Before your travel you should know some useful advices, that will make your stay even more enjoyable. Basically, they are the same issues you have to know before traveling to any country, but adapted to Brazil.

Tourists from Europe and South America don't need visa. Visitors from United States, Canada and other countries need visa due to the "Reciprocity Policy". Normally visa isn't required from 90 to 180 days, depending on the country of origin, and may be renewed up to one year. More information about Brazil visa.

Further information with a list of Brazil embassies and consulates in Ministry of External Relations' site.

The currency in Brazil is the "Real". It can be exchanged in banks, authorized travel agencies and hotels. The Brazilian currency has kept a reasonable stability. Now, 1 USD = more or less 2,60 "reais".

International credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil. Traveler's checks are also easily exchangeable in banks. The "Banco do Brasil" is the largest bank with agencies in almost brazilian cities. You can use your cards for shopping, to pay hotels, hire cars or other more expensive services.

For security and comfort it's better if you pay your daily and minor expenses in cash. Let most part of your money locked and carry only the enough.

The vaccine against the Yellow Fever is recommendable for all tourists visiting the following Brazilian States: Acre, Amazon, Amapá, Federal District, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins. IMPORTANT: You have to take the vaccine 10 days before traveling.

Before going to Brazil you need an international certificate of vaccination against the Yellow Fever for tourists coming from: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Ditch, Cameroun, Colombia, Ecuador, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, French Guayana, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Democratic republic of the Congo, Mountain range Lioness, Sudan, Venezuela and Zaire. If you've been traveling by these countries you need the certificate as well.

The Certificate International of Vaccination against Poliomielitis is needed for children aged up to six years.

With a little caution and good sense you can spend your time in Brazil tranquilly. Small and medium cities in Brazil are quite safe, but while traveling by the big ones just follow a few safeguards:

• Carry less valuables you can.
• Keep your passport safely stored, and carry its photocopy.
• Use your cameras and cumputers discreetly, don't show off lots of money, jewels or other objects that could gather the attention of thieves.
• Always keep your stuff in physical contact with you, keep them on your front, unless they are locked in somewhere safe.
• In the big cities, try to stay in the most touristic areas. If you want to see other parts of the city, Embratur can indicate a registered guide to escort you.

• It is recommended that you drink bottled water.
• Electric Current: 110 or 220 volts. Ask before using your devices.
• In the most touristic places you may find people that speak English, but try to learn some Portuguese phrases or buy an electronic dictionary.
• Use sunscreen during the day. In some places you'll need mosquito repellents, if your hotel doesn't provide you with one.
• A travel insurance is also recommended, like for any other trip.