility of an additional year. This is still a new tool, so not all the necessary information is available, but you will need:

• Have a valid passport.
• Visa application and proof of visa payment.
• Confirm that you are a digital nomad or freelancer.
• Have a monthly income of at least $1500 or $18,000 in a bank account.
• Have valid health insurance in Brazil.
• Certificate of no criminal record.

For more information, visit Agencia Brasil and contact your local Brazilian consulate.

VACCINATION

Before traveling abroad, I always check the information in CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which vaccines are recommended. You'll also find important information on how to stay healthy and safe while traveling, detailed information on illnesses, and what medications to bring.

Visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get the necessary vaccines and medications. Save some money by doing this; these vaccines are expensive.

In Brazil, vaccinations against hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid fever are recommended. Other types of vaccinations are recommended for certain regions. For more information on yellow fever and malaria, please visit CDC.

And don't forget to buy mosquito repellent!

WHERE TO GO IN BRAZIL?

Brazil has so many famous beauties and even more hidden gems. I still have so much left to visit, so I'll be adding more content to my blog over time, so for now I'll leave you with just a few suggestions. Half of them are still on my Brazil bucket list.

• Amazon rainforest
• Fernando de Noronha
• Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
• Jericoacoara
• Salvador
• Chapada-Diamantina
• Rio de Janeiro
• San Paolo
• Iguazu Falls
• Florianopolis

HOW TO TRAVEL IN BRAZIL?

Brazil's total area is 8,516 million square meters, making it the fifth-largest country on the planet. It is almost as large as Europe (10,18 million square meters). Its north-south length is 4395 kilometers.

BY PLANE IN BRAZIL

There are approximately 491 public airports in Brazil, including 27 international ones. You'll likely arrive at Brazil's largest and busiest airport, São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Of course, everything depends on your departure point.

The country is vast, so the fastest way to travel between different regions is by plane. Although it's not the most affordable option, if you're short on time and budget, flying is the best solution.

Major airlines in Brazil: Blue, Gol, LATAM и voepass.

Advice!

On domestic flights in Brazil, you don't have to worry about the amount of liquid you can carry—there's no 100ml limit.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Major cities (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Salvador and Fortaleza) have an underground metro, which is the fastest way to travel.

In smaller towns, you can take buses. They are reliable, but sometimes run intermittently. Don't forget to lend a hand. Otherwise the bus will not stop.

On smaller roads, bus stops may not be marked, so just wave to the bus, and the driver may stop. We did the same near the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, and the bus stopped.

Avoid public transport during rush hours (7-10 am, 17-20 pm) and always keep an eye on your belongings.

Average prices for public transport:

• Metro ticket: 400 Brazilian reals
• Bus ticket price: 4440 Brazilian reals

UBER IN BRAZIL

Uber is an affordable option in Brazil, especially if you're traveling with others. Sharing costs this way is much cheaper than public transportation. It's also safer and more affordable than taxis.

Please note that during peak hours prices can triple and you may have to wait longer.

INTERCITY BUSES IN BRAZIL

Brazil has a well-developed bus network, including night buses with semi-cama and cama seats. However, the level of comfort and service depend on the bus company and price.

We once took a bus from Florianópolis to Foz do Iguaçu. The overnight bus departed at 16:00 PM, and we arrived at our destination around 7:3 AM. The bus was clean and the seats were comfortable, so it was easy to fall asleep. During the night, the bus stopped every three hours, allowing us to get off, use the restroom, and grab a bite to eat. These stops serve traditional "padaria" and "lanche," which are mostly Brazilian pastries and sandwiches, and a few places also serve hot food. Sometimes it's best to pack snacks and water for the trip.

I found a very useful article on the website. Out of your comfort zone Learn about booking bus tickets online and the benefits of traveling by bus in Brazil.

DRIVING IN BRAZIL

Traffic in Brazil drives on the right side of the road, as in Europe and the USA.

If you are planning to explore a particular region or more remote places, I would recommend renting a car. Finds — our favorite car rental company, with many rental locations throughout the country.

If you're staying in Brazil for less than six months, your national driver's license should be acceptable. However, an International Driving Permit can be useful to avoid misunderstandings with rental companies and the police.

Advice!

Driving in flip-flops is prohibited, so wear closed shoes or go barefoot!

ROAD QUALITY

Brazilian roads aren't the best quality. The best is probably the Rodovia Highway, designated BR-101. The speed limit is between 80 and 110 km/h (120 km/h). Tolls are paid at toll roads, so bring cash. Prices range from 1 to 20 Brazilian reals. For example, from São Paulo to Ilhabela (200 km) we spent 22,70 Brazilian reals. From São Paulo to Florianópolis (800 km) the price was about 50 Brazilian reals.

On smaller roads, the quality can be worse. Rain can damage the poor-quality road surfaces, and sometimes huge potholes appear. A few years ago, while traveling from Jericoacara to Parnaíba, the car (and we) suffered severe damage due to the poor road conditions.

Another section we dislike is the speed bumps called lombadas.They are designed to slow down traffic, so always look out for huge speed bumps on the road, usually marked with yellow stripes.

ROAD SAFETY

Research safety information in different areas and regions! There are places you should avoid, otherwise you might get robbed.

Waze sometimes uses strange abbreviations to save you a few minutes. Always check your planned route to make sure it won't take you down narrow, shady streets or into dangerous areas.

In large cities, avoid driving during rush hour! For example, in São Paulo, driving during rush hour basically means waiting in traffic. Not much fun… If you're stuck in traffic, keep the windows open.

