Brazil

At A glance

Capital City: Brasilia

Land size: 8,358,140 sq km

Population: 217,240,060 (2022 est.)

Official language: Portuguese

Currency: Brazilian Real (R$ / BRL)

UNESCO properties and sites:

• Brasilia,
• Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia,
• Historic Centre of São Luís,
• Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina,
• Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás,
• Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda,
• Historic Town of Ouro Preto,
• Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes),
• Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Rio de Janeiro (Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea),
• Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas,
• São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão,
• Serra da Capivara National Park,
• Sítio Roberto Burle Marx,
• Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site,
• Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves,
• Brazilian Atlantic Islands (Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves),
• Central Amazon Conservation Complex,
• Cerrado Protected Areas (Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks),
• Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves,
• Iguaçu National Park, Pantanal Conservation Area,
• Paraty and Ilha Grande (Culture and Biodiversity)

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/ 


Brazil offers a tapestry of experiences that will leave you in awe. Discover the iconic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro, from the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer to the vibrant beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Marvel at the breathtaking canyons of Santa Catarina, a true hidden treasure. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, cultural immersion in historic cities, or outdoor adventures in stunning natural landscapes, Brazil offers it all.

Brazil is a true paradise for equestrian enthusiasts, with its vast and varied landscapes providing endless opportunities. Explore the enchanting Pantanal on horseback, riding through wetlands and discovering the incredible biodiversity of this pristine ecosystem. Gallop along the golden shores of Eastern Brazil, feeling the refreshing ocean breeze as you take in the breathtaking coastal scenery. Discover the wild beauty of the outback or learn more about the Mangalarga Marchador, the country’s national pride, in the state of Minas Gerais.

 

Brief History

Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889.

Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. VARGAS governed over various versions of democratic and authoritarian regimes from 1930 to 1945. Democratic rule returned (including a democratically elected VARGAS administration from 1951 to 1955) and lasted until 1964, when the military overthrew President Joao GOULART. The military regime censored journalists and repressed and tortured dissidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dictatorship lasted until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers, and the Brazilian Congress passed its current constitution in 1989.

By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, under President Luiz Inacio LULA da Silva (2003-2010) Brazil was seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth.
The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the first ever to be held in South America, was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017.

Former President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) was removed from office in 2016 by Congress for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term.
Former-President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time (2018-19), although his conviction was overturned in early 2021. LULA's revival became complete in October 2022 when he narrowly defeated incumbent Jair BOLSONARO (2019-2022) in the presidential election. LULA will assume the office on 1 January 2023.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/

 

Cultural Insights

Traditionally the most important meal of the day is a multicourse affair eaten after midday. For middle-class and elite families it might consist of a pasta dish or a meat or fish course accompanied by rice, beans, and manioc and a sweet dessert or fruit followed by tiny cups of strong Brazilian coffee called cafezinho. For the poor it would be primarily rice and beans. The evening repast is simpler, often consisting of soup and perhaps leftovers from the midday meal.
Brazil's national dish, feijoada (literally "big bean" stew), is said to have originated during slave times. Traditionally feijoada contained inexpensive and less desirable cuts of meat such as tripe and pigs feet, Brazilian slaves having concocted the dish from the leftovers of the master's table. Today feijoada consists of a variety of meats slowly cooked with black beans and condiments. A feijoada completa or "complete feijoada" is accompanied by rice, fresh orange slices, a side dish of peppery onion sauce, chopped greens, such as collards, and farinha. Feijoada is served in restaurants, typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and when made at home, it is a favorite dish for guests.

Brazilians have less sense of personal space than North Americans and are not bothered being packed together in crowded public places. They are physically expressive and convey emotional information through touch. While in some societies touching has sexual overtones, Brazilians equate it with friendship and a show of concern. Women tend to touch more than men and greet others with kisses on both cheeks, but men also welcome each other with hearty pats on the back and bear hugs. Such informality extends to conversation. Brazilians usually address teachers, doctors, priests, and other professionals using their title followed by their first name—Professor João, Doutora Maxine or Presidente Henrique.

