Town in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Búzios
Upscale peninsula of more than twenty bays, restaurants and beach clubs east of Rio. Suits couples, short beach breaks and relaxed solo trips; it is spread out, pricey and quiet outside the weekend.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,440–2,300Comfortable, one person · R$7,500–12,000Details
- Value for money59/100Better value than 58% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–NovWarmest: Feb, 29°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledLocal supply can be salty or irregular; drink bottled or filtered water.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 are accepted in nearly all restaurants and hotels; carry small cash for buses, kiosks and small taxi fares.Details
Where to stay in Búzios
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Rua das Pedras) | Restaurants, nightlife, walks along the waterfront |
| Geribá | Surf beach, casual stays, bars and hostels |
| Ferradura | Calm bay and quiet, family stays |
| Manguinhos | Cheaper bay side with fish restaurants |
Apps that work in Búzios
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| iFood | Main option; limited restaurant choice |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Local taxis are the norm; agree fares for beaches before getting in. Taxis wait at Centro and the main beaches.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and Pix are accepted in nearly all restaurants and hotels; carry small cash for buses, kiosks and small taxi fares.
- 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 Búzios solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Búzios meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.