Traveling in Brazil

General Info and Tips

Brazil is a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse country, offering various biomes, stunning beaches, and incredible cities. While exploring its cultural richness and delicious cuisine, remember that Brazil is a developing country with some challenges.

Water

Drink filtered or bottled mineral water. Avoid tap water.

Trash

Do not dispose of toilet paper in the toilet; use the bin instead.

Safety

Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid risky areas and use common sense. Refer to the “Your Safety” section for more tips.

Helpful Tips about Brazil

Local currency

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). The US dollar (USD) exchange rate is about 6 to 1, and for the British pound (GBP), it’s about 7 to 1. Visiting Brazil is generally affordable. Keep in mind that when booking hotels, some rates may appear in BRL or USD, so it always makes sense to check! Most places accept major credit cards, including many street/beach vendors

(but not all).

What language is spoken in Brazil?

Portuguese. English is not widely spoken, but Brazilians are known for being extremely friendly and helpful. In Brazil, people speak Portuguese, not Spanish. While there

are dialects, Brazilians understand

the language universally. A “thumbs up”

gesture is commonly used to express

gratitude or agreement.

Expect limited English outside airports and hotels. Young people may converse in

English or Spanish, but using Portuguese

phrases like “obrigada” (women) or

“obrigado” (men) is appreciated.

Phrase tips:

Hello – Olá / Oi.

How are you? – Tudo bom?

Nice to meet you – Prazer.

Goodbye – Tchau.

Sorry – Desculpa.

Please – Por favor.

Thank you – Obrigad(a/o) – if you are a man, say “obrigado”; if you are a woman, say “obrigada”.

What is the voltage in Brazil?

220V is common in many cities across the region, especially in states like Pernambuco, Bahia, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte, including major cities like Recife, Salvador, and Fortaleza.

110V: Some cities and states, such as Alagoas and parts of Maranhão, still use 110V, but this is less common.

Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo: The standard voltage is 110V, although some areas also offer 220V, so it’s important to double-check.

Tip

Before traveling or using electrical devices, check the voltage at your accommodation. If your devices (like chargers or hair dryers) aren’t compatible, you might need

a voltage adapter.

Do I need an adapter for the outlets?
The outlets used in Brazil are type N, which means your US or EU plugs probably won’t work, so consider bringing a plug adapter.

Typical food

Brazilian cuisine is a fascinating mix of indigenous, European (mainly Portuguese), African, and, more recently, immigrant influences from various parts of the world. Here are some typical Brazilian foods:

Feijoada

Considered Brazil's national dish, it’s a black bean stew cooked with various parts of pork, such as dried meat, sausage, and ribs. It's served with rice, farofa, sautéed kale, and orange slices.

Acarajé

Originating from Bahia, it’s a deep-fried ball made from blackeyed pea dough filled with vatapá (a creamy paste made from bread, dried shrimp, nuts, and palm oil) and dried shrimp.

Moqueca

A fish or seafood stew cooked in coconut milk, palm oil, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. There are regional variations like the moqueca capixaba from Espírito Santo and the moqueca baiana from Bahia.

Pão de queijo

A cheese bread snack from Minas Gerais made with sour cassava flour, cheese (typically Minas cheese), milk, eggs, and oil, baked until soft inside

and crispy outside.

Coxinha

One of the most popular Brazilian snacks, it’s a potato dough filled with shredded chicken,

breaded and deep-fried.

ChurrascoBrazil is famous for its barbecues, especially in the southern region. Meats like picanha (rump cap), ribs, sausage, and chicken are grilled on skewers and served with sides like farofa, rice, beans tropeiro, and salads.

Tapioca

A typical snack from the northeastern region of Brazil, tapioca is made with hydrated and sifted cassava starch. This starch forms a kind of pancake, which can be filled with various ingredients like cheese, coconut, and condensed milk.

Typical Drinks

Just like in cuisine, Brazilian drinks are diverse and reflect the country's cultural diversity. Here are some of the most well-known:

Caipirinha

The national drink of Brazil, made with cachaça (a sugarcane spirit), lime, sugar, and ice. It’s a refreshing drink popular throughout the country.

