Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Although English and Spanish might be useful in tourist spots, it’s a good idea to learn some Portuguese before your trip. Plus, be prepared for a diverse experience where you’ll meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

The best time to visit Brazil is generally between December and March, but it can vary depending on your interests.

Beach lovers should visit during the summer (December-March), while those interested in Carnival should go in February or March.

Wildlife enthusiasts should visit the Amazon rainforest during the dry season (July-September).

And those seeking cooler weather should visit during the winter (June-September).

The Brazilian Real (BRL) is the official currency.

Find more: Banco Central do Brasil – Traveling to Brazil

Brazil is generally a safe country for travelers, but it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks. As with any destination, there are areas with higher crime rates, and it’s advisable to avoid these areas and take necessary precautions.

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Many countries can enter Brazil without a visa for short stays. Check if you need a visa on the Consular Website.

If your mobile plan does not include data usage in Brazil, it is recommended to use Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, public transport, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. 

You can also purchase a local SIM card from Brazilian providers with a suitable data plan. For international calls to Brazil, dial +55 followed by the number. To call abroad from Brazil, dial 00 followed by the country code and the desired number. Brazilian mobile networks use LTE, with 4G widely available and 5G expanding in major cities.

190 – Military Police: Crimes in progress (robbery, theft, assault, domestic violence, traffic accidents with victims).

192 – SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service): Serious medical emergencies (serious accidents, heart attacks, seizures, breathing difficulties).

193 – Fire Department: Fires, accidents involving hazardous materials, drownings, high-altitude rescues.

181 – Anonymous Tip Line: Anonymous crime reports (drug trafficking, violence against children, corruption).

100 – Human Rights Hotline: Reports of human rights violations (racism, homophobia, violence against women).

Stay calm, be clear, follow instructions, have your documents ready, and save emergency numbers on your phone.

Brazil’s Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) provides free healthcare to all residents and visitors, including access to public hospitals, emergency rooms, and health centres for both routine and emergency medical care. While SUS covers a broad range of medical services, travel health insurance is recommended to cover any other medical needs.

Pharmacies generally follow regular business hours, but some in major cities are open 24/7 or work on a shift basis.

Carnival (Feb/Mar)

New Year’s Eve in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro (Dec 31)

Festa Junina in Campina Grande and Caruaru (Jun/Jul)

Parintins Folklore Festival, Amazonas (Jun)

Oktoberfest in Blumenau, Santa Catarina (Oct)

Rock in Rio, Rio de Janeiro (Biennial, Sep)

Círio de Nazaré, Belém do Pará (Oct)

Winter Festival of Ouro Preto and Mariana (Jul)

São Paulo International Book Fair (Aug)

Gramado Film Festival, Rio Grande do Sul (Aug)

Public transportation in Brazil is quite diverse and generally effective, though its efficiency can vary by city. Major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília offer extensive bus networks that cover a wide area, while subways and trains provide fast and reliable urban transit. Coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador also have ferries that connect different parts of the city and neighboring areas.

Tariffs can be paid in cash or with rechargeable cards, which are available at specific locations. For convenience, schedules and routes are accessible via Google Maps and official city transportation websites, which helps in planning your travel. While the system is widely used, it’s advisable to check schedules ahead of time and stay mindful of safety, especially during peak hours. Overall, while public transportation is functional and accessible, experiences may vary depending on the city and time of day.

Yes, you can visit Brazil without knowing Portuguese, but it might come with some challenges. Portuguese is the main language in Brazil, but English and Spanish are often spoken at tourist spots in major cities. Outside these areas, other languages are less commonly spoken.

Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can help with everyday interactions and enhance your travel experience. You can do this by using our Learning Portuguese section.