Source: https://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Brazil.html

 

Transportation

By Air
The country’s main airport for international travelers is São Paulo's Guarulhos international airport (GRU). This airport has also good connections with other major Brazilian cities.

The other major international airport is Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International airport (GIG). However, there are less direct flights to other Brazilian cities from this airport.

Source: https://www.frommers.com/destinations/brazil/planning-a-trip/getting-there

 

Money

Credit cards are widely accepted.

Banking facilities, such as ATMs, EFTPOS and credit card machines, may be unreliable.

Withdrawing money can be difficult even if the ATM displays your card's logo. You may need to try several ATMs.
Ask your bank if your ATM card will work and if it has an affiliate bank in Brazil.

Credit card fraud and ATM tampering are widespread. Check your bank statements for unauthorized charges.
To combat fraud and theft, many ATMs and banks do not allow withdrawals on foreign cards of more than BRL400 per day. The amount may be smaller after hours.

Source: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/brazil

 

Health

Though the yellow fever vaccine is not required to enter Brazil, travelers wishing to be vaccinated should consider receiving it prior to travel, as local supplies are limited. Please note that the yellow fever vaccine should be administered ten days prior to travel for it to be effective.
Also note that, while yellow fever vaccine is not required to enter Brazil, some neighboring countries (French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Bolivia, and Paraguay) do require travelers with recent entries in Brazil to show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
All travelers to the country are advised to carry documentation, such as a vaccination card, that they have been appropriately vaccinated for yellow fever.

Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be overcrowded and there is often a long wait for a bed and a lack of medication. Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can present evidence of sufficient funds or insurance.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 192 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in state capitals and other large cities.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Brazil to ensure the medication is legal in Brazil. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Problems have been reported with the tap water supply in Rio de Janeiro. To avoid associated health risks, you should use only bottled water.

The sun can be extremely strong and UV levels are higher than in the UK.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html

 

Electricity

Brazil operates on a 127 / 220 V supply voltage and uses type C and N plugs.

The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centers. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.

There are two variations of the Type N plug, one rated at 10 amps, and one at 20 amps. The 10 amp version has two round pins that are 4 mm thick, and a grounding pin. The 20 amp version, used for heavier appliances, has two round pins 4.8 mm in diameter, and a grounding pin.

Brazil is one of the few countries that uses two types of voltage. While most states use 127 V, some of them use 220 V. It is therefore important to find out the local voltage before plugging in your appliance (note: wrong voltage can destroy your appliance). Many appliances sold in Brazil are dual voltage.

Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs

 

Communication

Time zone in Brazil: Fernando de Noronha (GMT-2), Brasilia Time (GMT-3), Amazon Time (GMT-4) & Acre Time (GMT-5)

International country code – 55

All Brazilian cities have their own two-digit area codes. Land lines have 8 digits in the whole country. Cell phones, on the other hand, have 9 digits.

Brazil is one of the largest mobile and broadband markets in Latin America with healthy competition and pricing. The development of 5G, was scheduled for March 2020 but was delayed due to interference issues with satellite TV broadcasts and the pandemic; the auction was completed November 2021.
The licenses are obliged to provide 5G services to all capital cities by July 2022, as well as about 35,500km of the national highway network.
In 2019 the number of fiber accesses overtook DSL connections. (2021)

The use of foreign cell phones in Brazil depends on the technology used and its compatibility with Brazilian operators. Check with your operator what is required to use your cell phone in Brazil, especially because usage rates vary.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/
https://www.visitbrasil.com/en/essential-informations/


Phrasebook

English	Portuguese
Hello!	Olá
Goodbye	Adeus
Good morning	Bom dia
Good evening	Boa tarde
Good night	Boa note
Please	Por favor
Thank you	Obrigada (if you are female), obrigado (if you are male)
Yes	Sim
No	Não

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/basic-portuguese-words-phrases-for-travel
https://www.visitbrasil.com/en/essential-informations/

 

Entry Requirements

Citizens of Mercosur member states do not need a visa to enter and stay in Brazil, the need only a valid passport or national identity document. Citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States of America, Japan, and the European Union are also exempt from visas to enter the Brazilian territory, and only need a valid passport.

