Traveling on a budget requires thoughtful planning and practical strategies to stretch your funds while experiencing a destination to the fullest. So is it possible to travel Brazil on a budget? Absolutely, yes! Brazil offers various ways for budget-conscious travelers to explore without exceeding their financial limits - but there are some tricks you need to know.
This guide covers affordable options for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities, along with money management tips to help you navigate the country economically. Whether you're exploring bustling cities, remote villages, or scenic beaches, these insights will help you make the most of your journey while keeping costs under control.
Don't have time to read the whole article? > Book cheap accommodation in Brazil > Find backpacker hostels in Brazil > Save on ATM fees with the Wise Debit Card > Get 10% off an Airalo eSim
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Here’s my personal guide to budget travel in Brazil, covering transportation, accommodation, food, and more.
Transportation on a budget
Buying Bus Tickets
Brazil’s long-distance bus network is extensive, making it one of the most reliable and affordable ways to get around. To save money, purchase bus tickets directly at the bus station. This method avoids online service fees, and you’ll receive your printed ticket on the spot. You'll need to bring a valid passport or official ID with you in order to buy your ticket.
Bus tickets can also be purchased online through bus company websites or platforms like BusBud or Clickbus, however they charge a service fee for use. So, why use them?
Websites like Clickbus offer a wide range of bus routes and are useful for researching schedules, routes, and prices - even if you decide to purchase tickets in person.
If you do not have a CPF, BusBud is currently the only website that allows you to purchase a ticket online in advance. You may wish to do this if you are not able to buy your ticket at the station and you suspect tickets will sell out.
Using local transportation
Public transportation, including buses and metro systems, is often the cheapest way to get around cities. In some locations, public transport even connects directly to the airport. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador offer airport bus services that are much cheaper than taxis or rideshare options. As expected, this is usually the slowest way to to reach the city center from the airport, but it is a great option for budget travelers with time to spare.
Even for budget travelers, safety must be a priority, especially at night. If you can't afford an Uber home, you certainly can't afford to get yourself into trouble, get robbed and lose valuables, or get hurt and have to pay medical bills - so please, always use Rideshare apps to get around late at night.
Rideshare apps: Uber vs 99
Rideshare apps like Uber and 99 are widely available in many cities and provide a cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. But which app is cheaper? The prices on both apps change based on traffic and time of day, so my tip is to compare fares between the two platforms every time you book. Sometimes Uber is cheaper, and sometimes 99 is cheaper.
A very cheap way to get around is to use moto-taxis, bookable through both the Uber and the 99 app. If you chose this option, always wear (and properly tighten) your helmet, and protect yourself by wearing proper clothing such as jeans or a jacket. If your driver is not taking care, ask them to slow down - accidents on moto-taxis are unfortunately common.
No matter what type of ride you take, always pay for your ride with credit card, as drivers don't tend to carry change for cash payments.
Get a cheap ride:
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Carpooling with BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing platform that offers a cheaper and often more convenient alternative to long-distance buses in Brazil. By connecting drivers traveling between cities with passengers willing to share the cost, BlaBlaCar provides flexible options at prices typically lower than bus fares.
BlaBlaCar rides have the added advantage of more flexible meeting points compared to bus terminals. If you don't like the suggested pickup/drop-off locations, the driver may agree to pick you up elsewhere for a small extra cost. If your arrival time is inflexible (e.g. you have a connecting flight), double confirm in advance with the driver that they will definitely take the trip at the advertised time.
Payment is made in cash at the end of the ride - do not pay in advance for the trip (wait until you have arrived), and carry small bills in case your driver does not have change. To ensure safety, check the driver’s profile, ratings, and reviews, and share your travel plans with a friend.
Walking and biking
Exploring neighborhoods on foot or by renting a bike is a free or low-cost way to experience cities, especially in areas with dedicated bike paths or pedestrian-friendly boardwalks. Many cities have a "city bike" rental service that can be booked and paid for through an app. In Salvador, the bikes can be rented directly through the Uber app.