Cachaça

A distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It can be consumed straight, in cocktails like the caipirinha, or in shots.

Guaraná

A fruit native to the Amazon region of Brazil and the name of a very popular soft drink made from the fruit’s extract. It’s known for its sweet and energizing flavor.

Mate

A typical drink from the southern region of Brazil, made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It can be consumed hot (chimarrão) or cold (tereré) and is appreciated for its bitter taste and

stimulating properties.

Açaí bowl

Though more commonly known as food, açaí is also consumed as a thick drink, usually served in bowls and topped with fruits and granola. It’s especially popular in the northern region of Brazil.

Cerveja

Brazil has a growing craft beer scene, with a wide variety of artisanal beers produced nationwide. Well-known brands include Brahma, Skol, Antarctica, and Bohemia, among others.

Batidas

Cocktails made with tropical fruits, condensed milk, and cachaça or another alcoholic base. Some examples include coconut, passion fruit, and strawberry batidas.

Quentão

A hot drink typical of June festivals, made with cachaça, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s a comforting drink, perfect for the colder

months of the year.

Vaccines | Repellent

If visiting the Amazon or Rio de Janeiro, consider getting vaccinated for yellow fever. Malaria pills may also be recommended for specific areas. Use mosquito repellent to protect against dengue,

Zika, and chikungunya.

No vaccination is required for the state

of Rio Grande do Norte.

Getting Money

The currency is Brazilian Real (BRL). ATMs are the best way to obtain cash, especially in airports. Be cautious when using ATMs; avoid those that seem suspicious. Credit cards are widely accepted, but smaller establishments may prefer cash.

Shopping

Shopping is favorable due to the exchange rate. In Pipa, shops are smaller, while larger malls in cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offer more variety. Popular brands include Animale, Osklen, and Havaianas, which are cheaper in Brazil.

Markets and street vendors offer unique snacks and products, with haggling possible but limited. Havaianas are a must-buy souvenir,

widely available in stores.

Your safety

Pipa is generally safe, but always take precautions, especially in bigger cities.

If attending a street party or festival (excluding ours), use a waist wallet under your clothes and avoid valuables or expensive jewelry. Keep a copy of your passport and store valuables in a safe place (e.g., hotel safe).

In major cities, Uber or taxis are used, especially at night. “99 taxi” is another option for better rates. Tips are appreciated but not mandatory.

In Rio, it’s safer to take a taxi than Uber. Taxis are unaffected by vendors or criminals. Use the Taxi Rio app to avoid overcharged routes.

Buses are irregular and unsafe at night. Drivers may not stop at red lights after 10pm, so expect this. If driving, ensure no oncoming cars

before proceeding.

Avoid walking alone or at night in big cities. Always use a taxi or Uber, even for short distances.

Keep your phone out of sight while walking, even in “safe” neighborhoods. If you need to use it, go into a shop. Stay alert and observe others.

Brazilians are generally kind, but be cautious with strangers. Don’t accept rides from people you don’t know. Avoid displaying jewelry or expensive items, especially in crowded places like bus terminals. Stay in groups and avoid walking drunk in dark areas.

If in a crowd, keep your hands in your pockets to prevent pickpocketing. Carry a neck pouch with just enough cash for essentials.

Renting cars | Driving in Brazil

In Pipa, you don’t need to rent a car; we’ll provide transport for the airport and events. Taxis are available at your hotel.

In big cities, use Uber or taxis as driving can be challenging. If you rent a car, avoid relying solely on Google Maps, especially in Rio de Janeiro. It may route you through favelas; know the neighborhood names and follow signs.

Waze works well, too.

Avoid driving at night. If you must, stay alert and consider rolling stops. In cities like Rio and Recife, it’s advised not to stop at red lights after dark, but be cautious of speeding vehicles.

Note

Driving in Brazil can be chaotic, with pedestrians, animals, and potholes. Speed limits vary greatly, so drive carefully. The legal blood alcohol level is zero—no alcohol consumption allowed when driving. Always lock your doors and close the windows when driving, especially at night. At gas stations, an attendant will pump gas. Don’t hand them your card; wait for the payment machine to be brought to you. Never leave valuables in your car; put them in the trunk out of sight.