To find out if you need a visa to travel to Brazil, click here: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos/informacoes-sobre-vistos-para-estrangeiros-viajarem-ao-brasil#voceprecisa

Visitor visas may be granted for different purposes, such as tourism, business, transit, and artistic or sports activities. Visitors on this type of visa are allowed to stay for a maximum of ninety days.
Brazil’s visa policy is based on the principle of reciprocity. This basically means that most countries that require visas from Brazilian citizens to enter their territories will also need a visa to travel to Brazil. Under current Brazilian immigration law (Law 13,445 of 2017), visa exemption may only be granted by the Brazilian authorities on a reciprocal basis, and through mutual understanding on the matter, except for the circumstances described in Decree 9,731 of 2019.
Foreigners who wish to apply for a visa to travel to Brazil should contact Brazilian Consular Representations abroad in order to obtain more information on the application process.

Source: https://www.visitbrasil.com/en/essential-informations/

 

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy in Brasilia
SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
70403-900 – Brasília – DF
Phone: +55 61 3312-7000

U.S. Consulate in Porto Alegre
Av. Assis Brasil, 1889, Passo d’Areia
91010-004 – Porto Alegre – RS
Phone: +55 51 3345-6000

U.S. Consulate General in Recife
Rua Gonçalves Maia, 163 – Boa Vista
50070-060 – Recife – PE
Phone: +55 81 3416-3050

U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro
Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 – Castelo
20030-020 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 21 3823-2000

U.S. Consulate General in Sao Paulo
Rua Henri Dunant, 500,
Chácara Santo Antônio,
04709-110 – São Paulo – SP
Phone: +55 11 3250-5000


Embassy of Canada in Brasilia
SES - Av. das Nações, Quadra 803, Lote 16
70410-900 – Brasília – DF
Phone: +55 61 3424 5400

Consulate of Canada in Belo Horizonte
R. da Paisagem, 220 - Vale do Sereno
34000-000 – Nova Lima – MG
Phone: +55 21 2543-3004

Consulate General of Canada in Rio de Janeiro
Av. Atlântica 1130, 13º andar, Copacabana
22021-000 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 21 3444 0300

Consulate General of Canada in Sao Paulo
Centro Empresarial Nações Unidas - Torre Norte
Av. das Nações Unidas, 12901, 16º andar
04578-000 – São Paulo – SP
Phone: +55 11 5509 4321

Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

 

UNESCO Sites

Brasilia
This capital was created ex nihilo in the center of the country in 1956. It was a landmark in the history of town planning. Urban planner Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer intended that every element – from the layout of the residential and administrative districts (often compared to the shape of a bird in flight) to the symmetry of the buildings themselves – should be in harmony with the city’s overall design. The official buildings, in particular, are innovative and imaginative.

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
As the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, Salvador de Bahia witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures. It was also, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations. The city has managed to preserve many outstanding Renaissance buildings. A special feature of the old town are the brightly colored houses, often decorated with fine stuccowork.

Historic Centre of São Luís
The late 17th-century core of this historic town, founded by the French and occupied by the Dutch before coming under Portuguese rule, has preserved the original rectangular street plan in its entirety. Thanks to a period of economic stagnation in the early 20th century, an exceptional number of fine historic buildings have survived, making this an outstanding example of an Iberian colonial town.

Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
Diamantina, a colonial village set like a jewel in a necklace of inhospitable rocky mountains, recalls the exploits of diamond prospectors in the 18th century and testifies to the triumph of human cultural and artistic endeavour over the environment.

Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás
Goiás testifies to the occupation and colonization of the lands of central Brazil in the 18th and 19th centuries. The urban layout is an example of the organic development of a mining town, adapted to the conditions of the site. Although modest, both public and private architecture form a harmonious whole, thanks to the coherent use of local materials and vernacular techniques.

Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, the town’s history is linked to the sugar-cane industry. Rebuilt after being looted by the Dutch, its basic urban fabric dates from the 18th century. The harmonious balance between the buildings, gardens, 20 Baroque churches, convents and numerous small passos (chapels) all contribute to Olinda’s particular charm.

Historic Town of Ouro Preto
Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto (Black Gold) was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century. With the exhaustion of the gold mines in the 19th century, the city’s influence declined but many churches, bridges and fountains remain as a testimony to its past prosperity and the exceptional talent of the Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes 
The ruins of São Miguel das Missões in Brazil, lie at the heart of a tropical forest. They are the impressive remains of five Jesuit missions, built in the land of the Guaranis during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Pampulha Modern Ensemble
The Pampulha Modern Ensemble was the centre of a visionary garden city project created in 1940 at Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais State. Designed around an artificial lake, this cultural and leisure center included a casino, a ballroom, the Golf Yacht Club and the São Francisco de Assis church. The buildings were designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, in collaboration with innovative artists. The Ensemble comprises bold forms that exploit the plastic potential of concrete, while fusing architecture, landscape design, sculpture and painting into a harmonious whole. It reflects the influence of local traditions, the Brazilian climate and natural surroundings on the principles of modern architecture.

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
The site consists of an exceptional urban setting encompassing the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park’s mountains down to the sea. They also include the Botanical Gardens, established in 1808, Corcovado Mountain with its celebrated statue of Christ, and the hills around Guanabara Bay, including the extensive designed landscapes along Copacabana Bay, which have contributed to the outdoor living culture of this spectacular city. Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and urbanists.

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas
This sanctuary in Minais Gerais, south of Belo Horizonte was built in the second half of the 18th century. It consists of a church with a magnificent Rococo interior of Italian inspiration; an outdoor stairway decorated with statues of the prophets; and seven chapels illustrating the Stations of the Cross, in which the polychrome sculptures by Aleijadinho are masterpieces of a highly original, moving, expressive form of Baroque art.

São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão
São Francisco Square, in the town of São Cristovão, is a quadrilateral open space surrounded by substantial early buildings such as São Francisco Church and convent, the Church and Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the Provincial Palace and the associated houses of different historical periods surrounding the Square. This monumental ensemble, together with the surrounding 18th- and 19th- century houses, creates an urban landscape, which reflects the history of the town since its origin. The Franciscan complex is an example of the typical architecture of the religious order developed in northeastern Brazil.

Serra da Capivara National Park
Many of the numerous rock shelters in the Serra da Capivara National Park are decorated with cave paintings, some more than 25,000 years old. They are an outstanding testimony to one of the oldest human communities of South America.

Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
Situated in the western region of Rio de Janeiro, the property embodies a successful project developed over more than 40 years by landscape architect and artist Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), a “landscape laboratory” to create “living works of art” using native plants and drawing on Modernist ideas. Began in 1949, the property encompasses extensive landscapes, gardens, buildings and collections, which feature the key characteristics that came to define Burle Marx’s landscape gardens and influenced the development of modern gardens internationally. The site is characterized by sinuous forms, exuberant mass planting, architectural plant arrangements, dramatic colour contrasts, use of tropical plants, and the incorporation of elements of traditional folk culture. By the end of the 1960s, the site housed the most representative collection of Brazilian plants, alongside other rare tropical species. In the site, 3,500 cultivated species of tropical and subtropical flora grow in harmony with the native vegetation of the region, notably the Atlantic Forest biome and associated ecosystems, mangrove swamp and restinga (coastal tropical sandy plain). Sítio Roberto Burle Marx exhibits an ecological conception of form as a process, including social collaboration, which is the basis for environmental and cultural preservation. It comprises the first modern tropical garden to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
Located in central Rio de Janeiro and encompassing the entirety of Jornal do Comércio Square. It is in the former harbor area of Rio de Janeiro in which the old stone wharf was built for the landing of enslaved Africans reaching the South American continent from 1811 onwards. An estimated 900,000 Africans arrived in South America via Valongo. The site is composed of several archaeological layers, the lowest of which consists of floor pavings in pé de moleque style, attributed to the original Valongo Wharf. It is the most important physical trace of the arrival of African slaves on the American continent.

