Language

The spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, however Spanish and English are also widely used in the cities.

Back to top

Money

The Brazilian monetary unit is the real (BRL), plural reais. There are 100 centavos to the real and notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and BRL100. The US dollar is also welcome in most tourist establishments. In the main cities foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks or cambios. There is an extensive network of ATMs in the country and most major international credit cards are accepted.

Back to top

Communications

The international access code for Brazil is +55. The outgoing code depends on what network is used (e.g. 0014 for Brasil Telecom), which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001444 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Brasilia is 61, but the access code to make a call within the country from anotherarea also depends on what network is used (e.g. (014)61 for Brasil Telecom).

Back to top

Tipping

Nearly all hotels add a service charge to the bill, usually 10 per cent. Most restaurants also add 10 per cent or more to the total of the bill, but must make it clear that they have done so; waiters appreciate another five per cent if their service has been good. Brazilians don't normally tip taxi drivers, except if they handle bags, although they may round up the total. Hotel staff expect small tips and most services expect 10-15 per cent.

Back to top

Safety

Brazil is politically stable with no natural enemies and no terrorist activities. In metropolitan areas, however, petty crime is a fact of life. Rio in particular is regarded as one of the most crime-ridden cities in the world and, although violent crime is generally limited to the slum areas, foreign businessmen and tourists are advised to take precautions. Visitors should not attempt to visit slum areas unless on a guided tour. However, violent crime is on the increase due to the establishment of drug and criminal gangs around Rio and Sao Paulo. Muggings, often involving firearms, are high and visitors should avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, dress down and conceal cameras. Valuables should be deposited in hotel safes. The threat of personal attack is lower outside the main urban centres, but incidents do occur, and women should be aware that sexual assaults have been reported in coastal holiday destinations. Beware of unofficial taxis and those with blacked-out windows and be particularly careful on public transport in Rio, Recife and Salvador. Travellers to Sao Paulo should be cautious, as attacks by the PCC are being directed primarily against civilian targets, including banks, supermarkets and public transport.

Back to top

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those travelling to rural areas and parts of Sao Paulo and Parana. Those travelling from infected areas require a yellow fever certificate. Typhoid and Hepatitis A immunisation is also recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent and insect protection is strongly advised. Malaria exists below 900 metres (2,953ft) in most rural areas, and outbreaks of Dengue fever occur frequently.

Back to top

Electricity

Brazil has a variety of electrical voltages, sometimes within the same city, the better hotels offer 220 volts. If not, transformers are available in electrical stores. Outlets often accept a variety of plug types but the two-pin type is standard.

Back to topp

Back to previous page
Search by date

* Required

Ticket Type
Link to Calendar
Link to Calendar

Top flight deals

Cheap flights to Brazil

Belfast (BHD) to Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
from£633RTwith Travelpack
Belfast (BHD) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (GIG)
from£762RTwith Dial-A-Flight
Belfast (BHD) to Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
from£682RTwith Travelup
Belfast (BHD) to Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
from£800RTwith Air bookers
Belfast (BHD) to Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
from£428RTwith 121 Flights
Belfast (BFS) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (SDU)
from£428RTwith CheapfaresRus.com
Handpicked Deals

The best bargains and up-to-the-minute deals

  1. Holiday in great destinations with Away Holidays from £519 From £519 per person
  2. Transfers to Nice with HolidayTaxis.com from £21.60 per person
  3. Worldwide hotel deals, book now with laterooms.com Save up to 70%

Travel Tips

Read expert tips on getting the most out of travel

Bagging a bargain
Cheapflights Newsletter
Buying Homes Abroad
Shoulder Seasons
Before you go
Travelling with Children
Before You Go
Jet Lag
Travel Insurance
Facts about flying
Compensation
Airline Alliances
Types of travel
Weddings Abroad

More travel tips

Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

Contributors

Close

Wordtravels.com

Destination guides to countries and cities worldwide www.wordtravels.com

World Airport Guides

Guide to more than 200 airports around the world www.worldairportguide.com

Cheapflights.co.uk

Cheap airline tickets to domestic and worldwide destinations www.cheapflights.co.uk

Subscribe

Weekly travel deal alerts!

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel deals as they happen.
TRUSTe Logo
(Enter ROI if you live in the Rep. Ireland)
We do not share your information with third parties and have a spam free policy. See our privacy policy

Follow us on

Up to the minute travel deals and discussions