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Brazil

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Brazil tours

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Travel tips

Summer (Wet Season)

Oct-Mar

Average temperature:

20°C-35°C

Rainfall:

Approximately 150-210 mm/month

Winter (Dry Season)

Apr-Sep

Average temperature:

10°C-25°C

Rainfall:

Approximately 50-100 mm/month

Carnival Dancer focusing on their head

Country dialing code

+55

Capital city

Brasília

Official language

Portuguese

Currency

Brazilian Real (R$)

Most of Brazil enjoys temperate weather year-round. The best time to visit Brazil is generally during the summer from December to March with sunny skies, low rainfall and warm temperatures. April to May and September to October offer a balance of good weather, manageable temperatures, and fewer crowds. November is typically the wettest month in most parts of Brazil. Treks in the Amazon are best taken during the drier months from June to August.

    Highlights

    Rio de Janeiro

    From iconic beaches, Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain to the Tijuca Forest and Botanical Gardens, this vibrant city enthrals. Revel in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Cidade do Samba.

    Amazon

    The Amazon is the world's most wild bio-system. Brazil’s Amazon is rich with wildlife, indigenous culture and eco-adventures. Consider a stay at the remote Juma Amazon Lodge to delve into the heart of the region.

    Paraty & Ilha Grande

    Paraty is a well-preserved colonial town that has retained its 17th century charm. Complement your visit with a trip to Ilha Grande, renowned for its lush tropical landscapes and stunning beaches.

    Salvador

    Salvador, rich in Afro-Brazilian heritage, celebrates through its passionate music, dance and street food. Explore cultural significant locations such as the colourful Pelourinho and historic Candomblé.  

    Pantanal

    The Pantanal, both North and South, is a vast wetland teeming with wildlife, including marsh deer, giant otters, hundreds of bird species and the endangered jaguar.

    Rio Carnival

    Brazil's culture comes to life at the world’s biggest party. Elaborate floats, samba rhythms and spectacular costumes make up the Carnival Parade. Visit Cidade do Samba during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

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    Useful information

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    Communications

    Country Code for Brazil: +55

    Fire and rescue services: 193 

    Medical emergencies: 192 

    Police: Call 190 

     

    For further information, please visit 

    Brazil Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Safe Travel | Brazil (New Zealand) 

     

    The Australian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro provides limited consular services. For full consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Brasilia or the Australian Consulate-General in São Paulo. 

     

    Australian Embassy, Brasilia 

    SES QD 801, Conjunto K, Lote 07 Brasilia 
    Phone: +55 61 3226 3111  
    Email: consular.brasilia@dfat.gov.au, or embaustr@dfat.gov.au  
    Website: brazil.embassy.gov.au  

     

    New Zealand Embassy Brasilia, Brazil 

    SHIS QI 09, conj. 16, casa 01, Lago Sul 71625-160, Brasilia DF, Brazil 
    Telephone: +55 61 3248 9900
    Email: embaixada.novazelandia@mfat.net 
    Website: www.mfat.govt.nz/brazil 

     

    New Zealand Consulate-General São Paulo, Brazil 

    Avenida Paulista, 2421 Edificio Bela Paulista, 12th floor, Cerqueira Cesar 01311-300, São Paulo SP, Brazil 
    Telephone: +55 11 3898 7400 
    Email: consuladonz@nzte.govt.nz  

    Customs

    Brazilians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Greetings often include a firm handshake and kiss on each cheek. Brazilians tend to stand close to each other when talking. Pats on the back or arm are common. Avoid using Spanish, as Brazilians take pride in their linguistic identity. 

     

    Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs. During Carnival, expect vibrant celebrations and large crowds.  

     

    Brazilians enjoy long, leisurely meals. It's polite to arrive a little late when invited to someone's home, typically around 20 minutes after the agreed time and you should bring a small gift such as chocolates, flowers or wine. Feijoada (a black bean stew with pork) is a traditional dish often enjoyed on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sharing food and drinks is a common practice.

    Electricity

    Electrical Socket Type: Type N (unique to Brazil) and Type C (European) 

    Voltage: 127 volts or 220 volts, depending on the region 

    Health

    The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor. 

     

    Diseases spread by insects are a risk when visiting Brazil, including dengue fever, yellow fever and Zika virus. Outbreaks can happen throughout the year, particularly when warm weather combines with high rainfall.  

     

    Take the following steps to avoid insect bites: 

    • cover exposed skin with light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants 
    • use insect repellents. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent 
    • treat your clothing and gear with repellent 
    • sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Use bed nets if you can't keep mosquitoes from coming inside the room 
    • consider taking anti-malarial medication 

    For further information, please visit 

    Brazil Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Safe Travel | Brazil (New Zealand) 

     

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    Most international travellers arrive into São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU), Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG) or Brasília (BSB). Airlines like LATAM, GOL, and Azul offer numerous international flights 

     

    Public transportation is available in major cities but be cautious of pickpockets. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have metro systems and extensive bus networks. These are affordable options for getting around. Registered taxis and ride-hailing apps are recommended.  

     

    Given Brazil's vast size, domestic flights are the most convenient option to cover long distances, such as to Iguazú Falls.  

     

    Learning basic Portuguese phrases will be very helpful, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas.

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Carnival (Carnaval): Celebrated nationwide in February or March, before Lent. Carnival is Brazil's most famous festival, known for its street parties and parades, samba music and vibrant costumes. The Rio Carnival is a spectacular event. 
    • Tiradentes Day: 21 April celebrates Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (Tiradentes), a national hero who aimed to establish an independent Brazilian republic. 
    • Festa Junina: Festa Junina, held in June, celebrates rural life with bonfires, quadrilha (folk dances), and colourful costumes, reflecting Brazil's agricultural heritage. 
    • Independence Day: 7 September celebrates Brazil's independence from Portugal in 1822. 
    • Our Lady of Aparecida: 12 October honours the Virgin Mary as the patron saint of Brazil. 

    Language

    Portuguese is the official language in Brazil. English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas. 

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real (R$). Credit cards are generally accepted but carry cash for small purchases and if you are visiting rural areas. Use ATMs located inside banks for safety. 

     

    It's polite to leave a 10% tip in restaurants. In bars, taxis, etc leaving change or rounding up the bill is a nice gesture. Consider tipping porters R$5-10 per bag and housekeeping R$5-10 per day. Tip your tour guides around 10% of the tour cost. 

     

    Bargaining is common in markets in Brazil. Havaianas are iconic Brazilian thongs/flip-flops and are a popular souvenir. Brazilian hammocks are known for their vibrant colours and make great souvenirs along with cangas, beautiful and versatile beach wraps. Brazil is also known for its gemstones, including emeralds and amethysts.  

     

    Brazil is one of the world's largest coffee producers. Buying some high-quality Brazilian coffee is popular but be mindful of customs laws when returning to Australia and New Zealand. Brands such as Pimpinela Café and Café Brasileiro are popular. Cachaça is a traditional Brazilian spirit, used to make the famous caipirinha cocktail, and is a great gift for those who want to also enjoy it at home.  

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

     

    Starting 10 April 2025, nationals of Australia require an electronic visitor visa to enter Brazil. Australians should contact an embassy or consulate of Brazil for details about visas or visit the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

     

    New Zealand has a visa waiver agreement, and passport holders can visit Brazil for tourism purposes without a visitor visa for up to three months. New Zealand citizens are granted a visa on arrival at the border. For more information visit: Brazil | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 

     

    For further information, please visit 

    Brazil Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Safe Travel | Brazil (New Zealand) 

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