Tips for Travelers to Brasil 2014

So you have your world cup tickets, passport/visa and plane tickets in hand.  Now what? There are some things you should know before hopping on the plane. I've traveled back and forth to Brasil for nearly 30 years, and to be frank, every time I go down I am amazed at the lack of organization and complete chaos one encounters.  So, in order to better prepare yourself for this adventure, and know what to do when you get there, I'm placing some tips and guidelines in this blog. Here we go.. Before you leave, there are some things you should do:

- Advise your bank/credit card company where you are going and how long you will be there. Otherwise, they may cancel your credit/debit card after your first transaction in Brasil, under the hypothesis that the card had been stolen.  Then it will be a hassle to re-activate. (this happened to me last year when I was in Costa Rica on a visit to see the US team play)

- As for medical issues, if going to the Amazon, I would recommend seeing your doctor and getting a prescription for malaria pills, which you would probably start taking before you leave for Brasil, then a few days when you come back.  I saw a lot of people talking about yellow fever shots. Yellow fever is extremely rare (only a handful of cases a year, with the last known case in a Brasilian urban area occurring in 1942).  The shot is expensive in the US and you may need to make an appointment at a clinic.  If you decide to wait until you get to Brasil, the shots are free and you can usually get one on the spot- in fact I was in a mall in Salvador in early May and there was a government clinic offering shots.  Overall, the risk of contracting yellow fever is so minimal I personally don't recommend going thru the hassle of getting the shot if it is inconvenient for you.

- As for what to pack, this depends on what you will be doing in addition to watching world cup matches and where you will be.  Shorts and t-shirts should be fine for basic tourism.  The Northeast of Brasil will be very rainy during June/July (except for Manaus).  Pack light and pack wisely.  You should bring along:

* small lock and key to lock your suitcase/backpack while it is at the hotel and you are not. Most hotels do not have safes.  Though it might not entirely prevent your belongings from getting stolen, it may discourage it
* copy of your passport/visa to keep with you at all times (it is not wise to carry your passport on the streets since if it gets stolen, you'll have to go to the US consulate to get a knew one, which could be a long and tedious process). Unlike the US, you could be subjected to random searches and you need to have identification on you.
* rain jacket/umbrella.  I have a L.L.Bean jacket with a hood, which folds up neatly and is easy to store in my baggage.  If you plan to spend some time in the south, including Rio, you will need a warmer jacket for going out at night.
* ipod player for listening to music as you travel around.
* magazines/books (I think bringing down a kindle is asking for trouble)
* flip-flops for walking the streets and around hotel.  These are particularly good when it rains, as you don't want to be wearing soggy sneakers while stomping around the city.
* flavored powder or water enhancers for adding to your bottled water.  Granola bars for your excursions.  Gum, mints..
* Body wash and a washcloth.  The washcloth I like to soak with cold water and keep it with me all day, stored in a plastic baggy, to rinse my face and hands with. Body wash is good since it is soap and shampoo in one.  Shampoo in Brasil is expensive.  Soap is not too expensive.  Not many people use body wash.
* razor blades- these are expensive too in Brasil. If you have room, shaving cream.
* medications such as tylenol, diarrhea pills, etc.  You can buy just about anything over the counter in Brasil, but it's good to be prepared before you go down. Sunscreen is also good if you plan to be outside for long periods of time (also extemely expensive in Brasil, so be sure to bring some down if you think you will need it)
* money belt to use if you bring large amounts of money and/or your credit cards with you when out on the streets (but always keep small amounts of money in your pocket as well.  The reality is, you may be approached by a criminal and if you have nothing to give them, you may be at risk of being hurt or worse- so small change is for your personal protection)
* if you are going to be traveling around the Northeast by bus, etc. it's good to buy a bar of laundry soap to wash your clothes, which you could do in your hotel at night. Laundromats are practically non-existent, so you may be washing your clothes by hand.  The hotel may also be able to assist you with laundry, as they may have people to do it, but write down what you are handing over to them beforehand so you have proof what you gave them.  Have them sign it.

