Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to Brazil

1. How does Brazil For Less work?

• Call Brazil for Less, fill out one of our online forms, or email a request. We will pair you with your personal travel advisor within 24 hours.
• Your travel advisor will help you customize the trip of your dreams in Latin America by sharing destination highlights & giving you expert travel advice.
• Once you are happy with your travel itinerary, simply confirm with 30% as a down payment.
• You will receive full confirmation for your trip approximately 3-4 weeks after booking. We will coordinate everything from planes and boats to hotels and tours.
• Your travel advisor will remind you about your trip balance (if any) one month before your trip.
• Brazil For Less will send reservation requests to all of the hotels on your preference list, but normally the hotels take one week or more to reply. We also confirm hotels that you did not request, in order to have a back-up hotel just in case your requested hotel is already fully booked. We will always make sure that the backup hotel is of the same quality as your preferred choice. All of our hotels are handpicked to ensure your quality and comfort.

2. Is a visa required for entry to Brazil?

A tourist visa is required upon entry to Brazil for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Travelers not within this group are advised to check with the Brazilian consulate where they reside for visa requirements and inquiries.

3. How long does it take for a Brazil tourist visa to process?

A Brazilian visa can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to process. This length of time depends on the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. Be aware that there is greater demand for the Brazil tourist visa during peak season (October to February) and as such, applications will take longer to process during this time. Be sure to submit your application within a decent timeframe of your trip, as applications sent in too early may run the risk of expiring before your vacation even begins – the Brazil tourist visa is valid for 90 days starting from the date it has been issued.

For more information on obtaining a Brazil tourist visa, please visit our Latin America For Less Travel Blog.

4. Does the package price include domestic airfare; if not, how much will total domestic airfare cost?

Unfortunately the package price does not include domestic airfare, but we can and do pre-purchase all domestic transportation for 95% of our clients at superb rates. These rates tend to change depending on the season so please feel free to contact one of our Travel Advisors to get a quote for all the domestic transport you will need on your trip.

5. Where should I purchase my international flights?

We do not usually purchase international flights for our clients but can, and often do so, if requested. Generally we recommend purchasing international flights through internet web-based companies such as http://www.cheapoair.com, www.kayak.com, or www.expedia.com. They do offer the best deals in international airfare and are highly recommended. Please note that we do not receive a commission from any of these companies – we are simply trying to live up to our name and provide you with the best possible prices out there.

6. How do I book domestic flights?

You may talk to our Travel Advisors about arranging your domestic flights. We offer very competitive rates and pre-purchase all domestic transportation for 95% of our clients. You may also purchase domestic airfare through the Internet.

7. Are airport taxes included? If not, how much should I budget?

Airport taxes are not included in the price of the package but are usually included in the price of the ticket for international flights to or from Brazil. It is best to verify with your airline if your ticket price includes the departure tax.

For all flights from Sao Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), all passengers must pay a national or international departure tax to the airline upon leaving the airport.

International: $38 USD

Domestic:
$9.50 reais ($5.32 USD) for first-class airports
$7.00 reais ($3.92 USD) for second-class airports
Lower in third and fourth-class airports

Please note that these prices are subject to change.
Please note that other airports in Brazil may have different departure tax rates and policies.

8. When is the latest I can book?

You can book your tour 10 business days before arrival. We need to have received your payment in full as well as all relevant information regarding your trip at least 10 working days before you begin your trip. If you book your tour within 5-10 business days before your tour, a late fee of $60 per group will apply. If you book with less than 5 business days in advance, a late fee of $100 per group will apply.

9. How do I pay?

You may pay for your trip in a number of different methods. We accept checks, wire transfer payments, and direct deposits. It is completely up to you. Please ask your sales representative for more details.

10. Do you offer any travel insurance?

For your own peace of mind, we offer travel insurance through iTravelInsured. Please contact one of our Travel Advisors for more information.

11. Should I take cash or credit/debit cards?

We recommend our clients bring cash and a Credit Card and/or Debit Card. Do not use the Credit/Debit Card to pay for meals, etc., but rather to withdraw money from secure Automatic Teller Machines, which are widely available. Firstly, you get a much better exchange rate this way and, secondly, you avoid the risk of a scam artist duplicating your card, being double charged, or your credit cards being stolen. Major restaurants in big cities accept U.S. dollars, while currency exchange locations are easy to find.

12. Are U.S. dollars and Travelers Checks accepted or should I change money before traveling?

U.S. dollars are accepted at major restaurants and hotels but at low exchange rates. Travelers Checks can be quite useful but keep in mind that the exchange rate is much lower for them than it is for cash and it may also be difficult to find a currency exchange location that accepts Travelers Checks. In general we recommend bringing a mix of cash, Credit Cards, and Travelers Checks. Remember that it is always a better idea to take a little more rather than a little less in case of emergencies.

