Brazilian Tourists
If you are planning to vacation in Brazil you are in for a treat; it is an awe-inspiring country with lots to do and see. The first thing that you want to do is a little research on where to go. If you like to go to the beach, then consider a place like Rio de Janeiro or Salvador, find a good hotel or apartment hotel and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and a good bathing suit. If you want to see something more along the lines of architecture and the arts, something like Sao Paulo or Brasilia might be better for you.
When you vacation in Brazil, figure out how you are going to get around. You can rent a car, but this is not for the faint of heart. While they drive on the right side of the road and this might be what you are accustomed to, driving in Brazil might be a completely different experience from driving at home. Traffic laws are more of a guideline and not all of the roads in the outlying areas are smooth or easily navigated. Plane travel is convenient between the major cities and can be part of your travel plans. For the most part people choose to take buses between destinations in Brazil as the bus routes are fairly extensive and quite comfortable. You can buy tickets in different classes so if you are willing to pay a little more you will enjoy a scenic and pleasant ride.
Whenever you travel in Brazil, try not to look too much like a tourist. If you have been on vacation and have seen people with a massive camera hanging around their necks and noticed that they are tourists, you have probably also noticed that they look like a target for would-be thieves and swindlers. Try to dress casually and similar to the way that people dress in the area. Tank tops and shorts with sandals are common and might give you some anonymity. Leave that Hawaiian print shirt at home. Don’t bring all of your best jewelry out. It can make you look like a star but you won’t feel like one if someone swipes it from you.
Before you go you should investigate the visa requirements to go to Brazil. Visitors from almost any other country will require a visa to get into Brazil. Do not leave this to the last minute and have your vacation plans ruined by this small detail. If you obtain a visa early, it is generally good for a period of five years so it is never too soon to look into getting the proper documentation.
Figure out how you are going to pay for things when you are in Brazil. The network of banking machines is very good so you should have no trouble withdrawing money when you are there. Traveler’s checks are not widely used there and might not be the best idea in Brazil. If you can use your credit card this is often the best way to go, as the exchange rate is usually the best. Credit Cards work well for restaurants and hotels, but if you are buying something from the locals or a small shop using cash will often give you a bit of a discount as that is the preferred method of payment for them.