Is Brazil safe for tourists?

Brazil requires standard big-city vigilance. Do not use your phone on the street, stay in well-lit areas at night, and keep your valuables in a secure money belt.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

In major tourist hubs, English is understood, but learning 20 basic phrases in Portuguese will significantly improve your experience and interactions with locals.

How to Plan a Trip to Brazil

Planning a trip to Brazil requires securing an e-visa well in advance, booking domestic flights for long-distance travel, and mapping out a specific region since the country is massive. Spend at least 14 days to see two or three major regions without spending your entire vacation in transit.

Secure your visa. Check the current e-visa requirements for your nationality. Apply at least 60 days before your departure through the official government portal to avoid last-minute processing delays.
Choose your primary regions. Brazil is the size of a continent. Do not try to do the Amazon, the Northeast, and the South in one week. Pick a primary hub like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, or the Pantanal and build your itinerary around one or two geographic zones.
Book domestic flights early. Use LATAM or Azul for domestic travel. Buying tickets 4-6 weeks in advance can save you 50% compared to buying them at the airport. Avoid long-distance buses unless you have 20+ hours to spare.
Arrange your arrival logistics. Download Uber, which is widely available and safer/cheaper than local taxis in major cities. Always arrange for a pre-paid transfer if arriving late at night at major airports.

Is Brazil safe for tourists?: Brazil requires standard big-city vigilance. Do not use your phone on the street, stay in well-lit areas at night, and keep your valuables in a secure money belt.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?: In major tourist hubs, English is understood, but learning 20 basic phrases in Portuguese will significantly improve your experience and interactions with locals.