Travelling to Brazil for the first time? Yeeeeey. Brazil is my happy place, but before visiting such a vast and diverse country, there are a few important things you should know. In this Brazil travel guide, you’ll find essential travel tips for Brazil, including how to get around, the best time to visit, must-try food and drinks, safety tips for tourists, visa requirements, travel costs, and what not to do in Brazil.

Brazil is a must-visit destination. Its rich culture and massive territory make it incredibly diverse. Whether you’re a city lover, hiker, beach person, backpacker, or all of the above, Brazil’s nature, architecture, and food offer something for every type of traveller.

Updated 12th of January, 2026.

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A few general information about Brazil

• Continent: South America
• Population: 212 million
• Area: 8,516 million sqm
• Capital: Brasília
• Largest city: São Paulo
• 5 regions: North, Northeast, Central-west, Southeast, South
• 26 states 
• Official language: (Brazilian) Portuguese
• Currency: Real (BRL)
• Religion: Christianity (88%)
• Time zone: UTC -2 to -5
• Driving side: right

What is the best time to visit Brazil?

There’s no short answer to this… As Brazil is a huge country with more seasons and different weather conditions, you’ll have to decide what you prefer… Hot and rainy weather vs less warm and less rainy weather…

Wet season (summer) vs dry season (winter)

The seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so the Brazilian summer is from October to March, and winter is from May to August. Most of the country has a tropical climate, and it’s warm year-round. For this reason, Brazilians prefer to use wet and dry-season naming rather than summer and winter. 

• Northern Brazil has an equatorial climate. So it’s rainy and hot all year, though there’s less rain from July to September. So that’s the perfect period to visit the Amazon Rainforest.
• The middle of the country has a tropical climate, with the 1st part of the year wet and hot, and the 2nd drier but still warm. As the country is vast, the seasons are a bit shifted.
• South Brazil has a subtropical climate with hot and rainy summers (September-March) and moderate winters (May to September). 

The wet season is called wet season for a reason. Usually, it rains every day, sometimes for an hour, but sometimes for days. Streets could be flooded, and vehicles could be stuck because most drainage systems weren’t designed so well.

The high season is from December to March because of the warmer temperatures. And Europeans and North Americans want to skip winter 😉 I made that a few times 😀 March is a popular month because the Carnival attracts many people. Just be aware that the prices are higher during the peak season.

Pro tip!

When researching the weather, I always check Climates To Travel, where I can find everything about the climate, average temperature, weather conditions, the best time to go and even what to pack.

What to know about travelling to Brazil? 

Do I need a visa for Brazil in 2026?

Tourist visa 

A tourist visa (not an actual visa) will be enough for most countries. When entering, you’ll get a “90” stamp in your passport, which means you can stay in Brazil for 90 days within 180 days. So if you’re hopping into another country and returning to Brazil, your 90 days won’t restart. 

Depending on your nationality, you might have to apply for a visa to enter Brazil. I always check the Passport Index to stay up to date on the rules. 

You can request information at your local Brazilian consulate. For different visa types (work, student, and business), you usually have to apply before your travel.

Digital nomad visa to Brazil

Brazil launched a digital nomad visa in February 2022, allowing stays of up to 1 year, which can be extended for another year. You can find all the information for the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa on this Brazilian government site. 

Here’s a short summary about what you need:

• Visa application form (can be found on gov.br )
• Valid passport and a passport photo
• Original non-criminal record and birth certificates
• Documentation from an employer or proof that you’re a digital nomad or freelancer
• Proof of income: income of at least 1500 USD or 18000 USD in your bank account
• Valid health insurance
• Declaration by the applicant

For more information, contact your local Brazilian consulate.

Vaccination 

Before travelling overseas, I always check CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) to find out what kind of vaccines are recommended. You’ll also find important information about staying healthy and safe on your trip, as well as detailed information about diseases and what kind of medicines you should bring. 

Visit your doctor at least a month before your departure to get the required vaccines and medicines. Save some extra money for that, these vaccines aren’t cheap.  

The essential vaccines for Brazil are Hepatitis A, Yellow fever and Typhoid. More types are recommended for specific areas. Read more about Yellow fever and Malaria on CDC.

And don’t forget to purchase mosquito repellent!

Where to travel in Brazil? 

Brazil has so many famous beauties and even more hidden gems. I still have to visit many, so my blog will have more resources over time. For now, I’ll leave you only with a few options. Half of them are still on my Brazil bucket list.

• Amazon rainforest 
• Fernando de Noronha
• Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
• Jericoacoara 
• Salvador
• Chapada Diamantina
• Rio de Janiero 
• São Paulo
• Iguacu Falls 
• Florianópolis

How to get around Brazil: planes, buses, Uber & more

Brazil’s total area is 8,516 million sqm, making it the 5th biggest country on our planet. And almost as big as Europe (10,18 million sqm). It’s 4395 km long from north to south. 

By aeroplane in Brazil

Brazil has apr. 491 public airports, including 27 international airports. Probably you’ll arrive by plane at Brazil’s largest and busiest airport, São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Depending on your departure location, of course. 

