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A little local know-how goes a long way in Brazil. Here you will find all the essential information you will need during your stay.
The large cities are generally considered more prone to violence than the rest of Brazil. When sightseeing, keep valuables in a money belt, and don’t carry large amounts of cash. Public transport is safe in the day but taxis are a better option in the evening. It is recommended that travelers visit favelas only with a local guide. If you are victim of a crime, contact the police within 24 hours. Ask for a boletim de ocorrência (incident report form), which you will need in order to make a claim. The Polícia de Turismo (tourism police) have branches in most major tourist areas, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador.
Rio de Janeiro
⌂ Ave Afrânio de Melo Franco 159, Leblon
§ (21) 2332 2924
Salvador
⌂ Rua Gregório de Matos 16, Pelourinho
§ (71) 3322 1092.
São Paulo
⌂ Rua Cantareira 390, Centro
§ (11) 3120 4417
By and large no special health precautions are needed. Food and drink hygiene is good in major tourist areas. Tap water is generally best avoided, but bottled water is sold everywhere. However, dengue fever and zika are both still present in the country, most abundant in and around towns and cities. Both viral diseases are transmitted mainly by mosquitoes, and there are no vaccines to prevent them. Symptoms include high fever, joint pain, and headaches; zika symptoms also include a rash. Zika may be more serious for pregnant women, as there’s evidence it causes birth defects. Use mosquito repellent, especially between dusk and dawn.
Farmácias, or pharmacies, can be found everywhere, are always well supplied, and are often open late. Every city will have at least one that is open 24 hours. Many medications available only by prescription in other countries can be bought over the counter here.
Smoking is more widely tolerated here than in the US and in Europe, although it is prohibited on public transport. Drink driving is strictly banned, with regular police checks. Be aware that even a small amount of alcohol in the blood may lead to a prison sentence. It is always best to exercise caution when someone unknown offers you a drink or even cigarettes. Instances of drugging or spiked drinks are not uncommon in Brazil. Severe penalties, including prison, are always enforced for anyone found in possession of illegal drugs.
It is mandatory in Brazil to carry some form of photo identification. You may be asked to show some form of ID when entering an office building or government agency, or sometimes even a museum or library. To avoid carrying around a passport, keep a photocopy, and carry some other form of less valuable ID that has your picture, name, and date of birth.
Brazilians tend to be friendly and open. When introduced, men will greet each other with a handshake and a friendly slap on the shoulder. Good friends usually embrace. When introduced to a woman, it is customary to greet her with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. Casual dress is the norm, even in smart hotels and restaurants; business suits are only needed for work and formal meetings. Nudity, or going topless on the beach, however, is not accepted, except on designated naturist beaches.
Most churches and cathedrals permit visitors during Sunday mass; some historic monuments charge entry. Although Brazil has a traditionally strong Catholic identity, Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé are widely practised, particularly in the northeast.
When visiting religious buildings ensure that you are dressed modestly, with both your knees and shoulders well covered.
Cell phones are common all over the country. Most tri-band GSM phones will work in Brazil. Coverage for 4G is available in most of the country, though it’s faster in major cities. 5G is also being planned for 2020. You can buy a local SIM card upon arrival to obtain a local number. Most local operators offer a very straightforward package for visitors, including data.
The Brazilian postal service is quite efficient for registered mail. Correios (post offices) are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Branches in large shopping centers and airports will have longer opening hours, including Saturdays. For guaranteed or registered delivery, the correios offer the excellent SEDEX (domestic express mail) and SEDEX Mundi (international). Other companies such as Skynet, World Courier, FedEx, and DHL are also available.
Correios
DHL
FedEx
Skynet
World Courier
There are no VAT refunds included in the price of purchases. Departure taxes are usually included in international airfares, but it is advisable to check with your airline or travel agent.
need to know Practical Information
need to know Practical Information
Brasilia Standard Time (most of the country).
Daylight saving runs from third Sun in Oct to third Sun in Feb.
need to know Practical Information
The water is often highly chlorinated and its purity is unreliable, so to be safe drink bottled or filtered water.
need to know Practical Information
need to know Practical Information
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BRASIL |
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visitbrasil.com is the official Brazilian Tourism website. |
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Rio Times |
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Rio’s English-language news site, riotimesonline.com, is a guide to what’s on in Rio, São Paulo, and the country. |