Arriving in Brasil:

I traveled to Brasil the first week of May, through the airports of the 3 largest cities: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Salvador.  I guess my experience could be summed up as uncontrolled chaos. As I've mentioned, I've been traveling back and forth to Brasil for nearly 30 years, and the airports have not been significantly upgraded (infrastructure overall in Brasil is not adequate for the needs of the population nor visitors for the World Cup).  The first problem is that when traveling to Brasil, regardless of your final destination, most flights enter the country in either Rio or Sao Paulo, and both airports are ill-equipped to handle the tremendous traffic.  In fact, on my trip in early May, when flying from Salvador to Sao Paulo for a connecting flight to NYC, we waited one hour on the tarmac for a gate to open up, then when we finally got a spot, it wasn't at a gate, but a parking spot where we were then shuttled by bus to the gate.  It ended up taking 1 1/2 hr. to get to the arrival terminal, after a 2 hr. flight, and I had only 1/2 hr. to catch my international flight. The connecting flight however, was fashionably late, and the departure gate was packed (gates 4A/B/C at Sao Paulo are a nightmare). Summing up:  the airports are simply too small to handle the air and human traffic.  Baggage claim areas are way too small.  Departing gates can't handle the capacity.  Parking is a nightmare (in Salvador work just started on renovating the parking area and adding more passenger waiting space, so we'll see if this gets done).  So, here are a few tips:

* when you arrive in Brasil, you will need to retrieve your luggage and proceed thru Immigration and Custom's, regardless of your final destination.  The baggage area is a zoo and everyone is in panic to find their luggage.  Just get a good spot and hold your ground
* at Immigration you will get your passport stamped and a copy of the form you filled out upon arrival.  Keep this copy together with your passport- YOU WILL NEED TO HAND THIS BACK TO IMMIGRATION UPON LEAVING BRASIL.
* If you are getting a connecting flight, you will not have to go to the check-in upstairs at Rio and Sao Paulo. Instead, look for "Conexoes".  If you travel TAM, connections is located on the same floor you arrive at, on the opposite end.
* it might be a good time to get money (Real) at an ATM machine at the airport
* you may also wish to purchase a Brasilian SIM card for your phone, if it is a GSM phone (more details below)

While traveling around Brasil, the most important thing to remember is your personal safely.  Fifteen of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are located in Brasil, and 2 of them are cities the US national team have games:  Manaus and Recife- to put things in perspective, 6,000 people a year are murdered in Rio, while NYC had less than 350 homicides last year.  I know a lot of people are worried about yellow fever, malaria, etc., but the biggest danger is the threat of other human beings, not a mosquito.  So, here are some safety tips:

* Don't wear expensive watches/jewelry or carry belongings out in the open (cameras, cell phones, etc.).  It's best to wear a cheap watch and no jewelry.  Use a money belt for your credit card, a copy of your passport, and large amounts of money.  I always keep small amounts of money in my pocket (for bus fare, small purchases, etc.), which I hand over if I happen to come upon a thief..Most importantly, DON'T TRY TO RESIST A BURGLARY! Your life is much more important than any of your belongings.   I've been robbed a half dozen times and have not been harmed.  Most everyone I know who lives in Brasil or who has traveled to Brasil has been robbed at least once, or knows someone who has, so don't be shocked.
* Travel the streets in groups.  Walking alone you are more susceptible.
* Avoid public transportation late at night.  Public buses are prime targets, as the victims are confined to space and usually one armed criminal will enter the back and the other the front, then go seat to seat collecting belongings.  At night there are less people traveling on buses and criminals can get away easier.
* Keep your belongings locked up in your hotel whenever possible. 
* Try not to stand out and don't look lost.  Dress simple and don't flaunt anything.  Try to avoid crowded places where people can pick pocket you.  Don't carry a wallet, but if you do, keep it in your front pocket.

