Visitors to Brazil usually list the stunning nature of Brazil as the number one attraction, but the friendly nature of Brazilians themselves comes a close second. As anyone who has visited Brazil can attest, Brazilians are fun loving and very welcoming. You will encounter this warm hospitality everywhere you go, whether it is in a small remote community or the big city.

Visiting Brazil: The Essentials

Climate: The climate varies according to latitude and altitude. The seasons are exactly the opposite of those in Europe and the United States (except in the north of the country). The average annual temperature is approximately 28ºC in the north and 20ºC in the south.

Getting There and Around: Many of the major international airlines have daily flights to Rio and São Paulo and are also offering starting to offer flights to places like Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife and Manaus. Distances are large in Brazil, so you should consider using domestic flights to get from one region to the other. Brazil has a good flight network. The main Brazilian airlines, such as TAM and GOL, cover most domestic flights. There are also regional airlines (e.g. Azul, TRIP, Ocean Air) offering high levels of comfort and security. The bus is the most popular form of transport for traveling between states, and there are very comfortable buses for long distance trips. Rental cars, with or without a driver, are available at the main airports and in city centers. There are a large number of relatively inexpensive taxis in most cities. Regular taxis, with a meter, can be hailed in the street. Radio-taxis can be called by phone. In some Brazilian regions the taxis that have air-conditioning are a bit more expensive.

Time Zones: Brazil covers three time zones. The time in Brasilia is the official time in Brazil, usually 3 hours behind GMT (London). This changes with the start of Summer Time (the clocks go forward an hour). The time in Rio de Janeiro is 2 hours ahead of New York, except during Summer Time, (3 hours ahead of Brazilian Summer Time and an hour ahead of North American Summer Time).

Money: The currency in Brazil is the Real (abbreviated to R$). Dollars and traveler’s checks can easily be changed in hotels, authorized banks and travel agencies. International credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. In big cities it is possible to draw cash using Cirrus or Maestro cards.

Tipping: Most restaurants and bars include a 10% service charge on the bill. It is usual to leave a little more if the service was good. When it is not included on the bill, the general rule is a tip of between 10 and 15%. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Voltage: In the majority of Brazilian cities the electric current is either 110 or 220 volts, although it is advisable to confirm the voltage before plugging in any appliance.

Safety: Brazil has an exaggerated reputation for violence and crime. Yes, crime rates are higher than in the USA and Europe, but most of it is not directed at tourists. But – and this is the case everywhere you travel – you are never immune from inconveniences. Taking some common sense precautions can greatly reduce the risks of anything happening: dress down and don’t bring unnecessary valuables; don’t keep your valuables together and don’t be obvious about what you carry of value; make sure you know your way about before venturing off the main tourists areas. And to reduce your mental stress if something does happen: take out a travel insurance; make copies of important documents; and have numbers of consulates and credit card companies ready to call.

Communication: More than 80% of Brazil municipalities now have mobile coverage. Coverage is lower in remote, less populated regions (for instance the state of Roraima has 40% coverage). For mobile, GSM is the predominant system.

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