Planning a trip to Brazil? First of all—excellent choice. Second of all—you’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers, straight from our whirlwind adventure across this giant, wild, colorful, and sometimes chaotic country. Here’s everything you need to know before jetting off to the land of caipirinhas, Christ the Redeemer, and those unforgettable beaches.

1.How to Get to Brazil

Coming from Europe, São Paulo is your best bet—it’s Brazil’s biggest international hub and super well connected. We flew from Thessaloniki to São Paulo via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, and it was by far the smoothest and most efficient route.

2.Is It Safe to Travel to Brazil?

Safety in Brazil is one of those questions that every traveler wonders about, and the answer can be hard to come by. During the day, it’s generally safe to take the metro and explore the sights. We did all of these and felt comfortable, aware of our surroundings. However, Brazil’s big cities completely change at night. After dark, it’s best to avoid public transportation and long walks, especially through empty streets. An Uber is your safest option to get back to your accommodation, even for short distances.

A few extra tips: don’t show off jewelry, watches, or your latest iPhone. Only carry what you need for the day and keep a small amount of cash handy for quick transactions. As in any big city, petty theft can happen, but with common sense and precautions, you can enjoy Brazil safely. Think of it this way: by day, explore freely, by night, rely on Uber for your transportation. This balance will allow you to enjoy the magic of Brazil while maintaining your peace of mind.

In particular, even in Rio’s Rocinha Favela, which we visited on an Airbnb tour, we felt more welcome than uneasy. However, while Rio’s Centro is home to its most important cultural attractions, it can be chaotic. You’ll see homeless people sleeping on benches and a general sense of abandonment that contrasts sharply with its pristine beaches. That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit, it’s part of the city’s reality, but just be prepared for the contrasts you’ll encounter. São Paulo and Búzios were overall more relaxed, cleaner, and more organized.

3.What Documents Do You Need to Enter Brazil?

If you’re a passport holder from an EU member country, you’re in luck—no visa needed for tourist stays up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. For other nationalities, check your country’s requirements here or consult your local embassy.

4.How to Get Around

Getting around in Brazil is easier than you might think, and you have some good options depending on your mood and plans. Uber is king here, it's cheap, safe, and everywhere. Every ride is stress-free: polite drivers, clean cars, and smooth city streets. If you want to avoid traffic, the Metro is a lifesaver. It's modern, safe, and efficient, with air-conditioned trains and stations close to major attractions.

Rio Metro: You can easily buy tickets using your credit or debit card at the blue "Crédito e Débito" machines, no need for cash.

Sao Paulo Metro: Clean, efficient, but always have cash on hand because you can't buy tickets with a card.

5.Currency & Payment Methods

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). 1 BRL = approx. 0.16 EUR. You can pay by card almost everywhere, and we relied on our Revolut card for excellent exchange rates.

But yes—you’ll need some cash. Here’s the trick:

• Exchange Euros at shopping malls (many have currency booths).

• Or withdraw from Banco 24 Horas ATMs (found in malls & metro stations - the red ones).
  Heads up: Many bank branches don’t have ATMs that accept foreign cards. So don’t bother.

6.Staying Connected in Brazil

From how you get around to how you communicate, staying connected will be a lifesaver. We used the Revolut eSIM, which worked flawlessly across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, without having to swap SIM cards. If you want flexibility, other global eSIM providers like Airalo or Nomad are also great options, allowing you to purchase and activate data plans before you even land.

If you prefer the traditional route, local SIM cards are easy to buy at the airport or in large shopping malls. Popular providers include Vivo, Claro, and TIM. Vivo generally has the best national coverage, Claro offers reliable data plans, and TIM can be a budget-friendly option. Expect to pay around R$30–50 for a prepaid plan with a good amount of data.

Most hotels, Airbnbs, and coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi, but don't rely on it as your primary connection. To keep your head safe, especially when navigating Rio's vast neighborhoods or ordering an Uber late at night, a reliable SIM or eSIM is worth every penny.

7.Where to Stay

Brazil has something for every budget, but here’s how we did it:

• São Paulo: We stayed in a sleek Airbnb in Setin Downtown—central location, 24-hour security, and a rooftop pool with killer views. Oh, and it was across from Bar e Lanches Estadão. Coincidence? Absolutely not.

• Rio de Janeiro: We switched it up with a hotel: Hotel Vila Galé, a 19th-century palace turned urban oasis in the heart of historic Rio. Bonus points for the pool, service, and excellent breakfast spread. We found Airbnbs in Rio overpriced and not as appealing, so hotel won this round.

8.When to Visit Brazil?

Brazil is HUGE, and the weather changes wildly depending on where you go. Here’s how to play it smart:

• Best time to visit multiple cities like São Paulo, Rio, and Búzios?
  May to September. It’s the dry season in the southeast—pleasant temperatures, fewer storms, and way fewer mosquitoes.

• Want Carnival vibes? February is your month. But book everything early and brace yourself for the crowds.

• Beach bum alert: December to March is summer and perfect for beach days, but it’s also rainy season in Rio, so plan accordingly.

9.Final Brazil Travel Tips

• Tipping: Not required, but appreciated. 10% is often included in the bill, check first.

• Language: Basic Portuguese will take you far. English is not widely spoken outside hotels and tourist areas, so Google Translate is your best friend.

• Packing: Bring light clothes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and good walking shoes. Oh, and don’t forget your power adapter (Brazil uses types C and N plugs, 127/220V depending on region).

Final Word?

Brazil is big, bold, and unforgettable. From the gritty energy of São Paulo to the iconic beaches of Rio and the beachy bliss of Búzios, this country will shake you up in all the best ways. So pack your bags, grab your Revolut card, and let Brazil do its thing.

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Check our other posts for Brazil

The "model" in the photos, is my husband Fotis.