£1 R$7.02
Today
12:54 am
-3h from you
Travel warning
There's a high risk of muggings and armed robbery, including on beaches, and terrorist attacks could happen in crowded public areas.
Weather in Brazil
Brazil
23°
Thunderstorm
Wed
18
23
Thu
17
23
Fri
18
26
Sat
16
26
Sun
16
26
SPF level in Brazil
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Brazil
Language in Brazil
Tipping in Brazil
Tipping is customary in Brazil for various services, though often a service charge is already included. Check your bill carefully.
Restaurant
10-15% if service is not included. Check the bill for 'serviço' which means a 10% service charge is already included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is common.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
5-10 BRL per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 BRL per night of stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price.
Safety in Brazil
Tips for British travellers
Brazil is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Robberies are common on city buses, especially targeting mobile phones between 4pm and 9pm, so hand over valuables without resistance if threatened.
On public beaches, thefts can involve large groups of thieves running through the sand, so keep belongings close and avoid taking valuables.
Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid drink spiking, as date rape drugs have been used in attacks against tourists.
Do not use electronic cigarettes, vapes, or any related accessories, as they are illegal and will be confiscated by customs.
Carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID with you at all times.
Bonus tips:
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Brazil, but a paper licence may require an international permit.
If you must withdraw cash, check it for unusual pink marks and get it changed immediately as it may be marked counterfeit.
Driving in Brazil
A UK driving license is valid for tourist purposes. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not legally required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Brazil drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
190
Ambulance
192
Fire
193
Save 190 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Brazil
Voltage
127V / 220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type N, Type C
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Brazil uses both 127V and 220V, so check the voltage of your appliances. Plug types are Type N and Type C. UK travellers will likely need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, especially in larger cities and tourist destinations. However, smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Brazil
Widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Local name
Banco 24 Horas
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are generally easy to find in urban areas. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Be aware of potential transaction fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Brazil. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 50 BRL (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Vivo, Claro, TIM
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities. Coverage may be more limited in rural areas.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in urban centers, with readily available WiFi. Mobile data is also a viable option.
Health & vaccinations in Brazil
While Brazil does have a public healthcare system, it's recommended that British tourists obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospitalization and repatriation. Make sure your policy covers any pre-existing conditions and a range of activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to certain areas of Brazil. Check with your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your trip.
It's essential to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to Brazil to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are transmitted by mosquitoes and are present in Brazil; take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Drink bottled or purified water, and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach problems.
Calling Brazil
Country code
+55
To call Brazil from the UK, dial 00 55 followed by the area code and the local number.
To call the number (21) 1234-5678 in Rio de Janeiro from the UK, you would dial 00 55 21 1234-5678.
The country code for Brazil is 55. When calling Brazil from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 55, then the area code (without the initial zero), and finally the local number.
UK Embassy in Brazil
British Embassy Brasília
SES - Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 8, 70403-900
Airports in Brazil
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.