Dining out:

Each region of Brasil has it's own unique cuisine, though most Brasilian dishes also include rice and beans.  I lived in Salvador, Bahia, which has a strong African influence and delicious dishes (see Bahia Cuisine)  All cities have at least one "Churrascaria", which is an all-you-can-eat buffet, specializing in meats.  The barbequed meat is brought to your plate on a spit, and sliced right on the spot.  The best churrascaria for price/value I've eaten at is Sal e Brasa  The price is very reasonable for the food (under US$20/person), but drinks are expensive, so have a few drinks before you go, then just split a large Agua Mineral with your friend and you'll be all set.  This is a chain in the Northeast, and they have restaurants in Recife and Natal.  You'll be very happy you went!!

As for beverages, the national liquor is Cachaça, which is a cheap form of rum.  Caipirinha, the national drink, is made from Cachaça/lime/sugar.  It's basically the same, and probably the predecessor of, the Mojito.  Brasilians love beer, but don't count on finding any pubs with micro-brews and English stout.  A lot of places have beer on tap (chopp, pronounced show-pee), but it's nothing special.  Most restaurants have bottled beer (em garrafa).  My favorite is "Bohemia".  Malzbier, which is a dark, sweet beer, is also good.  You must ask for your bottled beer "Bem Gelada", which means ice cold.  Otherwise, they'll just take it off the top of the cooler at room temperature and assume it's OK.  If you like soft drinks, be sure to try a "Guaraná", which is made from an Amazon berry (and said to be an aphrodisiac).

No need to leave a tip, it's usually included in the bill (10%), which often explains the bad service (feel free to yell and whistle at the waiter to come over, otherwise s/he will most likely ignore you).  Also important is to always ask for a glass with your beverage ("copo", not "vaso" like spanish- vaso is a toilet bowl, which would make you the butt of jokes) when you get a can of beer or soda- You can also get a straw for your drink (canudo)..  Brasilians rarely drink right out of the can or bottle, but may do so on the streets. They also normally don't eat while walking around, but rather stand at a 'lanchonete' or inside of a restaurant. 

Don't touch food with your hands, that's a big no-no in Brasil (use napkins when picking up a sandwich or burger, toothpicks when eating french fries, fork and knife for pizza). 

Was that mayonnaise and ketchup he put on his pizza?? Yes it was!  And try canned corn on your hotdog.  Brasilians also love to add salt and sugar to everything.  When you purchase a juice, if you want to taste the flavor, get it "sem açucar", or no sugar please.

Can I drink the water?? You shouldn't, though I've never gotten sick from it.  You can definitely brush your teeth and shower with it.  At restaurants, you'll be offered carbonated water or non-carbonated ('com gas' or 'sem gas')

Wow, that was rude!! Don't be surprised if someone casually walks up while you are waiting in a line and butts in front of you.  We consider this very rude, but in Brasil it is sometimes commonplace.

If you are lucky to go to Manaus, you need to definitely try some of the local variety of foods.  When I went with other Brasilians, even they were astounded by items they had never seen:  exotic fruits, fish from the Amazon, etc. The best ways to taste fruits for me are as a juice ("suco", which you can get at a lanchonete), or as ice-cream ("sorvete"- sold at a "sorveteria").  If you like red snapper, you can get it at towns along the coast.  Crab (carangeijo) is also popular. Lobster is available, but not popular (and they don't have claws)

When you go to an open market, never pay the asking price.  Bargain everything that doesn't have a set price- the seller never expects to get the asking price anyway, so why pay it?.   When taking a taxi, try to get the price to your destination before you get in the car. Criminals in Brasil don't always carry guns.

- Brasil's urban areas suffer from incredible congestion so avoid rush hours when getting around.  Traffic is unbearable, and this is due mainly to the fact that as the economy has improved, wages have increased over the past decade, so more and more people are able to afford cars and have access to credit.  Unfortunately, the infrastructure has not accompanied this economic growth; Brasil is going thru some severe growing pains.

