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Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
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From $91 /day
Brazil
Brazil is a massive and intoxicating destination that stretches across nearly half of South America. It is a country defined by dramatic landscapes, from the humid depths of the Amazon rainforest to the white-sand dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses. You can expect a culture that revolves around community, music, and a deep-seated passion for life that is evident in every street corner. Whether you are exploring the modernist architecture of Brasília or the colonial charm of Salvador, the sheer scale of the country ensures a different experience in every region. It is a place that demands a high degree of caution but offers unparalleled rewards for those who navigate its vibrant energy wisely.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$90 – $91 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Brasília
Languages
Portuguese
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
1 $ ≈ 5.17 R$
Plug Type
Type N (standard; Type C also commonly found; 127/220V, 60Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+55
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
Brazil spans 4 time zones: UTC-2 (Fernando de Noronha), UTC-3 (Brasília/Rio/São Paulo), UTC-4 (Amazon), UTC-5 (Acre). No DST in 2026.
Emergency
190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire)
Why Visit Brazil
Breathtaking Natural Wonders
Brazil is home to the world’s largest rainforest and the majestic Iguazu Falls, a collection of 275 waterfalls that reach heights of 80m. These ecosystems offer some of the most diverse flora and fauna on the planet.
Sun-Drenched Coastline
With about 7,491km of Atlantic coast, the country provides endless options from the bustling urban beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the secluded turquoise bays of Fernando de Noronha.
Vibrant Musical Heritage
Music is the heartbeat of the nation, ranging from the percussion-heavy streets of Salvador to the sophisticated samba and bossa nova clubs of the Southeast.
Epic Cultural Festivals
Experiencing Carnival is a bucket-list event that showcases the peak of Brazilian creativity and energy through massive parades and street parties called blocos.
Unique Culinary Scene
The food scene is a rich fusion of flavors, featuring everything from communal barbecues in the South to exotic river fish and tropical fruits in the North.
Stunning Architecture
You can transition from the 17th-century colonial churches of Ouro Preto to the futuristic, modernist government buildings of the capital, Brasília.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Brazil
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Rio de Janeiro & the Southeast
This is the urban heart of the country, featuring the iconic landscapes of Rio and the sprawling cultural and culinary hub of São Paulo. It is the best starting point for first-time visitors looking for a mix of city life and famous beaches.
The Northeast (Nordeste)
Known for its warm tropical weather and colonial history, this region offers the best of Brazil's Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador. It is also home to spectacular coastlines and the unique desert-like dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses.
The Amazon Rainforest
Accessed primarily through the city of Manaus, the Amazon offers an immersive nature experience in the world's most vital jungle. Visitors can explore winding river systems, spot pink dolphins, and learn about indigenous traditions.
The South (Sul)
Displaying a strong European influence, the South is home to temperate climates and the massive Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina. It is also the region where you will find the country's most traditional gaucho culture and vineyards.
The Pantanal & Central-West
The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland and the best place in Brazil for spotting jaguars and diverse birdlife. This region also houses the capital, Brasília, an architectural masterpiece designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the Brazilian summer for beach weather and festivals, though the shoulder seasons offer a pleasant climate with fewer crowds. Regional variations mean the Amazon is best in the drier months, while the South is cooler during the winter.
Peak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
The summer months feature hot weather with temperatures ranging 24–35°C (75–95°F). This period coincides with the world-famous Carnival and Christmas holidays, leading to high demand, crowded beaches, and peak pricing for accommodation.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
These months provide a balance of warm weather and manageable tourist numbers. Temperatures typically average 20–28°C (68–82°F), making it ideal for sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro or exploring the Iguazu Falls.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug
Winter in Brazil is mild in the north but can be chilly in the southern regions. It is the best time for wildlife viewing in the Amazon and Pantanal due to the dry conditions, though coastal areas in the south may be too cold for swimming.
Getting Around
Brazil is vast, making domestic flights the most efficient way to travel between regions, while an extensive long-distance bus network connects major cities and rural towns. Within urban centers, metro systems and rideshare apps are the preferred modes of transport for tourists.
Flight
Carriers like LATAM, GOL, and Azul serve most cities; flying is essential for distances like Rio to Manaus. Tickets booked in advance often range ~$177–$707 / R$913–R$3,653 depending on the route.
Bus
Intercity coaches are reliable and offer various classes, including 'Leito' (sleeper) seats for overnight journeys. A trip between São Paulo and Rio takes ~6 hours and costs ~$94 / R$487.
Metro
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have modern, safe metro networks; single tickets cost ~$6.36 / R$33 in São Paulo and ~$9.31 / R$48 in Rio. Contactless payments and refillable cards like Riocard are standard.
Car
Car rentals are available at airports; drivers must be 21 and have a valid license. Driving is on the right, and there is a 0% blood-alcohol limit.
Food & Drink
Brazilian cuisine is a hearty reflection of its multicultural roots, blending Indigenous, African, and European influences. It relies heavily on fresh ingredients, tropical fruits, and slow-cooked meats to create comforting, flavorful meals.
