Brazil Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Brasília
- Currency
- BRL (Real)
- Best time to visit
- Rio is best December–March (carnival season). The Amazon is best June–November.
Visa requirements
US, Canadian, and Australian citizens now need a visa. EU citizens get 90 days visa-free.
Getting around
Brazil's enormous size makes domestic flights (LATAM, GOL, Azul) the go-to for intercity travel, with comfortable long-distance buses for shorter hops and almost no passenger rail. In cities, metros (São Paulo, Rio), buses and apps like Uber and 99 are the main ways around; hailing street taxis is best avoided in favour of apps.
Safety
Brazil has significant safety disparities. Exercise high vigilance, especially at night.
Tipping customs
Restaurants typically add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill, which is customary to pay and usually covers the tip. Taxi fares are commonly rounded up rather than tipped, and small change for hotel porters and housekeeping is appreciated.
Travel tips
Don't display valuables. Use Uber over street taxis. Churrascaria (BBQ) is a must.