Before Your Trip
Plan your itinerary, and make reservations in advance. If you’re planning on attending an event in Brazil (Carnaval, New Year’s, etc.), it is important to make reservations ahead of time, for tickets and hotel reservations may be limited in high-season.
Make sure your passport is valid, and get a VISA from the Brazilian consulate.
(see Do I need a visa to enter Brazil?)
- General Consulate of Brazil in New York
- General Consulate of Brazil in Miami
- General Consulate of Brazil in Boston
- General Consulate of Brazil in San Francisco
Get info on the Brazilian currency AND purchase your Travel Checks.
We recommend that you get a Portuguese Language travel book, so you can become familiar with some everyday expressions, like asking for directions and ordering food. Most of the staff in Brazilian Hotels speak some English, but most people on the street, as well as cab drivers and waiters don’t.
What To Bring
A fair amount of sun block for skin protection if going in the summer. Also bring caps, hats and shades.
If you’re planning to do eco-tourism or visit rural areas, bring mosquito repellent.
Bring your own personal grooming and hygiene supplies, like tooth brush, shaving blades, etc. Check if your hotel provides blow-dryer and pressing iron, if not, bring yours.
If you’re taking any medication, bring a supply for a few more days in case there’s any delay in your flight back.
If going during the summer, bring light clothing. T-shirts and shorts are the best choice for tropical climate.
Do’s And Don’ts
Try to get information only from Hotel clerks and tourist stands.
Always carry a PHOTOCOPY of your passport, and the address and phone number for the Hotel you’re checked in. Avoid carrying the original passport.
Get informed about the American embassy in the city you’re visiting, in case you need any assistance or lose a document.
Avoid being way too obvious. Tourist places in Brazil are safe, however you should NOT expose expensive cameras or other valuables, nor leave it alone in the beach sand.
Avoid eating food sold in the street, and drink only bottled water.
Do NOT overexpose to the sun, the summer in Brazil is really hot, and you can have a health problem by over exposing yourself in the beaches. Always use solar protection.
