The local currency is the brazilian Real (BRL R$), 1 euro = 6.37 R$ (01/07/2025)
To track the exchange rate, in real time, you can download the application XE. It will help you conversions easily at the rate current, and help you assess the price on the spot.
In brazil, there is no need to have a lot of cash on you because the majority of shops and even small vendors accept credit card payments.
Tip for pay by card :
When you pay by credit card, you will be offered on the terminal "the job" to pay in euros or in real. Choose always the local currency (BRL) to avoid a bad conversion rate.
Tip for removing it from the case :
Prefer distributors banks Bradesco. You can withdraw up to 2500 R$ without charge. During withdrawal, it is sufficient to click on "refuse the exchange rate " proposed by the distributor at the end of the operation for avoid additional charges.
Brazil sometimes has a bad reputation in terms of securitybut the risks are especially concentrated in the large cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo or Salvador. Outside of major cities, the feeling of security is much better. Don't worry, if you follow certain rulesthe risks are very low !
Safety tips :
In Brazil, there are different types of accommodation :
Trick to book your accommodation :
Use WhatsApp : Brazil WhatsApp is very popular to communicate, even with the hotels, inns and accommodation between individuals . Please contact directly the owners or managers via WhatsApp in order to avoid the cost of the reservation platforms such as Booking and Airbnb.
If, unfortunately, they will announce a higher price, do not hesitate to send them a screenshot of the price offered by the sites. In general, they will align to these rates.
Getting around the city :
The local buses are generally between 4 and 6 R$, with a direct payment species the driver.
Uber works very well in most brazilian cities, it is a great alternative practice, much less expensive than the taxis traditionalwhile offering more comfort and safety.
Journeys between towns and cities :
The bus network is brazilian is clean, comfortable and punctual, ideal for short distances-to medium-sized. It is also the means of transport more affordable for longer trips. To optimize your trip, opt for the night bus: you'll save a hotel for the night while keeping your days to explore.
The different categories of bus offer different levels of comfort :
To the purchase of a bus ticketyou can do so directly to the bus terminal (Rodoviária of buses) at the ticket office of the company. If you have a CPF you can buy your tickets directly on the website of the companies. To book your tickets on the internet without CPF, we recommend you the application Busbud. You will have a tax to pay, but at least you will be able to book your bus in advance.
If you have enough timethrough the Brazil bus is a experience rewarding and unique we have had the chance to do. However, for a short stay (2 or 3 weeks), go for the plane to travel long distances and maximize your discoveries.
Application BlaBlaCar also works in Brazil, it is an option economic and user-friendly to travel.
Plane :
Major cities have airports, and flights can save you time. The major companies, LATAM, GOL, and Azul, offer similar prices, sometimes advantageous if you book in advance.
Amazon and the coastal islands :
In The Amazon, the boat is a means of transport current economic andserving many cities located along the river.
The boat is also used for joining the many islands off the coast of brazil.
Although the water is drinking in some citiesmost Brazilians use home filtration systems. To avoid any risk it is advisable to drink bottled water or filtered. Another very convenient solution in the journey, more economical and more eco-friendly is to use a water bottle filter.
If you are subscribed to Freeyou have access to the Internet in Brazil with 25 giga, but the calls are not included.
Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card prepaid with one of the main operators : Vivo, Claro, or TIM. These SIM cards are available in the shops of the operators, in the malls, or sometimes directly to the airport.
To activate a local SIM card, you would usually need to present your passport. Prepaid with mobile data are available at reasonable rates, often tailored to the needs of the tourists. A lot of store request a number CPFwe recommend that you make the request before you leave.
Calls :
To call Brazil from France : dial 00 + 55 + city code + number corresponding (without the initial 0).
To call France from Brazil : call 00 + 21 + 33 + caller's number (without the initial 0).
In Brazil, in restaurants, a service charge of 10 % are usually added to the final addition to pay staff. However, in the case service unsatisfactoryit is quite possible to ask for its removal.
In restaurants or bars with live music, a "covered artistico " can be added to the bill for reward musicians. This amount, often around 15 reals (but can vary), is set by the facility and is generally indicated in advance.
To drive in Brazil, your French license is valid. However, if you stay more than 180 consecutive days, in the country, you will then need to ask the conversion of your driving licence French to get a driving licence brazilian. We will discuss the approach to be followed in this article..
Attention to radar : most are not reported, and are very secretive in the form of small cameras.
Drinking and driving in Brazil : zero tolerance. Brazil enforces a policy of zero tolerance of alcohol at the wheel, called a "Lei Seca" (dry law).
