Essential Brazil: 40 Must-Know Tips for First-Time Visitors

Exploring Brazil for the first time can be exhilarating, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and welcoming people. To maximize your visit, here's a detailed guide with 40 expanded tips for navigating this diverse country (curated by your brazilian FORA Advisor):

1 - Learn Basic Portuguese: While English is spoken in tourist areas (but not so much), knowing key phrases in Portuguese can help in more remote places and enrich your interactions with locals. Apps like Duolingo or Google Translate can be handy.

2 - Embrace Brazilian Breakfasts: A typical Brazilian breakfast might include bread with butter, coffee and fruits, often buffet style. Try local specialties like pão de queijo (cheese bread), acai bowls, and tapioca pancakes.

3 - Stay Sun-Safe: The Brazilian sun is strong year-round. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect yourself during outdoor activities.

4 - Hydrate with Coconut Water: Found everywhere from beach vendors to city markets, coconut water is an affordable, refreshing and hydrating drink that embodies the taste of Brazil.

5 - Experience the Local Markets: Markets are cultural hubs. Visit the Mercado Central in Belo Horizonte for local cheese and the famous São Paulo Municipal Market for exotic fruits and the mortadella sandwich (a classic).

6 - Prioritize Safety: Exercise caution, especially in larger cities. Use ATMs in secure locations, be aware of your surroundings and use the buddy system at night.

7 - Try the Diverse Cuisine: Each region has its specialties. In the northeast, try acarajé (a fried bean patty) and in the south, churrasco (Brazilian barbecue).

8 - Understand Beach Etiquette: Renting a beach chair and buying from vendors is common. Always watch your belongings and listen to local advice about swimming conditions.

9 - Respect Nature and Wildlife: When visiting places like the Amazon or Pantanal, choose eco-friendly tours and guides who respect wildlife regulations to minimize your environmental impact.

10 - Join a Samba School: In cities like Rio, samba schools often welcome visitors to watch rehearsals, especially leading up to Carnival, offering a deep dive into Brazil's iconic dance culture.

11 - Use Public Transport Wisely: Brazil boasts metro systems that, despite their tendency to be crowded, function efficiently. In cities like Rio de Janeiro, the metro is a particularly safe and reliable transportation option. It offers easy access to major tourist attractions, including the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. For a smooth experience, consider traveling outside peak hours and familiarize yourself with the routes and schedules to enhance your navigation through the city.

12 - Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card from carriers like Vivo or TIM for better coverage and rates. This is essential for using maps and ride-sharing apps.

13 - Watch a Football Match: Football is more than a sport in Brazil. It's a passionate cultural event. Attending a match, especially in cities like São Paulo, Rio, or Belo Horizonte, provides a lively glimpse into Brazilian life and the local spirit.

14 - Explore Lesser-Known Destinations: Beyond iconic locations, places like Chapada Diamantina, Itacaré, Fernando de Noronha Island and Brasilia offer stunning landscapes and fewer tourists.

15 - Plan for the Weather: Brazil's size means varied weather. Research the climate for each region during your visit — the north is typically hotter and more humid than the south.

16 - Beach Safety: Be cautious about ocean swimming. Some beaches, especially in the northeast, have strong currents and a few have shark warnings.

17 - Visit an Afro-Brazilian Religious Ceremony: Participating in or observing a Candomblé ritual can be a profound cultural and spiritual experience, offering insight into Brazil's religious diversity. Consult first if visitors are allowed. Understanding and respecting the practices is crucial when visiting religious sites.

18 - Carry Cash and Small Change: Especially in smaller towns or for beach vendors, having cash and small bills can facilitate smoother transactions.

19 - Taste Local Fruits: Brazil's rich biodiversity is a boon for fruit lovers, offering a wide array of unique and tantalizing fruits that are not only delicious but also an integral part of the local culture. Among the must-try fruits are maracujá (passion fruit), known for its intense flavor and versatile use in both sweet and savory dishes; caju (cashew fruit), which is juicy and aromatic, and the base for cachaça de caju; and guava, a sweet staple that is commonly used in desserts like pasteis de goiaba and the famous guava paste, goiabada. Exploring local markets for these fruits provides a sensory experience and a deeper insight into Brazilian culinary traditions.

20 - Learn Local Dining Etiquette: Brazilians use cutlery for almost everything, including pizza and hamburgers, in formal settings.

21 - Understand the Tipping Culture: In Brazil, tipping practices vary across different services. In restaurants and bars, a service charge of about 10% is commonly included in the bill, intended as the tip. However, if the service exceeds your expectations, it is customary to leave a little extra, around 5% to 10%, as a token of appreciation. For taxi services, tipping isn't mandatory, but rounding up the fare or adding a small amount, like 5%, is appreciated if the driver provides helpful service or navigates challenging routes efficiently. Similarly, in hotels, while a service charge might cover general staff, tipping individual hotel personnel such as bellhops or housekeeping can be a kind gesture. A few reais per bag or a daily tip for the housekeeper can make a significant difference and show gratitude for their personalized service.

22 - Prepare for Parties: Whether it's a local block party or Carnival itself, Brazilians know how to celebrate. Join in respectfully and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

23 - Know Visa Requirements: Double-check visa requirements and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip. If you have an e-visa, print two copies in color.

24 - Drink Responsibly: Brazilian spirits like cachaça are potent. Enjoy the local drinks like caipirinha carefully.

25 - Pack for Humidity: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best, especially in tropical climates. Quick-dry clothing is advantageous for rainy seasons.

26 - Use a Money Belt: For peace of mind in crowded or tourist-heavy areas, a money belt can keep your valuables secure.

27 - Participate in Local Festivals: From São João parties in the northeast to Oktoberfest in Blumenau, local festivals are a fantastic way to experience Brazilian culture. Brazil's "June Festivals," which celebrate saints like Saint John with regional folk dances, music and traditional foods, are particularly grand in the Northeast region.

28 - Navigate with Apps: Use apps for safe navigation and to find recommended eateries, especially in large cities. Uber Black can be your best friend. It's relatively inexpensive, offers nicer cars and features more experienced drivers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience as you explore Brazil’s vibrant urban landscapes.

29 - Ask Locals for Dining Recommendations: Local insights can lead you to culinary gems that aren't in guidebooks.

30 - Learn to Hail a Bus: In many Brazilian cities, you need to signal for the bus to stop. Stand at the bus stop and extend your arm as the bus approaches.

31 - Carry Identification: Always have a copy of your passport or a government-issued ID with you, as you might need it to enter certain buildings or for transactions.

32 - Frequent Juice Bars: Brazil has an incredible variety of juices made from fresh fruits, many of which you might not find elsewhere. Visit local juice bars to try flavors like acerola, caju, and guaraná.

33 - Visit Indigenous Communities: For a truly unique experience, consider a tour that includes visits to indigenous communities, especially in regions like the Amazon. Make sure to choose responsible tour operators that respect local culture and contribute positively to the community.

34 - Explore by Bike: Some Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, have implemented bike-sharing programs. Cycling can be a pleasant way to explore the beaches and parks.

35 - Learn About Brazilian Coffee: Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about the coffee-making process and sample fresh brews. Coffee is a cornerstone of Brazilian social life: engaging in the afternoon coffee break known as 'cafezinho' (little coffee) is a great way to taste local brews and participate in daily Brazilian life.

36 - Try Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Coastal cities and some river towns offer kayaking and paddleboarding, which are great ways to explore the natural beauty of Brazil's waterways.

37 - Appreciate the Indigenous Roots: Brazil's indigenous cultures have contributed immensely to its national identity. Visiting museums or cultural centers that focus on indigenous heritage, or participating in tours led by indigenous guides, can provide valuable insights into these ancient traditions.

38 - Explore the Architecture: Brazil's cities showcase a mix of colonial, modernist and contemporary architecture. Notable architects like Oscar Niemeyer have left a significant mark, especially in Brasília.

39 - Visit a Botanical Garden: Brazil's botanical gardens, such as those in Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, are excellent for enjoying native flora and fauna and learning about conservation efforts.

40 - Watch Capoeira: This Afro-Brazilian martial art combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Watching a capoeira performance or attending a workshop can be a captivating experience.

Good to know: Brazilians are warm and often greet with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, even when meeting someone for the first time. It’s customary to exchange this kind of affectionate greeting in most social settings.