Travel tips Brazil

A country of impressive contrasts, Brazil has countless highlights. Think iconic landmarks such as the world-famous statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, the impressive waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu, the insane Amazon and Pantanal and the vast dunes and lagoons of the special nature reserve Lençóis Maranhenses.

But also be surprised by the colorful colonial town of Olinda and wander the steep streets of the baroque town of Ouro Preto. You go back in time here.

Also, the city Salvador da Bahia you want to experience: a mix of African culture, colonial charm and music on every street corner.

Brazil is a huge country full of diversity, so there are several insane itineraries to follow during your vacation. One of our favorite itineraries is a 2-3 week roundtrip through the state of Rio de Janeiro. During this trip you will not only discover the iconic metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, but also the charming colonial town of Paraty, the hip coastal towns of Búzios and Cabo Frio, as well as the paradisiacal beaches of Ilha Grande.

At this article about a tour of Brazil we share the ultimate itinerary with tips on destinations, attractions, accommodations and hotspots. Want to do this trip at your leisure? Then you can take 3 weeks!

Rio de Janeiro is the city of icons, and there are a few sights you really shouldn't miss. First, of course, the famous statue of Christ on Corcovado, which will absolutely amaze you with its impressive view of the city. But you also cannot miss Sugarloaf Mountain, where you will be taken by cable car to the top for a panoramic view of the city and the bay. And stroll through the lively Lapa neighborhood and discover the colorful Selarón Steps, where each tile tells you a story. 

And of course, don't forget to spend an afternoon on one of its iconic beaches: Copacabana and Ipanema. Because after all that sightseeing, it's obviously time to relax with a coconut in your hand and soak up the sun. Want insider tips and to learn more about the must-sees in Rio? Then check out our article on Rio de Janeiro with all the tips To experience this city in all its splendor!

For sure! São Paulo may not be the first destination you think of, but this city is a hidden gem for culture and food lovers. From street art in Vila Madalena to the impressive MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo), you can easily spend several days here.

In addition, the city is an ideal base to start your Brazil adventure, especially if you are looking for an attractively priced flight. Did you know that there are often good flight deals to São Paulo, for example with Air Europa? This can be a great reason to start your itinerary there.

At our article on São Paulo we share the best neighborhoods, hot spots and tips to get the most out of your visit. And want to know how to plan your itinerary with those great flight deals and what routes to take? Then check out this article about flying with Air Europa and our itinerary examples For helpful tips!

Depending on where your trip starts in Brazil, the best way to fly to Brazil is with a direct flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. This flight takes about 12 hours. There are also flights with a transfer, for example in Madrid. These flights are often cheaper, but take longer. 

You can book airline tickets to Brazil with several organizations. We recommend the airlines KLM, Air Europa and TAP Air Portugal. You can also use a comparison website, such as Skyscanner, to find the best price for your air travel to Brazil. 

Brazil is a large country, so it is advisable to fly between destinations. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive in Brazil, provided you book them well in advance. We recommend looking at Brazilian airlines Gol, Latam and Azul for flights. To compare prices it is best to Skyscanner use. You can also travel by bus, but we do not recommend this. Public transportation is not always well regulated and it can sometimes take a very long time to get from A to B.

Car rental is a good option if you want to see and do a lot in Brazil. To rent a car in Brazil, you need a valid driver's license and international driver's license. Most car rental companies in Brazil have offices in major cities. You can also rent a car online.

The cost of car rental in Brazil varies depending on the type of car, length of rental and location. In general, costs in Brazil are lower than in Europe. We have found driving a rental car to be very pleasant and safe, but would like to offer the following tips: 

• Note the insurance included in the rental price.
• Book your car well in advance, especially if you are traveling in the high season (December-March).
• Compare prices from different car rental companies before you book.
• Be prepared for driving in Brazil's heavy traffic.

You can also easily and reasonably inexpensively use Uber's and cabs in Brazil. 

Dutch and Belgian travelers need a visa for Brazil if they want to stay in the country for more than 90 days. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

The short answer is: yes, but with a few precautions.

Brazil is a large country with a diverse population. There is a lot of inequality in the country and some parts of the country have higher crime rates than others. In the big cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, Recife and Belo Horizonte, it is important to be vigilant and we recommend leaving valuables at the hotel. Despite not necessarily feeling unsafe in these cities, we were very vigilant. For example, we did not walk the streets late at night, but always took an Uber. For shooting with the camera and flying with the drone, we always looked for a safe spot (even during the day), such as on the terrace of a restaurant. In some tourist spots, however, we could just grab our cell phone and camera without worry. It is mainly a matter of using your common sense and always being extra vigilant when in doubt. 

Also by no means all places in Brazil are considered unsafe. Certainly the islands and smaller beach towns felt just like traveling in Asia. In addition, the locals are extremely friendly. Ask the locals for tips, for example in your hotel, to find out where to go and where not to go. And don't let any risks stop you from traveling through Brazil. 

When traveling to Brazil, it is important to think carefully about choosing your accommodation. In major cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, it is advisable to stay in safe neighborhoods, such as Ipanema and Botafogo in Rio and Jardins in São Paulo. This ensures that you not only have a nice location, but also peace of mind.

In the seaside resorts of Brazil, you will find mostly cozy pousadas. A pousada is a charming, often small-scale accommodation, similar to a bed and breakfast, but with a local and personal atmosphere. They are often close to the beach and offer a cozy and intimate experience, perfect for a relaxing vacation. Prices of pousadas vary, but on average you can expect to pay around €30 to €100 per night for a fine pousada, depending on the season and location.

When you book your accommodation, we always recommend Booking.com to. This website is reliable, offers a wide range of accommodations and has convenient filter options so you can quickly make the best choice for your needs and budget. We always enjoy booking through Booking.com because it's super easy and convenient.

Make sure you have had the following vaccinations before going to Brazil: DTP, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and yellow fever.

As in many other South American countries, English is poorly spoken in Brazil. Indeed, despite Brazil being a beautiful country, there are few international tourists. Brazil's official language is Portuguese. If you do not speak Portuguese, it is helpful to learn some basics of the language, such as "bom dia" = good day, "obrigado/obrigada" = thank you. Because there are similarities between the Portuguese and Spanish languages, you can sometimes get away with a word of Spanish. But make no mistake, the languages differ more than you might think. In general, however, the locals in Brazil are very friendly and happy to help you on your way, albeit sometimes with their hands and feet. 

Brazil has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The best travel time for Brazil is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this period, the weather is most pleasant and there is less chance of rain. However, we went to Brazil in November and December and had incredibly good weather. We had the occasional rain shower, but certainly don't let that stop you from visiting Brazil in winter. For most of the days it was warm and sunny. 

The Brazilian currency is the real (BRL). You can change money at banks, exchange offices and hotels. It is always handy to have some cash in your pocket, but also not too much for security reasons. In Brazil you can pay by credit card almost everywhere, including credit cards from Dutch banks. However, paying with a Dutch debit card is not possible. Keep in mind that the surcharge for paying with a Dutch credit card can be quite high. For example, we paid 5% to 10% mark-up with a Dutch Rabobank credit card. It may be interesting to consider opening a bank account with banks such as Revolut and Wise prior to your trip to Brazil.

Arranging a SIM card for your trip to Brazil is easier than you think! Once you land, you can buy a local sim card at the airport or in stores around town. But if you don't want the hassle of buying a SIM card locally, an e-sim is a super convenient and often inexpensive option. You activate your Holafly e-sim easily before you leave, and you have instant internet as soon as you arrive. Ideal for sharing all your travel adventures!