Currency: Brazil uses the Real (R$). Cards (Visa and Mastercard especially) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, and Uber can be paid by card throughout. Airport exchange kiosks are convenient but offer poor rates; city-centre exchange offices and bank ATMs give better deals. Carry some cash for markets, small towns, and beach kiosks.
Language: Portuguese is the official language. Spanish is understood in tourist areas and border regions, but Brazilians don't always speak it. Basic Portuguese phrases go a long way and are warmly received.
Safety: Petty theft and opportunistic robbery are real risks in most Brazilian cities, particularly Rio, São Paulo, Recife, and Salvador. Keep your phone out of sight on the street, don't wear expensive jewellery, and carry only what you need for the day. Use Uber or licensed taxis rather than hailing random cars. In Rio, check current advice on which favela communities are open to visitors through established tour operators. Never physically resist a robbery.
Health: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for anyone visiting the Amazon, Pantanal, or Cerrado regions; some countries require proof of vaccination on your return. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for the Amazon. Tap water is not safe to drink in most cities — use bottled or filtered water. Dengue fever is present year-round; use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Electricity: Brazil uses a mix of 110V and 220V. Plugs are the two-round-pin type (Type N). Check your hotel's voltage before plugging in.
Emergency numbers: Police 190, Ambulance (SAMU) 192, Fire 193. Public health services are free for tourists at SUS (public health system) units.
Internet and phones: 4G coverage is reliable in cities and along major highways. Brazil uses GSM networks. Buying a local SIM (from Claro, TIM, or Vivo) is cheap and easy with a passport.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up a taxi fare or leaving 10% in restaurants is appreciated. A 10% service charge is sometimes added to restaurant bills automatically.