Brazil

Portuguese is Brazil's official language, distinct from Spanish despite some overlap in vocabulary. English is spoken at hotels and tourist sites in major cities. It's spoken far less in rural areas and smaller towns — a translation app helps outside the main circuit.

Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and widely sold at airports and phone shops. Some carriers ask for a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) to activate a line, though many airport kiosks and eSIM providers handle this for tourists automatically.

Tap water is treated in most cities but not always pleasant to drink — bottled or filtered water is the safer, more common choice for visitors. Pharmacies (farmácias) are widespread and well-stocked, and some stay open 24 hours in larger cities.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended before visiting the Amazon, the Pantanal, and some rural interior states. It's generally not required for travelers staying only in Rio, São Paulo, or the coastal Northeast. Guidance varies by state and can change after outbreaks — check current recommendations with a travel clinic before your trip, especially for multi-region itineraries.

Citizens of most South American countries and the EU can enter Brazil visa-free for tourism, typically for up to 90 days. Visitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia now need an electronic visa (eVisa) before arrival — a change introduced in 2025. Japanese citizens currently remain visa-free under a separate bilateral agreement, though this arrangement is time-limited and worth reconfirming close to travel.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

Brazilians greet with a handshake in business settings and a kiss on the cheek among friends — the number of kisses varies by region. Beachwear belongs on the beach; cover up before entering shops, churches, or restaurants elsewhere. Modest dress is expected at churches and religious sites — shoulders and knees covered. Brazilians are generally warm and informal, with small talk common before business.

Carnival, held in February or March, shuts down much of the country for several days — book transport and accommodation well ahead if traveling then. Other public holidays that fall near a weekend often create long weekends nationwide. Shops in city centers often close on Sunday afternoons; shopping malls keep longer daily hours.

• By air: domestic flights are the practical way to cover Brazil's huge distances — a flight between Rio de Janeiro and Manaus takes about 4 hours, versus days by road or river.
• By bus: an extensive intercity coach network connects most cities, including overnight leito (sleeper-style) buses with reclining seats between distant destinations.
• By car: practical for exploring one region — the colonial towns of Minas Gerais or the coast near Rio — but not for crossing the country.

Breakfast is usually simple — bread, cheese, fruit, and coffee. Lunch is the main meal for many Brazilians. It's often a self-serve prato feito or por kilo buffet — rice, beans, salad, and grilled meat. Dinner tends to be lighter and later than in much of Europe.

Feijoada, a black bean and pork stew, is Brazil's best-known national dish, traditionally served on Saturdays. Regional cooking varies widely. Bahia's cuisine leans on dendê palm oil and coconut milk, seen in dishes like moqueca fish stew. The south is known for churrasco barbecue. Street snacks include coxinha (fried chicken dough), pastel (fried pastry), and açaí bowls, especially popular in Rio.

Caipirinha, made with cachaça spirit, lime, and sugar, is the national cocktail. Guaraná soda and strong, sweet coffee (cafezinho) are everyday staples.

Rio de Janeiro and the coast: Rio de Janeiro pairs beaches with mountain views, and makes a base for day trips to the colonial port town of Paraty and the beach resort of Armação dos Búzios.

São Paulo: São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and economic engine, known for its restaurant scene, art museums, and nightlife rather than sightseeing landmarks.

Colonial Minas Gerais: Ouro Preto's baroque churches and cobbled streets sit near Belo Horizonte, the region's modern gateway city.

Bahia and the Northeast: Salvador's historic center reflects Brazil's Afro-Brazilian heritage, while Recife and Fortaleza anchor the Northeast's beach coast.

South: Florianopolis draws surfers and beachgoers to its island coastline, and Foz do Iguaçu is the gateway to the Iguaçu Falls.

The Amazon: Manaus is the main gateway for jungle lodges and river tours into the rainforest.

Brasília: the country's purpose-built capital, known for the modernist architecture around Brasilia's government plazas.