Facts of Brazil

Read more about currency, tips, transportation, price levels and more in connection with your trip to Brazil.

• Language: Portuguese
• Capital: Brasilia
• Population: 205 million
• Religion: Roman Catholic, Native American religions
• Currency: Real
• Surface: 8,515,770 km2

Worth knowing

Time difference

The time difference between Sweden and Brazil varies, depending on whether it is summer or winter time in Sweden.

Summer time: – 5 hours
Winter time: – 4 hours

Brazil has three different time zones. The above timelines apply to the eastern side of Brazil, to which Albatro’s travels.

Transport in Brazil

Bus The
buses in Brazil generally have about the same high standard as the one we are used to in Europe . Of course, our buses are of a good standard and have air conditioning.

Flights
On our round trips in Brazil, we often fly longer distances with domestic flights. Prior to such flights, the Swedish tour guide informs about the time of departure and what applies at check-in at the airport.

Price level

A main course with accessories costs around 100 Swedish kronor. We recommend SEK 100-200 per day per person, which should cover extra drinks and the like. When it comes to pocket money, we know from experience that you can manage on around SEK 300-350 per day.

Tip

In Brazil, it is common practice to tip. As a traveler, you give tips to bus drivers, local guides, hotel pickers, at restaurants, etc. It can be a little tricky to know how much to give, but with a couple of real you get far!

Bars, cafes and nightclubs as well as restaurants in hotels often add about 10% in service charge ( service charge ) on the bill. This is stated in the bill, but in addition it is customary to tip the waiter an additional 5% of the entire bill.

Currency and credit cards

The Brazilian currency is called the real (BRL) and is available in both coins and banknotes. Keep in mind that many banknotes and coins are similar and are therefore easy to confuse. The best currency to bring to Brazil is the US dollar, which is then exchanged for Brazilian reals at a bank or exchange office in Brazil. That way, you get a better rate than if you switch from home. It is a good idea to ask to have some of the money in small denominations to pay for taxis, local purchases and meals.

MasterCard, Visa, Diners and American Express can be used as payment cards at most major hotels and in some stores. MasterCard and Visa can be used to withdraw cash in most cities in ATMs that, however, only leave real.

Electricity

Brazil has several different electricity systems. In Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguazu, either 110 volts or 220 volts, 50–60Hz, are used. The electrical sockets are designed for connectors with two flat pins. Most hotels are happy to lend an adapter, but they usually do not have enough for all rooms. You should therefore bring an adapter kit with many options.

Telephone and internet

According to allcitycodes, the international country code for Brazil is +55. It is expensive to call home from Brazil, so feel free to contact your mobile operator regarding coverage and prices for calls from Brazil.

Internet cafés are now available in most cities, but we know from experience that it can be difficult to manage to visit such places other than during your own time or after the end of the day’s program. Most hotels in Brazil have internet service, but expect a slower connection compared to home. Some hotels charge extra for this.

Drinking water and hygiene

In Brazil, hygiene is at a lower level than in Western Europe. However, hotels and larger restaurants have modern / western toilets. If you go to the toilet when moving out on the town, there may be more primitive conditions, and there may be a lack of toilet paper. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring some paper, a package of wet wipes and possibly. hand disinfectant gel (can be bought at the pharmacy)

Do not drink tap water in Brazil. Instead, buy bottled water or boil the water for a minute before drinking it.

Customs and traditions

Brazilians are generally open and treat tourists in a friendly way. They do not like to get involved in how you behave. Instead, it is assumed that you as a visitor to the country have familiarized yourself with how to behave.

Although the locals are usually used to many tourists, it is expected that local customs and practices are respected. More important than anything else is nature conservation. Most often, the areas we visit are completely protected, and the preservation of these areas has the highest priority among the authorities and the local population. You should therefore listen extra carefully when the tour guide and local guide during the trip inform about nature reserves.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited during all flights and bus transport. Smoking is also prohibited in most restaurants and hotels. If you are unsure, talk to your tour guide about what applies to smoking in Brazil.