The country’s size is vast, so the fastest way to get around different regions is by plane. Although not the most affordable option. If you’re short on time and don’t have low-budget, planes are the best solution.  

The main airlines in Brazil are Azul, Gol, LATAM and Voepass. 

Pro tip!

On Brazilian domestic flights, you don’t have to worry about the size of the liquid, no restriction for 100 ml. 

Public transportation

Large cities (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Salvador, and Fortaleza) have underground metro systems, which are usually the fastest and safest way to get around. In São Paulo, using the metro is very easy; you can simply tap your card or phone at the gate.

In smaller cities, buses are the main form of public transport. They are generally reliable, but schedules aren’t always strictly followed. Always signal the driver by holding out your arm; otherwise, the bus may not stop. Bus stops on smaller roads are often poorly marked or not signed at all, so waving the bus down is common.

Avoid public transportation during rush hours (7–10 am and 5–8 pm), and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas.

Average public transportation prices in São Paulo:

• Metro ticket: 5,40 BRL
• Bus ticket price: 5,00 BRL

Uber in Brazil

Uber is an affordable option in Brazil, especially if you’re not alone. Sharing the cost this way is much cheaper than public transportation. It’s also safer and budget-friendlier than taxis.

Pro tip!

Be aware that the prices can triple during rush hours and expect a longer waiting time. 

Long-distance buses in Brazil

Brazil has a good long-distance bus system, including night buses with semi-cama and cama seats. Semi-cama seats recline more than standard seats and usually include a footrest, making them comfortable for medium-length trips. Cama seats are wider, recline almost fully, and often come with blankets and pillows. Comfort and service depend on the bus company and ticket price.

Once, we took a bus ride from Florianópolis to Foz do Iguaçu. The night bus departed at 4 pm, and we arrived at our final destination around 7 am. The bus was clean, and the seat was comfy, so it wasn’t hard to fall asleep. During the night, the bus stopped every 3 hours, and we could take a break, go to the restroom, and grab some bites. These stations serve the typical “padaria” and “lanche” food, so mainly Brazilian pastries, sandwiches, and you can find warm dishes at a few places. Sometimes it’s better to have your snacks and water for the bus ride.

I’ve found a super helpful article on the Out of your comfort zone website about booking a bus ticket online and the advantages of travelling by bus in Brazil. 

Driving in Brazil

Driving happens on the right side of the road, like in Europe and the US. 

If you’re planning to discover a region or more remote areas, I’d suggest renting a car. Localiza is our favourite car rental place and has many locations in the country. 

If you’re in Brazil for less than 6 months, your national driving license should be acceptable. However, an International Driving Permit can be helpful to avoid misunderstandings with rentals and the police. 

Pro tip!

Driving in flip-flops isn’t allowed, so wear closed shoes or be barefoot! 

Road quality

Road quality in Brazil varies a lot. The best roads are usually major highways called Rodovias, named like BR-101. Speed limits typically range from 80 to 110 km/h.

Most highways have toll roads, so always carry some cash. Toll fees usually range from 5 to 40 BRL per booth, although longer routes can add up quickly. Some toll stations accept cards. Card payments usually have a separate, clearly marked lane.

For example, travelling from São Paulo to Ilhabela (around 200 km) in 2020, we paid 22.70 BRL in tolls. More recently, a drive from São Paulo to Maresias (around 250 km) cost over 100 BRL in toll fees in 2026.

Smaller roads are often in worse condition. Heavy rain can seriously damage low-quality asphalt, leading to large potholes. When travelling from Jericoacoara to Parnaíba, the road conditions were so bad that both the car and we suffered.

Another thing to watch out for is speed bumps, called lombadas. They are everywhere and can be surprisingly aggressive. They’re usually marked with yellow stripes, but not always, so stay alert and slow down.

Safety on the road

Do your research about the safety of areas and regions! There are some places where you shouldn’t stop the car, otherwise, you might get robbed. 

Waze sometimes uses weird shortcuts to save you a few minutes. Always review the planned route and ensure it won’t lead you to narrow, suspicious streets and dangerous neighbourhoods. 

In larger cities, avoid driving during rush hour! For example, in São Paulo, driving during rush hour is mainly about waiting in traffic. Not so fun… If you are stuck in traffic, keep the windows up.

Try to stay in the middle of your lane because motorbikes always find a way to cross between cars, you’ll hear them honking all the time. 

Is Brazil safe? Safety tips for tourists

If you’re watching the news, I’m sure you think Brazil is too dangerous. 

Is it?

It depends…

You can be robbed in any country, especially in touristy areas of big cities. However, Brazil is not as dangerous as you think. You just have to follow some rules…

• Avoid bad neighbourhoods and abandoned streets. 
• Try to travel in groups.
• Don’t show off, and don’t wear fancy clothes with huge gold jewellery. You know what I mean 😉 
• Keep your phone and camera gear in your bag and use them only if needed.
• Always pay attention to your belongings.
• While driving and standing in a traffic jam, keep the windows closed.
• Have a fake wallet with a blocked credit card and/or an extra older phone.

These are some general rules to pay attention to. Of course, different behaviours apply to various regions and cities. For example, you have to be extra careful in the centre of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. 

