City in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Belo Horizonte
Brazil's food-and-bar capital, with a huge botequim scene, cheaper than Rio or São Paulo and a gateway to Inhotim and colonial towns. A hilly sprawl with real street-crime risk after dark.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,150–1,820Comfortable, one person · R$6,000–9,500Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 30°CDetails
- Air quality30.1 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated, but most locals filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–96Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and Pix work almost everywhere; carry small cash for market stalls, street snacks and some botecos.Details
Where to stay in Belo Horizonte
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Savassi | First-timers: restaurants, bars, boutique hotels, safer at night |
| Lourdes–Funcionários | Upscale apartments, bars, central and walkable |
| Santa Tereza | Bohemian bars, live music and local food; hilly |
| Pampulha | Modernist sights and lake; quieter, need car or app |
Apps that work in Belo Horizonte
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Taxis are metered but pricier than apps. Intercity buses to Ouro Preto and Inhotim leave from the Rodoviária.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and Pix work almost everywhere; carry small cash for market stalls, street snacks and some botecos.
- Currency: Real (BRL). US$1 ≈ R$5.22 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banco24Horas, Bradesco and Banco do Brasil ATMs take foreign cards; expect a fee and low night-time limits.
- Tipping: Restaurants and bars add an optional 10% service charge; nothing more is expected. Tipping taxi and ride-app drivers isn't customary.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at card terminals; Pix needs a Brazilian account or a Pix-enabled foreign wallet.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
Plugs
Type C, N · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Regular prepaid chips usually need a CPF to register; carrier visitor plans and eSIMs accept a passport. International eSIM apps are simplest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Brazil
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.