Brazil Travel Guide

Rio de Janeiro

GIG · Galeão/Tom Jobim International — main international hub. ~40 min drive to the city. Use 99 or Uber apps only — never unofficial taxis.
SDU · Santos Dumont — domestic only, in the city centre.

São Paulo (Connections)

GRU · Guarulhos International. Brazil's largest hub. Many international flights connect through here before continuing to Rio.

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL R$)
~5.5 BRL = 1 USD (rates fluctuate). Cards widely accepted in cities.

ATMs

Bradesco, Itaú, and Banco do Brasil ATMs are most reliable for foreign cards. Withdraw smaller amounts — security is a concern at ATMs.

Tipping

Restaurants include a 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) — voluntary but usually paid. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up.

Rio de Janeiro

BRT. Brasília Time
UTC−3 year-round.

Vs. US Eastern

Rio is 2 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (1 hour ahead in US summer).

Rio de Janeiro

Best: May–OctRainy: Nov–Mar Tropical. Dec–Feb is summer — hot (30–40°C), humid, and rainy. May–Oct is cooler, drier, and ideal.

Carnival

Feb/Mar Falls during the hottest, rainiest period — but that's the price of the world's greatest party. Book 12+ months ahead for Sambadrome tickets.

Language

Portuguese (Brazilian). Not Spanish. Brazilians are proud of this distinction. Spanish speakers can communicate with effort but it's distinctly different.

Key Phrases

Obrigado/a. Thank you
Por favor: Please
A conta, por favor: The bill
Tudo bem?: Everything OK?

Entry

US citizens now require a visa to enter Brazil (reinstated 2025 — check current requirements). UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens check Brazil MRE website for current rules.

eVisa

Brazil offers an eVisa system for eligible nationalities. Apply at gov.br/mre well in advance of travel.

Rio Metro

Clean, efficient, and connects most major tourist areas including Copacabana and Ipanema. Generally safe but stay alert with belongings as in any major city.

App Taxis

Uber and 99 operate widely and are the recommended way to get around — never hail on the street.

Beach Areas

Copacabana and Ipanema are very walkable along the beachfront. Avoid walking on the beach itself after dark.

Overall

Exercise Caution Tourist areas of Rio (Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, Santa Teresa, Lapa) are manageable with care. Favelas require a licensed guide.

Emergencies

190. Police · 192 — Ambulance (SAMU) · 193 — Fire

Key Tips

Don't carry valuables on the beach. Use app taxis (99, Uber) — never hail on the street. "Arrastão" beach robberies happen — go light. Stay alert especially after dark.

Brazil

Destinations in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro