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Americas · Destination guide

Brazil

Capital: Brasília (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are largest cities)

CurrencyR$ BRL

LanguagePortuguese

Drive on➡ Right

Plug typeType N · 127V or 220V (varies by city)

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 90d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa-free · 90d

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards widely accepted in cities. Pix (instant payment system) is ubiquitous locally but requires a Brazilian account.

ATMs: Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, and Itaú ATMs reliable. Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours.

Tipping

10% service charge (taxa de serviço) is often included — check your bill. If not included, leaving 10% is appropriate.

💬Language

Portuguese (Brazilian Portuguese, distinctly different from European Portuguese)

Growing in São Paulo and Rio. Limited elsewhere.

Useful phrases

·Obrigado/Obrigada — Thank you (male/female)
·Por favor — Please
·Quanto custa? — How much does it cost?

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage127V or 220V (varies by city)

Plug typeType N (two round pins + ground — NBR 14136 standard)

Brazil uniquely has TWO voltages: São Paulo and most cities are 127V, but some cities (Fortaleza, Recife) are 220V. Check your hotel. Universal adapters usually handle this.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Brazilians are physically affectionate — cheek kisses on greeting (one in São Paulo, two in Rio) are normal with people you've met before.
2.Punctuality is relaxed — arriving 15–30 minutes late is normal for social occasions (but not for business).
3.Churrasco (barbecue) culture is important — if invited to a churrasco, bringing wine or beer is appreciated.
4.Beach culture is significant — Ipanema and Copacabana are social spaces. Engage respectfully.
5.Security awareness: avoid displaying expensive items in tourist areas. São Paulo and Rio have higher crime rates than many travellers expect.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Brazil

Local SIM: Claro has the best national coverage. TIM and Vivo are alternatives. SIMs at airports and phone shops.

WiFi: Good in hotels and shopping malls. Street WiFi unreliable.

🛡️Safety

Exercise normal caution in cities. Tourist areas of Rio (Ipanema, Copacabana, Santa Teresa) are generally safe in daylight. Avoid showing expensive items and use hotel-recommended taxis at night.

💉Health

Yellow fever vaccination required/recommended if visiting jungle areas. Zika awareness for pregnant travellers. Do not drink tap water. Dengue fever risk in summer (November–March).

🚨Emergency numbers

police

190

ambulance samu

192

fire

193

🚗Driving

Traffic side➡ Drive on the right

LicenceIDP required. Driving in São Paulo and Rio is extremely challenging — use 99 Taxi or Uber.

🚆 Getting to the circuit in Brazil

Train, shuttle, and race day transport guide

View guide

Explore Brazil

Itineraries in Brazil Events in Brazil Visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards widely accepted in cities. Pix (instant payment system) is ubiquitous locally but requires a Brazilian account.

ATMs: Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, and Itaú ATMs reliable. Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours.

Tipping

10% service charge (taxa de serviço) is often included — check your bill. If not included, leaving 10% is appropriate.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Brazilians are physically affectionate — cheek kisses on greeting (one in São Paulo, two in Rio) are normal with people you've met before.

2.Punctuality is relaxed — arriving 15–30 minutes late is normal for social occasions (but not for business).

3.Churrasco (barbecue) culture is important — if invited to a churrasco, bringing wine or beer is appreciated.

4.Beach culture is significant — Ipanema and Copacabana are social spaces. Engage respectfully.

5.Security awareness: avoid displaying expensive items in tourist areas. São Paulo and Rio have higher crime rates than many travellers expect.