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.

Here are 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. Check your passport and visa requirements

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date, or you will be denied entry.

Visa requirements for Brazil depend on your nationality. For short stays up to 90 days, some travelers need an e-visa, including those from Australia, Canada, and the USA, while others can visit as a tourist visa-free, including the UK, most Schengen Area, and South American countries. Other countries have their own visa agreements with Brazil. Some nationalities are also eligible to apply for a tourist visa extension if you are hoping to have a longer trip in Brazil.

For more information see my guide to the new tourist e-Visa for visitors from Australia, Canada and the USA, or apply for a Digital Nomad Visa for longer stays.

*Disclaimer: Visa rules are always changing, always check Brazil’s official government website or consult your local Brazilian embassy for up-to-date visa information before travelling.

2. Learn a little Portuguese & download Google Translate offline

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 some basic phrases will go a long way to improving communication with locals, making it easier to do basic day-to-day tasks like ordering food and navigating transportation, as well as deepening your travel experience by connecting better with local people and making friends.

Before you arrive in Brazil: Did you know you can download languages on Google Translate to use offline? Make sure to download Portuguese to your Google Translate app so that you can use it even when you don't have internet.

3. Download rideshare apps & add a credit card

Uber and 99 Pop (a local rideshare app) are widely used in Brazil. They are generally safer and more reliable than taxis, and are usually cheaper too. Having Uber is especially important if you are travelling in big cities, like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Salvador, where it is unsafe to walk around certain areas and to walk at night. Always use Uber with credit card rather than cash, as drivers rarely carry change.

Before you arrive in Brazil: Download and set up both apps! Some people have trouble installing Uber from Brazil, as the Brazilian version of the app requires a CPF (tax number), so it's better to download and set it up before you arrive. Set up the apps with a credit card before arrive so you can jump in an Uber from the airport without any hassle.

4. Get a Wise debit card & add it to your digital wallet

Wise is an international money transfer service that offers great deals on debit cards for travelling. Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL), so using a Wise card allows you to make transactions using your home currency in Brazil, giving you competitive exchange rates and some fee-free ATM withdrawals. WISE usually has lower fees and better rates than using a regular bank debit card, and will give you significantly better exchange rates than exchanging cash. I actually don't recommend exchanging cash at all in Brazil due to the low exchange rates offered at money changers.

Find out more in my post about why I personally use the Wise Debit Card for my travel in Brazil

Before you arrive in Brazil: Once you sign up, you can create a digital debit card right away, and add it to your Google Wallet or Apple Pay. This allows you to make purchases without using your physical card, and is generally considered safer as physical credit cards can be cloned (this is unfortunately a common problem for tourists in Rio de Janeiro). You can also order a physical card if you need one for using ATMs.

*Disclaimer: Read the terms and conditions before deciding if this product is right for you.

5. Get Travel & Health Insurance

Travel insurance is an absolute must for travellers to Brazil. While Brazil does offer free emergency healthcare through SUS (public health clinics), the quality and speed of the care you will receive is unlikely to meet your expectations, especially if you require a major procedure. Private healthcare is also available, but it is expensive. At a minimum, get insurance coverage for accidents and medical emergencies, as these can be financially crippling, especially if you require emergency surgery or to be evacuated.

I personally recommend SafetyWing as a comprehensive option that provides both travel and health insurance in one policy. This means you're covered for medical emergencies as well as things like travel delays and lost luggage. Visit SafetyWing for more info and to get a quote, or see my guide to buying travel insurance.

6. Get Vaccinated & bring necessary medications

Check with a travel doctor to find out what vaccines you may need for your trip. Many countries will ask for proof of a Yellow Fever vaccine if you have recently travelled in Brazil, even if you did not visit endemic areas. These include Australia, Singapore, Thailand, India, South Africa, and others.

Anti-malarial medication may be considered for travel in specific regions, such as for longer trips in the Amazon Rainforest.

You may also need to carry enough prescription medication for the duration of your trip. Though generally, medication in Brazil is cheap and readily available, sold under local brand names. You can check ahead of time whether the medications you need are available for sale in Brazil, and the prices, by searching the websites of local pharmacies such as Pague Menos and Drogaria Sao Paulo.

7. Buy an e-SIM

Reliable internet access is really important - it allows you to use Google Maps, call an Uber (which is important for safety), and use Whatsapp - Brazil's main form of communication. eSIMs can be purchased and set up before you arrive in Brazil, ensuring that you remain connected from the moment you land.

Buying a physical SIM card as a foreigner is notoriously difficult as most service providers require a CPF & Brazilian ID card. Save yourself the hassle and get an e-SIM, and set it up before you arrive.

I personally recommend Airalo - their data plans for Brazil are competitively priced and provide flexibility for short trips. As of November 2025, plans start from USD $4.50 for a one-week Brazil plan, and they also offer Latin America regional plans for those travelling to other countries.

8. Apply for a CPF if staying longer-term

A CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is a tax identification number that is commonly used in Brazil. A CPF is generally not required for tourists on short stays, however if you are staying in Brazil for an extended period, having a CPF can make your life so much 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.

9. What are you forgetting to pack? Check my ultimate packing list for Brazil

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 destinations you've chosen, and at the correct time of year. See my packing check-list for specific recommendations on clothing, bags, and other essential travel items.

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 my list of the most useful apps you should download before you go to Brazil, that will help to make sure your trip runs smoothly:

• Uber - download and set up before you arrive.

• 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 debit card, monitor exchanges rates, send and receive money, set up wallets in multiple currencies, and much more

• 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 your credit and 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, install the app ahead of your trip. I recommend Airalo, which currently offers discounts: 15% off for new customers (code: NEWTOAIRALO15) or 10% off for existing customers (code: AIRALOESIM10)

• 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. Even better, download some Brazilian Music to learn before you arrive.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil