City in Ceará, Brazil
Fortaleza
Beach capital of the Northeast, with warm sea, forró nights and a big seafront. Suits a beach break and the gateway to Jericoacoara and kitesurfing; hot, high street crime and little to do outside the coast.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,240–1,910Comfortable, one person · R$6,500–10,000Details
- Value for money64/100Better value than 63% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–DecWarmest: Nov, 30°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but often chlorinated; locals use filters or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–115Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry small cash for beach barracas, markets and buses.Details
Where to stay in Fortaleza
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Meireles | Hotels, restaurants and the seafront; best base for visitors |
| Praia de Iracema | Nightlife and bars; busy, with some pickpockets |
| Aldeota | Quieter, upscale residential area with cafés |
| Praia do Futuro | Beach barracas; best by day, avoid at night |
Apps that work in Fortaleza
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Prefer Uber or 99 over street taxis. Check plate and driver, and keep your phone away from open windows.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry small cash for beach barracas, markets and buses.
- 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.