BRAZIL – GENERAL INFORMATION
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B R A Z I L
GENERAL INFORMATION
(04/2025)
GEOGRAPHY
Brazil is the largest country in South America,
sharing common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and
Ecuador. Facilities for tourism are excellent in the major cities but vary in
quality in remote areas. The capital is
HISTORY
The history of European influence in Brazil
dates to around 1500, when the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Alvarez Cabral made
his landfall, some 497 miles north of the present day location of Rio de
Janeiro. Over the next three centuries, the Portuguese expanded their influence
throughout the territory, with the growing of sugar cane (supported
Credit:
Central Intelligence Agency
by local Indian slave labor and later by
African slave labor) the most important factor in the economy. Briefly, at the
beginning of the nineteenth century, Portugal itself was governed from a base
in Rio de Janeiro. Shortly thereafter, in 1822,
THE PEOPLE
While it is one of the largest countries in
the world,
Keep in mind too that these demographics
for
Despite a growing economy, about 20% of the
population in
The population of Brazil, for the most
part, is concentrated along the coastal areas of the country. The small
contingencies of indigenous people are primarily situated in the interior of
the country, where some of the land seems inhospitable to the average person.
The people of Brazil come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and thus bring a
varied history that they share with the world through their many celebrations
and festivals.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
In informal situations,
it is common to kiss women on both cheeks when meeting and taking one's leave.
Handshaking is customary between men, and normal European courtesies are
observed. Frequent offers of coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are
acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir
from the visitor's home country will be well received as a gift of
appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather.
LANGUAGE
Portuguese is the official language.
Spanish, English and French are also spoken. There are German language enclaves
in the south.
GOVERNMENT
The 1988 constitution grants broad powers
to the federal government, of which the President and Vice-President are
elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms. The President
has extensive executive powers: he appoints the Cabinet, and he is also both
head of state and head of government.
TIME
Brazil
spans four time zones: Rio
and San
Paulo GMT-2 (GMT-3 from April to October), Brasilia
and Belem GMT-3 (GMT-2 from October to March and GMT-4 to the West). Parts but not all of
ELECTRICITY
CLIMATE
Being a large country, the climate of
Clothes to Wear:
Brazilians, even in the major cities, dress
casually outside the office. None of the country's top restaurants insist on
collar and tie although the occasional club does. Ladies should remember to
pack a jacket or shawl when coming to
LOGISTICAL
Entry and Exit Requirements:
A passport and visa are required for
Travelers are reminded that they are subject
to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the
port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense. Fines for such offenses
are based on the offender’s claimed income. For further information regarding entry
requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Brazil at 1030 15th
Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20005; telephone (202) 238 2700 fax: (202)
238 2827 or contact the Brazilian Consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Miami,
New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
U.S. citizens
and other foreign travelers must fill out a small immigration form on arrival
that will be stamped and handed back by immigration officials at the airport.
It is important to retain this form to hand it in to immigration officials upon
exit from the country. According to the Brazilian Embassy’s website, visitors
who lose this form will have to get clearance from the Brazilian Federal Police
to leave the country and may have to pay a fine.
If
visiting Iguassu Falls (Argentina side) the Argentine immigration rules and
requirements apply.
Embassy
Locations:
Embassy of the
SES 801,
Avenida das Nacoes
Lote 3,
70403-900,
Tel:
011-55-61-3312-7000
Emergency
after-hours tel: 011-55-61-3312-7400
http://brasilia.usembassy.gov/
Canadian Embassy
SES - Av. das
Nações, Quadra 803 Lote 16, 70410-900 Brasília DF
Tel: (55
61) 3424-5400
Fax: (55
61) 3424-5490
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/brazil-bresil/index.aspx?lang=
eng
Health:
Travelers,
who have recently visited certain countries, including most other Latin American
countries, may be required to present an inoculation card indicating they had a
yellow fever inoculation, or they may not be allowed to board the plane or
enter the country. The CDC recommends Yellow Fever vaccination for persons over
9 months of age for travel to all rural areas of all states, including
deaths, in Brazil. This has involved some
areas in
Dengue fever is an infection transmitted by the mosquito aedes aegypti and is an affliction seen in many parts of
The rate of infection from meningococcal
meningitis (also known as meningitis type c) has seen increases in the number
of deaths from the disease. The epidemic is especially present in Salvador
but also found in other tourist cities. Transmission of meningococcal
meningitis is person to person by respiratory droplets. There is a vaccine
available for prevention of the disease and it is treatable with antibiotics.
Malaria is present throughout the year in
forested areas of the Amazon region. There is also some risk in the
periphery of cities and towns in the Amazon region. There is little to no
risk of malaria in all other areas of
Tuberculosis is an increasingly
serious health concern in
Water is untreated and it is not safe to
drink. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in
cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Avoid dairy
products as they are not pasteurized. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled
before consumption.
