Brazil Travel Guide
Do you have that one destination that has always been on your bucket list? Well, Brazil was that country for me. When I was in college, I became friends with some Brazilians from Sao Paulo, and I got an inside look into the culture, the food, and the language. I spent a long time trying to fit Brazil into my travel plans and finally in 2017, I did!
I loved the time I got to spend in the country, learning more about the Brazilian culture and catching up with my friends. It was too short of a trip (isn’t every vacation too short though?) and I didn’t get to experience everything that I wanted to. But from what I did see, I know without a shadow of doubt that I will be back!
Know Before You Go
But, what exactly do you need to know before you go? In this Brazil Travel Guide, I have compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!
If you’re flying into Brazil, there are several airport options to fly into. The big cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and the capital city of Brasilia all have international airports you can arrive in. There are also airports located in Curitiba, Salvador, Campinas, and Recife if you are beginning your journey in one of those cities.
The Nitty Gritty
So, what else do you need to know to travel to Brazil? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although the Netherlands is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.
Language
The main language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese. However, there are still some indigenous languages spoken throughout different regions. Despite only knowing very simple Portuguese, I didn’t find it as difficult to communicate as I thought I would. I find it always easier to navigate a language barrier when I’m in a big city since there is a higher likelihood that I can find someone who speaks English.
Visa Requirements
Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Brazil depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.
Vaccines Needed
If you are traveling to Brazil, it is recommended that you are vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Meningitis, Rabies (only necessary for high-risk travelers) and Yellow Fever. In addition, travelers must ensure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations.
Currency
This travel guide to Brazil would not be complete without knowing more about the currency used within the country. Its official currency is The Brazilian Real. The value of it is a 1-to-.20 ratio with the U.S. dollar. I always find it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for any small purchases or emergencies and recommend carrying some with you. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t need to bring a too much cash with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.
Where to Stay?
The most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. There are many modern hotels in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, Brasilia, Salvador and Fortaleza. I personally stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Sao Paulo and the JW Marriott in Rio de Janeiro and had a fantastic experience at both. Wherever you choose to stay though, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price.
No matter where you stay though, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to Brazil!
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