Eating and drinking in Brazil

Brazil is a foodie heaven, offering so many delicious food and drink options, so I wrote another blog post about what to eat and drink in Brazil. 

Must-try food in Brazil

• Fruits, fruits and more fruits
• Acai bowl – ice cream made of acai, topped with granola and banana
• Salgados (salty pastry) like coxinha (croquette), pão de queijo (cheese bread), empada (mini pie) and pastel (deep-fried filled pastry)
• Churrasco, the Brazilian barbecue 
• Feijoada – black bean stew with pork
• Carne seca – jerked meat/dried meat
• Seafood and sushi 
• Brigadiero – creamy chocolate bonbon
• Pudim de leite – pudding similar to the Spanish flan

Must-try drinks in Brazil

• Água de coco (Coconut water) 
• Cachaça – Brazilian spirit made of cane sugar
• Caipirinha – the famous Brazilian cocktail with cachaça, lime, sugar and ice
• Fresh fruit juices
• Mate tea

Is tap water drinkable in Brazil?

It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Brazil. 

Many households and hostels have filtered water, such as a big brown gallon or an extra tap at the kitchen sink. If your accommodation doesn’t have either, I’d suggest buying mineral water.

About Brazilians

Brazilians are super friendly 🙂 You’ll probably get a half or full hug at the welcome. They are also passionate, know how to dance and speak loudly. 

Don’t expect many people to speak English. In my Brazilian boyfriend’s family, no one speaks English, so it was a bit hard to communicate with my modest Portuguese. But no one cared about it. Everyone was super nice and welcoming. In larger cities, you’ll find more people speaking English.

Brazilians are usually late. Expect them an hour later. 

What’s Brazil’s official language?

Brazilian Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. 

It’s similar to the Portuguese spoken in Portugal, but some words differ, and the pronunciation also varies. For example, “s” in Portugal is harder than in Brazil. That’s why I prefer the rhythm and sound of Brazilian Portuguese.

In South America, Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country. Words and accents can sometimes differ by region.

Important Portuguese phrases to know

• Hi = Oi/ Olá
• How are you? = Tudo bem?
• Thanks/ Thank you = Obrigado/ Obrigada (Obrigado if you’re male, Obrigada if youre female)
• You’re welcome – De nada
• Please = Por favor
• A beer, please! = Uma cerveja, por favor!
• Sorry = Pardon/ Desculpe
• Cheers = Saude
• Bye = Tchau 
• Yes = Sim
• No = Não 
• Exit = Saida 
• Open = Aberto
• Closed = Fechado
• Where is the bus station? – Onde é a estação de ônibus? 
• With sugar/ Without sugar – Com açúcar/ Sem açúcar
• Suco de manga – Mango juice

Brazil travel costs: what to budget 

Brazil isn’t considered expensive. Unfortunately, with the pandemic, the prices increased. Brazilian products are usually affordable, though imported items are more pricey, especially electronics. 

The rest depends on you and your budget… Do you go to a fancy restaurant or a lanche at the corner? Do you want to stay in a luxurious hotel or a hostel? You can find pricey places and super affordable options as well. 

It might be expensive to travel to Brazil, so spend more time in the country discovering different parts. 

Average prices in Brazil in 2026:

• Breakfast & brunch: 30–50 BRL
• Meal (main course in a good restaurant): 45–80 BRL
• Salgados in a bakery (padaria): 6–10 BRL
• 1 kg of mango: 6–10 BRL
• Flat white in a specialty coffee shop: 12–18 BRL
• Coconut water (from a fresh coconut): 10–18 BRL
• Fresh juice: 12–18 BRL
• Caipirinha: 25–40 BRL
• 0.5 l water (supermarket): 2–4 BRL
• Public transport ticket: 4.50–6 BRL (city-dependent)

Electricity and voltage in Brazil

In Brazil, the sockets are type C and N (plug C also works with socket type N). 

You don’t have to worry about power plugs with a travel adapter like Skross adapter, which is good in over 220 countries and has a dual USB port for charging USB devices. 

You might need a voltage converter, especially if you’re coming from the US… Brazil has 110V (127V) and  220V, depending on the region. Even in one city and in one apartment, both can be found. So usually, you’ll find a “110V” or  “220V” sticker around the socket. Read more about the most commonly used voltages by cities in this article. 

Online, you can find many voltage converters. However, read the manual before using it because they are only suitable for electrical products like hairdryers, phone and laptop chargers. 

So, are you ready to travel to Brazil?

I hope this Brazil travel guide helped you understand what to expect when travelling to Brazil, from safety tips and visa requirements to transport, prices, and daily travel realities. No matter where you go, you’ll find incredible nature, vibrant cities, and warm, welcoming people.

If you’re planning your first trip to Brazil, save this guide, share it with your travel buddy, and keep it handy as you plan. It’ll make your journey smoother from start to finish.

More tips and tricks for your Brazilian trip:

• 10 things to do and see in São Paulo
• Best beaches in Rio de Janeiro
• How to spend 3 days in Ilhabela, Brazil? 
• 7 things to know before visiting Lagoinha do Leste in Florianópolis, Brazil

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