ABOUT BRAZIL

Located in South America, Brazil is a vast and diverse country that boasts a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the dense Amazon rainforest in the north to the golden beaches of the northeast, to the Pantanal wetlands in the west and dramatic mountains in the southeast.

Natural beauty is combined with cultural richness as the population has been influenced by indigenous tribes, Portuguese colonists, African slaves and immigrants from around the world. This cultural fusion is evident in Brazil's music, dance, art and cuisine, which vary greatly from region to region.

The country is famous for its lively festivals, including Carnival, a spectacular celebration of music, dance and colourful parades that attracts millions of visitors each year. Brazil's history is also interesting, where you'll find remnants of ancient civilisations such as the Maya and Incas, and colonial architecture from the Portuguese conquest.

Despite its problems, Brazilians are known for their warmth, hospitality and resilience, making it a fascinating and rewarding destination for travellers seeking adventure, culture and natural beauty.

Brazil spans multiple time zones, but the primary time zone for most of the country, including major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, is Brasília Time (BRT), which is 3 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-3).

Entry into Brazil

A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months after the planned date of departure is usually required to enter Brazil. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa.

 However, Brazil has introduced a visa waiver programme for citizens of certain countries (this applies to EU or US citizens), allowing them to enter for tourism or business purposes without a visa for a certain period of time. Before travelling, it is important to check the entry requirements specific to your nationality.

Upon arrival in Brazil, travellers must complete an immigration form, which is provided by airline staff or available at the airport. This form contains information about your stay in Brazil and will be stamped by immigration officials upon entry into the country.

In addition, travellers should be prepared to provide proof of onward travel (e.g. return air ticket), proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and any necessary documents for the specific purpose of travel, such as business invitations or tourist itineraries.

We also recommend checking any travel advisories or health requirements, especially regarding vaccinations, as Brazil may have specific health regulations depending on the country of origin.

Finally, keep in mind that entry requirements and regulations can change, so it is essential to check the most up-to-date information from official sources such as the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country before travelling.

Language

In Brazil, Portuguese is the official language, and English proficiency among locals, including taxi or bus drivers, is limited. To navigate smoothly, prepare ahead by noting down your destination's address or pointing to it in a guidebook. When using taxis, mentioning "Autodromo" will be universally understood if you're headed to Interlagos. It's advisable to plan your journeys meticulously, ensuring clear communication to avoid any misunderstandings during transportation in São Paulo.

Currency

The Brazilian currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Here are the approximate exchange rates against some major currencies:

1 US dollar (USD) ≈ 5.5 Brazilian real (BRL)
1 euro (EUR) ≈ 6,5 Brazilian real (BRL)
1 British pound (GBP) ≈ 7,5 Brazilian real (BRL)
1 Canadian dollar (CAD) ≈ 4,3 Brazilian real (BRL)

These exchange rates are approximate and may vary depending on current market conditions and where you are exchanging your currency. We recommend checking current rates with a reliable exchange office or financial institution before travelling. In addition, keep in mind that exchange rates may include fees or commissions charged by the exchange provider.

Electricity

In Brazil, electrical sockets and plugs are generally governed by the NBR 14136 standard.

Plug type
The standard plug type used in Brazil is type N. It has two round pins and a grounding pin in a triangular arrangement.

Voltage
The standard voltage in Brazil is 127 V or 220 V, depending on the region. It is necessary to check the voltage requirements for the specific device before plugging the device into the outlet.

Frequency
The standard frequency in Brazil is 60 Hz.

When travelling to Brazil, it is advisable to carry a universal travel adapter that is compatible with Type N plugs. This adapter will allow you to safely plug in equipment from other countries. Additionally, if your devices are not compatible with the voltage used in Brazil, you may need a voltage converter or transformer to ensure they work properly without risk of damage.

Mobile services

In Brazil, mobile services are provided by several large companies that offer different tariffs and coverage options to customers across the country. Here are some of the major mobile service providers in Brazil:

Vivo (Telefônica Brasil)
Vivo is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Brazil, offering a wide range of mobile services, including voice, data and messaging. It provides extensive coverage in urban and rural areas and offers both prepaid and postpaid tariffs.

Claro (América Móvil)
Claro is another leading Brazilian mobile service provider, offering extensive coverage and a variety of tariffs for voice, data and messaging services. It also provides services such as Claro TV and Claro Internet.

TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile)
TIM is a major player in the Brazilian mobile market, offering competitive tariffs and coverage throughout the country. It offers prepaid and postpaid services as well as services such as TIM Live for home internet.

Oi (Oi S.A.)
Oi is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Brazil, offering mobile services along with fixed telephone lines, Internet and television. It provides prepaid and non-paid tariffs with nationwide coverage.

Nextel (owned by Claro)
Nextel, now owned by Claro, offers mobile services with a focus on push-to-talk communications. It provides coverage in major urban areas and offers tariffs tailored to businesses and individuals.

Algar Telecom
Algar Telecom is a regional telecommunications company that provides mobile services in selected areas of Brazil, mainly in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Goiás. It offers prepaid and postpaid tariffs.

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

In São Paulo, Brazil, several important phone numbers can be useful for residents and visitors. Here is a basic overview:

Emergency services
Police: 190
Fire Department: 190: 193
Ambulance (medical emergency): 193 192

Emergency services
Civil Police (non-emergency): 197
Military police (non-emergency): 197 190
Public Security (State Department): 0800-0555-190

Interesting facts about Brazil

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is full of fascinating facts:

The Amazon rainforest
Brazil is home to most of the Amazon rainforest, which covers more than 60% of its territory, making it the largest tropical rainforest in the world and one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Cultural diversity
Boasting influences from indigenous peoples, Portuguese colonists, African slaves and immigrant communities from around the world, Brazil has a rich and diverse cultural tapestry that is reflected in its music, dance, cuisine and traditions.

Carnival
Brazilian Carnival is one of the largest and most famous festivals in the world, drawing millions of people to cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife for days of music, dance and colourful parades.

Christ the Redeemer
The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, standing atop Corcovado Mountain and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

The wetlands of the Pantanal
Located primarily in Brazil, the Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland area, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and opportunities to spot wildlife, including jaguars, capybaras and caimans.

Coffee production
Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, with large plantations spread over several states, particularly in the south-eastern region. Brazilian coffee is renowned for its quality and contributes significantly to the country's economy.

Football passion
Football, or soccer, is practically a religion in Brazil. The country has produced some of the best players (who doesn't know Pelé, for example?) in the history of the sport and winning the FIFA World Cup is a matter of national pride.

Iguaçu Falls
Straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguaçu Falls are one of the most amazing natural wonders on the planet, consisting of hundreds of cascading waterfalls spanning a wide gorge.

Colonial architecture
Brazil's cities are adorned with magnificent colonial architecture, especially in places like Ouro Preto, Salvador and Paraty, which showcase the country's rich colonial heritage.

The diverse landscape
Brazil boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes and ecosystems - from the lush Amazon rainforest to the pristine beaches of the northeast, the rugged mountains of the southeast to the vast wetlands of the Pantanal.