FAQ
Question
Electrical outlets & adapters?
Answer
a) Brazil started to transitioning to new outlets about in 2011, so it's a bit confusing. Read more here: https://www.aventuradobrasil.com/info/voltage-brazil-adapter-plug-outlet/ b) Economical Option - I (Tim) use my universal adapter and the European 2-prong option with most outlets in Brazil. It doesn't always hold sturdy so sometimes I have to wedge something under it for support, but it works. See here: https://a.co/d/dzX8Qee c) No Hassle Option - Buy a Brazil-specific adapter on Amazon. A quick search and there are dozens of models. The only downside is that it won't work in any other country.
Question
Do I need a converter?
Answer
Nathalie and I have never needed this and Nathalie has used hairdryers, hair straighteners, etc. That said, if you want to be safe, feel free to purchase one on Amazon.
Question
Exchange Rate?
Answer
To convert from Brazilian Real to USD, the rule of thumb is to divide by 5 (for example, if a bill is 100 Real it's roughly $20 USD)
Question
Do I need cash?
Answer
No. Brazil is really good about electronic payments so you can pay with card or Apple Pay almost everywhere. Feel free to pull some cash, but you definitely won't need much.
Question
Do they tip?
Answer
No. Tipping is not normal in Brazil, so you don't have to. That said, I (Tim) still tip a little after every meal because it seems like a good thing to do. 5% is way more than they would ever get.
Question
Do Uber/Lyft work?
Answer
Uber, yes. Lyft, no. Uber works great in Brazil and is perfectly safe. We use it all the time.
Question
Can I use my phone?
Answer
Like traveling to any other country, you have few options: a) Free - Put your phone on airplane mode and use only WiFi b) Daily Fee (US Carrier) - Don't turn on airplane mode and your US carrier will automatically start charging you a daily fee (for example, Verizon is $10 per day) c) Monthly Fee (US Carrier) - Pay for the international plan for a month through your US carrier (Verizon charges $100 - which you can do entirely online - but you need to remember to cancel it before it renews) d) eSim (Brazilian Carrier) - The newest iPhones and Androids have something called an eSim that gives you a new (Brazilian) phone number and data to use while there. Note: your US number will be inactive during this time. I've never done this, but if you want to do this, Google it and there are plenty of options. e) Physical Sim (Brazilian Carrier) - Swapping your physical sim card is very common and easy in other countries, but not Brazil. You need a Brazilian social security number so it's basically impossible for travelers. **Do not rely on this method**
Question
We've heard Rio is dangerous. Do you have any tips?
Answer
This question applies to a lot of countries and generally speaking you should try to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Most of the tourist areas and the beaches have a strong police presence, but there's never a guarantee. That said, here are two of the most common ways people have things stolen in Rio as well as our recommendation for avoiding it: 1) Valuables left unattended on the beach can get stolen Recommendation: Don't leave your things unattended. If you do, hide the valuables in the brackets of your beach umbrella (the things where the pole meets the umbrella) so there's nothing on the ground that can be seen and easily taken. 2) Guys in scooters will pull up alongside cars with open windows, take someones phone and drive away. Recommendation: When in Ubers, don't open your window enough for someone to reach their arm in (or at all).