City in Alagoas, Brazil
Maceió
Calm, reef-sheltered beaches and natural pools just offshore make Maceió a relaxed, good-value Brazilian beach city. Suits easy solo weeks; nightlife is modest and some inland areas are rough.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,050–1,630Comfortable, one person · R$5,500–8,500Details
- Value for money73/100Better value than 72% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goSep–FebWarmest: Mar, 30°CDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilLocals use filters or bottled water; drink bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–96Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in restaurants, hotels and most shops; keep a little cash for beach vendors, jangadas and the craft fair.Details
Where to stay in Maceió
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ponta Verde | Beachfront restaurants, walkable promenade, safest for visitors |
| Jatiúca | Quieter beach, apartments, malls and long stays |
| Pajuçara | Budget hotels, craft fair and the natural pools |
| Cruz das Almas | Calmer, upscale northern beach with lower prices |
Apps that work in Maceió
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Taxis exist but apps are cheaper and traceable. For Maragogi, São Miguel dos Milagres or Praia do Gunga, book a day tour or transfer.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in restaurants, hotels and most shops; keep a little cash for beach vendors, jangadas and the craft fair.
- 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 Maceió solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Maceió meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Aena Brasil (Zumbi dos Palmares Airport)
- Hospital Memorial Arthur Ramos (Rede D'Or)
- TNH1: 99Food starts in Maceió (Mar 2026)
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.