Power, plugs and voltage
Brazil uses the Type N plug (round pins with a grounding pin), the same standard as South Africa's newer outlets. Most European two-pin plugs fit loosely, but bring a Type N adapter to be safe. Voltage is the tricky part: it is 127V in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo but 220V in Brasilia, Recife and Fortaleza. Check the socket or ask before plugging in hair tools, and pack a multi-voltage charger.
A few words of Portuguese
Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish, and a little effort goes a long way.
- Bom dia / Boa tarde - good morning / afternoon
- Obrigado (men) / Obrigada (women) - thank you
- Por favor - please
- Quanto custa? - how much is it?
- A conta, por favor - the bill, please
English is limited outside tourist hubs, so a translation app is invaluable.
Packing for Brazil
- Light, breathable clothing - it is hot and humid almost everywhere
- Strong sunscreen and a hat for the beaches
- Insect repellent (especially for the Amazon and Pantanal)
- A light rain layer for tropical downpours
- Comfortable shoes; flip-flops (Havaianas are everywhere) for the beach
Staying connected
Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes but unreliable on the move. An eSIM is the easiest option - you stay online for Google Maps, Uber, WhatsApp (which Brazilians use for everything) and translation without hunting for a local SIM.
Quick tips
- Carry small cash. Many places take cards, but markets and beach vendors prefer reais in small notes.
- Use Uber or 99. Both are cheap, safe and avoid taxi haggling.
- Tipping is easygoing. A 10% service charge is usually added; extra is optional.
- Mind your valuables. Leave the flashy jewellery at the hotel, especially in busy cities.
- Tap water is best avoided. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Plan around distances. Brazil is huge - Rio to Manaus is a four-hour flight, so fly between regions.
- Learn the meal rhythm. Lunch is the big meal; try a prato feito or a per-kilo buffet.
- Embrace beach culture. Order an agua de coco and a pao de queijo and slow down.
Stay connected in Brazil
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