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Frequently asked questions

Unlike the rest of South America where Spanish is the language spoken, in Brazil the official language is Portuguese. 

As traveller, English is somewhat common, in particular in the cities popular with tourists. In the top destinations, in places like Rio de Janeiro, you can fairly easily navigate the country and talk with the locals using English. Brazil is massive and this fact can differ between regions and destinations.

The national currency is the Brazilian Real (ZAR). It is definitely possible to travel in South Africa on a budget.

1 CAD ≈ 4 BRL

Many countries do not need a visa to travel to Brazil, and can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Recently Canadians, Australians, and Americans have been added to the list that require visas to travel to Brazil.

Make sure to check the visa requirements for your country if you are planning a trip to Brazil. For the latest visa requirements, check the Passport Index.

Safety in Brazil can vary between areas. While some areas or cities can be more risky, many tourist destinations, like the ‘Zona Sul’ of Rio de Janiero, have enhanced security measures and safer neighbourhoods. 

Staying aware of your surroundings (particularly after dark), avoiding higher-risk areas, and following local advice helps ensure a safer experience as a traveller.

While it is important to consider the safety and the potential risks of travelling to Brazil, I encourage you to look beyond the ‘scary’ stories that get told about the country. Brazil is incredibly beautiful, full of vibrancy and kind individuals, and is absolutely worth visiting.

As with everywhere, make sure to travel with insurance – I always use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have found it extremely simple to use and affordable for my travels. 

Brazil’s peak season is during it’s Summer months from December to March – this is best for warm beach time and ideal to catch Carnival! Though it also coincides with the tropical rain season.

Although the country is most alive during Summer, it is worth considering the shoulder season when things are calmer and more affordable. Winter in Brazil generally brings less rain and more mild temperatures. 

Brazil is a massive country so it is best to check the specifics about the weather and peak season for the region you are visiting. 

Feijoada — Stew of pork and black beans served with white rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour) and greens. 

Pão de Queijo — Cheese bread typically had as a snack.

Açai — Iconic Amazonian superfruit turned into a frozen nearing sorbet consistency. In the North of Brazil it is a savoury staple.

Bolinho de Bacalhau — Traditionally a Portuguese dish of codfish dumplings that has fully been adopted into Brazilian cuisine.

Coxinha — Deep-fried snack filled with shredded chicken and Brazilian creme cheese. 

Tap water is not recommended for drinking in Brazil. Bottled water is readily available, or you can use a water purifier.

I always use Booking.com because I consider it to be the best place to book affordable accommodations worldwide. They have a huge selection of places to stay, from boutique hotels, luxury resorts, budget-friendly hostels, or complete apartments. 

If you prefer Expedia, you can always check out nice properties there. Gotta keep your gold status!