10 tips for those about to embark on a trip to Brazil:
1. You can exchange tourist checks and foreign currency at banks, where the most favorable rate, exchange offices at travel agencies and shopping centers, hotels, airport. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 15:00. Bank branches at the airport and major train stations are usually open 24 hours a day. Currency exchange offices are open from 9:00 to 17:30. When exchanging currency, you should change as many small bills as possible, as it is not always possible to get change from large ones. Bills of 100 BRL are checked for a long time. A passport is required when exchanging currency. In hotels when paying bills with checks or dollars you can get a discount of up to 15%, but the rate will be unfavorable. If you pay with cash currency, you can get a 10-15% discount.
2. You can and should bargain at markets. This way you can get up to 10% off the price, if not more. Brazil is not considered a safe country, so keep an eye on your possessions.
3. Swimming at most beaches in the country can be dangerous. There are strong ocean currents that run along the shore. Powerful surf can be dangerous, especially if you're not a good swimmer.
4. In the Amazon, travel only with a guide, and on proven paths. An abundance of wildlife, insects, and numerous poisonous plants make traveling through the jungle difficult. The ground is swampy in many places. Even short journeys require long acclimatization.
5. Beware of insect bites, it is important to choose a hotel with air conditioning and mosquito nets. In the northeast, you can catch the local dengue flu, which is carried by mosquitoes. It is accompanied by high fever and neuralgic pain. It is necessary to be immunized against diphtheria, polio, and tetanus.
6. It's sunny in Brazil, be sure to use a sunscreen with a high degree of protection.
7. Don't drink raw or tap water to avoid catching cholera. Use plastic bottle water for drinking, brushing teeth and preparing food.
8. Unfortunately, drugs are almost freely sold in some Rio neighborhoods, and in small towns too. Street and beach prostitution has long been considered a national problem, and prostitution-related gangs whose business is processing foreigners are common.
9. When dining at upscale restaurants and bars, it's customary to leave a tip of up to 10% of the total bill, which often includes a service charge. In more budget-friendly eateries, a tip of 1-2 BRL is sufficient. At beach cafes, it's not expected to leave a tip. For porters at hotels or airports, a typical tip is around 1 BRL. Hairdressers usually receive tips ranging from 10% to 20%, while gas station attendants and shoe shiners also appreciate gratuities. In taxis, it's common to round up the bill, and there may be an additional charge for using the air conditioner. If a cab driver assists you with your luggage, consider giving them a tip of 25 centavos per bag.
10. When it comes to Brazilian cuisine, it's worth noting that it can be quite spicy. If you're not accustomed to spicy food, it's a good idea to gradually get used to it during your visit. Additionally, consider bringing a travel first aid kit with essential medications, so you're prepared for any minor health concerns and won't need to explain your needs at a local pharmacy. Alternatively, you can choose your food options more selectively to suit your preferences.
