Brazil FAQs

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Written by
Jennifer Richt, Lily Bunker, David Corvacho Puente & Berni De Luca

Published on: October 21st, 2012

Last modified: August 14th, 2023

We've compiled our list of most frequently asked questions to help you get prepared before your big adventure to Brazil. Please read through the questions, using the navigation bar on the left hand side of your page to move easily between the different sections.

Please note that requirements and advice can change so we do recommend you check in with your own travel insurer, doctor and relevant local embassies before embarking on your adventure.

Are there any entry requirements for Brazil?

Visas

Important information: Starting on October 1st, citizens of the US, Canada, Japan and Australia will need to request a visa prior to travel to Brazil. The Brazilian Foreign Affairs Ministry has outlined that this new visa requirement will be available online, but has not yet released the details. Please speak with your travel designer or concierge for further details.

Passports

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry in Brazil.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. In Brazil you may be asked to travel with both old and new passports in some circumstances.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Are there any laws, rules or regulations I should be aware of?

We recommend that you carry a colour photocopy of your passport with you while in Brazil in case authorities ask to see your ID (this can happen in some areas of  Rio de Janeiro, when exchanging currency or paying by credit card). 

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Do I need to visit a travel doctor before my trip?

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Latin America include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

We recommend asking your health practitioner about Yellow Fever when visiting the Amazon and other remote areas. Brazilian authorities recommend this vaccination but it is not a requirement.

Brazil is a tropical country so we do recommend you bring good quality mosquito spray with you, especially if you are going to the Amazon, Iguassu Falls or the Pantanal. Check with your medical advisor about the areas you are going to before travelling to see whether you should bring malaria tablets with you and which ones will suit you best. Some excellent medication (with fewer side effects) is available for shorter visits to risk areas).

What do I need to know about my regional flights?

Typically regional flights in Brazil will be on the GOL, LATAM or Azul airlines with a luggage restriction of 23kg/55lbs and a hand luggage allowance of 8kg/17lbs per person. Some routings may offer seats with more leg room but in general there are no business class options on domestic flights in Brazil – please speak with your travel designer or concierge if you would like more details on this.

Please let us know if you have seat assignment preferences and we will notify the airlines. Please note that seat assignment is subject to change and always at the discretion of the airline. 

Our team on the ground will do their best to check you in online 24 hours prior to your flight where possible.

What will I receive from Jacada before I depart?

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive in Brazil.

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

Do I need to bring the local currency?

We recommend bringing some of the local currency (Brazilian Real) with you if you can, to cover incidental purchases before you have access to an ATM. US Dollars are also accepted widely, though you will have to keep an eye on the exchange rate given.

 ATMs in major towns and cities will dispense local currency and sometimes US Dollars and are available in major cities. When visiting the Amazon, Pantanal or other remote areas ATM’s are not always available so you should make sure you have enough cash for tipping or incedentails before you depart the bigger cities. Please note that most ATMs will only dispense up to USD 200 in one go.

Travellers cheques are accepted in some hotels in Brazil. However we don’t usually suggest bringing them as they can be troublesome and time consuming to change.

Credit cards are accepted with almost as much frequency as they are at home and you can use them in most places, excluding local markets or shops where you need local currency. The most widely accepted credit cards in Brazil are; Visa, MasterCard and American Express. When using your Credit Card you may be asked to show your ID and sign a voucher to prove you’re the owner of the card – this is a precaution against fraud.

Can you tell me about tipping and etiquette in Brazil?

Tipping

Although tipping is discretionary many workers in the tourism industry do rely on tips to make up part of their income. 

  • 10-15% for restaurant and bar staff
  • USD 30 – 35 per day for professional guides in cities.
  • USD 10 – 15 per day for your driver
  • USD 1-2 for hotel or airport porters per bag
  • USD 5 for drivers on short transfers, perhaps from the airport. You can add more if they have been very helpful.

You can use US dollars for larger tips and try to use local currency for smaller tips in the cities. You should plan the amount of US dollars you bring from home ahead of time.

Etiquette

It’s important to be respectful when taking photographs of strangers when in Brazil, particularly in rural areas. It’s best to ask your guide before starting to take pictures to make sure it’s appropriate – you may need to leave a small tip and the guide will explain this to you.

What’s the weather like and how should I pack?

Brazil is a very large country with frequently changing weather and a vast range of climates. We’ve asked our experts to compile their list of packing essentials for Brazil. For a personalised packing list for your trip and particular activities please speak with your travel designer or concierge.

  • Light layers – T-shirts or light cotton long-sleeved shirts are ideal for sightseeing on sunny days.
  • Lightweight rain jackets for showers and to act as a windbreaker
  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Swimwear – Many hotels have swimming pools and you may have a beach stop scheduled on your trip
  • Trousers and shirts with adjustable arm and leg lengths in lightweight, quick dry fabrics. These are also good to protect against mosquitos and bugs, which is important in the Amazon. We recommend choosing neutral colours
  • Camera/Smartphone with all the necessary charging leads, plugs and batteries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun hat
  • Binoculars – your guide will have a pair but having your own can mean that you see a bit more for a bit longer
  • Day bag for carrying all your daily essentials, depending on the time of year and where you’re visiting you should also consider a dry bag or plastic ziplock bags.
  • Worn in, comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Earplugs- these are optional, but cities can be loud
  • Money belt for keeping important documents, money and your passport
  • A sweater for cooler evenings. Smart casual is advisable for restaurants.

It is possible to do laundry at most hotels in Brazil, it’s worth checking the price list as it can be a little expensive. The exception can be very remote lodges, camping and on some Amazon Cruises.

 

Should I make restaurant reservations?

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

What’s the transport like?

We only recommend taking transfers arranged by Jacada travel, the team on the ground, your hotel or a restaurant we’ve reserved for you. Although there are metered taxis and even uber in the major cities it shouldn’t be necessary on your trip. 

How can I keep connected on my trip?

Plugs and power

For Brazil there are two associated plug types, types C and N. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins. Plug type N is the plug which has two round pins and a grounding pin. Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Wifi and internet connection

Wifi is common in all larger city hotels and in most other frequently visited areas on your trip. In more remote areas the connection can be patchy and is not always available throughout the entire property, sometimes only being available in the common areas or in the rooms. 

Not all properties offer wifi so if this sort of connectivity is very important to you please do discuss this with your travel designer.

Remote areas

Cell phone reception and roaming may let you down in some remote areas so please bear this in mind if you need to stay in touch while on your trip. It is possible to buy local sim cards in Brazil and these can be handy when keeping connected with those in your group, your guides or folks back home. We can arrange to have a sim card ready for you on arrival, please ask your travel designer or concierge about this before departure.

Please contact your Jacada travel designer or concierge before your trip with any further questions.