5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Brazil
Portuguese is Brazil’s Primary Language
The Portuguese colonized Brazil, so despite being located in South America among other Spanish-speaking countries, Brazilians speak Portuguese. More often than not, if you try to speak English or Spanish to a local, they will not understand you. Exceptions can be made for tourist attractions and restaurants that are catered to tourist, but outside of these groups you will need to use your translation app to communicate.
Learn a Few Basic Portuguese Phrases Before You Go
Surprisingly, I found everyday phrases in Portuguese easy to learn. In no time, I was greeting people, ordering food, and counting in Portuguese. If you’ve studied Spanish like myself, you’ll probably find Portuguese easier to learn since the languages share similar alphabets and grammar. If you take the time to learn words and their pronunciation you will be set for your trip!
- Good Morning -> Bom Dia
- Good Night -> Buena Noche
- Hey -> Oi
- Please -> Por Favor
- Thank You -> Obrigada/o
- How Much -> Eu Quero
- No -> Nao
- Bye -> Tchao
Use a Translation App with Offline Mode
If you don’t speak Portuguese then I’d recommend downloading the Google Translate app.
Avoid Drawing Attention as a Tourist in Brazil
Use a Quiet Voice in Public Spaces
A common concern I hear among tourists is wanting to avoid being scammed. Tourists often give themselves away by speaking loudly in public. Because most people speak Portuguese, any foreign language stands out instantly. I recommend using your indoor voice, even when you’re outside, to avoid unwanted attention.
Blend in With Locals Through Dress and Behavior
Wearing flashy Gold or Silver Jewelry makes you an easy target while traveling. If you have an heirloom or a priceless piece that means the world to you, I’d recommend leaving them at home—especially when traveling during high tourism seasons like Carnival and New Years. Luckily, Rio offers lots of street fairs where you can buy gorgeous costume jewelry for half the price you would back home.
Local advice is crucial and shouldn’t be disregarded. Based on my research, Brazilians have commented that thieves are attracted to the latest technology devices. So if you happen to snag the latest iPhone or have an expensive camera, I’d recommend tucking these items away in a bag. Especially when walking about the streets. You don’t want to make yourself a target anymore than you may appear as a gringo!
Brazil Is a Cashless Society
Credit Cards Are Widely Accepted in Rio de Janeiro
I dare say Rio is largely a cashless society. Every food stall vendor, grocery store, and shopping mall accepts credit cards as a form of payment. Of course, cash is accepted and used, but the majority of my transactions were done with my Capital One Venture X card (with no foreign transaction fees!). Don’t stress about how much cash to bring! I exchanged $50 and still returned home with extra cash.
Keep Receipts and Watch for Payment Scams
Recently, travelers have reported scams where smaller vendors are overcharging customer’s cards. The vendor will swipe the card, say the payment didn’t go through, then proceed to swipe the card again with a different payment terminal. To avoid this scam, insist on swiping the card yourself and look at the screen for messages that pop up. Lastly, always ask for a receipt to double check the amounts you were charged.
Explore Rio de Janeiro Beyond the Beaches
Explore beyond South Zone
South Zone Rio de Janeiro has many benefits. It’s close to the beach, bars, and boutique clothing stores—but other neighborhoods have so much to offer. Dear to take the unbeaten path and explore neighborhoods like Santa Teresa, Joatinga, Tijuca and more!
Santa Teresa Art and Culture
If you want to experience the “real” Rio without venturing into a favela then exploring the neighborhoods in Santa Teresa will satisfy your cravings. I found the neighborhoods here to feel more residential, where locals live, eat, and shop. The streets are uniquely decorated by graffiti and murals that give a peak into art and culture in Rio. Luckily, the Museum of Modern Art is in the same area, here you can learn more about the histories of art transformation in Rio de Janeiro.
Tijuca National Park
Tijuca has a great mix of nature, tranquility, and luxury shopping experiences. Malls are a gathering place for family and friends. I found Shopping Tijuca to offer high quality clothing stores, seamless architecture, and high quality of customer service. The next time I visit, I’ll bring extra baggage for my new finds! Finally, awarded the world’s largest urban jungle, Tijuca National Park provides a break from the blocos and crazy carnival crowds. Here you’d be surrounded by lush tropical plants, the shrill of toucans, and sightings of monkeys.
Joatinga Beach Day Trip
Once you’ve explored all the South Zone beaches, head to Joatinga beach for a change of scenery! While the path to get down to the beach may seem sketchy, the hike is well worth it. As if it were carved out of a mountain range, Joatinga is nestled on the edge of an affluent community, Joa. Grab a cold coconut and enjoy tanning in the sun while listening to the crash of the waves. It can get crowded towards the end of the day, so start your day here in the early AM! If you’re an early riser, get here in time to watch the sunrise and enjoy the colorful horizon as the city awakens.
Have a Balanced Itinerary for Rio
I’m not saying you shouldn’t take advantage of the countless beaches Rio de Janeiro has to offer, but make sure you include other activities in your itinerary as well. Rio de Janeiro is a large city that offers something for everyone whether you’re a thrill-seeker, culture enthusiast, or nature lover. If you love music, make sure you find the street performers that sing traditional samba and funk! If you love art, leave time to explore Santa Taresa and the street art that it boasts. If you love food, join a food tour around Little Africa and learn about the various African influences on Brazilian cuisine.
Unique Activities to do in Rio de Janeiro
- Visit the botanical gardens
- Learn about the history of samba and funk
- Explore the local architecture
