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Planning a trip can be sometimes cumbersome as there are so many aspects to consider in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly during your vacation. You need to be well prepared to avoid any surprises as when the time comes to travel around the world, you surely do not want to find yourself with an expired passport, non-refundable flight, or a cancelled hotel reservation.
Brazil is an immense and wonderful country with lots to offer the traveler. Whether you are looking culture, history, beach scene or pristine nature, Brazil has it. The one minor problem is that you probably do not speak Portuguese, which can sometimes make things a bit more complicated while traveling. But don't worry, there's always a way to make things happen the right way. And this starts with planning your trip as best as you can before you actually board the plane and fly out to Rio de Janiero for your exciting Brazil vacation.
One of the first things you need to take care of to plan your trip to Brazil is to make sure you fulfill the visa requirements. You need a passport valid until 6 months after you enter the country. If you are a national of the United States, Canada or Australia, you will also need to pay a reciprocity fee to enter the country.
The money question is also an important one in planning your trip. Before you leave, make sure you let your bank know where you are going so they will not block your credit card thinking some kind of fraud happened. Debit and credit cards are the most convenient ways to pay and withdraw money in the country as you will easily find ATMs wherever you go. Make sure you know how much your bank or the ATM charges you to withdraw money internationally, and avoid bad surprises.
The currency used in Brazil is the Real (R$), with US$1 worth about R$1.56. The exchange rate can fluctuate but has been relatively stable in the past years. With the strengthening of the Real in recent years, Brazil has become an expensive travel destination, with the highest prices found in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Make sure you take this into account while deciding on your travel budget.
As you travel across the country, you might want to stay in touch with your loved ones who stayed at home, or be able to communicate within the country, for example to confirm hotel reservations and such. You can use your own cell phone if you have an international plan but be aware that prices are high. It is very difficult to buy a local SIM to use in your cell phone as you need a Brazilian social security number, but you can rent one for a specific period. Internet is widely spread across the country and you will have access in most hotels as well as in internet cafés found around most cities. Hortense Soulier
