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Country: Brazil
Continent / Region: South America
Capital City: Brasília
Government Type: Federal Presidential Republic
Population: Approx. 203 million
Official Language(s): Portuguese
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~5% (higher in major cities)
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
Time Zone (GMT): Ranges from GMT−2 to GMT−5
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type N (mostly), Type C – 127V or 220V (varies by region)
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 11–13 hours (direct to São Paulo or Rio)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May–October (dry season in many regions)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; free entry
- Vaccinations Needed: Yellow Fever recommended; Hepatitis A & Typhoid advised
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Brazil):
Average Daily Costs: £30 / £60 / £150+
Tipping Culture: 10% usually added to bills
Public Transport Options: Metro (Rio/SP), buses, taxis, rideshares, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: BRL 4–6 (metro/bus)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G/5G in cities; Claro, Vivo, TIM
Main Climate Type: Tropical; rainforest, savannah, and temperate zones
Average Temperature: 22–28°C (higher in Amazon)
Major Cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador, Recife, Manaus
Natural Attractions: Amazon rainforest, beaches, wetlands, mountains, waterfalls
Popular Destinations: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Amazon, Iguazu Falls, Salvador, Florianópolis
Main Religions: Christianity (majority); Afro-Brazilian religions in some regions
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Feijoada, pão de queijo, churrasco, moqueca, brigadeiro, açaí bowls
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls, Amazon River, Pelourinho (Salvador)
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate; varies significantly by area
Common Scams: ATM fraud, beach theft, fake tour operators
Health Risks: Mosquito-borne illnesses, heat, dehydration
Recommended Clinics: Private hospitals in Rio, São Paulo, Brasília
Insurance Recommendation: Essential — medical & theft cover recommended
Internet Speed: Good 4G/5G in cities; weaker in Amazon & rural areas
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Christ the Redeemer, Iguazu Falls, Copacabana Beach, Amazon rainforest tours, Salvador Pelourinho
Unique Experiences: Samba shows, favela tours, Amazon river cruises, Pantanal wildlife safaris, football matches
Hidden Gems: Chapada Diamantina, Jericoacoara, Ilha Grande, Lençóis Maranhenses dunes, Paraty colonial town
Popular Areas to Stay: Copacabana & Ipanema (Rio), Paulista Avenue (SP), Salvador Old Town, Florianópolis beaches
Average Hotel Prices: £30 / £70 / £150+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Lapa (Rio), Vila Madalena (SP), Salvador waterfront, Florianópolis beach clubs
Local Drinks: Caipirinha, cachaça, coconut water, Brazilian beer
Entertainment: Samba clubs, live music, football stadiums, beachfront nightlife
Car Rental: Available but city traffic can be challenging
Domestic Flights: Common for long distances
Trains: Limited passenger routes
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber widespread and cheap
Best Markets: Rio’s Hippie Fair, São Paulo Municipal Market, Salvador Mercado Modelo
Popular Souvenirs: Coffee, cachaça, football shirts, Amazon crafts, gemstones
Local SIM Card Providers: Claro, Vivo, TIM
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Varies; bottled water recommended everywhere
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Brazil is home to 60% of the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical forest on Earth.