Brazil

The largest country in South America spouts songs of the "Copa Cabana" and "The Girl from Ipanema", but those lyrics barely scratch the surface of the true melody that is Brazil. When you combine the sounds of the sensual samba and the beats of the bahia axé with the tropical undertones of the rainforest jungle, you get a sound that is uniquely Brazil.

Brazil offers somethig for every type of traveler. City fanatics will find everyhting they are looking for in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or Brasília while those looking for nature have even more choices. Brazil is home to the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon. Brazil also houses the wetlands of the Pantanal, the canyons and caves of the Chapada Diamantina and the old gold-mining towns of the Minas Gerais mountains. There are also plenty of free beaches, which are a must while in Brazil.

While creating this image of Brazil, it is important to remember the people that live there. The Brazilians themselves bring as much colour to the country as any South American sunset. Their love of life and outgoing attitudes are generally what makes them so appealing. Factor in their Portuguese tongue and cultural beliefs and you come up with a very interesting and compelling crowd. Perhaps the best time to get to know them is durring carnival season, where their boisterous attitudes are even more apparent. Don't be afraid to mix in with the locals for a purer vision of Brazil.

Best time to go

It is extremely important to choose just the right time to travel to Brazil, as its temperamental weather can be a huge downside to any trip. For example, the southern-most part of the country can have the most extreme temperatures. It is usually the coldest part of the country. You should also keep in mind that the Amazon region is one of the rainiest places in the world, especially between January and May. Brazil’s high season is during its summer months (December-February). This is when the country is at its most expensive and its hottest. Brazilians usually take their holidays during this time and the beaches and hotels are usually packed. However, this is the best time to people-watch and get to know the locals. By far, the cheapest and least-crowded time to visit Brazil is during its winter months. There can be some rainy days but the weather is generally warm yet comfortable.

Language Barriers

Country code: +55

Contrary to what you may think, Spanish is not the official language of Brazil. Brazil was once a colony of Portugal, therefore the official language is Portuguese. While English is the main second language taught in schools, only a small portion of the population speaks it fluently. Therefore it is very wise to learn some simple Portuguese words and phrases before you go. To make a telephone call, payphones are located throughout all major cities. These payphones do not take tokens any more and generally only accept phone cards (cartão telefônico), which can be purchased in almost any store. To make a phone call, lift the phone from the hook, insert the phone card and then listen for a dial tone. Generally international calls are cheaper after 8:00 pm. The internet is also available throughout the country. There are plenty of cyber cafes or you can check with your hotel to see if they offer internet access as well.

Cash, Card or Cheque?

Brazilian Real/R$

One Brazilian Real is made up of one hundred centavos. The coins look very similar to each other and it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other. The notes, however, are very easy to distinguish because each amount is a different colour. If you need to exchange money, it is best done at a bank or a cambio. Keep in mind that most cambios are closed on weekends. ATMs are the best way to get your money but can often be temperamental when using a non-Brazilian card. Generally HSBC, Banco do Brasil and Bradesco are the best ATMs to use. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

How Much?

Traveling to Brazil can be on the more expensive side. An important fact to remember about Brazil is that haggling is acceptable in most places. Bargaining for the best price for a hotel room is something that you should do, as well as bargaining at unmetered taxis. When it comes to tipping, the standard tip is about 10%. Brazil has a high unemployment rate so even the smallest of jobs deserve a tip, including shoe shiners and petrol-station attendants. Taxi drivers generally are not tipped although you can round up if you are feeling generous.

Getting Around

The enormous size of Brazil means that taking a flight may be necessary. This can be difficult as domestic flights can be very expensive. Make sure to do some on-line research to find the cheapest flights. You could also speak with a travel agent for more details. If you are planning more than one flight throughout Brazil than you should consider an air pass. By far, the easiest way to travel is by bus. Except for the Amazon Basin, you can get anywhere by bus. The larger cities have numerous bus companies so make sure to shop around to get the best price. Brazil does have trains but they are not nearly as efficient or as numerous as the buses. Boats are also an option to go between certain cities. Boat travel is most prominent in the Amazon region and it is a great way to get around the Pantanal and islands along the Atlantic coast.

Staying and playing safe

For the police dial 190 and for the fire department and ambulance dial 193. Dialing 192 should get you the ambulance as well. Crime rates have been rising in Brazil and the most severe crimes are commonly in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, especially in the tourist areas. The most common of these crimes are street crimes such as pickpockets. It is always important to be aware of your surroundings and call the police if necessary.

Red Tape

Citizens of most European countries, including the UK, only need a valid passport to enter the country. They do not require a visa. You should check the embassy web site for further information and an updated list of each country's requirements. A travel warning has been issued (2008) in regards to the spread of yellow fever and dengue fever in Brazil. All travelers to Brazil are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated before departure.

Resources

Embassy of Brazil in London - London's Brazilian embassy web site

Travel Guide Brazil - An excellent travel guide for everything Brazil

Voegol - A large budget airline site for Brazil

Guide by; Jessica Chesko