Brazil is the largest country in terms of territory and population in South America – almost 50% of the continent and the fifth largest of the world. Much of the Amazon is located here. It’s also home to Carnival and the country of football. A trip to Brazil is truly unforgettable. Brazil is so big and diverse, that this travelling to Brazil page will certainly be useful even for many Brazilians. Despite the stereotype sold around the world about football, naked women dancing and lots of partying, Brazil is not just that. It is a very diverse country, influenced by different cultures, which mixed together, created its own culture, from above the equator to below the Tropic of Capricorn.
Capital: Brasilia Population: 215.500.000 (2022) (6th) Rank in territory: (5th) Currency: Real Currency to US$: approx 4.78 Rank in GDP: 12th (1.4 trillion) Electric Socket: 120V (60Hz) three prong plug (Type N)
Safety
Brazil is not famous for being a safe country to travel. Unfortunately, certain precautions must be taken, especially in large centres, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Basically, be aware of your mobile - don't walk speaking on the phone or taking photos for a long period. Also, don't wear gold necklaces and rings too. And quite important, always travel insured!
Language
Portuguese – In large cities, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, you won't have a problem speaking English. However, you might struggle a little bit - though it's all part of the fun. Brazilians are quite hospitable.
Religion
Catholiscism(65%), Protestantism(22%), no religion (8%), Spiritism(2%), others (3%)
Regions and cities
North – Acre; Amapa; Amazonas; Para; Rondonia; Roraima; Tocantins North-east – Alagoas; Bahia; Ceará; Maranhão; Paraíba; Pernambuco; Piauí; Rio Grande do Norte; Sergipe Centre-south – Goias; Mato Grosso; Mato Grosso do Sul South-east – Espirito Santo; Minas Gerais; Rio de Janeiro; São Paulo South – Parana; Rio Grande do Sul; Santa Catarina Most populated cities - São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Salvador, Fortaleza Most visited cities - Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Foz do Iguaçu, Florianopolis, Salvador Top 5 Monday Feelings places - Salvador, Bonito (Pantanal), Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Manaus
Visa
Most of the countries don't need to apply for a visa if staying from 30 to 180 days. Those that need, must apply online.
The whole of American continent (apart from Cuba, Haiti and Santa Lucia); the whole of European Continent; Tukey; Russia; Armenia; Georgia; Kazakhstan; Mongolia; Morocco; Tunisia; South Africa; Namibia; Seychelles; Israel; UAE; Qatar; South Korea; Japan; Macau; Hong Kong; Thailand; Malaysia; Indonesia; Singapore; Philippines; Australia; New Zealand; Fiji; New Caledonia
If you are not on the list above, you must apply for a visa in advance
When to travel to Brazil
*Best time to travelling to Brazil is NOVEMBER to MARCH*
Weather in Brazil
You can enjoy travelling to Brazil at any time of the year. Because Brazil is "vertically" big, you will have a very diverse weather conditions throughout the year. For instance, in the north and north-eastern region, you basically have 6 months summer and 6 months winter, which is very humid and rainy over summer and drier during winter. In the other hand, the four seasons are much more visible in the wetlands of Brazil - Pantanal. Down south, you will face a very harsh winter, including snow. Just remember that summer in the south hemisphere is December to March!
Approximate temperature in Rio de Janeiro in °C
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Ago
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
29
30
29
28
26
25
25
26
26
27
27
28
Approximate temperature in São Paulo in °C
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Ago
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
26
27
26
24
22
21
21
22
24
25
25
26
Seasons
Even though you can enjoy travelling to Brazil at any time of the year, you ought to be aware of a few important holidays. Obviously, New Year's Eve and Carnival in Brazil are huge and a must! During the month of June, there is also the June Festivals, quite big in the north-eastern region and very cultural. Easter holiday is also very important. And we have a week in early October which gets quite busy too - semana do saco cheio.
Low season: September to November Mid season: April to August High season: December to March
What to pack to Brazil
If you are travelling to the coast of Brazil, don't forget sunscreen, hat, swimming clothes, sandals and so on. If you are travelling to the inland, do not forget your mosquito repellent, a long sleeve shirt to protect from the sun as well as a hat. If you are travelling to the south, remember that over winter temperature drops to zero in some places.
Cost of travel to Brazil
Low budget vs luxury
Travelling to Brazil can please many pockets. It is possible to have a good time in Brazil being a backpacker as well as a luxury traveller. Even though the currency of Brazil is unstable and devalued, the inflation is high, which makes the cost not so cheap.
Accommodation
budget - about €10 average - about €20 luxury - about €50+
FOOD
budget (bars and small restaurants) - about €2 average (food chains) - about €15 luxury (nice restaurants) - about €35+
TRANSPORT
metro - about €1intercity buses - about €20Internal flights - from €100
What to see in Brazil
Art and history
Christ, the RedeemerBrazilian CoastPantanalLençois Maranhense
SPORTS AND WELLNESS
Termes in Goias CyclingKite surf
CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Salvador CarnivalRio de Janeiro
What to eat in Brazil
Feijoada Coxinha Pizza in São Paulo
Films to watch
Il Postino
When exiled Cuban poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret) arrives on a tiny Italian isle, there's so much new mail that Mario (Massimo Troisi), an unemployed, uneducated layabout, is hired as a postman. His job is simply to deliver Neruda's daily mail. Mario soon becomes a student of the poet, learning the art of poetry to woo a local barmaid (Maria Grazia Cucinotta) and tell about the struggles of the working-class villagers. A firm friendship develops, and the postman turns into a changed man.
Eat Pray Love
Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) thought she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband and a successful career. Now newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. Daring to step out of her comfort zone, Liz embarks on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India and Bali.
La Dolce Vita
A Federico Fellini's film, the reporter Marcelo Rubini drifts through life in Rome. While Marcello contends with the overdose taken by his girlfriend, Emma, he also pursues heiress Maddalena and movie star Sylvia, embracing a carefree approach to living. Despite his hedonistic attitude, Marcello does have moments of quiet reflection, resulting in an intriguing cinematic character study.
The English Pacient
A tribute to the timeless beauty of Tuscany, this film is set in different locations in the region during World War II. After being seriously injured in a plane crash, Count László Almásy (Ralph Fiennes), is staying in an abandoned cloister where Hana (Juliette Binoche), a young Canadian nurse, a war widow, takes care of him. The man remembers nothing about his past: the only clues to tracking his identity come from the book the mysterious count carries with him. Most of the scenes were filmed in Pienza, in the Val D’Orcia, between the Monastero di Sant’Anna in Camprena, Piazza Pio II and the Castello di Cosona; outdoor scenes were filmed in Ripafratta, in the province of Pisa, on the beach of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio, where, within the Principe di Piemonte complex, the British consulate was installed.
Português
