Quick Tips to survive Brazil
As I wait for my fight from Rio down to Foz do Iguaçu, I thought about my time in Brazil. Here are my 4 quick fire tips on how to survive your first week of backpacking in Brazil:
1) Exit tickets to enter Brazil
Not all countries are exempt from visa’s to enter Brazil. Whilst citizen from countries like the UK, France and Germany may not need visa’s, the USA, Australia, China and India are examples of some countries whose citizens do require a visa.
Check this list to see if your country needs a visa a or not: Visa Requirements for Brazil.
Despite entry visas being the first thing researched, a lot of people overlook the exit part. Many countries who offer visas on arrival need tourists to have evidence of leaving the country in order to get in. Due to this, I pre-booked a bus ticket from Puerto Iguaçu, Argentina to Buenos Aires, Argentina to show officials that I have onward travel plans. I was never asked about an exit ticket, and neither were other backpackers I met, however I have not heard any official statement proving an exit ticket is NOT needed. If anyone has any information, feel free to mention in the comments!
2) Getting around
Public transport in Brazil can be consistent and cheap. Rio has a great metro system, which was recently expanded after having large amounts of investment to improve it for the Olympics. It is fast, cheap and reliable.
Many Brazilians use the bus to get to work and so the service tends to be decent. They cover large areas of the city and buses are frequent. However, crime can be a problem and so never take any valuables with you and be very careful about using minibuses, which have recently seen an increase in attacks.
Taxis are a safe way to get around. Uber is available in Rio de Janeiro and can work out cheaper and quicker than the metro if you are in a group. At night time, it is best to always take a taxi to make sure you get home safely. Never put your safety at risk!
Favela street art
3) Communicating
The main language in Brazil is Portuguese. Like a lot of South America, English is not well spoken. Learning a few words in Portuguese would help you get very far. Locals tend to look favorably on tourists who try to make an effort. Don’t be “that guy” whose version of speaking to foreign people is by speaking louder and slower!
Google has a great offline translator. Download the Google translate app and download the Portuguese dictionary. If you are struggling to communicate, using Google translate will be a fun way and efficient way to get your point across and help you get by!
4) Accommodation & Food
With Brazil having some of best cities and some fantastic landscapes, it has become a hub for tourists. Due to this, many amazing hostels and hotels are available. In Rio de Janeiro, I stayed in Walk on the Beach hostel. This was a great little hostel, equipped with a bar, lovely members of staff and a common room (which I think is the most important bit there). The kitchen and bar doubled up as a common room meaning that all hostel members had to be in that same space if they didn’t want to stay in their rooms. This really helped enhance a community vibe in the hostel and despite it being my first place I stayed, I still stay in touch with the guests I met there.
Brazilian lunches consist of buffet style meals. You take what you want on a plate and this plate is weighed. You pay for your meal based on the weight (aka how much you have taken). This is a brilliantly efficient system and includes some great vegetarian options. The black beans and deep friend aubergines I ate there, I have not been able to find since and am craving so badly since leaving Brazil!
