FAQs

1. Does the package price include domestic airfare and if not how much will total domestic airfare cost?
2. Where should I purchase my international airfare?
3. How do we book our domestic flights?
4. Is tipping included and if not, how much should I tip?
5. Should I take cash or credit/debit cards?
6. Are U.S. dollars and Travelers Checks accepted or should I change money before traveling?
7. How can I prevent altitude sickness?
8. What should I pack for my trip and what kind of baggage should I bring?
9. How do I organize an optional excursion?
10. What Standard of Hotel will I be staying in?
11. Do you offer any travel insurance?
12. Are airport taxes included and if not how much should I budget?
13. What about additional taxes - how much should I expect to pay?
14. What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?
15. What is the latest I can book?
16. How do I pay?
17. Are meals included?
18. I am a single traveler, is this tour for me?

1. Does the package price include domestic airfare and 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 no less than 95% of our clients at superb rates. These rates tend to change during the seasons 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.

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2. Where should I purchase my international airfare?

We do not usually purchase international airfare for our clients but can and often do so if requested. Generally we recommend purchasing international airfare through internet web-based companies such as 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.

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3. How do we book our 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.

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4. Is tipping included and 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.

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5. 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 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 and your credit cards being stolen. Major restaurants in big cities accept U.S. dollars while currency exchange locations are easy to find.

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6. 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.

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7. How can I prevent altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can be a problem from 3000m upwards and generally affects those who ascend 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 recommend 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.

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8. 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 should 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 tour and also so as to have your money, tickets and travel documents with you at all times.

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9. 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, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Brazil and Ecuador) that are not published on our website – let your Travel Advisor know and we will get you on that tour.

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10. 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; 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.

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11. 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

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12. Are airport taxes included and 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 from or to Brazil. It is best to verify with your airline if your ticket price includes the departure tax as the Brazilian Airport Authorities require that every person pay a departure tax upon leaving the airport. The cost of the departure taxes are:
International Departure Tax: $38 US
Domestic Departure Tax: First class airports charge R$9.50; second class airports R$7; lower in third and fourth class airports.
Please note that these prices are subject to change.

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13. 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%.

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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.

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15. What 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.

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16. How do I pay?

You may pay for your trip in a number of different manners. We accept all major credit cards as well as check, wire transfer payments, and direct deposits. It is completely up to you. Please ask your Travel Advisor for more details.

We accept all credit card payments via PayPal, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. This is a secure and easy way to proceed with your payment. Should you have any questions regarding Paypal, please do not hesitate to ask.

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17. 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.

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18. I am a single traveler, is this tour for me?

Yes. We have had many single travelers throughout the years and 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 topmost concern.

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