South America
Brazil
Huge and varied: beach cities, rainforest and big-city nightlife, with warm, social people. Distances mean flying, little English is spoken, and big-city street crime needs constant phone discipline.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa103 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBRLUS$1 ≈ R$5.22Details
- Price level46%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, N127 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency190Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated in big cities, but locals filter it; drink filtered or bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalitySão Paulo Pride is among the world's largest and big cities are open, but anti-LGBTQ+ violence is high and small towns are conservative.Details
- Internet242 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 272 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightA valid home licence plus an IDP is accepted for up to 180 days; carry both when driving.
- Digital nomad visaYesVITEM XIV digital nomad visaDetails
Where to go in Brazil
30 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio de JaneiroCity | 3/5 | $1,720–2,680 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 35/100 |
| São PauloCity | 3/5 | $1,720–2,680 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 34/100 |
| Foz do IguaçuCity | 4/5 | $1,150–1,720 | Mar–May, Aug–Oct | 76/100 |
| FlorianópolisCity | 4/5 | $1,530–2,390 | Feb–Apr, Nov–Dec | 55/100 |
| SalvadorCity | 3/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Sep–Feb | 65/100 |
| JericoacoaraTown | 4/5 | $1,340–2,110 | Jul–Dec | 59/100 |
| Ilha GrandeIsland | 4/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct | 67/100 |
| ParatyTown | 4/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct | 67/100 |
| BúziosTown | 4/5 | $1,440–2,300 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | 59/100 |
| Fernando de NoronhaIslands | 5/5 | $2,300–3,640 | Aug–Dec | 29/100 |
| RecifeCity | 3/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Sep–Feb | 62/100 |
| FortalezaCity | 3/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Jul–Dec | 64/100 |
| ManausCity | 3/5 | $1,050–1,630 | Jun–Oct | 69/100 |
| PipaTown | 4/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Sep–Feb | 70/100 |
| NatalCity | 3/5 | $1,050–1,530 | Sep–Feb | 76/100 |
| MaceióCity | 3/5 | $1,050–1,630 | Sep–Feb | 73/100 |
| Belo HorizonteCity | 3/5 | $1,150–1,820 | May–Sep | 61/100 |
| BrasíliaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,240–1,910 | May–Sep | 61/100 |
| ItacaréTown | 4/5 | $1,050–1,630 | Oct–Mar | 81/100 |
| Morro de São PauloTown | 4/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Sep–Mar | 72/100 |
| Chapada DiamantinaRegion | 4/5 | $957–1,530 | May–Sep | 86/100 |
| Lençóis MaranhensesRegion | 4/5 | $1,050–1,630 | Jun–Sep | 77/100 |
| BonitoTown | 4/5 | $1,440–2,110 | Apr–Sep | 62/100 |
| Ouro PretoTown | 4/5 | $957–1,530 | Apr–Sep | 83/100 |
| CuritibaCity | 3/5 | $1,240–1,910 | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | 61/100 |
| Porto AlegreCity | 3/5 | $1,190–1,820 | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | 67/100 |
| BelémCity | 3/5 | $1,240–1,820 | Jul–Nov | 56/100 |
| Balneário CamboriúCity | 4/5 | $1,530–2,300 | Nov–Mar | 55/100 |
| Porto de GalinhasBeach town | 4/5 | $1,150–1,720 | Sep–Feb | 75/100 |
| GramadoMountain town | 4/5 | $1,340–2,010 | May–Aug, Dec | 63/100 |
When to visit Brazil
Rio and the Southeast: Apr–Jun and Aug–Oct. Northeast coast: Sep–Mar is driest. Amazon: Jun–Nov. Carnival (Feb/Mar) and New Year bring peak prices.
Good to know
Entry
- US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa since April 2025 (US$80.90), applied for online about 10 working days ahead.
- No arrival card or entry fee. Extensions beyond the first stay are requested from the Federal Police before it ends.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many regions, including the Amazon, but is not required for entry.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID: your passport or a certified copy; police checks happen.
- Any alcohol before driving is illegal, and Lei Seca checkpoints are common.
- Racist or homophobic insults are crimes that can bring prison terms.
Etiquette
- A cheek kiss (one to three, by region) is the usual greeting
- The 'OK' hand sign is rude; use a thumbs up instead
- Social plans start late; be on time for tours and business
Tipping
Restaurants and bars add an optional 10% service charge; nothing more is expected. Tipping taxi and ride-app drivers isn't customary.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil: Visas
- Brazil e-Visa portal
- Federal Police of Brazil (immigration)
- Speedtest Global Index: Brazil
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.