- Though it may sound gross to Americans, Brasilians -along with people in many other countries- don't throw used bath tissue in the toilet bowl.  Rather, they deposit it in a small garbage can next to the toilet.

- Will my electrical device explode when I plug it in?  Probably not, though Brasil does use both 120 and 220 volts, so make sure before you plug something in it is 120 volts.  Not all outlets accept 3-prong plugs, so you might want to bring an adapter with you.

This is probably a good place to plug one of the services I work with, but it's not the reason I wrote this blog:)  Brasil is a complicated country, and telecommunications can be nerve-wracking and expensive. If you plan to make or receive phone calls while in Brasil, which most people will, beware and be prepared (if you wish to keep your US service while in Brasil, such as Verizon, it will cost you over $2/min to make and receive calls from the US, and you won't be able to use your service for calls within Brasil!!). 

SIM card for use in Brasil

I am a representative of a company called Telestial, which is a leader in international mobile phone services, mainly dealing with SIM cards.  If you go to Brasil and plan to buy a local SIM card, this is possible but there is red tape involved, and it will not solve your problem of calling overseas from Brasil.  The solution I offer is the One Rate SIM. The service, and rates, are very simple to understand.  Every local and international call/text is 59 cents/minute, with no fees added.  As soon as your plane touches down in Brasil you can access a local network and call home.
 
You will have access to an online account to view your calls, send texts, recharge, etc., and your friends/relatives back in the US can even track your whereabouts via google earth.  There is 24/7 customer service via a toll-free number in Brasil (0800-891-1958) with English speakers (call routed back to Boston main office) who can resolve issues and recharge your service as well.  If you do wish to use this service, you will need an unlocked mobile phone with a slot for SIM cards (which we offer for as low as $49, which includes a SIM with $5 call credit).  Mobile Phone for Overseas Use  It is not advisable to bring your Iphone or Galaxy to Brasil, as crime is very high and your Iphone is a coveted possession

Another advantage of this service is that you will get a US number, so people calling you will not need to enter confusing international codes, and in most cases it will be free for them to call.   To be frank, data is very expensive with this SIM, so I would only use 'hot-spot' areas with your smart phone, or access via a local SIM.  But, being that most fans will spend the better part of a month in Brasil, covering tremendous amounts of territory, and being on the move quite a bit, it's reassuring to have a service which you can rely on, and which allows others to contact you, from anywhere, with a simple phone call (you can even forward your current US number to the Telestial phone number, so you won't need to give out your new Telestial phone number).  If you do wish to purchase a local SIM for people in Brasil to call you as well, which I recommend (OI, Vivo, or Claro SIMs are good- With TIM you don't get internet access with your US phones) all the phones we offer have 2 slots for SIMs and are smartphones.  The local SIMs cost about $5, plus the credit you want to add.  For more info. on the phone to use with the SIMs, visit the link above.

I also have FREE OneRate Sims for your GSM phone!! Just email me your address and I'll send you one (I'll even pay for postage!).  All you have to do is add a minimum of $20 and the service is ready to use.

My contact info is ustrans@ustranscom.com or phone 1-866-422-4742

Gift Suggestions:

Most people will want to bring back souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home.  Here are some suggestions:

- Cachaça, the national alcohol beverage.  If you want to buy premium, the best Cachaça comes from the state of Minas Gerais.  You can also get different fruit-flavored cachaça licors, which are very good as well.  Maracujá, or passion fruit, is my favorite.
- Arts and crafts.  Brasil has many street fairs (feiras) where you can buy arts and crafts-usually open on weekends.  I used to go to a leather fair in downtown Rio.  Jewelry and semi-precious stones are also nice, but you have to negotiate well.  Silver (prata) is very popular
- Soaps are also nice presents.  I always purchase "Phebo" brand, which come in different scents and can be purchased at supermarkets and pharmacies.  They can be used to wash, but also placed in dresser drawers to add a nice aroma to clothes.
- Coffee, herbal teas, incense, chocolates, t-shirts, etc.

Good Luck and enjoy the Carnaval, I mean the Futebol!!