Capital city in Federal District, Brazil
Brasília
The planned modernist capital: spectacular Niemeyer buildings, wide avenues and quiet, safe-feeling districts. Spread out, car-centred and dull at night outside a few bar zones; a one- or two-day stop for most.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,240–1,910Comfortable, one person · R$6,500–10,000Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Sep, 31°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated and generally safe, but locals filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–105Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and Pix work almost everywhere; carry small cash for fairs, street vendors and some parking.Details
Where to stay in Brasília
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Asa Sul | Residential blocks with restaurants and bars, central and green |
| Asa Norte | Students, cafés, bars; good value and nightlife |
| Lago Sul | Upscale lakeside homes; quiet, needs a car or app |
| Sudoeste | Modern apartments, quiet streets, near the park |
Apps that work in Brasília
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Taxis are available but expensive and rarely worth it. Sights like the Esplanada and Lake Paranoá are far apart.
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 fairs, street vendors and some parking.
- 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
Going to Brasília solo?
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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.