No. The visa requirement for US citizens traveling to Brazil was dropped in 2021. Please check your local laws if you are not a US Citizen.
Yes - many restaurant workers (servers, hosts) and even locals will speak at least basic English. Having Google Translate is always nice, but if you ever find yourself having trouble communicating you can say "Eu fala ingles" ("I speak english) which will help you get the proper direction. We always encourage you to practice your portuguese while you're there! The locals will definitely appreciate your effort and be friendlier than they already are. Here are a few helpful words and phrases (with pronunciation) to get you started --> https://www.fluentu.com/blog/portuguese/basic-portuguese-phrases/
Of course! Brazil has seen vast improvements to keep tourists safe since the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Like any destination there are areas to avoid (namely, favelas), but here are some useful tips while you are exploring: - Keep your cellphone and wallet in your front pocket or a secured bag. It's never wise to leave either lying around. - Avoid wearing expensive watches/jewelry/purses when exploring. *** The day of the wedding is obviously okay to do this, but try to avoid unwanted attention when possible. - Never leave your things unattended at the beach. Always have at least one person watching the group's bags/phones/etc. - ideally in front of them where they can see it. - Try to keep your Google Maps open in Ubers and Taxis so you always know where you are and where you're going. - Don't be loud and obnoxious or draw unnecessary attention to yourself. People everywhere love a care-free tourist to scam - especially American ones...
We recommend using either Uber Black or Yellow Taxi. Uber will charge your credit card; be mindful of international credit card fees. Yellow Taxi is cash-only. Note: When waiting for your Uber, do NOT leave your phone out as you track it. Be smart and keep your phone (and other valuables) safely on your person. You should AVOID Lyft and UberX - these will likely be less reliable drivers and cars.
NO! Always drink bottled and/or filtered water. When you are in a restaurant you will be served (and charged for) bottled water. You can order either sparking ("com gas") or still ("sem gas). The word "gas" is pronounced 'guys' but with a hard 'S'.
- Feijoada: The most famous of all Brazilian dishes. A rich, hearty stew consists of black beans cooked with different cuts of pork. Traditionally, it’s made with slow-cooked offal such as trotters and ears. Brazil’s national dish is served with fried kale mixed with bacon bits, rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and a slice of orange. - Pāo de Queijo: Brazilian “cheese bread”. The dough is made from cassava flour and queijo Minas, a Brazilian soft cheese. They can be eaten at any time of the day and are also popular for breakfast. - Bolinho de Bacalhau: Salted cod fritters. Try them with olive oil and/or hot chili oil. - Picanha (and other meats): Barbecued meat is a Brazilian specialty. Picanha, a triangular cut of beef that comes from the rump cap muscle, is the most popular cut and it is seasoned with only salt before it’s cooked to perfection. Make sure to try some coroçāo de frango (chicken hearts) as well! - Pastels (Pasteis): Fried pastry pockets filled with stuffing that might include cheese, ground beef, and chicken, along with more unusual fillings such as a heart of palm and guava jam. - Moqueca: A slow-cooked stew typically containing prawns or fish, coconut oil and milk with added vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and coriander. - Açai: Served ice cold and has a consistency that varies from a liquid that can be drunk from a glass to a purple paste that is eaten with a spoon, usually accompanied by bits of banana and granola and other fun toppings. - Brigadeiros: Brazil’s version of the chocolate truffle. This classic dessert is made of condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and then shaped into balls and covered in chocolate sprinkles. Be warned - they are unbelievably sweet!
- Caipirinha: The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. The drink is made with cachaça (sugar-cane liquor) mixed with muddled lime and sugar, and topped with tons of ice. Tati and I prefer caipiroskas, which swaps for vodka. Try ordering with passionfruit ("com maracuja") or cashew ("com caju") for a fun twist. - Água de Coco: Coconut water - straight from the tree. This can be found on almost any street corner or beach kiosk. You can ask to have the coconut opened to eat the meat inside too. - Chopps: Tyler's favorite way to drink beer. Brazilians serve beer in smaller cups to beat the heat and avoid warm drinks. Servers will come around with trays of chopps or garotos (smaller cups, translating to 'little boys') and mark on a paper, or even your table, how many you've had. - Fresh Juices: Fresh fruit is incredibly common (and delicious) in Brazil. Juice shops are common and a great way to end a nice walk. Ask for sugar (com açúcar) when ordering your juice, it typically comes without. - Guaraná: A very common soda-like beverage. Guaraná is a small bright red fruit with a black dot in the middle, eerily similar to an eye staring at you. It is native to the Amazon rainforest and is most popular served in the form of a soda, but is also drunk as a juice in some northern regions. - Mate Leão: An iced mate (yerba mate tea) drink sold in a big metal tun is refreshing on the beach. I recommend asking for half mate, half lemonade. You can find this by looking for any screaming vendor in an orange vest on the beach.
Short Answer: NO. Long Answer: Tips are generally included in the bill for a meal or bar tab. If it is not, use your best judgement on whether or not to tip. If you do, 10% is very generous.
Yes - Brazil follows uses either C (two circular prongs) or N (C with a ground pin) plugs.
The Brazilian Real (BRL) is .20 as of May 25. This means that every $5 BRL is worth $1 USD. The current exchange rate is quite favorable to Americans - use this information wisely.
Yes. We recommend heading to your local bank (or local AAA branch if you are a member) and asking for a currency exchange to Brazilian Reals. The exchange rate is ~5:1. Credit cards do work in Brazil, assuming you have an international card. Otherwise cash is best.
No. No transfers, either within Brazil or to the US, will work while outside of the US. We believe that Apple and Google Pay will work for money transfers, but keep cash on hand just to be sure in the event these fail.
When you are out and about, always try to keep your phone in your pocket (or bag) where it is safe. Leaving your phone out when tracking an Uber or waiting for texts is not wise - keep it in your pocket with the ringer on.