Read more currency tips in our newsletter article.

13. What should I pack for my trip and what kind of baggage should I bring?

We recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome at times. However, it is not impossible to travel with a suitcase if you prefer to do so. Keep in mind that you will regularly have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and up and down staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads. We also recommend you bring a day bag to carry provisions with you while on a tour and so that you are able to safely carry your money, tickets, and travel documents with you at all times.

14. What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?

Brazil requires vaccination for yellow fever for those visiting Amazonia and the center west or those entering from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador or Peru and also for passengers coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic. Vaccination for the yellow fever is also recommended for tourists who intend to visit the following regions of Brazil: north (Acre, Amazonas, Rondônia, Roraima, Amapá, Pará, Tocantins States) and mid-west (Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás e Distrito Federal States) regions of Brazil, to all municipalities of Maranhão and Minas Gerais, to the municipalities located in the South of Piauí, west and south of Bahia, north of Espírito Santo, northwest of São Paulo and west of the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The vaccine should be taken ten days in advance of your trip for you to be fully protected against yellow fever.

15. How can I prevent altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can be a problem from 3000m upwards and generally affects those who ascend to elevation rapidly or over-exert themselves. Diamox is commonly used by visitors from the U.S. and works very well. We also recommend Sorochi or Grovol, both of which can be purchased over-the-counter in the airports upon arrival. We also suggest eating light meals on the first day and avoiding strenuous physical activities until you are acclimatized. It is important to point out that most people do not have any serious problems with the altitude, and as long as you do not perform any aerobic exercise upon arrival, you should be fine.

16. How do I organize an optional excursion?

If you wish to take an optional excursion all you need do is contact your Brazil For Less Travel Advisor and all will be arranged. If you know of any excursions in any of the South American countries we offer (Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil and Ecuador) that are not published on our website – let your Travel Advisor know and we will get you on that tour.

17. What standard of hotel will I be staying in?

All our hotels meet U.S. standards. We at Brazil For Less strive to make sure your stay in Brazil will be as comfortable as possible. We have visited and tested all of the hotels in the area and are convinced that the ones we offer provide the very best service there is, at the best value. All our hotels have: private bathrooms, clean facilities, charming architecture, single and double beds, friendly and efficient staff (this makes a big difference), and a good location. Most of our hotel rooms have: telephone and cable TV with major international networks. Information on all of the hotels we offer – with pictures – is available on our website. Take the time to choose what you believe will be the hotel that best suits your needs, desires, and aspirations for the trip. If you have heard of a hotel in the area and are interested in it but cannot find it on our website, contact us and we will arrange for you to stay in it.

18. Are meals included?

All breakfasts are included – except where stated otherwise. For lunch and dinner we prefer giving our clients the option of choosing where and what they would most like to eat. South America has a number of fantastic restaurants at great value and the cuisine is absolutely superb. We will be more than happy to send you a list of all of our favorite restaurants in the different areas you will be visiting.

19. Is tipping included; if not, how much should I tip?

Tipping is not included. Most services are tipped a mandatory 10%, which is usually included in the bill. We at Brazil For Less are inclined to follow a more liberal approach and feel that you should tip according to how well you were served. Services such as petrol-station attendants, shoe shiners, and barbers are often tipped because of the high unemployment rate. Always remember though that in Latin American countries, a few dollars saved for you is often enough to feed someone for over a week. As for taxi drivers, prices are rounded up and a tip is not expected.

20. What about additional taxes – how much should I expect to pay?

Brazil’s value added tax (VAT) varies from 7-25% at both state and federal levels; on average it is from 17-20%.

21. I am a single traveler – is this tour for me?

Yes. We have had many single travelers throughout the years and have never had any problems. These group tours will be the perfect opportunity to travel with a friendly and interesting group throughout your entire trip. Please realize that your comfort and especially your safety and security are our utmost concern.

22. How does the New Year’s Eve season in Brazil – also known as “Revelion” – differ from peak and off-peak seasons?

Reveillon is nearly as major a celebration as Carnival. Due to this, hotels and other tourist services in Brazil have been significantly increasing their prices during this particular season. Please ask a Travel Advisor how prices for your Brazil Vacation may differ during this time.

23. What can I expect if I travel to Brazil during Carnival?

Like New Year’s in Brazil, Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife, Olinda and other Brazil destinations attract millions of foreign and domestic tourists. As a result, hotel prices go up significantly, and reservations – for hotels, as well as bus and air transport – should be made well in advance.  In some cases, it is necessary to books 4 or 5 months in advance and most hotels require a minimum 5 night stay.