Important Information for Your Trip

General Information About Brazil

Official Language: Portuguese

Largest City: São Paulo (population 18 million)

Capital: Brasilia

Official currency: Real

Size: 5th Largest Country in the world by land area (ranking just behind the United States)
 Brazil is comprised of 26 states and is the fifth most populous country in the world

Diversity: Ethnic groups include West African, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish among others have settled in Brazil over the years making it a very culturally diverse country

Climate: Brazil’s large size means there’s a large number of climates and microclimates which exist throughout the country.   With its location in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in the U.S.  The Northeast is tropical year round and temperatures average 25 °C (77 °F), with more significant temperature variations between night and day than between seasons.

Culture: Music is one of the most well known Brazilian exports.   There are many different styles of music, many of which are regional in nature. “Bossa Nova”, with artists such as Tom Jobim and João Gilberto is a style which was invented there and first became popular in the U.S. during the 1950’s and continues today. Brazil’s cultural tradition extends to its music styles which include “samba”, “forró”, “frevo”, “pagode”, “MPB” and many others. The festival of “Carnaval”, with its spectacular street parades and vibrant music, has become one of the most potent images of Brazil; an annual celebration held forty days before Easter and marks the beginning of Lent. Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil, with distinct regional characteristics, but the most spectacular celebrations outside Rio de Janeiro take place in Salvador, Recife, and Olinda.

Food: The styles of food vary throughout the regions of the country and are influenced according to where various ethnic groups settled.  Southern Brazil is the birthplace of the Brazilian “churrascaria” now popular throughout the U.S. Brazil’s Northeast has a strong African influence and many of the dishes are fish based, and tend to include tropical flavors and ingredients. Fruits are found everywhere in Brazil, many of which are not found in the U.S. including “Acerola”, “Guaraná”, and “Acaí”, among others.   Many beach areas also serve “água de coco” (coconut water), a refreshing beverage, which is considered the perfect antidote to dehydration, particularly if you’ve had too many “caipirinhas” (a drink made of lime juice and “cachaça”, a liquor derived from sugarcane). No matter what part of the country you’re in, all Brazilians agree that feijoada is the national dish of the country. A stew made of pork and beans and is served throughout the country. Its roots go back to the days of slavery when slaves would create a stew of the parts of the pig which their masters did not want.

Some more information on some of the cuisines of Brazil can be found in our blog

Travel Documents

Like most foreign countries, passports are required for U.S. citizens.  Additionally, travel visas are also required for U.S. citizens to enter Brazil (and likewise for Brazilian citizens wishing to visit the U.S.).   Here’s what’s needed to get a tourist visa through the Brazilian Consulate:

  1. One visa application form per applicant properly and completely filled in and signed by the applicant.
  2. A passport (valid for at least 6 months prior to its expiration date, and with at least one blank page available for the visa stamp);
  3. One recent 2″ x 2″ passport-type photo, either in color or black and white, front view, full face, with a light background (snapshots are not accepted);
  4. A photocopy of a round-trip ticket in one’s name; or a signed letter on travel agency stationary, with confirmed round trip bookings;
  5. A visa fee payment, as applicable (see visa fees table). A non-refundable processing fee of US$ 130.00 per visa will be charged to US citizens in reciprocity for the identical fee paid by Brazilian citizens who apply for a visa to the United States of America;

For more details visit the nearest Brazilian Consular Office to you.

Travel Insurance:

Travel hassle-free during your next international trip

. Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.   We know how valuable international travel to a special place like Brazil can be.  Being prepared for the unexpected gives you added peace of mind when you’re far from home.  We’ve selected a partner (Travel Guard) that offers several options for travel insurance coverage including:

  • Re-Departure Trip Cancellation
  • Post-Departure Trip Interruption and Travel Delay
  • Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation
  • Baggage and Baggage Delay, and more.

So no matter where your travels take you, you can be assured that Travel Guard is there for you and your family.

 To find out which plan is right for you, Get A Quote today!

Picture 8