Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency of Brazil?
The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real, divided into 100 centavos. The real is steadily recovering, and in 2016 it was the 19th most traded currency worldwide. ATMs are widely available across Brazil, but please remember that many are locked behind a security door overnight – make sure to draw out any cash you may need for the night during the day. Exchanging cash in one of Brazil’s banks is easy, and generally offers better rates than you would find in the UK.
What language do Brazilians speak?
Unlike the majority of Latin America, the dominant language of Brazil is Portuguese. Naturally, Portuguese spoken in Brazil has its own dialect that varies from European Portuguese – ensure you come equipped with a Brazilian Portuguese phrasebook.
When is the next Carnival of Brazil?
Brazil’s world famous Carnival of Brazil is held between the Friday before Ash Wednesday, and continues until noon on Ash Wednesday. A huge event that brings the people of Brazil together, this explosion of colour and sound sees samba schools lead enormous parades through the nation’s streets, singing and dancing all throughout the day and night.
Despite the focus of the majority of visitors being the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro, stepping outside of the culture capital presents you with a whole new world to explore. From the thick jungles of the Amazon, teeming with its kaleidoscopic flora and fauna, and the expansive Pantanal wetlands with its plethora of rare wildlife, to the latticed windows and cobbled walkways of Paraty and its tranquil coastal vistas, Brazil has something for everyone.
Why you’ll love Brazil…
• Trekking through Iguaçu National Park for spellbinding views of Iguazu Falls
• Traversing the dense rainforests of the Amazon
• Witnessing Pantanal’s exotic wildlife such as the blue macaw, giant anteater and howler monkey
• Cruising across Paraty Bay by schooner at sunset
• People-watching on Copacabana beach
• Practising your dance moves at one of Rio’s samba schools
• Riding a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain
• Gazing down at Brazil from atop Corcovado Mountain
• Iconic selfies of Christ the Redeemer statue
• Exploring the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro
• Getting drenched at the thundering Iguazu Falls
Did you know?
• Approximately 21 miles from Sao Paulo lies Ilha da Queimada Grande – otherwise known as Snake Island. It’s estimated that there’s at least five snakes per square metre. As such, access to the island is strictly prohibited to civilians.
• Though you would think it be Brazil, the main exporter of Brazil nuts is actually Bolivia. Additionally, the Brazil nut is not actually a nut, and is in fact a seed.
• There is a municipality in Brazil called Não-Me-Toque – this literally translates to ‘don’t touch me’.
