Key facts
Brazil is a country located in South America. There are 10 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela) that Brazil shares its borders with. The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Traveling across Brazil if English is your first (and only) language may be difficult due to language barriers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Brazil was ranked 60th out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Brazil is Brazilian real (BRL). The real (R$) is subdivided into 100 centavo.
Brazilian
Banknotes
R$2R$5R$10R$20R$50R$100R$1
Brazilian
Coins
5102550R$11
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Brazil is 217.84 Mbps and mobile is 171.24 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density Brazil has more ATMs than most other countries.94.47 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Brazil, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Brazil. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries. Type N is not very common around the world, so it might be a good idea to check if your electronics need an adapter.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Brazil will celebrate 13 national public holidays. Furthermore, there are one holiday that are only celebrated in certain parts of Brazil. The next one Tiradentes will take place on April 21.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024 | New Year’s DayConfraternização Universal | |
| February 12, 2024Moving holiday | CarnivalCarnaval | |
| February 13, 2024Moving holiday | CarnivalCarnaval | |
| March 29, 2024Moving holiday | Good FridaySexta-feira Santa | |
| March 31, 2024Moving holiday | Easter SundayDomingo de Páscoa | |
| April 21, 2024 | TiradentesDia de Tiradentes | |
| May 1, 2024 | Labour DayDia do Trabalhador | |
| May 30, 2024Moving holiday | Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi | |
| July 9, 2024 | Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932Revolução Constitucionalista de 1932 | Regional holiday |
| September 7, 2024 | Independence DayDia da Independência | |
| October 12, 2024 | Our Lady of AparecidaNossa Senhora Aparecida | |
| November 2, 2024 | All Souls’ DayDia de Finados | |
| November 15, 2024 | Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República | |
| December 25, 2024 | Christmas DayNatal |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Brazil?
There are Mariott hotels in Guarulhos.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Brazil.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Brazil.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Brazil.
There are Radisson hotels in 11 cities.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Brazil.
What fast food chains are present in Brazil?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Brazil.
The KFC chain operates in Brazil.
The Burger King chain operates in Brazil.
The Subway chain operates in Brazil.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Brazil.
The Starbucks chain operates in Brazil.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Brasília?
Weather data for Brasília (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in 8 cities.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Brazil
Sources
- Brazil Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Brazil (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage: Illegal
Medical usage: Legal in certain circumstances
Sources
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)