Atlantic Forest Southeast Reserves
The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves, in the states of Paraná and São Paulo, contain some of the best and most extensive examples of Atlantic forest in Brazil. The 25 protected areas that make up the site (some 470,000 ha in total) display the biological wealth and evolutionary history of the last remaining Atlantic forests. From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated mountains and dunes, the area comprises a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty.

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
Peaks of the Southern Atlantic submarine ridge form the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Rocas Atoll off the coast of Brazil. They represent a large proportion of the island surface of the South Atlantic and their rich waters are extremely important for the breeding and feeding of tuna, shark, turtle and marine mammals. The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic. Baia de Golfinhos has an exceptional population of resident dolphin and at low tide, the Rocas Atoll provides a spectacular seascape of lagoons and tidal pools teeming with fish.

Central Amazon Conservation Complex
The Central Amazon Conservation Complex makes up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin and is one of the planet’s richest regions in terms of biodiversity. It also includes an important sample of varzea ecosystems, igapó forests, lakes and channels, which take the form of a constantly evolving aquatic mosaic that is home to the largest array of electric fish in the world. The site protects key threatened species, including giant arapaima fish, the Amazonian manatee, the black caiman and two species of river dolphin.

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
The two sites included in the designation contain flora, fauna, and key habitats that characterize the Cerrado – one of the world’s oldest and most diverse tropical ecosystems. For millennia, these sites have served as refuge for several species during periods of climate change and will be vital for maintaining the biodiversity of the Cerrado region during future climate fluctuations.

Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves
The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, consist of eight separate protected areas containing 112,000 ha of Atlantic forest and associated shrub (restingas). The rainforests of Brazil’s Atlantic coast are the world’s richest in terms of biodiversity. The site contains a distinct range of species with a high level of endemism and reveals a pattern of evolution that is not only of great scientific interest but is also of importance for conservation.

Iguaçu National Park
The park shares border with Argentina. It is one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls, extending over some 2,700 m. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, among them the giant otter and the giant anteater. The clouds of spray produced by the waterfall are conducive to the growth of lush vegetation.

Pantanal Conservation Area
The Pantanal Conservation Area consists of a cluster of four protected areas with a total area of 187,818 ha. Located in western central Brazil at the south-west corner of the State of Mato Grosso, the site represents 1.3% of Brazil's Pantanal region, one of the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystems. The headwaters of the region's two major river systems, the Cuiabá and the Paraguay rivers, are located here, and the abundance and diversity of its vegetation and animal life are spectacular.

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
This natural-cultural landscape encompasses the historic centre of Paraty, one of Brazil's best-preserved coastal towns, four Brazilian Atlantic Forest protected natural areas, one of the world’s five key biodiversity hotspots, as well as part of the Serra da Bocaina mountain range and the Atlantic coastal region. Serra do Mar and Ilha Grande Bay is home to an impressive diversity of animal species, some of which are threatened, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and several primate species, including the Southern Muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides), which are emblematic of the property. In the late 17th century, Paraty was the end-point of the Caminho do Ouro (Gold Route), along which gold was shipped to Europe. Its port also served as an entry point for tools and African slaves, sent to work in the mines. A defence system was built to protect the wealth of the port and the town. The historic centre of Paraty has retained its 18th century plan and much of its colonial architecture dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/BR