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5,464 mi away
£1 R$6.86
Today
12:51 am
-3h from you
Travel warning
Travel isn't recommended to parts of the Amazonas river areas due to potential safety issues there.
Weather & climate
Weather in Brazil
Brazil
27°
Overcast
Wed
17°
27°
Thu
17°
26°
Fri
16°
25°
Sat
16°
26°
Sun
17°
26°
Mon
16°
26°
Tue
17°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Brazil
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Brazil.
You can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism.
If you want to extend your tourist visa, contact the Federal Police before your visa expires.
Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport to avoid a fine when you leave.
If you overstay your visa, you will face a daily fine payable when you leave or on your next visit.
Good to know:
British-Brazilian dual nationals under 18 travelling without both parents require formal travel authorisation from both parents or legal guardians.
If you are bringing cash or travellers cheques worth 10,000 US dollars or more into Brazil, you must declare it online.
Safety in Brazil
Tips when travelling
Brazil is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your belongings close and avoid taking valuables to the beach due to common thefts, including large group robberies.
Do not hail taxis on the street and always verify the number plate and driver match your booking when using ride-hailing apps.
Do not resist if threatened by thieves or robbers, who may be armed, and hand over your valuables immediately.
Always carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID with you.
Pay attention to warning flags and consult lifeguards before swimming due to strong currents and shark dangers, especially near Recife.
Bonus tips:
Do not use electronic cigarettes or vaping devices as they are illegal and will be confiscated by customs.
Be cautious of overcharging or payment scams by vendors, especially in busy tourist areas and on beaches.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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.
Health 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.
No vaccinations required
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.
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
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.
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
10GB for 50 BRL (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Brazil
Voltage
127V / 220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type N, Type C
UK adapter needed
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
190
Ambulance
192
Fire
193
Save 190 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Brazil
Country code
+55
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.
Language in Brazil
Portuguese(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Brasília
SES - Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 8, 70403-900
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Brazil
Beaches in Brazil
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can typically enter Brazil for tourism purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Always check the latest visa requirements with the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate before traveling, as rules can change.
While Brazil is a vibrant and exciting country, it also has high levels of crime. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in larger cities, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. It's best to avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Research specific locations for any local safety advisories.
The best time to visit Brazil depends on the region you plan to visit. Generally, the dry season (May to September) is a good time to visit the Amazon and Pantanal. For Rio de Janeiro and other coastal areas, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Peak season is December to February (summer) and around Carnival.
Petty theft and scams are common in tourist areas. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded places. Avoid unofficial taxi services and only use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Be cautious when exchanging money on the street, and stick to reputable exchange bureaus or banks.
The local currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and when traveling to more rural areas. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.
Brazil has a well-developed transportation network. Domestic flights are a convenient option for covering long distances. Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel between cities. In cities, use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Be aware of traffic congestion in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilians are generally warm and friendly. Greetings often involve a handshake or a kiss on the cheek (usually one or two, depending on the region). Punctuality is not always strictly observed, so be prepared for potential delays. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Showing respect for elders is highly valued.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Brazil. Stick to bottled or purified water, especially in tourist areas. When ordering drinks in restaurants, make sure ice is made from purified water. Be cautious about consuming unpasteurized beverages and street food.
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.