Brazil | South America

Brazil is a sovereign state in South America, occupying nearly half of the continent's landmass. It is a major global exporter of iron ore, soy, and coffee, with an economy increasingly defined by digital financial services and renewable energy; the capital is Brasília, while São Paulo is the primary financial and industrial engine.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of April 10, 2025, Brazil reinstated visa requirements for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia.

e-Visa: US passport holders must obtain a $80.90 USD e-Visa (valid for 10 years) prior to arrival.

Exemptions: EU and UK passport holders remain exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days.

Requirements: A passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended date of arrival. A printed version of the e-Visa is required for boarding.

Language & Communication

Portuguese is the official and near-universal language. Spanish is often understood but distinct; English proficiency is moderate in high-end tourism districts of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo but remains very low in the interior and rural municipalities.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Real (BRL).

Pix Dominance: Brazil is a global leader in instant payments via Pix. As of 2026, Pix accounts for nearly 50% of all person-to-business transactions. While primarily linked to local bank accounts, international "digital wallet" providers have begun offering Pix-compatible interfaces for tourists.

Cashless: Contactless "Aproximação" (NFC) is standard in almost every commercial establishment, including beach vendors.

Cash: Necessary only for remote Amazonian communities or specific small-scale traditional markets.

National Transport Grid

Road Dependency: The country remains heavily reliant on a vast highway network. Inter-city travel is dominated by "Leito" (sleeper) buses.

Rail Expansion: As of 2026, the government is executing a R$ 530 billion railway plan to double the rail share of the transport matrix. This includes the "New Railway Statute" aimed at private-sector development of freight and limited passenger lines.

Aviation: Domestic flights are the only viable option for cross-country travel (e.g., São Paulo to Manaus).

Ride-Hailing: Uber and 99 are the dominant urban transport solutions.

Digital Infrastructure

5G Strategy: As of 2026, 5G standalone (SA) is active in all state capitals and is being deployed to municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants.

Digital Future Program: A multi-billion-dollar initiative launched in early 2026 is currently focused on connecting rural agricultural hubs and upgrading urban broadband resilience.

Connectivity: Fiber-optic penetration is high in the Southeast but relies on satellite (Starlink) in the Amazon and North regions.

Climate & Seasonality

Summer (Dec–Mar): Hot and humid ($30°C–40°C$); peak season for Carnival. Heavy rains are common in the Southeast.

Winter (Jun–Sep): Dry and mild in the North; chilly in the South (can drop to $10°C$ or lower in Porto Alegre).

Amazon: High water season (Jan–May) allows boat access to flooded forests; dry season (Jun–Dec) is best for spotting land wildlife.

Health & Safety

As of January 2026, international travel advisories maintain a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) for Brazil.

Safety: Violent crime (mugging, armed robbery) is a persistent risk in major cities, especially during festivals. Visitors are advised to avoid "favelas" and limit the use of mobile phones in public.

Health: Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended for most of the country. Dengue and Zika remain active seasonal risks.

Water: Tap water is generally not potable; bottled or filtered water is standard.

Emergency: Police 190, Fire 193, Ambulance 192.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Southeast: Hub: São Paulo (Business/Gastronomy) and Rio de Janeiro (Culture/Tourism).

Northeast: Hub: Salvador (Afro-Brazilian heritage) and Recife.

North (Amazonia): Hub: Manaus (Gateway to the rainforest).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 3.60 BRL ($0.70 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 6.50 BRL ($1.30 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB+ Data): 85.00 BRL ($17.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Brazil contains approximately 60% of the Amazon Rainforest and the world's largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal. Local folklore features the Curupira, a forest-protector with backward-facing feet to confuse hunters, and the Boto Cor-de-Rosa, a pink river dolphin said to transform into a handsome man to seduce women at night. Historically, Brazil is the only country in the Americas to have served as the seat of a European monarchy (the Portuguese Royal Court in 1808). It is the world's most successful national football team and the only nation to have competed in every World Cup.