Travel documents
A valid Dutch passport is required. The document must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Brazil and contain at least one blank page.
Visa
A visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Please note: the information regarding the validity of passport and visa is subject to change. Always consult the latest information via the Mexican Embassy in The Hague – reachable by phone at (+31) 70 360 2900.
Traveling with minor children
Children need their own travel document. An addition to a parent’s passport is no longer valid since 2012.
Within the Schengen zone, it is advisable (not mandatory) to bring a copy of the passport of the parent(s) not traveling with you, together with a permission form, this can prevent delays during checks. Outside the Schengen area, the rules are often more extensive. More information and the consent form can be found at rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/reizen-met-kinderen.
Mains voltage and sockets
The official type of sockets in Brazil is type N (standard NBR 14136), which is almost exclusively used in Brazil. These sockets have three round holes and are earthed. They are often also suitable for the type C flat plug known to us. However, always pay attention to the voltage, which in Sao Paulo is equal to 127 V.
Clothing
Bring light, cotton or linen clothing. A raincoat or poncho can come in handy during a downpour. Also pack a (fleece) sweater or cardigan for the cooler evenings. For the entertainment venues and more expensive restaurants, smart clothing is required.
Absolutely necessary are sunglasses, (sun) hat or cap and good sunscreen.
Currencies
The official currency in Mexico is the Brazilian Real (BRL) – often depicted as R$.
At the time of writing, one euro will earn you R$ 5.50. View the current exchange rate here.
Debit card
Debit and credit cards are accepted in many places, but not everywhere.
Brazil has sufficient ATMs and a reasonable number of payment terminals in the cities and tourist areas; outside of that, the number of vending machines is small.
Please note that ATMs are often located in areas that are closed for security reasons in the evening and at night
Using a debit card is usually cheaper than using a credit card. If the bank or credit card company charges a fixed amount per transaction, frequent use of a debit card (both debit card and credit card) is not recommended for small amounts.
There is usually a limit per day; the limit can be adjusted by the bank or credit card company on request. Please note: banks disable their bank cards for use outside Europe as standard to prevent misuse. On request, the bank activates the card.
Tips
Serviço or service charge is stated separately on the hotel or restaurant bill. A small tip is appreciated.
You can round up the amount for taxi drivers.
Chambermaids, doormen and guides also expect a small tip.
Brazil Customs Rules
Read here more about the rules of customs in Mexico.
Drinking water
Only bottled water and tap water in hotels that are clearly marked as drinking water can be used safely. For example, if you want to wash fruit or vegetables with tap water, you must first boil the water.
Food
Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, cooked vegetables and peeled fruit.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not mandatory for Brazil – however, a DTP vaccination and protection against hepatitis A are recommended.
mosquitoes
Wear protective clothing and use an insect repellent, preferably with DEET, on exposed skin. Also use a mosquito net to sleep under.
Safety
Up-to-date information about security risks abroad is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via nederlandworldwide.nl, via Twitter @ 247BZ and via the Foreign Affairs travel app
Important phone numbers
Emergency numbers in Brazil:
Police: 190
Ambulance: 192
Fire Department: 193
The area code in Brazil is +55
Dutch Consulate
Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 1779 – 3rd floor
Jardim Paulistano
01452-001 Sao Paulo SP
This travel advice has been carefully compiled. However, you remain responsible for your own health and safety. Race Experience does not accept any liability as a result of using the above advice.