Brazil Travel Guide
December–March is hot summer and beach season. April–June and September–November are milder and cheaper. The Amazon is drier June–November.
Last reviewed
Brazil at a glance
Best time to visit Brazil
December–March is hot summer and beach season. April–June and September–November are milder and cheaper. The Amazon is drier June–November.
Peak: Carnival (Feb/Mar) and New Year in Rio — prices multiply and minimum-night rules apply.
Shoulder season: April–May and September–October: warm, dry enough, and much better value.
Visa and entry
Visa-free for many nationalities for 90 days. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens regained visa-free in 2024.
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change frequently. Always confirm with an official embassy or consulate source before booking.
Money and tipping
Brazil uses the BRL (R$).
10% service charge (serviço) often added to restaurant bills; if not added, tipping optional.
Getting around
São Paulo metro and bus is a flat R$5, and a Bilhete Único adds free transfers inside a time window. Rio's metro is about R$7.50 with a Giro card.
When a pass pays off: Flat fares mean no meaningful day pass — the Bilhete Único's free bus↔metro transfers are where multi-stop days actually save.
Local etiquette
Do
- Expect warm, close conversation — a handshake or cheek kisses on greeting is normal.
- Carry a copy of your passport rather than the original day to day.
- Leave the 10% “serviço” already printed on the bill; that is the tip.
Avoid
- Don't flush toilet paper — bins are provided.
- Don't leave phones on café tables or wear obvious jewellery in crowds.
- Don't assume Spanish works — Brazil speaks Portuguese.
Common scams and tourist traps
- Beach “free” drinks or bracelets that turn into a bill.
- Card machines handed over with the amount pre-typed — always read the screen before entering your PIN.
- Unofficial airport taxis; use the official ranks, Uber or 99.
Health
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Brazil, Yellow fever vaccination is often recommended for travel to the Amazon region, and dengue/Zika precautions are worthwhile nationwide. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
When locals eat
Meal windows shift by country, and eating on the local clock is the difference between a full restaurant and a closed kitchen.
| Meal | Early riser | Typical | Night owl |
|---|---|---|---|
| breakfast | 7:00 AM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM |
| lunch | 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| dinner | 7:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
Useful Portuguese phrases
English is limited outside hotels and business districts. Brazilian Portuguese differs noticeably from European Portuguese.
- Hello
- Oi / Olá(oy / o-LA)
- Thank you
- Obrigado / Obrigada(o-bri-GA-doo / o-bri-GA-da)
- Excuse me
- Com licença(kong lee-SEN-sa)
- How much is this?
- Quanto custa?(KWAN-too KOOS-ta)
Staying connected
eSIM providers that cover Brazil: Airalo, Holafly. Buying an eSIM before you fly avoids airport queues and roaming charges.
Brazil travel FAQ
- When is the best time to visit Brazil?
- December–March is hot summer and beach season. April–June and September–November are milder and cheaper. The Amazon is drier June–November.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
- Visa-free for many nationalities for 90 days. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens regained visa-free in 2024. Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — confirm with an official consulate or embassy source before booking.
- Do you tip in Brazil?
- 10% service charge (serviço) often added to restaurant bills; if not added, tipping optional.
- What currency is used in Brazil?
- Brazil uses the BRL (R$).
- What power plug and voltage does Brazil use?
- Brazil uses Type C and Type N sockets at 127V or 220V / 60 Hz (varies by city). Check your device's rated input before travelling; most modern laptop and phone chargers handle both 110V and 220V.
- What is the emergency number in Brazil?
- In Brazil, call 190 (police) / 192 (ambulance) / 193 (fire).
- What time zone is Brazil in?
- Brazil is in the America/Sao_Paulo time zone (UTC-03:00).
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
- The main language is Portuguese. English is limited outside hotels and business districts. Brazilian Portuguese differs noticeably from European Portuguese.
- Is public transport worth buying a pass for in Brazil?
- São Paulo metro and bus is a flat R$5, and a Bilhete Único adds free transfers inside a time window. Rio's metro is about R$7.50 with a Giro card. Flat fares mean no meaningful day pass — the Bilhete Único's free bus↔metro transfers are where multi-stop days actually save.
- What health precautions should I take in Brazil?
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for Brazil, Yellow fever vaccination is often recommended for travel to the Amazon region, and dengue/Zika precautions are worthwhile nationwide. This is general information, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
Plan a Brazil trip around how you actually travel
Travaio builds a day-by-day plan from your travel style, with verified places, real opening hours, and local meal times already accounted for.
Plan my Brazil tripThis guide is general travel information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Visa, health, and safety requirements change — verify anything time-sensitive with an official source before you travel.