Brazil: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Brazil: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Brazil

Overview

Brazilian society includes people of indigenous, Portuguese, European, and African ancestry. Home to Carnaval, a world-famous celebration, as well as neighborhood festivals, street parades, and a music scene unlike anywhere else in the world. Brazilian culture delights the senses, from the sounds of the Samba, Brazil’s most popular dance, or other kinds of dance to the scent of delicious street foods like grilled meat and fried pastries. Welcome to Brazil.

 

Capital City: Brasilia 

Population: 217 million (2020 est.)

Currency: Real (BRL) 

Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time BST (GMT -3) 

Emergency Number: 190

Outlet: Types C/N

Carnaval
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Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: Portuguese is the official and national language of Brazil being widely spoken by most of the population.

 

  • Hello - Olá
  • Goodbye - Adeus
  • Thank you - Obrigada
  • Do you speak English? - Você fala inglês?
  • How are you? - Como você está?
  • I’m fine, thank you - Vou bem obrigado
  • What’s your name? -  Qual o seu nome?
  • My name is… - Meu nome é..
  • Where is... -  Onde é.. 

           - The bathroom - O banheiro

           - An ATM - caixa eletrônico

  

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here

Beach-Overhead-Brazil

Weather

RIO DE JANEIRO WEATHER

Fun Facts

  • Rio de Janeiro was once the capital of Portugal which meant it was the only European capital to be located outside Europe.
  • Around 60% of the Amazon rainforest is in Brazil.
  • Brazil's border touches all countries on the South American continent except Chile and Ecuador.
  • Football – soccer – is by far the most popular sport in Brazil, and the men's national team has won a record five World Cup championships.
  • Rio de Janeiro hosts the world's largest carnival, annually held in the first week of March. The 2018 carnival reportedly drew 6 million participants.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $5-10 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3-4 per person/per day
Restaurants  10% typically added to your bill as a service fee

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Common sense safety rules apply here: Don't wear flashy jewelry, keep your phones and cameras out of sight, only carry enough money for the day, and avoid taking cards or passports out with you. Wear what you would normally wear, but try to wear clothing with hidden pockets to stash your important items.

Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations. 

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For Vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com, or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? Buses are the most common form of public transportation, and all major cities will have a public bus system. Brazil's larger cities will offer taxi services. Make sure you are looking for a radio taxi, as they offer a pre-paid fare.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available?  Yes.

Luggage Restrictions

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