Must Try
Feijoada
A rich black bean stew cooked with various cuts of pork and beef, traditionally served with rice, kale, and orange slices.
Pão de Queijo
Small, chewy cheese bread rolls made with cassava flour that are a staple snack found in bakeries across the country.
Moqueca
A fragrant seafood stew made with coconut milk, palm oil, and tomatoes, usually served in a traditional clay pot.
Churrasco
Brazilian-style barbecue where high-quality meats are grilled on long skewers and sliced directly onto your plate.
Coxinha
A popular teardrop-shaped street food consisting of shredded chicken wrapped in dough, battered, and deep-fried.
Açaí na Tigela
Frozen and mashed açaí palm fruit served in a bowl, typically topped with granola, banana, and a drizzle of honey.
Brigadeiro
A classic Brazilian chocolate truffle made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, then covered in sprinkles.
Caipirinha
The national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime, known for its refreshing but potent kick.
Money & Costs
Travelers should budget ~$91 / R$469 per day for a mid-range experience including dining and transport. While Brazil offers good value for food and entertainment, high-end hotels and internal flights can significantly increase costs.
Tipping
A 10% service charge (serviço) is usually included in restaurant bills; additional tipping is not required but appreciated. For hotel staff, ~$5.89–$12 / R$30–R$61 per service is standard.
Cards
Card acceptance is exceptionally high even at beach stalls and small vendors; Mastercard and Visa are the most widely used.
ATMs
ATMs are widespread, particularly the 'Banco 24 Horas' network; travelers should use machines inside bank branches or malls to avoid skimming. Daily limits are typically ~$942–$1,178 / R$4,871–R$6,089.
Culture & Etiquette
Brazilians are known for being warm, expressive, and physically affectionate in social settings. Politeness and personal presentation are highly valued, and social life often centers around long, shared meals and music.
✓
Greet people with a light kiss on the cheek (usually one or two) or a warm handshake, as physical touch is common.
✓
Tip hotel staff ~$5.89–$12 / R$30–R$61 per service for tasks like carrying bags or personalized assistance, even though a service charge is often on bills.
✓
Dress casually but neatly; flip-flops are acceptable for the beach and daytime walks but choose smarter attire for dinner.
✓
Use rideshare apps like Uber or 99 instead of hailing taxis on the street, especially at night, for increased safety.
✕
Never use the 'OK' hand sign (thumb and index finger forming a circle), as it is considered a highly offensive gesture in Brazil.
✕
Don't walk around with your smartphone or expensive jewelry visible, as this can make you a target for opportunistic theft.
✕
Avoid drinking the tap water; always purchase bottled water or use filters provided by your accommodation.
✕
Don't expect social events to start exactly on time; arriving 15–30 minutes late is generally the social norm.
Safety & Health
Travelers must exercise a high degree of caution due to high rates of violent crime, including muggings and carjackings. Large cities and crowded festivals like Carnival are higher-risk environments for theft and armed robbery.
Tap Water
In many areas, tap water is not potable; visitors should use bottled/filtered water.
Vaccinations
Vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended; dengue, malaria, and zika virus are also present.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Arrastões: Mass swarm robberies on popular beaches where groups snatch valuables from sunbathers.
- ⚠ Good Night Cinderella: Drink spiking with sedatives to rob victims, often initiated via dating apps or in bars.
- ⚠ Redelivery Scam: Fraudsters bring a card machine with a broken display, claiming a small fee is due but charging a much higher amount.
- ⚠ Fake Police: Individuals posing as officers to inspect documents or bags in order to steal valuables.
- ⚠ ATM Cloning: Devices attached to card readers to steal PIN and card data, especially in isolated areas.
Public healthcare is free but often overcrowded; private hospitals in major cities offer high-quality care but are very expensive and require insurance.
Language
Portuguese is the primary language, and English proficiency is very low outside of international hotels and major tourist attractions. Learning basic phrases is essential for navigating daily interactions.
English Spoken: Limited English
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Oi | oy |
| Thank you | Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f) | o-bree-gah-doo / o-bree-gah-dah |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-vohr |
| Excuse me | Com licença | kohm lee-sehn-sah |
| How much does it cost? | Quanto custa? | kwahn-too koos-tah |
| Where is the bathroom? | Onde é o banheiro? | ohn-jee eh oo bahn-yay-roo |
| Everything okay? | Tudo bem? | too-doo behn |
| Goodbye | Tchau | chow |
Visa & Entry
Entry rules depend on nationality. UK citizens can visit visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens require a visitor visa (e-Visa option available). Dual nationals should enter/exit using their Brazilian passport when applicable.
Max Stay
Varies by nationality; commonly up to 90 days per visit. Some nationalities are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period; overall stay is generally capped at 180 days in any 12-month period (extensions at Polícia Federal discretion).
Passport Validity
Passport should be valid for the duration of the stay (at least until the end of travel).
Visa-free for
Many nationalities are visa-exempt for tourism (e.g., UK and most EU countries; South Africa; Japan; South Korea; Singapore (shorter stay)). For the authoritative country-by-country list and exact stay limits, use Brazil's official QGRV (Entry Visas to Brazil).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo better for visitors?
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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