Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
The vaccinations recommended for visiting Brazil include:
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Hepatitis A: Regardless of where you’re staying, it’s a good idea.
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Hepatitis B: If you plan on getting tattoos, piercings, or any medical procedures.
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Typhoid: Especially if you’re staying with locals or in rural areas.
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Yellow Fever: Required if traveling to certain regions.
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Rabies: Consider if you’ll be in close contact with animals.
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Routine Vaccines: Make sure you’re up to date on measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and influenza.
Check current health advisories for any updates before you go. Safe travels!
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Brazil, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BrazilCulture & Customs
Brazilians are friendly and open, so expect lots of physical contact like hugs and cheek kisses. Use ”Senhor” or ”Senhora” with older people and professionals. Avoid discussing politics unless you know someone well. Dress modestly in churches and avoid flashy jewelry in public for safety. LGBTQ+ travelers often find Brazil welcoming, but be cautious in more conservative regions. Women should be prepared for some unwanted attention; a firm ”não” usually works. Remember to eat with your hands only for finger foods. Tip around 10%, as it’s not automatically included.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Brazil.
- Feijoada: A hearty black bean stew loaded with pork cuts, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. It’s a staple because it represents the blend of cultures within Brazil, originating from Portuguese influences and African traditions.
- Moqueca: A flavorful fish stew cooked with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and coriander. It’s popular in the coastal regions, particularly Bahia and Espírito Santo, showcasing the country’s rich seafood and African culinary heritage.
- Pão de Queijo: These small, cheesy bread balls made from tapioca flour are a beloved snack across the country. Originating from the state of Minas Gerais, they’re a perfect example of Brazilian comfort food.
- Acarajé: A deep-fried ball made from black-eyed peas and stuffed with spicy shrimp paste. It’s a street food favorite in Bahia, introduced by African slaves, and holds cultural significance during religious festivities.
- Brigadeiro: A classic Brazilian sweet treat made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. It’s a must at birthdays and celebrations, embodying the Brazilian love for sweets.
In Brazil, locals often drink tap water, but it can vary in safety from region to region. For tourists, sticking to bottled or filtered water is generally recommended to avoid any potential stomach issues. Always check with locals or your accommodation if you’re unsure about the tap water quality in specific areas.
The main language in Brazil is
Portuguese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Portuguese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Brazil includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Brazil,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. In major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, you’ll find more English speakers, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Many younger Brazilians, particularly those in urban centers and higher education, often have a decent command of English.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English is less commonly spoken. Many locals may understand basic phrases, but fluent communication can be challenging. It’s advisable for travelers to learn some basic Portuguese phrases, as this can enhance interactions and show respect for the local culture.
While English is taught in schools, the level of proficiency can be inconsistent. Therefore, travelers should be prepared for a mix of experiences, from helpful locals who speak English well to those who may not speak it at all. Overall, while you can navigate Brazil with English in tourist hotspots, knowing some Portuguese can greatly enrich your experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Brazil is BRL (R$).
ATMs: Brazil’s got plenty of ATMs in major cities, but stick to those inside banks or malls for safety. Avoid withdrawing late at night. Banco do Brasil and Bradesco are usually reliable for international cards.
Cash: Always good to have some reais in your pocket for street vendors or small shops. ATMs can run out of cash during holidays, so plan ahead.
Currency: No need to carry dollars or euros. Exchange rates at airports are notoriously bad, so save those for emergencies only. If you must exchange, use official exchange offices (cambios) in cities.
Cards: Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but don’t count on them in remote spots. Visa and MasterCard are your best bets.
Exchange: If you need to exchange, look for cambios in tourist areas or use ATMs for the best rates. Avoid street exchanges; they’re sketchy at best.
A 10% service charge is often included in the bill at Brazilian restaurants, so check before tipping extra. If service isn’t included, leave a 10% tip directly. Taxis don’t require tips, but rounding up to the nearest real is appreciated.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.