In general
Documents and visa
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. EU citizens do NOT need a visa for tourism up to 90 days (within a 180-day period), provided you hold a return ticket; other nationalities should check their own rules (some require a visa or an e-visa). Always verify the current requirements before leaving.
Currency and payments
The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts, and are the most practical and safe way to pay. It is still handy to carry some cash for beaches, markets and small towns. Exchange is free (banks, casas de cambio, also in hotels); cash sums over USD 10,000 must be declared at customs. Withdraw at ATMs inside banks or malls, in daylight, to reduce risk.
Language
The language is Portuguese (in its very musical Brazilian variant). English is not widely spoken outside large hotels and travel agencies: even in the big cities many people do not speak it. A few words of Portuguese or Spanish (which helps you be understood) are very useful, as is a translation app.
Health and vaccines
No vaccine is mandatory to enter, but the Brazilian authorities RECOMMEND vaccination against YELLOW FEVER for those visiting many areas, including the Iguazu Falls area, the Pantanal, the Amazon, Minas Gerais and much of the Atlantic forest: have it at least 10 days before departure. Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and, in the Amazon, malaria are also present: protect yourself from mosquitoes day and night. Public facilities are often inadequate: ALWAYS take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation. Drink bottled water.
eSIM and connectivity
The main operators are Vivo, Claro and TIM, with good 4G/5G coverage in cities and tourist areas. Buying a local SIM can require a CPF (Brazilian tax number) and be cumbersome for tourists: the easiest option is an eSIM bought before departure. Roaming with non-local SIMs is expensive. In Brazil the Pix instant-payment system is used heavily among residents, but for tourists cards remain convenient.
Electricity
NOTE: in Brazil the voltage VARIES from city to city. Many areas (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo) use 127V, others (Brasilia, much of the Northeast and Salvador) use 220V, always at 60Hz: always check before plugging in a non-dual-voltage appliance. Sockets are type N (three round pins), which also accept European type C two-round-pin plugs. Most modern chargers are 100-240V and work anywhere.
Time zone
The main tourist areas (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador/Bahia, Iguazu) are on Brasilia time, UTC-3. The Amazon is one hour behind (UTC-4). Brazil does not observe daylight saving time.
Climate and seasons
The seasons are reversed compared with Europe and the climate varies greatly: tropical and hot in Rio, Bahia and the north, more temperate in the south. The southern summer (December-March) is hot, humid and festive (it is Carnival time) but rainy; the winters (June-August) are dry and pleasant on the coast, ideal for Salvador and the Chapada. Iguazu is beautiful all year. Rains can cause flooding and landslides: check local conditions.
Good to know
Safety in the cities
Street crime is widespread in the big cities (Rio, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza) and targets tourists, even by day and in central areas or on the beaches. Golden rules: carry only the bare essentials, no flashy jewellery or watches, keep your phone out of sight on the street and beach, use Uber/99 or booked taxis in the evening. If robbed, do NOT resist: hand everything over. Visit favelas only with organised tours and local guides. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
Getting around
Brazil is enormous: between the big stops (Rio, Iguazu, Sao Paulo, Salvador) you fly, with frequent and often cheap internal flights (LATAM, Gol, Azul); book in advance and leave a buffer before your international flight. In cities use the metro where available (Sao Paulo, Rio) and the Uber/99 apps, safer than street taxis. On the islands (Ilha Grande, Morro de Sao Paulo) there are no cars: you move on foot and by boat.
Beaches and nature
On urban beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema) leave everything non-essential at the hotel: you go to the beach practically empty-handed, and rent an umbrella and chair on site. Swim where there are lifeguards and beware of currents. For nature (Iguazu, Chapada Diamantina, Atlantic forest) rely on authorised guides, bring repellent, proper shoes and water. Respect the parks and do not approach wildlife.
Eating and tipping
Brazilian cuisine is rich and regional: feijoada (black bean and meat stew), churrasco (grilled meat), pao de queijo, acai and, in Bahia, the dende-spiced moqueca and acaraje. You drink caipirinha (cachaca, lime and sugar) and excellent tropical fruit juices. In restaurants a 10% 'servico' is almost always included in the bill, serving as the tip. Drugs are severely punished: avoid them entirely.
Useful numbers
- 190 — Military police (emergencies)
- 192 — Ambulance / medical emergency (SAMU)
- 193 — Fire brigade
- +55 61 3442 9900 — Italian Embassy in Brasilia (emergencies: +55 61 9 8119 3426). Consulates in Rio, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife and other cities. For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy
💡 Get vaccinated against yellow fever before leaving (recommended for Iguazu, Bahia and the forest areas) and take out health insurance with repatriation. In the cities live the Brazilian way but with caution: little in your pockets, no phone in hand on the street, Uber in the evening, and only the essentials on the beach. That way you fully enjoy Brazil, one of the most joyful and welcoming countries in the world.