What do I need to know before going to Brazil?

Show all answers

sweetheart

i am 100% braziliann and i always spend my time there. listen to me.
actually...i really only know about rio but im sure some of it is relevant to the rest of the country.

crime levels. keep your doors locked. dont leave anything lying around. keep the windows shut etc.

traffic is bad. and the roads arent paved very well so it really damages the car.

the sun is much stronger there than in the states. make sure to use lots of sunscreen.

be careful in the ocean. it can be dangerous. the native people know the waves very well and they know how to stay in the ocean. your girlfriend probably doesnt. she can definatley go in the ocean. but just be aware. also--the ocean is rather cold.

summer here=winter there. the ocean will probably be cold. it might be a little rainy. idk i cant remember the last time i went while it was summer

people take advantage of americans. if you go around speaking english when you want to buy something. they may charge you more for it because they think all americans are wealthy.

---also dont obviously speak english while walking on the streets because people think youll have a lot of money and thats not good.

a lot of people dont speak english so learn some basic phrases in portuguese.

clothes, make up, and jewlery tends to be more expensive there. (if your shopping at a mall.)

ahah...sorry that stuff was kind of negative. here are some good things!

the fruit there is excellent! so are the sweets there. shopping is very fun there. there are famous places to look at while sight-seeing.

brazil is beautiful. the views and just everything is beautiful.

there are always people selling stuff on the beach. like water, juice, soda, ice cream, sunglasses, sunscreen, jewlery......everything.
--they literally jsut walk around all the time selling stuff.

try the food!!!!!! DO IT!!!!!

ok. thats all i got. good luck!

Death's High Priestess

Not a lot of Brazilians speak fluent English. Encourage your gf to learn a few words in Portuguese, just enough to get her what she wants. For example, "banheiro" for restroom, "cerveja" for beer, "tudo bem" for "okay", "Quanto custa?" for "How much does that cost?" If she buys a Portuguese language CD and listens and speaks in the car or at home for a month before the trip, she'll be able to communicate basically with just about everyone, and it'll make her feel independent and good about herself. I hope she loves Brazil! You should think about joining them!! ;)

Shaina C

ummm lets see.. a few things she might not already know...
Just a little something to expect (because she might not be use to it). In a lot of non tourist areas and residential homes you have to throw away what you wipe. You can't flush the toilet paper down the toilet (that was just something weird I had to get use to at first).
She should really learn basic portuguese. English isn't widely spoken at all. I stayed with a friends family. They literally knew a few words of english (if that).
Travel light!!
Depending on where she is going the weather is different. I can only tell you about Fortaleza - Ceara area in the northeast. If she is anywhere near there .. I stayed during winter months (brasilian winter) and the weather was beautiful. The sun feels closer, the skies are clear, the water is warm (and don't let too many bathing and bathroom stories in the ocean scare her away .. **** .. that happens everywhere and the water is still gorgeous).
The whole acai craze is going on here.. tell her to try real acai juice (it is so much different then what we have here).
Just tell her to be open and keep a smile on her face. I enjoyed wonderful days with people that have become family to me. There are friendly people all around (not to mention beautiful). She will have a blast (I can't wait to head back this summer myself)!!
Oh and make her go to the local market and buy a brasilian bikini (somehow I gained more confidence in a tiny bikini down there then I ever have in the states and you can't beat 15 bucks for a suit).

Buzz B

check out the book "rio for Partiers"- they also have a website online. it has good advice on safety and places to go and things to do for younger folks, its in it 7th edition.... older folks like it too

donÂ´t bring valuables here, bring an old camera, dont wear jewelry (expensive) go out at night in pairs at least.

Stay in Zona Sul - Ipanema and Copacabana, recommend Ipanema, it is a bit safer and cleaner, and better shopping.

the guidebook has great recommendations for things to do and routes to take on a day to day basis. explains what the foods you see being sold on the street and beaches are and encourages you to try them, like a local would if you were friends with one.

A day of relaxation, recommend good spa and relaxing on the beach. adventure, try paragliding, cultural check out the museums. clubbing check out Lapa,

yellow taxis are safe the meters work properly 90% of the time.

BRING SUNSCREEN - its crazy expensive here, donÂ´t know why, and BRING BUG REPELLANT (mosquito) they sometimes have a dingue fever problem from the mosquitos.

(and hey- why did someone give me a thumbs down- not cool)

cisne n.egro

Brazil has 26 states, 5.564 municipal districts, area of 8.514.876,599 kmÂ², equivalent to 47% of the South American territory. It would be good you saying where she is coming so that we can help him. What doubt species do you have?

OracleDave

You need to be aware of the crime levels in Brazil. It's one of the more dangerous places in the world to travel, tops the lists by some criteria. That doesn't mean don't go, it means be on guard. Don't get too drunk and wander aimlessly at night.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: