The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
BrazilA little local knowledge.
Experience the energy of Rio's beaches, the rhythm of samba, and the vast wonder of the Amazon rainforest.
Bottled water is recommended.
Ambulance: 192
Brazilian Real
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Brazil
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Use 99 or Uber instead of street taxis
Both apps are widely available in major cities and much safer than hailing a cab. Fares are set upfront, routes are tracked, and the driver is identified. 99 is the local Brazilian app and often runs cheaper than Uber.
Don't assume people speak Spanish
Brazil's language is Portuguese, and Brazilians are proud of the distinction. Speaking Spanish or assuming they understand it is one of the fastest ways to annoy someone.
Get a local SIM or eSIM
Vivo, Claro, and TIM are the major carriers with reliable 4G/5G in cities. eSIM services like Airalo work well for short trips and skip the in-person registration that local SIMs sometimes require.
Don't make the 'OK' hand gesture
The thumb-and-index circle that means 'OK' in the US is considered vulgar and offensive in Brazil. Use a thumbs-up instead — it means the same thing and is very common.
Essential Portuguese (Brazilian) Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry"
"Excuse me (to get attention)"
Take all 66 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Do not drink the tap water
Tap water: NOT SAFE TO DRINK in most areas. Use bottled, boiled, or filtered water for drinking, brushing teeth. Bottled water widely available (Água Mineral — check seal).
Local Pharmacy Rules
Pharmacies (Drogaria São Paulo, Pague Menos, Raia) are widely available. Pharmacists can consult for minor ailments. Many prescription medications are available over the counter with pharmacist consultation.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Brazil
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Brazil.
99
99 is Brazil's biggest ride-hailing app (owned by DiDi). Request a private car, taxi, or motorcycle ride in around 500 cities — wider coverage than Uber. Pay in cash or by card, with upfront pricing and 24-hour ride monitoring.
Uber
Uber works in all major Brazilian cities and is the easiest option for tourists — your existing account and saved payment method from home carry over. Choose from UberX, Comfort, Black, and taxi, all with upfront pricing.
WhatsApp is the backbone of communication in Brazil — used by nearly everyone, including restaurants, hotels, tour guides, and shops for bookings and customer service. It's essential for getting things done on the ground.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Brasília
SES – Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03, 70403-900 – Brasília, DF
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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