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?

The short answer? Yes—with a bit of street smarts. Brazil can be overwhelming, especially in big cities like Rio, but we felt perfectly safe with some basic precautions:

• Avoid flashing valuables.

• Stick to well-lit areas at night.

• Use Uber, not random taxis.

• Be alert, not paranoid.

Even in Rocinha Favela, which we visited with a guided Airbnb tour, we felt more welcome than worried. That said, downtown Rio (Centro) can feel intense due to visible homelessness—people may ask for a cigarette or spare change, but there’s no reason to panic. Just stay aware. São Paulo and Búzios felt more relaxed, cleaner, and tidier overall.

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

Uber is king in Brazil. Cheap, safe, and everywhere—we used it constantly. The drivers are polite, the cars are clean, and the app works like a charm. We also used the metro in both São Paulo and Rio:

• São Paulo Metro: Clean and efficient, but bring cash to buy a ticket.

• Rio Metro: Even better—buy tickets with your credit/debit card at machines (the blue ones with the indication Credito e Debito). It’s safe and a great way to dodge the infamous Rio traffic.

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

You’ll need data for maps, Ubers, and travel sanity. We used the Revolut eSIM, which worked perfectly across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay—no swapping SIMs or hunting down kiosks. One eSIM, three countries, no stress.

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).

Check our other posts for Brazil

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.