All banks and money exchange offices will change traveler's checks and foreign currency. It is advisable to carry some cash in case you want to go out of the major cities and towns. Generally, Master Card, Amex, Diners and Visa are accepted. Traveler's checks are accepted at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. (A number of banks including Banco do Brasil accept foreign cards in their ATM machines).
It is advisable to always carry smaller bills, as restaurants and shops rarely have change for large bills.
If you are sending your little ones alone or accompanied only by your spouse, please make sure you have a written authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian granting permission to travel. This document must be translated into Portuguese, notarized and authenticated by a Brazilian consulate, and you will need to show it to the airport authorities when you leave Brazil and go back home with your kids.
Make sure to take out a medical and travel insurance.
Take clothes suitable for the climate you are planning to visit.
Take sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Don't wear expensive items such as jewelry, and be discreet with cameras, like in any major city around the world, don't tempt thieves.
Drink plenty of water when you're in Brazil (tap water is unsafe to drink).
Electricity can vary within cities. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo use 110 volts AC, Bahia (Salvador) and Manaus 127 volts AC, in Brasilia and Recife 220 volts AC. Most hotels do provide 110-volt & 220-volt outlets or adaptors. Check with your hotel which voltage is used in your room to avoid damaging your electronic equipment.
If you want to dial internationally, it is necessary to dial 00 – 21 – country code – city code – phone number. For local calls within the city, just dial the telephone number. Between Brazilian states you need to dial a carrier code (021, 031, etc) then the state code and the phone number.
Brazil uses the metric system, Celsius temperature, and military or British time.
Visitors will find that Brazilians are very friendly people - easy to approach, respectful of visitors and always willing to help if possible.
In case of knowing more helpful Brazil travel tips, please let us know by sending an email to info@braziltravel.com.
