Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
Visa
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days (within 180 days). A stamp is placed in the passport upon entry. Required:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay. ID card is NOT sufficient.
- Return or onward flight ticket: Occasionally checked, especially when entering by land.
- Proof of financial means: Rarely required, but in case of doubt, be able to show a credit card or banking app.
Extension
The 90-day stay can be extended once for another 90 days (total of 180 days per year). Application at the Polícia Federal (foreign police) at least 15 days before expiration. Cost: about 300 BRL (50€). Online pre-registration via the Polícia Federal system.
Money & Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
The Brazilian currency is the Real (plural: Reais). Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 Centavos and 1 BRL. Notes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 BRL.
Exchange rate (reference 2025/26): 1 EUR ≈ 5.5–6.5 BRL
ATMs (ATM / Caixa Eletrônico)
ATMs are everywhere. The main banks: Banco do Brasil (yellow), Bradesco (red), Itaú (orange), Santander, Banco24Horas (network ATMs in supermarkets and gas stations). Tips:
- Withdrawal limit: Usually 1,000–1,500 BRL per transaction (165–250€).
- Fees: Brazilian banks charge 6–15 BRL (1–2.50€) per withdrawal + possible fees from your home bank.
- Best cards: DKB Visa, Wise Debit Card, or Revolut — minimal foreign fees.
- Safety: Only withdraw in busy, well-lit areas. Supermarkets and shopping centers are the safest.
Credit Cards & PIX
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and shops. Many smaller stores accept only cash or PIX — Brazil's ubiquitous instant payment system (via QR code). Not directly usable as a tourist, but Wise or Revolut partially offer PIX functionality.
Tipp
Never exchange money at the airport — the rate is terrible. Withdraw Reais from ATMs or use a Wise/Revolut card for the best exchange rates. Always carry enough cash in rural areas!
Health
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany — but strongly recommended:
- Yellow Fever: MANDATORY for the Amazon, Pantanal, and Central Brazil! The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before entering the affected areas. The international vaccination certificate is checked on domestic flights to risk areas. The vaccination is valid for life. Recommended for Rio, São Paulo, and the Northeast, but not checked.
- Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended (transmission through food/water).
- Hepatitis B: For longer stays.
- Typhoid: For travel to rural areas.
- Rabies: For travelers who might have contact with animals in the Amazon or rural areas.
- Update standard vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles.
Mosquito Protection & Tropical Diseases
In tropical lowland regions, there is Dengue Fever (nationwide, even in cities!), Zika, Chikungunya, and Malaria (only in the Amazon). Dengue is the greatest danger — Brazil had a massive epidemic in 2024.
- DEET mosquito spray (at least 30%) — apply morning and evening. Brazilian brand "Exposis" is very effective.
- Long clothing at dawn and dusk.
- Mosquito net in the Amazon and in simple Pousadas.
- Malaria prophylaxis: Recommended only for the Amazon (consult a tropical doctor).
Drinking Water
Tap water in Brazil is NOT drinkable — buy bottled water everywhere. In restaurants and hotels, bottled water is always served. In good hotels, the water is safe for brushing teeth.
Medical Care
In São Paulo, Rio, and large cities, medical care in private clinics is excellent (Hospital Sírio-Libanês and Albert Einstein in São Paulo are among the best in the world). Public hospitals are often overcrowded. Pharmacies (Farmácias) are everywhere, many medications are available without prescription.
Travel health insurance with repatriation is MANDATORY!
Achtung
Yellow fever vaccination is indispensable for the Amazon and Pantanal! The vaccination takes 10 days to become effective — so get vaccinated in time before departure. Without a vaccination certificate, entry into some states may be denied.
Safety
General Security Situation
Brazil has a security problem that should not be sugar-coated — but also not exaggerated. The crime rate is higher than in Europe, especially in big cities. The tourist areas in Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, and beach resorts are much safer than their reputation if a few rules are followed.
Common Risks & Prevention
- Pickpocketing & Phone Snatching: The most common danger. Phones are snatched from hands on the open street — especially in Rio (Copacabana, Centro, Lapa). NEVER use your phone openly on the street! If you want to take a photo: quickly take it out, snap the picture, and put it away immediately.
- Beach Theft: NEVER leave valuables on the beach, not even "just for a quick swim". Only take a cheap towel and some cash. Everything else should be in the hotel safe.
- Muggings (Assalto): Can occur in poorer neighborhoods and at night. Golden rule: If it happens, DO NOT resist. Hand over your phone and cash. Your life is worth more.
- Fake Police Officers: Real police wear uniforms and have badge numbers. "Plainclothes officers" who want to see your passport or money on the street are scammers.
Golden Safety Rules
- Uber/99 instead of street taxi — always
- Do not use your phone openly on the street
- Carry little cash, keep the rest in the hotel safe
- Do not wear expensive watches, jewelry, or cameras openly
- Do not go alone into dark or isolated areas at night
- At the beach: only take the essentials
- Digitally store copies of passport and credit cards (Cloud/Email)
- Get travel insurance with repatriation
- Visit favelas only with a local guide, never alone
- In bars: never leave drinks unattended
Safe Zones
| Zone | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo (Rio) | Safe during the day and evening |
| Copacabana (Rio) | Safe, but pickpockets on the beach |
| Jardins, Vila Madalena, Pinheiros (São Paulo) | Safe |
| Pelourinho (Salvador) | Safe during the day, avoid side streets at night |
| Fernando de Noronha | Very safe |
| Bonito, Pantanal | Very safe |
| Florianópolis | Safe |
| Jericoacoara | Safe |
Internet, SIM & Power Outlets
SIM Card & Mobile Data
A local SIM card is cheap and the best option for mobile internet:
- Providers: TIM (best value for money, good coverage), Claro (largest network), Vivo (best coverage in rural areas)
- Price: Prepaid SIM from 15 BRL (2.50€). Data packages: 15–20 GB for 40–60 BRL (7–10€) per month.
- Purchase: At the airport (TIM and Claro have stands), in any mobile store or Drogaria. CPF number required! (Brazilian tax number — at the airport stand they help you get a temporary one, or you can use a Brazilian friend's).
- Network coverage: 4G/5G in all cities and tourist areas. In the Amazon, Pantanal, and remote beaches: patchy to non-existent.
eSIM
Airalo, Holafly, or Ubigi offer Brazil eSIMs from 10€ for 5 GB. Purchase online in advance, activate upon arrival — no SIM card swap needed and no CPF issue.
WiFi
Free WiFi in most hotels, hostels, cafes, and restaurants. Speed: Good in São Paulo and Rio, often slow in rural areas.
Power Outlets
Brazil uses plug type N (three round pins). This plug is unique to Brazil and does not fit with European plugs! An adapter is absolutely necessary. Universal adapters are recommended.
Voltage: Note, the voltage varies by region! São Paulo, Rio, South: 127V. Salvador, Northeast, Brasília: 220V. Some hotels have both voltages — check signs on the outlets! Laptops and phone chargers (100–240V) work everywhere, but hairdryers and straighteners can burn out.
Tipp
The eSIM solution (Airalo or Holafly) is the most stress-free option for Brazil: No CPF issue, no waiting in line at the airport counter, immediately active upon arrival. 10–15€ for 10 GB is enough for 2–3 weeks of normal surfing.
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