Safety is primarily a risk in Brazil's major cities - small towns are typically very safe to walk around, even at night time. If planning to walk longer distances in a city or metropolitan area, always check with locals that it is safe to do so. Walking between two safe areas does not mean the walk between them is safe. In the cities, always take an Uber at night time.
Budget accommodation in Brazil
Staying in budget-friendly accommodations is key to stretching your travel funds. Hostels and shared accommodations are excellent options. They offer affordability, opportunities to meet other travelers, and almost always include shared kitchens where you can prepare your meals - leading to huge savings. Many hostels also organize cost-effective group activities.
You can also look into budget hotels, guesthouses (pousadas), or short-term rental apartments for longer stays. For areas where socializing is less of a priority, consider budget chain hotels, which are often priced comparably to hostels if you are a couple sharing a room.
If travelling longer term, Air B&B offer substantial discounts on monthly bookings.
Cooking & eating on a budget in Brazil
How to eat on a budget in Brazil
Cooking your own meals is huge money-saving strategy, especially if your accommodation includes a shared or private kitchen. Most do. Visit local farmers markets, which are usually held on weekend mornings, for fresh produce and staples to create delicious affordable meals.
A very common staple in Brazil is tapioca crepes. These are very easy to make, are filling, and can be customized with any filling you like to suite your tastes. Fill it with egg and tomato to have it for breakfast, or ham and cheese for a lunch, or get creative with your fillings. A 1kg bag of tapioca costs around R$12 (USD $2) and can make about a dozen meals.
If you prefer to eat out, local bakeries are a great stop for affordable and satisfying meals. Brazilian bakeries often serve fresh bread, snacks, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a sit-down restaurant. Some bakeries also offer fresh juices and cheap coffee.
If you want a more complete meal, look for a "prato feito" (PF), a popular Brazilian meal option that typically includes rice, beans, salad, and your choice of protein like chicken, fish or or beef. PFs are widely available at lunchtime and are among the cheapest ways to enjoy a filling, local meal. Walk a little outside the main tourist streets and you'll often find a PF for R$20 (USD $3.5).
Don't buy drinking water
Avoid buying bottled water by bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at safe water stations. The vast majority of accommodations have filtered water in the kitchen, or elsewhere on site. There are public water fountains in most cities, and many restaurants have filtered tap water - just ask for "agua filtrada". This not only reduces costs but also minimizes environmental impact.
Buy coffee from street sellers
In Brazil, this type of coffee is often referred to as "café de garrafa" or "café de thermos". It’s a ready-made coffee, typically brewed in advance and kept warm in a thermos or flask. Street vendors or small kiosks often sell it for a very affordable price, usually between R$2 and R$5.
It's a popular choice for a quick and budget-friendly caffeine fix, especially in urban areas. The coffee is usually strong and pre-sweetened - but you can ask if they have coffee "sem açúcar" if you don't like it sweet.
Managing money while traveling in Brazil
Efficient money management can help you save significantly during your trip to Brazil. Here are some tips to make the most of your finances:
Use cards whenever possible
Paying with a credit or debit card is often the best option, as it provides a better exchange rate and avoids the high fees and poor exchange rates associated with currency exchange services. Almost all establishments, including restaurants, shops, street vendors, and transportation services, accept cards.
You may need cash for bus fares, and the occasional street sellers that don't accept card. It is also a good idea to carry cash if you are travelling to remote locations that do not have an ATM - some popular destinations in Brazil that do not have ATMs include the Ilha Grande, Boipeba, some villages in the Amazon Rainforest, and Vale do Capão in Chapada Diamantina.
There is one exception - avoid using your card to pay on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, as cards are commonly cloned and used fraudulently. Carry cash in small denominations in case beach sellers don't have change.
