City in Pernambuco, Brazil
Recife
Northeast hub with a colonial center, strong food and music scene, and easy trips to Olinda and Porto de Galinhas. Warm and lively, but crime and shark warnings on Boa Viagem and Piedade need real care.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,240–1,910Comfortable, one person · R$6,500–10,000Details
- Value for money62/100Better value than 61% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goSep–FebWarmest: Feb, 31°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 vendors, markets and buses.Details
Where to stay in Recife
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Boa Viagem | Beachfront stay with hotels, restaurants and a long promenade |
| Pina | Quieter beachside area next to Boa Viagem, cheaper |
| Recife Antigo | Historic port district; lively by day and at events, empty at night |
| Graças–Casa Forte | Leafy residential areas with cafés and markets |
Apps that work in Recife
- 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; keep your phone away from the window.
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 vendors, 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.