Travelling in Brazil

Key info & facts

Capital: Brasília

Official Language: Portuguese.

Population: Approximately 214 million (2023).

Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL, R$).

Visa Requirements: Many nationalities are visa-exempt for 90 days; check Brazilian Consulate for details.

Main Religion: Predominantly Catholic, with growing Protestant and spiritualist communities.

Time Zone: GMT-3 (varies by region).

Electric Plug Types: Types C and N (127V or 220V supply, check locally).

Driving: Drive on the right-hand side.

Emergency Number: 190 (police), 193 (fire), 192 (ambulance).

Public Transport: Buses, metro systems, and ride-hailing apps like Uber are common in cities.

Administrative Regions: 26 states and 1 federal district, with regions like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Dialling Code: +55.

Water: Avoid drinking tap water; bottled or filtered water is recommended.

 

Ultimate Guide on Things to do & Places to Visit in Brazil

  • Carnival, samba, Amazon rainforest, beaches like Copacabana, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer.

  • In South America, bordered by almost every other South American country except Chile and Ecuador.

  • Carnival (February/March) is the most celebrated event, along with Independence Day on 7 September.

  • Lunch: 12:00–2:00 PM (main meal); Dinner: 7:00–10:00 PM.

  • A 10% service charge is often included; additional tips are optional but appreciated.

  • A handshake or kiss on both cheeks is common; say “Olá” (hello) or “Tudo bem?” (how are you?).

  • Cards are widely accepted, but cash is helpful for markets and small businesses.

  • Light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes

  • Sundays are for family gatherings, barbecues, and leisure activities like football or beach outings.

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