The ultimate packing check-list for Brazil: What to bring on your trip

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Packing for Brazil requires more than just the basics - you’ll want to be prepared for its tropical climate, beaches, outdoor activities, a lot of noise, and long bus rides.

This list covers the items you’ll need specifically for Brazil, from the right clothing for the heat and humidity to must-have items for the beach, rainforest, and cities. Whether you're heading to Rio or the Amazon, these packing tips will help you travel comfortably. Plus, find out what not to pack.

This is my ultimate packing check-list for Brazil

Ready to pack? No matter where you're going on holiday, from the beach to the Amazon Rainforest, - this check-list has you covered.

Check off the items below once you've packed them. Plus, don't forget to book your accommodation, bus tickets, and travel insurance ahead of time, especially if you're travelling in the high season.

The essentials for your trip

• Passport - you'll need a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity after your date of entry, and don’t forget to check if you need an eVisa.

• Insurance paperwork - bring a hard copy of your insurance details just in case anything goes wrong.

• Power adaptor - see this guide to find out which travel adaptor you need for Brazil or buy a universal power adaptor, ideal for your future trips.

• Wise Debit Card - I personally use the Wise Debit Card for my travel in Brazil, both for card payments and to withdraw money from the ATM. The card has no international transaction fees and great exchange rates.

• Medications – You may also need to carry enough prescription medication for the duration of your trip. You can check the availability and price of medications you need on the websites of local pharmacies such as Pague Menos and Drogaria Sao Paulo.

Bags, packing & security

• Backpack - Unless you're really planning a very luxurious getaway, carrying a backpack is the most convenient way to travel Brazil. You'll likely be getting on and off busses, boats, and walking along cobblestone roads or sand to get to your accommodation.

• Packing cubes - I love using packing cubes to keep my backpack organised

• Small daypack or tote - for day trips

• Fanny pack - ideal for travel in the city, and for going to Carnaval or big parties, where you need to take a little more care with your security. I recommend this anti-theft fanny pack that has lockable zippers and cannot be cut. Alternatively, for Carnaval and major festivals like Lollapalooza you might want to get a hidden money belt to wear under your clothes for your phone and cash.

• Hanging toiletries bag - a toiletries bag that you can hang up in the shower is a game changer, especially when staying in hostels. Fill it with some travel sized toiletries and you're good to go. Or, of you prefer to bring your own toiletries from home, I use these small travel-sized bottles that you can fill with your own products.

• Padlocks - keep your belongings secure by locking your suitcase or backpack. Plus, while many hostels in Brazil provide a locker, they often do not provide the padlock. I recommend buying a combination lock so there is no risk of you losing the key.

• RFID blocking wallet - optional but useful for crowded cities and major events like Carnival

Staying healthy

• Insulated water bottle -save plastic, as well as saving money refilling your bottle. Free drinking water is readily available in Brazil, including in places like bus stations and airports, and public parks. Most accommodation has a water filter. Throw some ice in to keep yourself cool all day in the hot Brazilian sun. This one is my pick, and it comes in a variety of colours and sizes.

• 50+ Sunscreen - the Brazilian sun is STRONG! Make sure to bring a good sunscreen every day, I like Nivea because it feels less greasy, and I use La Roche-Posay on my face every day.

• Mosquito repellant - no matter where you're going in Brazil, make sure to carry mosquito repellant. Yes, even in the cities, where Dengue is present. I personally use OFF brand as it works for several hours, and has a more pleasant smell than some others. I travel with the large one to put on before leaving the house, and a travel sized to carry around with me during the day.

• Hand sanitiser for public toilets, markets, and street food

• Electrolytes - Brazil is hot and you're going to sweat, a lot. Bring some good sports electrolytes to help stay hydrated, I like Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets.

• Small personal first aid kit - with antiseptic wipes, bandaids, etc

For a good night’s sleep: Hostels & overnight busses

• Inflatable travel pillow - An inflatable pillow is perfect for sleeping on planes and long overnight bus, then folds away when you're not using it.

