Mountain town in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Gramado
Alpine-style mountain town known for chocolate, fondue, cold winters and Christmas lights. Pleasant and safe, but touristy, pricey for Brazil and built for couples and families more than solo budget trips.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,340–2,010Comfortable, one person · R$7,000–10,500Details
- Value for money63/100Better value than 62% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Aug, DecWarmest: Jan, 24°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilLocals filter or buy bottled water; drink filtered or bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–96Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere, even in chocolate shops and cafés; keep a little cash for parking and small stalls.Details
Where to stay in Gramado
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Avenida das Hortênsias) | Walkable core with chocolate shops, restaurants and hotels |
| Planalto | Quieter residential area just above the centre |
| Carazal | Hillside pousadas with views, short drive to town |
| Canela (next town) | Cheaper stays, Caracol falls and Catedral de Pedra |
Apps that work in Gramado
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| iFood | Works in the centre, but courier shortages are reported |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Local taxis operate from stands and are reliable. Book airport transfers and out-of-town tours ahead in high season.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, even in chocolate shops and cafés; keep a little cash for parking and small stalls.
- 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.