Follow these tips to help ensure that your trip will be a safe and enjoyable one:
- Always carry a valid passport (with you) and a photocopy for backup. It is a good idea to send yourself a backup copy via email so you can access it at any time if necessary.
- Bottled water is recommended and is available at a low cost, usually less than one dollar per bottle.
- Bring your prescription medications with you in their original containers.
- Please note time zones in Brazil can change.
- A 10% tip is appropriate in restaurants, airports, taxis, etc. This may already be added to your bill as a service charge. Additional tipping is at your discretion. Some restaurants may close their doors from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Gratuities for your guide and driver are already included in the price for the tour.
- Brazil’s currency is the Real. The approximate exchange rate is 1 USD = 3.24 BRL. The cheapest way to get local currency is to use an ATM while in Brazil. Inform your banking/credit card institutions of your travel plans prior to departure. You may also exchange currency at the airport in Brazil. You may also bring some US in cash en route to Brazil.
- Below is a picture of outlet converters that can be used in Brazil. There are inexpensive universal adapters available on websites such as Amazon.com.
- Typical cost of taxis: compared to other countries, Brazilian taxis are considered relatively cheap: 10km ride in Brazil costs about $10 US/BRL 33 but it can vary according to each region, hour or day, type of travel, etc.
- Typical cost of food: A typical combo meal at McDonald’s is a little under $8.00 US. A domestic beer around $3.00 US and a coke around $1.25. Brazilian food can vary greatly by region, reflecting the country’s mix of native and immigrant populations, and its continental size as well. Rice and beans is a popular dish. Some typical dishes are feijoada, considered the country’s national dish and other regional foods such as vatapá, feijão tropeiro and polenta. Cachaça, distilled from sugar cane, is Brazil´s native liquor and the main ingredient in the national cocktail called Caipirinha. Cheese buns and foods such as empadas and kibbeh are common finger food items.
- No inoculations are required to enter the country. Pregnant women should not travel to Brazil due to the risk of Zika virus. Hep A, Hep B, tetanus, yellow fever vaccinations and your annual flu shot are recommended for international travelers. Please consult your physician or an international travel clinic to discuss your specific needs. Also check the current information on the CDC Brazil website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/brazil
- VERY IMPORTANT: Insect repellent, hats and sunscreen need to be worn for visiting farms. Insect bites can be quite painful.
- In Brazil, temperatures can range from the mid 70s to the mid 90s during the day with temperatures dropping a little in the evening. Prepare for variations in weather and the possibility of rain. August temperatures are warm with about 7 hours of daylight.
- Clothing recommendations: Pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, comfortable walking shoes and a jacket. Closed toe shoes/boots and pants are necessary for farm visits. Casual dress is fine for most days. Bring dressier attire (smart casual) for the Samba night and if you plan to visit high end restaurants on your own. You may bring binoculars for sight seeing tours.
- Baggage fees and restrictions can vary for each airline. Please check the airline’s website for up to date information. Please limit luggage weight to no more than 50 lbs. Overweight bags and excess bags will incur additional fees. Domestic airlines in Brazil will also have their own restrictions/guidelines for checked and carry-on bags. Be aware that all bags may be inspected on site.
- Some of your hotels in Brazil will offer laundry service for an additional fee. It is best to schedule laundry services at hotels where you will be staying for more than one night. Most of the hotels should have wifi available. Most hotels do not provide wash cloths. If you need them, please bring them with you.
- Link to the State Department’s website regarding traveling to Brazil:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html
A PDF version of this form is available for download HERE.
legal forms:
- Terms & Conditions (Personal Traveler)
- Terms & Conditions (Group Leader)
- Download Personal Information Form