Travel tips for Brazil - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. There are several voltage standards In Brazil. The most common are 127V and 220V.

2. It is customary to leave tips in beauty parlors, on gas stations, at restaurants, bars, and for shoe polishers. However, tipping is not necessary on beaches and in cafes.

3. The height of the season in Rio de Janeiro falls on the winter months. That's why prices rise sharply by about 25% from December to February. During the carnival in Rio, hotels become twice as expensive.

Brazil cultural sights. What to see?

Those thrusting for parties should participate in carnivals taking place in Rio de Janeiro. Any Brazilian carnival is a grand cultural event, a …
Read further

4. Being late for a meeting or a dinner is perfectly normal. However, mass events like a football match or a concert require arrival well in advance. A little delay for this kind of event may leave you without an entrance ticket.

5. Bargaining is common and welcome on Brazilian street markets.

6. Sunbathing topless is allowed on specialized beaches. Public exposure may be perceived as insulting by local residents, and police officers may consider this an obscene behavior.

7. Taxi fares depend on factors such car brand, taxi type, time of day, and service area. The use of air conditioning during the trip is paid. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. Brazilian restaurants do not accept foreign currency and traveler's checks.

9. Teeth and a shiny white smile are cult Brazilian features. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a toothpick in public places, restaurants or bars. Even the usual covering of the mouth with a napkin or a hand may cause shock.

10. While swimming in the ocean, beware of a strong undercurrent that can carry even a well-trained swimmer far away from the shore.

11. For cash withdrawal, it's best to use ATMs at local banks. PIN thefts and hacking of bank accounts are not uncommon in Brazil.

Top chic accommodation you can find in the country

The luxury hotels in Brazil, deserving attention of the most discerning traveler.
Read further

12. The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but in large cities, many Brazilians speak English. A few common phrases learned in this language will make traveling around Brazil easier and more comfortable.

13. From Brazil, it is forbidden to export cigarettes, alcohol products, any species of plants and related goods, all types of birds, fish and fish products, fruits and vegetables, any kinds of fakes.

14. It is not recommended to go for a walk in remote parts of Brazilian cities on your own. For these purposes, it would be better to hire a guide or book a group sightseeing tour.

15. It is not recommended to carry large sums of money with you. Try to pay with credit cards, if possible.

This collection of travel tips for Brazil is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

Brazil guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Brazil

Colorful and unique places in Brazil

Santuario de Bom Jesus de Matosinhos

From the series “Famous Unesco Sites in South America”

The church complex called Bom Jesus de Matosinhos is situated in the Brazilian city of Congonhas. The sight was built in the 18th century. That's the striking architectural monument in the Baroque style. The white church is characterized by marvelous interiors. Numerous pristine decorations, including beautiful sculptures inspired by biblical motifs, have survived within its walls. The beautiful church was built by the famous architect Francisco Lima Cerqueira. The construction was completed in 1773.

Since its opening, the church has been striking with a number of unique architectural features that have been quite untypical for those times. Elaborately carved soapstone was used to decorate the facade of the church and some parts of its interior. Some fragments of these carvings have … Read all

Ouro Preto City

From the series “Famous Unesco Sites in South America”

Brazil also has an amazing historic city, which attracts researchers and ordinary tourists from all over the world. The city of Ouro Preto is located in the state of Minas Gerais. Once it has been a prosperous capital of the state. Founded in 1711, Ouro Preto became the real center of the Brazilian Gold Rush. Gold seekers flocked here from all over the world. A number of luxurious palaces and mansions increased every year. There were unique monuments of Baroque among them.

When the gold reserves depleted, the city gradually fell into neglect. Today it is a major tourist destination. One of the main attractions is the beautiful church of St. Francis. Amazing museums are located in historical premises today. The Inconfidencia History Museum is especially worth mentioning. A rich collection … Read all

Morro de Sao Paulo

From the series “The Most Cozy Towns Full of Zen”

In Brazil, travelers will have an opportunity to visit the charming island of Morro de Sao Paulo with the eponymous town. The later is considered one of the most quiet and peaceful places in the world. Tourists can get to the island by boat or small one-engine plane, which is a familiar mode of transport to locals. The island has a small airport and several hotels. Fans of beach recreation and scenic beauty like to spend some time there.

There is an excellent environment for active leisure on the island. You can go diving and snorkeling or have a long trek through the picturesque mountain areas and get acquainted with typical representatives of the local fauna. The island has excellent resort hotels that will please connoisseurs of comfort. Those who want to spend time in a more intimate … Read all

All unique sightseeing Brazil

Advices for popular cities of Brazil

Sao Paulo

1. The city of Sao Paulo feature fine and favorable weather all the year round with an average temperature hardly ever going below 25C. The hottest months of the year are considered to be January and February. Visiting of local landmarks and entertainments during this period may turn rather challenging due to the extreme heat. 2. Tourists should keep in mind than weekdays are the best time for visiting popular museums, zoological parks and other spots of tourist attraction. Those tourists … Read more

Rio de Janeiro

1. Those travellers, who plan to make taxi rides, will have to learn the names of major streets and landmarks. Local taxi drivers are very poor in understanding English, and so they may simply not understand a customer. 2. During a trip it’s good to remember about the elementary safety measures - valuables and large sums of money should be kept in the safe of your hotel room. 3. While going to a beach, do not take expensive jewelry and other valuable items with you. Under no … Read more

Fortaleza

1. Going for a trip, be sure to take all possible sun protectors. They will be useful even to those who don’t expect spending much time on the beach, as you can get burnt badly during a casual walk around the city. In the daytime it is better to relax indoors. 2. Local tap water isn’t drinkable, so you have to buy special purified water sold in all supermarkets and smaller grocery stores. Vegetables and fruits bought at the market have to be taken with a great care. They ought to be washed … Read more

Brasilia

1. Travellers are recommended to exchange currency in banks. Exchange rate is usually not the same in various banks, but the difference is usually slight. If possible, you should better ask paper money in small denominations, because this will greatly simplify the process of payments. 2. All major hotels and shopping centers accept payments by credit cards. However, it should be noted that there is a chance of getting an advantageous discount when you pay for goods in cash. Such types of … Read more