City in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Florianópolis
Brazil's top nomad and surf island with over 40 beaches, good wifi and a relaxed pace. Suits long stays and active trips; you need a car or scooter, and summer crowds and rain slow things down.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,530–2,390Comfortable, one person · R$8,000–12,500Details
- Value for money55/100Better value than 54% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Nov–DecWarmest: Feb, 29°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but often chlorinated; locals use filters.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–115Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless nearly everywhere, even on beaches.Details
Where to stay in Florianópolis
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lagoa da Conceição | Nomads: cafés, coworking, lagoon sports and nightlife |
| Centro and Beiramar | Cheaper, urban, near the bus terminal and shops |
| Campeche | Surf beach, long stays, relaxed expats |
| Jurerê Internacional | Upscale beach clubs, summer parties, pricey |
| Santo Antônio de Lisboa | Quiet colonial village with seafood and sunsets |
Apps that work in Florianópolis
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Uber and 99 work; wait times rise in summer and at night away from Centro and Lagoa. Taxis use meters.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless nearly everywhere, even on beaches. Carry small cash for buses, market stalls and small bars.
- 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.