General Information
Passports/Visas
When entering Brazil, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.
For tourists from the countries of the Mercosur (Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay), it is necessary only to show some identification or a valid passport.
For tourists and visitors from other countries, visas may be required. Click here to determine whether a visa is necessary for travel to Brazil or check with your Local Brazilian Embassy/Consulate.
Click here for access to the US Brazilian Embassy. All visa related issues are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police, which has an office in every major airport.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever International Immunization Certificate
A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if applicant has traveled within the last 90 days to any of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Gabon, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (ex-Zaire), or Venezuela.
A yellow fever vaccination is advisable if applicant’s destination in Brazil includes any of the following states: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, and the Federal District.
Polio Immunization
A Certificate of vaccination against polio is required for children between ages of three months and six years. If the child cannot be inoculated, a notarized letter from the child's physician will be required.
Currency Exchange, Cash, and Credit Cards
Most stores, hotels, and restaurants accept and prefer payment with credit cards. The most accepted are American Express, Diners, MasterCard, and Visa. Credit cards are widely accepted in the larger cities in Brazil, but if you are traveling to smaller towns, it is advisable to exchange some money before your trip.
The Brazilian currency is the Real ("hay-ahl"), and Reais ("hay-ice") for the plural. The symbol for the Real is R$.
Most Brazilian banks offer ATMs, however some foreign cards may not be accepted. US dollars are usually exchanged at hotels, banks, travel agencies, and currency exchange offices. Generally, the exchange rate for traveler's checks is lower than for cash.
To access current exchange rates, click here.
Tipping and Taxes
- Airports: porters may charge as much as 2.164 BRL ($1 USD) per bag.
- Taxis: Tipping is not expected, yet many people choose to round up the fare. Drivers in some cities charge for help with baggage.
- Hotels: 2.164 BRL ($1 USD) tip is a sufficient for chambermaids and bellboys.
- Restaurants: a 10% gratuity will often be included in the bill.
- Sales Taxes: advertised prices on store windows and bills will always include sales taxes.
Climate
The temperature in Ceará oscillates between 24° C (75° F) and 33° C (91° F). The temperature is very pleasant most of the time, especially in the afternoon, due to the ocean breeze. It is sunny and warm almost year round.
Electricity
Most properties in Fortaleza and Manaus have a current of 127V. The Vila Galé Hotel is 110V. Most major hotels outside of Fortaleza have 110V and 220V sockets. Most Brazilian cities have a current of either 110V or 220V 60 cycles. To avoid ruining your appliances, it is advisable to consult the hotel before plugging anything into an outlet. Brazilian conversion plugs, suitable for dual-voltage appliances, can be purchased at many airports and electrical stores in Brazil.