Information
on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for
international travelers at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or via the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of
infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO)
website at http://www.who.int/topics/infectious_
diseases/en/. The WHO
website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed
country-specific health information.
Banks
and Currency:
The official currency in Brazil is the Real/Reais
(BRL; symbol R$) = 100 centavos.
Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in
denominations of R$1, and .50, .25, .10, .05, and .01 centavos. All banks, cambios, travel agencies and
authorised hotels exchange foreign currency. The US Dollar is the most widely
accepted foreign currency. Most major international credit cards are accepted
(Visa more so than other cards), though not universally. There is an extensive
network of ATMs around the country. Withdrawing cash directly from ATM’s is
preferable.
Banking hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm.
Communications:
Country Code: 55. Outgoing Code: 00.
International direct dialing is available.
Cell Phone Usage:
Please contact your cell phone provider to determine
whether your contract includes coverage in the country you are visiting.
Depending on your contract you may have to add international services and/or
country specific services.
ENTERTAINMENT
Food & Drink:
Brazilian food and drink are every bit as diverse as the people
that populate the country. Taking influence from
Brazilian Staples:
- Rice
and Beans
- This is the most common dish in
- Salgadinhos - A common
snack food, somewhat similar to an empanada. These sweet or savory
pastries can be eaten at any time of the day.
- Pão de Queijo - A type of
cheese roll made of flour and cheese. It’s a common snack in many
Brazilian corner stores.
- Churrasco - Barbecued
meat often served as an “all you can eat”.
- Feijoada - This bean
and meat dish is quite common in Rio
de Janeiro.
- Acarajé - A kind of
muffin made of onions and beans that are fried in palm oil.
- Caruru - A
delectable dish of mashed okra,
cashews, shrimp, onions, pepper and garlic.
- Tacacá - This soup,
common to
- Chouriço - Similar to chorizo, although
less spicy and common in Minas Gerais.
- Bolinhos de Arroz - Fried rice
balls.
Brazilian Drinks: In the 16th
century, sugar was the supreme cash crop in the world and sugar cane
plantations took off in Brazil. It’s no wonder that sugar-based alcohols were
created at this time. The original recipes of aguardiente, a Brazilian firewater, are
still used today by many people in rural areas. Cachaça, which is distilled from sugar
cane, is a type of raw rum. It’s made from sugar cane juice, while rum is made
from molasses and then aged in oak barrels. It’s the most popular spirit in
Nightlife:
The city does not sleep and there is plenty
of entertainment to keep you awake! You can choose from samba shows, dance
halls, big band sound, rock, pop, jazz and MPB (musica popular brasileira). There are bars and lounges that often
charge a cover fee or have a minimum drink requirement. At a "choperia", you can enjoy an
ice cold "chopp" or Brazilian draft beer in a plain and casual
setting. Dance halls called "forros"
feature a rhythmic style that was born during World War II. "Danceterias" (discos) offer
flashing lights and loud music. Many places, including samba clubs, feature
live Brazilian music. Older clients may enjoy "Gafieiras" which are old-fashioned ballroom dance halls.
Carnival: At the peak of summer, the world-famous Carnival in Rio is held.
People from all over the world flock to the city to see this main event. The
4-day celebration starts on a Saturday and ends on Fat-Tuesday. The dates will
change every year. Although the Carnival is held in
Shopping:
It's not a bad idea to pack light and
acquire a Brazilian wardrobe within a couple of days of arrival. It will make
you less obvious as a tourist and give you months of satisfied gloating back
home about the great bargains you got whenever you are complimented on your
clothing. Brazilians have their own sense of style and that makes tourists -
especially those in Hawaiian shirts or sandals with socks - stand out in the
crowd. Have some fun shopping, and blend in. Another good reason for buying
clothes and shoes in
BAGGAGE
Baggage
rules for international and domestic air travel have changed much in recent
years, differ from carrier to carrier and these days even may cover your
on-board bags. Checking luggage may cost a separate fee or may be free
depending on your personal status with the carrier. We therefore encourage you
to read your ticket’s small print and/or contact your carrier for exact rules.
TIPPING
Most restaurants and bars already include a 10%
service charge in the bill. It is customary to leave a bit extra for good
service. When
the service charge is not included in the bill, 10-15% is the general rule.
Tips are not expected by taxi drivers, although most people tell the driver to
keep the change. Airport and hotel porters should receive the equivalent of US$
1 per bag.
LAUNDRY
Most
hotels will arrange affordable laundry services for guests.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
In
some countries you must refrain from photographing sites such as Military bases
and industrial installations. Also be aware of cultural sensitivities when
taking pictures of or near churches and other religious sites. It is always
courteous to ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
USE
OF DRONES
The
use of drones is being legislated by many countries. In some cases drones are
already forbidden, and their unauthorized use may carry severe penalties. If
you plan to travel with a drone please contact the embassy or consulate of the
country you wish to visit.