Visas, Documents and Language
Citizens of Poland and the European Union can enter Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided the passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. The official language is Portuguese, not Spanish, a common misconception among first-time visitors. Basic Portuguese phrases are very welcome and go a long way outside tourist circuits, since English is not widely spoken beyond hotels and agencies specializing in international tourism.
Currency, Payments and Pix
The local currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist destinations, but it is always worth carrying cash for street markets, beaches and small local shops. Pix, the instant transfer system, has revolutionized payments in the country and is used by nearly everyone — for tourists, however, cards and cash remain the most practical way to pay, since Pix typically requires a Brazilian bank account.
When to Travel: The Seasons Are Reversed
In Brazil, the seasons are opposite to those in Europe. Summer runs from December to March, bringing intense heat and heavy late-afternoon rains, a period that also coincides with Carnival and New Year's Eve — the peak season, when prices soar. Winter, from June to August, brings milder temperatures to the south of the country, while the Northeast keeps a warm, beach-friendly climate almost all year round, making it an excellent option to escape the European cold.
Getting Around the Country
Brazil is continental in size, so domestic flights are usually the most efficient way to cover long distances — airlines like GOL, LATAM and Azul offer frequent deals if booked in advance. For medium-length trips, interstate buses are comfortable and reliable, with the leito option offering nearly fully reclining seats for long overnight journeys. Within cities, Uber is widely available, with affordable prices and more safety than hailing a taxi on the street.
Safety Without Paranoia
Brazil calls for attention, not paranoia. Avoid flashing expensive phones and jewelry, carry your backpack in front in crowded places, and never leave belongings unattended on the beach. At night, always prefer Uber over walking through unfamiliar streets. Visits to favelas should only be made with organized community tours, which are safer and also channel part of their revenue back to local residents.
Health, Connectivity and Practicalities
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for anyone traveling to the Amazon, Iguaçu Falls or the Pantanal. Outside major cities, always stick to bottled water. In emergencies, the public health system (SUS) treats anyone, including tourists. To stay connected, SIM cards from carriers Claro or Vivo can be bought with a passport at any physical store. Watch out for the voltage, which varies between 127V and 220V depending on the state — always check before plugging in devices, and bring an adapter for the type N plug standard. Finally, get ready for the Brazilian jeitinho: spontaneity, warm greetings with a kiss on the cheek, and a much more relaxed relationship with schedules than in Europe.
One useful cultural detail: Brazilians typically greet with a kiss on the cheek between women and a firm handshake between men, though among friends a quick hug is also common. Shops and malls are usually open from 10am to 10pm, while banks operate from 10am to 4pm on weekdays. At ATMs, prefer machines located inside bank branches during daytime hours and avoid using isolated ones at night. It is worth confirming opening hours in advance, especially around national and state holidays, which vary widely from region to region, and letting your bank know about the trip to avoid card blocks.