Brazil

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Welcome to Brazil! 

It’s pretty easy to say any place on earth is a beautiful blend of amazing people, stunning scenery, and encapsulating culture. But Brazil seems to take each of those aspects, and turn the dial as high as it’ll go. The gorgeous Latin culture, stunning beaches – and don’t forget Carnival!

ATM Access 

4.5/5 stars - Bigger banks’ ATMs are more likely to accept international cards, and will be open 6am to 10pm each day. Remember to carry cash if you’re craving some late-night Feijoada! 

Tipping

It’s not standard, but if someone’s serviço was excelente, go for it! 

Phone and Internet access 

As real and reliable as their currency 

Daily cost 

There’s no breaking the bank – prices are real good in Brazil! 

Coffee:  NZ$2.50 (the ‘ol cappiccino)
Water:  NZ$1.30 (330mL bottle)
Beer:  NZ$5.10 (local pint)
Food:  NZ$15 (rice & bean meal)
Taxi:  NZ$15 (Rio airport – city)
Big Mac:  NZ$7.10 (a familiar favourite)

Daily budget 

Budget:  Around NZ$90/day (An overnight stay, 3x cheap   meals, and some museum visits in Mariana)
Moderate:  Around NZ$165/day (Decent accommodation,   good meals, and scuba-diving in Buzios)
Luxury:  Around NZ$220/day (Flash hotels, fine dining, and   a trip on the Curitiba-Paranagua Train!)

Safety rating 

1.5/5 stars - Try and stay one step ahead of your GPS when driving so you don’t end up in a local favela. Otherwise, dodge any political protests, and watch out for pick-pockets. 

Travel Money Trivia 

Olá vizinho (Hi neighbour) 

The real is sometimes used in Uruguay and Paraguay. 

Get your paws on it! 

There’s a different animal on every Brazilian banknote. 

The real royals 

The Brazilian ‘real’ means both real and royal! 

Superstars 

Every Brazilian coin has a constellation printed on it. 

You’ll comma round to it 

$6,00 is 6 reals – Brazil use commas and full stops backwards. 

Let's talk money 

Brazil isn’t the most expensive holiday you could have planned. If you opt for the finest dining you’ll end up forking out a bit, but it’s generally an amazingly cheap place to visit. But to truly make the most of your real, you’ll want to remember these helpful hints: 

  • Smaller sized towns cut transport costs 
  • No alcoholic drinks if you’re driving 
  • US$500 is the import limit 
  • Most attractions cost a few real each 
  • Watch out for credit card skimmers 
  • Some states charge a value-added tax 
  • Booking radio taxis is cheaper and safer 
  • Some taxis try scamming tourists with high prices during popular tourist seasons 

Must do 

Carnival 

Kick off the Easter season with a festival like no other! For four days, Carnival takes over Brazil. 

Olinda 

Take a trip back to colonial times in this historic town. Each red-roofed building is bursting with culture! 

Lencois Maranhenses 

Go swimming in desert lakes. And no, you didn’t misread that! 

Copacabana 

Whether it’s for New Year’s celebrations or beach soccer, this is the world’s ultimate beach! 

Iguaçu Falls 

The Devil’s Throat waterfalls alone are enough to make you fall in love with Brazil! 

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Travel Money NZ has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money NZ accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.