Is it safe to walk around at night?

In tourist areas like Ipanema, it is generally safe to walk between restaurants, but stay on well-lit streets and avoid empty beaches or alleys after dark.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

In major cities, basic English is spoken in hotels and large restaurants. Learning simple phrases like 'obrigado' (thank you) and 'por favor' (please) goes a long way.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.

How to spend 2 weeks in Brazil: A practical itinerary

To see Brazil’s highlights in two weeks, focus on the 'Golden Triangle' of Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls, and Salvador. Use domestic flights to bridge these massive distances, as buses will consume your entire trip in transit.

Book your domestic flights early. Brazil is continental. Do not rely on buses for trips longer than 4 hours. Use LATAM or Azul for internal flights to save 12-20 hours of travel time per leg.
Prioritize airport proximity. Stay in neighborhoods like Copacabana or Ipanema in Rio for quick access to Santos Dumont (SDU) airport, which is much closer to the city than Galeão (GIG).
Manage your cash. Carry a debit card that refunds ATM fees. Many smaller cafes and street vendors in Salvador and Iguaçu only accept cash or local Pix payments, which you won't have access to.
Plan for safety in transit. Only use Uber or registered taxi apps (like 99Taxi) in cities. Never hail a cab from the street at night. Keep your phone in your pocket, not in your hand, while walking on the street.

Is it safe to walk around at night?: In tourist areas like Ipanema, it is generally safe to walk between restaurants, but stay on well-lit streets and avoid empty beaches or alleys after dark.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?: In major cities, basic English is spoken in hotels and large restaurants. Learning simple phrases like 'obrigado' (thank you) and 'por favor' (please) goes a long way.
Can I drink the tap water?: No. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.