Try to stay in the middle of your lane because motorcycles will always find a way to squeeze between cars and you will hear their horns constantly.

IS BRAZIL SAFE?

If you watch the news, I bet you think Brazil is too dangerous.

Is it true?

It depends on…

You can get robbed in any country, especially in tourist areas of large cities. However, Brazil isn't as dangerous as you might think. You just need to follow some rules...

• Avoid poor areas and abandoned streets.
• Try to travel in groups.
• Don't flaunt it or wear flashy clothes with chunky gold jewelry. See what I mean?
• Keep your phone and camera equipment in your bag and use them only when necessary.
• Always keep an eye on your belongings.
• Keep your windows closed while driving or in traffic jams.
• Have a fake wallet with a blocked credit card and/or a spare old phone.

Here are a few general rules to keep in mind. Of course, rules of conduct vary from region to region and city to city. For example, in downtown São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, you should be especially careful.

FOOD AND DRINK IN BRAZIL

Brazil is a foodie's paradise, with so many delicious foods and drinks that I wrote another blog post about it. What to eat and drink in Brazil.

ESSENTIAL DISHES IN BRAZIL

• Fruits, fruits and more fruits
• Acai bowl – acai ice cream with granola and banana
• Salgados (salty pastries), such as coxinhas (croquettes), pão de queijo (cheese bread), empada (mini pastries), and pastel (deep-fried filled pastry)
• Churrasco, Brazilian barbecue
• Feijoada – a black bean stew with pork
• Carne seca - dried meat Meat
• Seafood and sushi
• Brigadiero – a creamy chocolate bar
• Pudim de leite is a pudding similar to Spanish flan.

MUST-TRY DRINKS IN BRAZIL

• Água de coco (Coconut water)
• Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made from cane sugar.
• Caipirinha is a famous Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, sugar and ice.
• Freshly squeezed fruit juices
• Mate tea

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK TAP WATER IN BRAZIL?

In Brazil, it is not recommended to drink tap water.

Many homes and hostels have filtered water, such as a large gallon of brown water or an extra faucet on the kitchen sink. If your accommodation doesn't have either, I'd recommend purchasing mineral water.

ABOUT BRAZILIANS

Brazilians are incredibly friendly. They'll likely give you a half- or full-hug when you greet them. They're also very emotional, dance, and speak loudly.

Don't expect many people to speak English. My Brazilian boyfriend's family doesn't speak English, so communicating in my limited Portuguese was a bit of a challenge. But no one cared. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. In larger cities, you'll find more people who speak English.

Brazilians are always late. Expect them to arrive an hour later.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN BRAZIL?

Brazilian Portuguese is the official language of Brazil.

It's similar to the Portuguese spoken in Portugal, but some words are different, and pronunciation varies. For example, the "s" sound is more difficult to pronounce in Portugal than in Brazil. That's why I prefer the rhythm and sound of Brazilian Portuguese.

Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. Words and accents can sometimes vary depending on the region.

IMPORTANT PHRASES IN PORTUGUESE

• Hello = Oi/ Olá
• How are you? = Tudo bem?
• Thank you = Obrigado/ Obrigada (Obrigado if you are a man, Obrigada if you are a woman)
• You're welcome — De nada
• Please = Por favor
• Beer, please! = Uma cerveja, por favor!
• Sorry = Pardon/ Desculpe
• Best regards = Saud!
• Bye = Chow
• Yes = Sim
• No = no
• Exit = Saida
• Open = Aberto
• Closed = Fechado
• Where is the bus station? – Where is the Onibus station?
• With sugar/Without sugar – Com açúcar/Sem açúcar
• Suco de manga – mango juice.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS BRAZIL?

Brazil isn't considered expensive. Unfortunately, prices have risen due to the pandemic. Brazilian goods are generally affordable, although imported goods, especially electronics, are more expensive.

The rest is up to you and your budget... Will you go to an expensive restaurant or grab lunch on the corner? Do you want to stay in a luxury hotel or hostel? You can find both expensive places and very affordable options.

Traveling in Brazil can be expensive, so spend more time in the country exploring its different corners.

AVERAGE PRICES IN BRAZIL

• Breakfast and brunch – 10-20 Brazilian reals
• Main course (in a good restaurant) – 30-50 Brazilian reals
• Salgados at a bakery (padaria) – 3-5 Brazilian reals
• 1 kg of mango – 5-7 Brazilian reals
• Cappuccino in a specialty coffee shop – 8-10 Brazilian reals
• Coconut water from coconut – 10-15 Brazilian reals
• Freshly squeezed juice - 10 Brazilian reals
• Caipirinha – 20-25 Brazilian reals
• 0,5 liters of water in a supermarket costs 1-2 Brazilian reals
• Public transport ticket: 4 Brazilian reals

ELECTRICITY AND VOLTAGE IN BRAZIL

In Brazil, sockets come in type C and type N (a C plug also fits a type N socket).

You don't have to worry about the power supply voltage. Use a travel adapter, for example, Skross adapter, which operates in more than 220 countries and has two USB ports for charging USB devices.

You may need to worry about a voltage converter, especially if you are coming from the US… In Brazil, the voltage is 110 V (127 V) and 220 V depending on the region. Even in the same city and in the same apartment, you can find both. You'll usually see a sticker around the outlet that says "110 V" or "220 V." Read more about the most common voltages in cities in this article.

You will find a lot of things on the internet voltage convertersHowever, please read the instructions before use, as they are only suitable for electrical appliances such as hair dryers, phone chargers, and laptop chargers.