Brazil is a vibrant country in South America! As the largest South American country, it is home to 60% of the Amazon Rainforest. It is a popular travel destination for several reasons. Here is the list of some special things about Brazil that people who plant to traveling to Brazil should know.
1. Rio de Janeiro Is Not The Capital City
Brazillia is capital city of Brazil. Previously, Brazil had two other capital cities: Salvador (1549–1763) and Rio de Janeiro (1763–1960). Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit.
2. Potugese is the official language in this country
Most of Brazillians don’t speack English or Spanish. Many tourists that arrive in Brazil are under the false impression that if they know a bit of Spanish they will be fine, yet Portuguese is actually the language that is official in this country and most of its residents learn Spanish and English due to the requirements of the business industries.
3. Beer Is Always Served In Small Glasses
All over Brazil, most of the places that serve beer will do so in smaller glasses, that are usually smaller than the ½ pint glasses.
4. Be Aware of Cars when you go cross the streets
When in Brazil always wait for every car to stop completely before you decide to cross a road, regardless of whether there is a green man that tells you are allowed to cross. Skipping red lights is so common in Brazil that it is something you need to be aware of.
5. Brazil Is Not Always Hot, In Some Areas It Even Snows
Brazil is a country that also gets snow. In the southern tip of this country, the temperatures plummet below freezing during the months of winter with occasional snow.
6. The Subway Features Women-Only Carriages
Subways in the main cities offer carriages for women only, yet this rule is only applicable during the peak hours from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday.
If men enter one of these carriages, they could face a fine of as much as R$1,000 which translates into $320USD. Outside the peak hours, both women and men are permitted to use these carriages.
7. Brazil has one of the most beautiful islands in South America
Florianopolis is a must when traveling in Brazil! It’s literally a paradise and comes with everything you can demand from the island. Floripa (as locals call it) is heaven for backpackers, travelers, hikers, party people, surfers but also a great spot for some nice family time.
8. Book Your Taxis Through The Airport Agencies or Use Uber
On arriving at an airport in Brazil, book your taxi through one of the agencies or call uber opposed to using the unofficial cabs. Even though it costs more, you will not be subjected to additional charges when you arrive at your destination.
9. The Best Time to Visit Brazil
The best time to visit Brazil is March-November. During these months, Brazil weather sees cooler temperatures and less humidity. Brazil receives heavy rain from December-February.
10. Brazil is Expensive
Brazil is not a cheap country for budget travelers. Prices in Brazil are not quite as high as London, or NYC, or Sydney, but it is pretty close to prices in Toronto, or smaller cities in US, and in Europe. It’s definitely not as cheap as Eastern Europe and not as cheap as most places in Asia.