Health Information
When it comes to health services, Brazil offers free public healthcare for foreign tourists. If you require medical attention, find yourself in an accident, or experience any health-related issues, simply dial the toll-free number for the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) listed below:
SAMU (Mobile Emergency Medical Service): 192
Health Tips
Stay hydrated: Given Brazil’s tropical climate, it is advisable to drink plenty of water to keep yourself properly hydrated throughout your trip.
Dress comfortably: Shield yourself from the sun by wearing comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm.
COVID-19 Precautions
Brazil is diligently following security protocols to combat COVID-19. To minimize the risk of contamination, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Vaccinations
While no specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Brazil, there are regions in the country where vaccination is recommended before your visit. For instance, if you plan to travel to areas where cases of yellow fever have been reported, vaccination is advised.
Source: Ministry of Health
COVID-19 Information
As the world gradually recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, travel plans to Brazil are becoming more feasible. Stay updated on the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Brazil.
Brazil has been investing in enhancing public safety, particularly in its tourist destinations, to ensure a secure and comfortable experience for travelers visiting the country.
The Ministry of Tourism has taken proactive steps by introducing the Safe Tourism Program—a comprehensive national initiative aimed at bolstering tourist safety. Through this program, various measures are being implemented to create a secure environment, allowing visitors to fully embrace the mesmerizing attractions that Brazil has to offer.
For added reassurance, a network of police stations is spread throughout the Brazilian territory. In major cities, specialized police stations dedicated to assisting tourists have been established. However, even in areas without designated tourist police stations, visitors can still rely on regular police stations to report any incidents. This comprehensive approach provides greater safety and attention to all tourists coming to Brazil.
Enhanced Tourist Assistance through Specialized Police Stations
Foreigners planning to enter and stay in Brazil are required to obtain a visa, which is issued by the Brazilian Consular Offices located abroad.
However, citizens of Mercosur member states enjoy visa exemption and can enter Brazil with just a valid passport or national identity document. For visitors from other countries, various types of visitor visas are available, catering to purposes like tourism, business, transit, artistic or sports activities, with a maximum allowed stay of ninety days.
To check if you need a visa to travel to Brazil, you can refer to the official website here.
Brazil adheres to a policy of reciprocity, meaning that countries requiring visas from Brazilian citizens will also require visas for their citizens to travel to Brazil. Under current Brazilian immigration law (Law 13,445 of 2017), visa exemption can only be granted through mutual agreements on a reciprocal basis. Brazil has currently established bilateral agreements on visa waivers with approximately 90 countries.
Visa applications should be submitted through Brazilian Consular Representations abroad, which include Embassies, Consulates General, Consulates, and Vice-Consulates. To obtain detailed information on the visa application process, foreigners should contact the respective Brazilian Consular Representation in their country.
These toll-free numbers can be reached from any phone and are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate assistance:
Having these emergency numbers at your fingertips is essential while in Brazil, as it ensures swift access to the appropriate authorities during critical situations.
The power voltage in Brazil varies between 110V and 220V, depending on the specific location you’re in. Fortunately, many Brazilian hotels are equipped with electric outlets that accommodate both voltages, making it convenient for travelers with different electronic devices. Additionally, portable voltage transformers can be easily obtained from electrical supply stores, ensuring your devices work safely and efficiently.
Brazilian power outlets are of type N and feature standard 3-pin sockets. These outlets are designed with safety in mind, as they are recessed, requiring plugs to be fully inserted for the power to pass through. This design minimizes the risk of accidental contact with live plugs, ensuring a safer electrical environment.
To adapt your electronic devices to Brazilian power outlets, power outlet adapters can be readily found at electrical supply stores or conveniently available at airport stores for purchase.
Always make sure to use the appropriate adapters and voltage transformers to ensure the proper functioning of your devices and to prioritize your safety during your time in Brazil.
Brazil experiences a tropical climate, with variations in temperature across its regions. In the northern part of the country, the average annual temperature hovers around 28°C, while in the southern regions, it averages around 20°C. The Brazilian winter occurs between June and September, and in some cities in the South and Southeast, temperatures can drop below 0°C, leading to frost and occasional snowfall. Conversely, during the summer, temperatures can soar up to 40°C in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The summer season in Brazil is ideal for beachgoers, with opportunities to relish the sun, swim in the sea, and indulge in refreshing coconut water.
When preparing for your trip, it is advisable to pack light and comfortable clothing. Don’t forget essentials like hats, caps, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong sun rays. In forested areas like the Amazon and Pantanal, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved t-shirts, shirts in light colors, long pants, and a hat to ward off insects.
The seasons in Brazil are as follows:
Understanding the weather patterns in Brazil and adapting your packing accordingly will contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable trip to this diverse and beautiful country.
Telecommunications in Brazil are overseen by the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), the authority responsible for regulating phone operations in the country.
If you need to make a call to Brazil, the country code is +55.
Each Brazilian city has its own two-digit area code, and landlines have 8 digits across the country. However, cell phone numbers consist of 9 digits.
If you plan to use a foreign cell phone in Brazil, its compatibility with Brazilian operators depends on the technology used. Make sure to check with your home operator to determine the requirements and potential usage rates for your cell phone in Brazil.
Staying informed about the telecommunications system in Brazil will help you stay connected and communicate efficiently during your time in the country.
Language in Brazil is predominantly Portuguese, which has its roots in Portugal but is spoken with a different accent and some distinct idiomatic expressions unique to Brazil. However, it is not uncommon to encounter Brazilians who are proficient in English, Spanish, and other languages. Some may also speak German, Italian, indigenous dialects, or other languages.
To help you navigate your trips to Brazil, below are some basic words and local expressions:
Using these basic phrases will not only be helpful during your travels in Brazil but will also be appreciated by the locals, as it shows your effort to engage with their language and culture.
The currency used in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (R$). You can easily exchange it at various locations such as banks, exchange brokers, travel agencies, and authorized hotels. The official exchange rate is published daily in newspapers and on specialized websites.
Both traveler’s checks and cash can be conveniently exchanged at exchange counters. Moreover, international credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops, travel agencies, car rental companies, and other businesses that cater to tourists.
To help with identification and security, Brazilian banknotes have distinctive features and security elements. They come in denominations of 2 reals, 5 reals, 10 reals, 20 reals, 50 reals, 100 reals, and 200 reals. Brazilian coins are available in denominations of 5 centavos, 10 centavos, 25 centavos, 50 centavos, and 1 Brazilian real.
Being familiar with the currency denominations and exchange options will ensure a smooth financial experience during your stay in Brazil.
BRAZILIAN BANKNOTES
BRAZILIAN COINS
For more information on exchange rates, please visit the central bank website.