10 things you need to do before going to Brazil: Guide to preparing for your trip

Planning a trip to Brazil? Before you dive into the samba rhythms and feast on pão de queijo, a little preparation goes a long way. From visa requirements to downloading useful apps and packing well, these ten essential steps will help ensure your adventure is smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Below are ten essential steps to take before traveling to Brazil, and at the end of this post you'll find a full list of apps to download before you head to Brazil.

10 Things to Do Before Going to Brazil

Here are my top 10 things to do before you leave for your trip to Brazil:

1. Download Uber and 99 Pop & add a credit card

Uber and 99 Pop (a local ridesharing app) are widely used in Brazil and can be more safe and reliable way to travel than taxis, and they are usually cheaper too. Always use the apps with credit card rather than paying by cash, as drivers do not carry change. Having Uber is especially important if you are travelling in bigger cities that require extra security precautions, like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Salvador, where it is unsafe to walk around at night.

Before you arrive in Brazil: Download and set up both apps! Some people have trouble installing Uber from Brazil due to the requirement to provide a CPF (tax number), so it's better to download and set it up before you arrive. Setting up the apps with a credit card before arrival helps avoid payment issues, or having to set them up on bad airport Wi-Fi.

2. Get a Wise card & add it to Apple Pay or Google Wallet

Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). Using a Wise card allows you to make transactions using your home currency in Brazil, giving you excellent exchange rates and a few free ATM withdrawals.

Before you arrive in Brazil: Add the card to your Google Wallet or Apple Pay. This allows you to make purchases without needing to carry around your card, and is generally a little safer as credit cards can be cloned.

3. Learn introductory Portuguese & download offline translation

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. In fact, only 5% of Brazilians can speak English.

Learning basic phrases and using apps like Duolingo can go a long way to improving communication, making it easier to do basic day-to-day tasks like ordering food and getting transportation, as well as deepening your travel experience by connecting better with local people and making friends.

Before you arrive in Brazil: Make sure to download Portuguese to your Google Translate app so that you can use it offline.

4. Check My Packing List

Brazil is a huge country, and the climate varies dramatically depending where you are going and the season. Make sure you pack well for the places you've chosen, and at the correct time of year. See my packing list for specific recommendations on clothing, bags, and essential travel items.

5. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an absolute must for travellers to Brazil. While Brazil does offer free healthcare through SUS (public health clinics), the quality and speed of the care you will receive is unlikely to meet your expectations. Private healthcare is also available, but at a fairly high cost.

If for nothing else, get insurance coverage for medical emergencies, as these can be financially crippling, especially if you require surgeries or to be evacuated. At the minimum, look for a policy that includes comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation.

6. Check your passport, and visa requirements

Visa requirements for Brazil depend on your nationality. Some travelers need a visa, while others have visa-free access for a limited period. Some nationalities are also eligible to apply for a tourist visa extension. Check Brazil’s official government website or consult the embassy for updated regulations.

Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date or you will be denied entry.

7. Get Vaccinated & bring necessary medications

Check with a travel doctor to find out what vaccines you may need for your trip. For Australians, you will be asked to show your vaccination card for Yellow Fever upon arrival back in Australia if you have visited Brazil.

Anti-malarial medication may be required in specific regions, such as for longer trips in the Amazon Rainforest. You may also want to carry necessary prescription medications, as some brands may not be available locally - though generally, medication in Brazil is cheap and readily available, sold under local brand names. You can check ahead of time which medications are available for sale in Brazil, and the prices, by searching the websites of local pharmacies such as Pague Menos and Drogaria Sao Paulo.

8. Buy an eSIM

Reliable internet access is really important, particularly for travel in cities. It allows you to call an Uber, which is important for safety, use Google Maps, and use Whatsapp - Brazil's main form of communication.

Brazilian telecom providers offer prepaid SIM cards, though in general, buying a SIM Cards as a foreigner is difficult as they require a CPF number & Brazilian ID card to activate the SIM. Currently, TIM is the only provider that enables tourists to buy and activate their own sim card using a passport (guide to setting up the TIM sim). If you want to buy a physical SIM card, you can do so at the pharmacy or other kiosks at the airport.

If you want to set up your phone before you arrive, an eSIM may be a convenient alternative.

9. Apply for a CPF if staying long-term

A CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is a tax identification number required for some transactions, such as making online purchases and purchasing a SIM card. A CPF is generally not required for short stays or for tourists, however if you are staying for an extended period, having a CPF can make your life easier. You can use it for making online purchases, booking flights and bus tickets, and much more.

You can apply for a CPF before you arrive in Brazil at your local Brazilian embassy or consulate, or in Brazil at Correios (the post office). If you think you'll need one, see my step-by-step guide on how to get a CPF.

10. Research Local Safety Tips & Cultural Norms

Crime rates in Brazil vary significantly by city, but in general, it's best to avoid displaying valuables, stay in well-lit areas at night, and be aware of local scams. Understanding local customs, can enhance your day-to-day interactions with local people and prevent misunderstandings.

Apps to download before you go to Brazil

Here is a list of the most useful apps you should download before you go to Brazil, that will help your trip to run smoothly:

• Uber - if you haven't used Uber before, get a R$25 discount (R$5 off each of your first 5 rides) by using my referral link.

• 99 Pop - If you haven't used 99 before, get 40% off your first trip (up to R$8) by using my referral link.

• Wise - check the balance of your Wise card, monitor exchanges rates, and exchange currencies

• Google Translate - download Portuguese to use offline

• Google Maps - download offline maps of the cities you plan to visit, so that you can navigate even without data

• Maps.me - the best maps app for hiking trails, especially if you are planning to hike in remote areas like Chapada Diamantina, Chapada dos Veadeiros, or the Amazon without phone signal. Download your maps to use offline.

• Google Wallet or Apple Pay - add some credit or debit cards to your wallet in case your card is lost or stolen during your trip

• eSIM app - if you plan to use an eSIM, you can install the app ahead of your trip

• Rappi - if you want to order food delivery during your trip, this is the only delivery app that you can use as a tourist without a CPF

• Spotify or Netflix - download your music and shows offline for the long bus rides ahead of you

What do you think are the most important things to do before going to Brazil? Let me know in the comments below!