Travel with the Wise Debit Card
Today there are many travel-focused cards available, that offer better exchange rates and low or no ATM fees. I personally use the Wise debit card for my trips in Brazil, and use it both to make card payments and to withdraw money from the ATM. The card offers much better exchange rates than a regular bank card, and offers free or cheap ATM withdrawals depending how many you make (fees). You can also store multiple currencies in your account, and use the Wise App to make cheap international bank transfers.
It's a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to save on exchange rates and fees. Check out the Wise Debit Card and see if it's right for you.
Wise cards are currently available to residents of Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Economic Area (EEA), Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.
Avoid currency exchange services
Exchanging cash at currency exchange kiosks in Brazil typically results in very poor exchange rates and high fees. If you need more cash, it is better to withdraw it from an ATM than to exchange cash. Reserve your cash for emergencies or locations that do not accept cards, and avoid exchanging it unless absolutely necessary.
ATM Withdrawals
If you need to withdraw cash, use ATMs from Bradesco Bank, which does not charge withdrawal fees. When withdrawing money, always decline the ATM’s offered exchange rate. That way, your bank to handle the conversion, as this typically results in a better rate.
Free and low-cost activities
Free Museum Day: Many cities in Brazil offer free admission to museums on certain days, often once a week. Plan your visits to coincide with these free days to save money. Check the websites of the museums in advance for specific details about hours and free admission policies.
Salvador: Most museums in Salvador are free on Wednesdays.
Rio de Janeiro: In Rio, the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) and the MAR (Museu de Arte do Rio) offer free admission on Tuesdays. The Natural History Museum and Fine Arts Museum also have free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
São Paulo: In Sao Paulo, the Pinacoteca and the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) provide free entry on Tuesdays. Additionally, Ibirapuera Park houses several cultural attractions with free entry, including to the Afro Brazil Museum on Saturdays.
Beaches: Beaches in Brazil are free to access, making them an excellent budget-friendly activity. Instead of renting chairs and umbrellas, bring your own canga, the local Brazilian beach sarong that serves as a towel or beach mat. This allows you to relax comfortably without the rental costs.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces: Public parks and urban green spaces provide free or inexpensive recreation opportunities. These locations are great for picnicking, walking, or simply enjoying nature. Some parks also host free events, performances, or workshops.
Walking Tours: Many cities offer free walking tours led by local guides. While these tours operate on a tip-based system, they remain an affordable way to learn about the history and culture of a location.
Seasonal Travel: Travel in the low season
Traveling during Brazil’s low season, which generally falls outside of December through March, will dramatically reduce expenses - including across flights, busses, accommodation, and attractions. The high season aligns with major holidays and festivals such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Carnival. These events create a surge in demand, leading to high prices, crowded transportation options, and fully booked accommodations. For budget-conscious travelers, it is crucial to avoid this period unless attending these celebrations is a priority. During the high season, buses and hostels often fill quickly, making advanced booking essential.
Another consideration is the weather. In the northern regions of Brazil, the low season coincides with the cooler dry season, offering pleasant conditions for exploring beaches and outdoor attractions. While temperatures in the north remain warm enough for beach activities year-round, the reduced rainfall during the low season makes it an especially favorable time for travel. The southern regions experience winter during in the low season, which is less ideal for beach activities but can be great for hiking and visiting mountainous areas.
By traveling during the low season, travelers can enjoy not only cost savings but also fewer crowds for a more relaxed experience. Plus, advanced planning is less critical outside the peak months allowing for more spontaneous itineraries.
Ready to travel Brazil on a budget?
Budget travel in Brazil is not only possible but can be highly rewarding. By using cost-effective transportation, choosing economical accommodations, and seeking out free or low-cost activities, you can experience the richness of Brazilian culture without the price-tag. Plan carefully, prioritize safety, and be open to local experiences to make the most of your journey.
Have you travelled around Brazil on a budget? Share your cost-saving tips in the comments below!
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