• Travel blanket - the bus air conditioning can be absolutely freezing. Hostel rooms can be too, don’t always provide a blanket - I use my travel blanket more than you'd expect.

• Earplugs - A good pair of earplugs are life-changing. They are not only good for sleeping in hostel dorms, but also for sleeping on planes and overnight busses, and sleeping through loud music (inevitable in Brazil). I find wax earplugs most comfortable and will never travel without them again.

• Eye-mask - The night bus will turn on the lights at every stop, so you'll need an eye-mask to get a good nights sleep

For a day at the beach

You'll need these if you're visiting Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Ilha Grande, or Morro de Sao Paulo

• Canga - Brazilians DO NOT take a towel to the beach, in fact, it's a bit of a social faux-pas. Instead, the bring a canga, a light-weight sarong to sit on and wear.

• Brazilian Bikini - another faux-pas is to wear a western-style bikini with modest bottoms. Brazilians call these a "diaper bikini" so if you want to blend in with the locals, you should try out a Brazilian bikini.

• Havaianas - the Brazilian shoe of choice. Grab some for your trip, or even better, buy a new pair in Brazil as a souvenir from your trip. They're cheaper in Brazil and have more design choices.

• Cap – you’ll need a hat for the hot sun, but it's best to wear a simple cap, or you'll stand out as a gringo.

• Snorkel - traveling with a snorkel is great, as it allows you to jump in and snorkel at any beach you visit. If you're someone who loves the water you'll save money in the long run not by not renting snorkel, and can take a peak underwater even at places that don't have a snorkel rental available.

• Kindle - Though I love a paper book, a Kindle is an absolute game changer, especially if you want to carry enough books to last through Brazil's very long bus rides or days at the beach.

• Reef safe sunscreen is required in some protected reefs and marine parks

For hiking & the outdoors

You might need these if you're visiting the Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal, Chapada Diamantina, or Foz do Iguacu

• Dry bag - keep your electronics and passport safe during rain, river crossings, or boat travel in a dry bag.

• Flashlight - useful in lodges and remote areas, I prefer a head lamp for hiking

• Poncho - it rains a lot in Brazil, so consider a light poncho that folds up small to fit in your day bag

• Binoculars - if your trip is centred around wildlife spotting or birdwatching, investing in a small travel-sized binoculars can help you spot even easy to miss birds and animals that don't want to be seen.

• Waterproof phone case - a waterproof phone case is a great buy if you're visiting Foz do Iguacu, where the spray from the falls can soak you. It's also a good idea for boat trips.

For a party at Carnival

You'll need these if you're going to a bloco (street party) at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

• Costumes: Lightweight, breathable clothing, anything shiny or with sequins, and the more multi-coloured the better. Don't forget comfy footwear for dancing all day in blocos.

• Money Belt - Carry your fun fanny-pack to carry glitter and other bits and pieces, together with a hidden money belt to hide your phone and money under your clothes.

• Accessories - Fun wigs, glitter, face paint, headbands, sunglasses, or anything else bright and colourful.

• Cheap backup phone - reduces risk of loss

• See my full Carnival packing list

What not to bring

• Expensive jewelry - It's best to leave your expensive jewelry at home. In the cities, you don't want to wear expensive jewelry due to the risk of theft, and in general, in smaller towns where people dress more casually or in beach attire, you'll stand out.

• Foreign cash - It's best not to bring foreign cash to exchange in Brazil. Currency exchange offices offer pretty low rates, and you'll typically get a better rate taking money out of the ATM.

• Large amounts of cash - Daily payments are commonly made by card or contactless. Carrying large sums increases risk.

• Large suitcases - Cobblestone streets, beaches, buses, and boats, make oversized luggage difficult to manage.

• Single voltage 240V appliances - Items like hair straighteners, curling irons, kettles, and travel irons that are rated only for 240V can be damaged if plugged into a 127V outlet.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• I use Bookaway to find cheap bus & ferry tickets and private transfers , or and Kiwi to find cheap flights. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone

• 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.

• Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil

• Last but not least, discover 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil