6:33 pm
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Weather in Brazil
Brazil
27°
Light drizzle
Sun
17
27
Mon
17
26
Tue
18
28
Wed
18
28
Thu
18
28
SPF level in Brazil
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Brazil
Language in Brazil
Tipping in Brazil
Tipping is customary in Brazil, especially for good service. While not always mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10% of the bill is common if service charge isn't included. Check the bill first, as some restaurants already include this.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, especially for longer rides or help with luggage.
Hotel Porter
5-10 BRL per bag is customary.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 BRL per day, left at the end of your stay, is a thoughtful gesture.
Tour Guide
10-20 BRL per person for a good tour is appreciated.
Safety & security in Brazil
Tips for British travellers
Brazil is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your belongings close and avoid taking valuables to the beach, and do not go onto city beaches after dark due to thefts.
Do not resist if threatened by armed robbers, particularly on buses or in cities, and hand over your valuables.
Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid drink spiking, which can involve date rape drugs.
Leave your passport in a safe place and always carry a copy of it along with another form of photo ID.
Take care when buying spirit-based drinks like gin, vodka, and whisky as there have been deaths from methanol poisoning.
Bonus tips:
Avoid all favelas, including tours, as the security situation is unpredictable and tourists have been shot after accidentally entering.
All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, including refills and parts, are illegal and will be confiscated by customs.
Driving in Brazil
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h to 80 km/h (depending on the area; check signs)
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Brazil drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
190
Ambulance
192
Fire
193
Save 190 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Brazil
Voltage
127V / 220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type N
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas; however, smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Brazil
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but may be less common in rural locations.
Local name
Banco 24 Horas
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards, but check for the Visa or Mastercard logo. Be aware of potential transaction fees charged by your bank and the ATM provider.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Brazil. Roaming charges can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 50 BRL (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Vivo, Claro, TIM
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas. Coverage may be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Look for WiFi hotspots in public areas. Internet speed can vary depending on location and provider.
Health & vaccinations
While there's no GHIC/EHIC equivalent for Brazil, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Ensure it covers medical expenses, repatriation, and adventure activities if planned. Check the policy's fine print for exclusions.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Yellow Fever: Recommended, especially if visiting affected areas. Check with your GP well in advance.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before your trip for personalized health advice. Brazil has good medical facilities in major cities, but standards may vary in rural areas. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets. Be aware of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, Dengue fever and Chikungunya and take precautions against mosquito bites.
Calling Brazil
Country code
+55
To call Brazil from the UK, dial 00 55 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call a number in São Paulo (area code 11), dial 00 55 11 followed by the 8-digit local number.
Brazil's country code is 55. Area codes are two digits. Mobile numbers are usually 9 digits after the area code, while landlines are 8. When calling Brazilian mobile numbers from abroad, you may need to add a '9' after the area code.
UK Embassy in Brazil
British Embassy Brasilia
SES, Quadra 801, Conjunto K, Lote 8, Brasilia, DF - CEP 70408-900, Brazil
Airports in Brazil
Frequently asked questions about Brazil
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.