Brazil

Brazil is huge – think continents, not countries – so the best trips focus on a few regions rather than trying to see it all in one go. Classic first-time combinations include Rio de Janeiro + Ilha Grande, São Paulo + Iguaçu Falls, or Salvador + Chapada Diamantina for hiking. Allow at least 3–4 full days for major cities and extra time for the Amazon or Pantanal, where distances and logistics are slower.

Use a mix of domestic flights and longer-distance buses. Flying between hubs like Rio, São Paulo, Salvador and Manaus can save hours, but book early around Carnaval (February/March) and New Year when prices jump. For bus journeys, look for "leito" or "semi-leito" (more reclining) for overnight comfort.

It helps to sketch everything out in one place: dates, routes, and must-do experiences. The trip planning tools in Hello can keep your flights, bus tickets, and activity reservations together, so you’re not digging through email at a crowded rodoviária (bus station). Add notes like “arrive early for Sugarloaf at opening” or “book Christ the Redeemer train in advance” so you don’t miss out on the big highlights.

Brazil uses the Real (BRL), and you’ll pay for most everyday things—like street food, metro rides, and beach chairs—in cash or by card. Many places accept contactless payments, but small kiosks and beach vendors often prefer cash. ATMs are common in malls and major banks; withdraw inside secure buildings when possible.

A casual meal in a local "self-service" buffet (por quilo) can cost around BRL 30–50 (roughly USD 6–10), while a caipirinha on a Rio beach might run BRL 12–25 depending on the spot. Track costs as you go: Hello’s budget tracking in BRL makes it easy to see if those extra coconuts and bar snacks are nudging you over your daily limit. If you’re travelling with friends, use expense splitting to share the bill for Airbnb stays, taxis, or churrascaria feasts without awkward math.

In cities, keep valuables out of sight, avoid flashy jewellery, and use registered taxis or rideshare apps at night. Stick to busy, well-lit streets, especially around bus terminals and city centres after dark. At the beach, take only what you need and keep an eye on your belongings when you swim.

Inside big cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, you’ll rely on a mix of metro, buses, and ride-hailing apps. Metros are usually the fastest way to skip traffic—avoid rush hour if you can. In Rio, staying in neighbourhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, or Lapa puts you close to beaches and nightlife, reducing the need for long late-night rides.

For longer distances, domestic flights can be surprisingly affordable if booked ahead; routes often funnel through São Paulo, so factor connection times into your plans. Overnight buses are an option between cities like Rio and São Paulo or Florianópolis and Porto Alegre—book reputable companies and keep valuables on you, not in the overhead rack.

Outside cities, especially in the Amazon, the Pantanal, or smaller beach towns, mobile coverage can be patchy and Wi‑Fi unreliable. Activating a Hello eSIM before you land means you can navigate with offline-friendly maps, call a rideshare driver even if you don’t speak much Portuguese, and check bus schedules without hunting for a café with Wi‑Fi. Download key locations—your accommodation, bus stations, and airport—in advance so you can get around smoothly the moment you arrive.

Eating in Brazil is a highlight of any trip. Start with a churrascaria (Brazilian barbecue), where servers bring endless cuts of grilled meat to your table—great value if you arrive hungry, usually around BRL 80–150 (USD 15–30) per person depending on the city. For everyday meals, look for “prato feito” (PF) lunch plates, often including rice, beans, salad, and a protein for BRL 25–40.

Don’t miss regional dishes: feijoada (black bean stew with pork) in Rio, acarajé and moqueca in Salvador, and fresh açaí bowls in Pará. On the coast, order grilled fish with farofa and a cold coco gelado (fresh coconut) right on the sand.

Brazil’s beach culture is wonderfully relaxed but has its own etiquette. Vendors wander by selling snacks like queijo coalho (grilled cheese on a stick), and you typically rent chairs and umbrellas from a barraca (beach stall) for a few dozen reais for the day. Many barracas have a minimum spend instead of a fixed rental fee, so ask before settling in.

Use Hello’s expense splitting for shared seafood platters or beach bar tabs, and budget tracking to keep an eye on how many caipirinhas are hitting your daily spend. It’s easy to lose track when the sun is shining and the samba is playing.