Travel Tips
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Airport Fees
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| If you have an international or domestic flight in Brazil you may pay departure tax. You can pay in Reais (Brazilian currency) or credit card. Not all airports will accept your credit card. It will make your life a little easier if you have some Reais ready before you take your flight. Usually the international airports in Brazil have a money exchange stand to help passenger to exchange currency before leaving the country. Obviously Reais are used only inside Brazil. |
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Passport
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| Check you passport expiration date before your departure to Brazil. It would be difficult to get a new passport while you are traveling in Brazil. You can't leave the country if you don't have a new passport. Avoid being stuck in Brazil for a week or so to get a new passport. It is usually a good idea to leave a copy of you passport with a family member in case you lose your passport during your trip in Brazil. Also make a copy of your credit card (s), traveler's checks and your plane ticket. |
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Film
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| During your visit in Brazil it is important that you protect your films against humidity. In case you decide to take a tour to the Amazon a few zip-loc bags would be appropriate for the weather. If possible buy your films in your home country because films in Brazil are expensive. Usually the films that you buy in Brazil are stored in a hot and humid area and the quality of the film may not be that good. In Manus you can buy your film in a Duty Free Zone centre where most of the stores carry different brands of film. When you are in the jungle, there are less light than when you are in a boat for you to take pictures. |
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Change
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| It is a good idea to carry a little of local currency with you in case you need to pay for sites that you want to visit (for example the Opera house). Or after a walking tour you want to rest and want a drink or a coffee and you need to pay in Reais. Most of the stores don't accept other currency other than Reais. Be cautious when paying for something in a store on in the street - for example, don't show off all the money that you have your wallet. |
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Water
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| Always carry a bottle of water with you. Heat and humidity can wear you out and it is a good idea to have water available at all times. Brazil is a very hot country and wherever you are, the heat and humidity makes you consume more water. Bottled mineral water is cheap and can be bought in most food stores. Tap water is not recommended because it can make your stomach upset, but if there is no other choice it is a good idea to carry some water purifier to treat the water before you use it. It is also a good idea to carry some fruit, like fresh oranges, to eat when you are thirsty. |
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Vaccination
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| Talk to your doctor about vaccinations that you need before visiting Brazil. You need a yellow fever international certificate to enter the country. Many travelers also take malaria pills. Although malaria occurs, it is not usually very common. Other ways to avoid malaria are to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants during times when mosquitoes are out, especially at dawn and dusk. Swimming in the river at these times also increases the exposure to mosquitoes. |
