Be well prepared for your trip to Brazil
Brazil is an incredible country for traveling around. The cities are vibrant, full of life and adventure but it can also be quite daunting to move around a country that is this large. The customs of the country may be very different from your own and the language can be a barrier when you want to travel around to see the beauty of the country. And of course you can be withheld when you hear that Brazil can be dangerous to travel. And to be honest it can be unsafe but with these tips, a lot of common sense and preparation you will be able to move around with ease.
Get connected with people
There are two ways you can be connected while you travel around in Brazil. Connect with people and with the home-base and internet.
First of all, make connections with people! The Brazilians are more than willing to help you out because they know it can be difficult for foreigners to travel around. If you don’t speak Portuguese I suggest you start right now, that way you at least know the basics and that already will help you. Even if you don’t speak Portuguese well the Brazilians are willing to help you. Ask your accommodation what places you should avoid or what you should see or do. When we went to Salvador they let us know some local tips for safety, what restaurants were good and what site we should definitely see. We loved their input and the connection!
Purchase a E-SIM
The second way is to connect with home and the internet. It will be very complicated to get a SIM card here because you need to have a CPF (a fiscal number) and that’s why it’s way simpler to get one before you go. I like this one from Airalo and this one from Drimsim. They have an E-SIM which you can use for a short time and then stop using after you are done with your trip. Everything is done online before you go and it’s a piece of cake.
E-sims are relatively new, so before purchasing one, contact your cell phone provider and see if you can install it. If not, let them unlock your phone for e-sim use.
Note: try not to use your phone if you are on the street. If possible only use it to take a picture and put it back in your (anti-theft) backpack or handbag. People have been mugged by cyclists who grab the photo out of your hands so be aware of that.
Hygiene rules and customs
If you use the toilet in Brazil you should not put your toilet paper in the toilet itself. Next to the toilet you have a specific container for toilet paper. It might not be what you are accustomed with but that’s the way it goes in Brazil.
It is customary to brush your teeth and freshen up after a meal. Especially if you meet up with Brazilians you will see people going to the bathroom with a little toiletries bag with everything they need to be refreshed. I thought it was so nice that I also started to bring mine on my travels.
Brazilian Currency
The currency of Brazil is Reais. You say ‘Heais’ because the ‘R’ is spoken as an ‘H’. The singular is Real or phonological ‘Heal’. Unfortunately it’s not a strong currency so you will need to check the value the moment you go. On markets you are able to bargain but not like in Asia. When there are price stickers on the products you can ask for a discount (disconto) but don’t get your hopes up. And if you get it it’s a win!
Learn about the big cities you are visiting
This is a bit of a weird one but hear me out. Before coming to Brazil I thought I had visited big cities but after 2 years of living in Brazil I learned that Brazil has a lot of crazy big cities. In order for you to travel around it is best if you check beforehand how large the city is that you are going to visit. How far is your accommodation from the city center or from the sites you want to see? How much time do I need from one place to the other and does that mean we have to adjust our way of transportation? I advise you to check before you go to make sure you are not surprised by the amount of travel time you need from site to site.
Transportation in Brazil
Brazil doesn’t have many trains for you to use but there are planes, buses and cars to move around. Down below I will list most ways of transportation and what tips I have for you while you travel in Brazil. The best tip though is not to bring any valuables with you. I know that’s not always possible so I will give you my tips down below.
The safety of traveling by car in Brazil varies by region. Some states are very safe to drive in, while others are less so. Generally, the southern part of Brazil is safer than the central and northern regions. In most cities, you can use Ubers and taxis to get around. If you are driving alone, keep your windows closed enough to prevent anyone from reaching inside when you stop. Try to stop slightly before traffic lights so you can drive off quickly if needed, as muggings have occurred while cars are stationary at lights. Try to park in a car park instead of the street for safety.
Traveling by plane is considered the safest way of traveling long distances in Brazil. Again try to leave your most valuable things at home or if you really want to, put them in your carry-on luggage so you can keep an eye on them while you are in your way.
There are three types of buses, the city bus, the regional bus or the long distance buses. All buses are easy to use. I would say that the city buses and the areas around the bus stop are the most likely places where you can get robbed or where your wallet can be stolen. Generally I don’t use the city bus if it’s too far out of the busy city center, if I don’t know the area or if it’s late at night. It’s better to be safe than sorry. When traveling long distances I have my valuables with me and my suitcase in the bus compartment underneath. Try to book in advance so you don’t have to pay in the bus. If you do have to pay make sure you have the precise amount so you don’t have to open your wallet again.
In some larger cities you have a subway system. It’s very quick and cheap to use and it will take you everywhere in the city you might want to go to. As in most other subways you will need to watch out for pickpockets the most. There have been people that got robbed in the hallways as well so try to blend in as much as possible, if you can. Have your bag in front of you and if you have an anti-theft bag bring it with you.
Favelas in Brazil
Favelas are Brazil’s slums and they are present in every major city. Recently, tours have become more common, offering a glimpse into life in these areas. However, I don’t recommend participating in these excursions. Paying to see impoverished communities is exploitative, and it’s unclear how much of the money benefits the residents. While buying food or drinks from the locals while you are doing the tour might seem like a small contribution, there are better ways to make a difference. Additionally, favelas can be dangerous, even when you are on a guided tour. Instead, consider supporting local organizations that assist those in need. Like this foundation: The favela foundation.
Safety- pickpockets and phone snatchers
As in many big cities there will be pickpockets at work as well as phone snatchers. Most pickpockets work in areas that are busy. Especially in the subway station, the subway trains and busy sightseeing areas they will be active. If you have an anti-theft backpack or handbag, use it, wear your bag in front of you and be aware. If you feel like you are being followed, stop at a safe place, like a shop, and wait until the person passes you by. Because I have a nice camera for taking pictures on my travels I was targeted a couple of times but luckily I never got mugged because after finishing taking pictures I would put my camera back in my anti-theft bag and/or when I noticed people following I went into a safe area.
When I visited São Paulo, the brother of a friend, who lives in the city told us to be aware of phone snatchers. They cycle around in the city and when you are busy with your phone, writing a message or taking a picture, they make their move. Snatching your phone out of your hand and cycling away at high speed.
Evenings are super lovely when you are at a restaurant, at the beach or at a beautiful viewpoint but try to avoid walking long distances on the street. You are in an unknown location and it is much safer to take an Uber instead. Indrive is also around but doesn’t have as many safety protocols as Uber. I always use Uber with a safety code to make sure I have the right one.
Travel insurance
If God-forbid something would happen to you make sure in advance that you have travel insurance. I don’t know where you are from but if you are without your phone, your funds or other valuables it can be very difficult if you are not able to get replacements. If you are hurt and you need to get medical help it can add up quickly and it will be worth it when you do have travel insurance. Check out VisitorsCoverage for a quota.
Use your common sense!
To conclude there are a lot of things you can do or don’t do to make the best of your trip. But I reckon this last one is the best. While you are in a country where you don’t know everything, use your common sense. I know it’s different for everyone but be aware of the fact that people and customs are different. If there is any situation where you feel unsafe just leave the situation. Make sure people know where you are and be prepared in terms of getting to know Brazil a bit before you go.
Hopefully you will feel welcome by the many lovely Brazilians! If you have anything to ask or if you have any tips you want to share, leave them in the comments section down below.
Is Brazil accessible for wheelchair users?
Museums*
Most bigger museums have ramps and elevators. But smaller museums or museums in smaller cities don’t. So of course you need to check before you go because it will be different museum to museum.
Café’s and restaurants
There are so many places where you can enter but a lot of places don’t have ramps. Bathrooms in smaller places usually are upstairs. You can always go to a shopping mall because they have food courts that are accessible.
Public transport
Bad in most cities. Some busses have a ramp but a lot of them have steps. The busstops are not alway even and you will need help for sure. For a hassle free trip it’s easier to use Uber or taxi.
Toilets
If you go inside malls or other public places you will have a designated toilet for wheelchair users.
*And other attractions
Items I love while traveling
Collapsible sunglasses case
My sunglasses are a great way to accessorize my outfit and I want it to stay without scratches. This case is great for you in your purse or backpack. When you don’t use it, it folds flat which is great.
XD Design roll top bag pack
My roll top backpack is almost 3 years old but I still use it every day, not only when I travel. Because of the roll top and the add lock system it is anti-theft. It’s also cut proof and water resistant. There is a separate section for your laptop and water bottle.
Sun hat for ponytail or bun
On days where I want to look a bit more put together I use this great sun hat, also with a whole for my bun or pony tail. Love it!!!