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.

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