Brazilian Travel 101: General Tips and Advice

Continuing with our feature, Brazilian Travel 101, we are going to reveal some general hints, tips, and advice that will help you out when you’re ready to experience Brazil!

Important tips for travelers planning on going to Brazil are health related. For some parts of Brazil, you’ll need to make some preparations in advance of your trip. As outlined on the Brazilian travel ministry’s website, certain areas in Brazil may require a Yellow Fever vaccination. Note: because popular destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, and other coastal areas are free of Yellow Fever, you don’t need a vaccination to go there.

Yellow Fever is a viral infection that is typically transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes in forested areas. The majority of Yellow Fever cases are mild and usually produce symptoms consisting of a fever, headache, chills, back pain, nausea and vomiting.

Another important tip that should be looked into when you’re traveling to any country is the clarity and drinkability of common tap water. In Brazil it’s best not to drink water straight from the tap. Bringing tap water to a strong boil for a few minutes will provides the necessary purification needed for consumption. Other purification methods are iodine pills or water filtration devices.

Unfortunately, Brazil has obtained some poor media coverage that depicts it as a country with a high crime rate and unsafe traveling conditions. The truth is that these types of occurrences are typically concentrated in the northern major cities such as: Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. If you head south to Florianopolis in Santa Catarina, you will find yourself in one of the safest cities in the country.

Brazil has about the same rate of mugging, robbery and scamming that a traveler would find in most tourist-filled countries. As a helpful tip, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, try not to look so much like a tourist or target, and keep the bare minimums on you at all times. The less you look like someone who is lost and vulnerable, the better off you will be. Take normal precautions when walking alone at night and avoid areas that are known to be unsafe.

It is important to check with your own country’s health agency to obtain the latest information on vaccinations, travel conditions and warnings about any country you want to travel to. Also, be sure to check with your destination’s consulate or embassy to obtain the latest information on travel needs and requirements!

Ref: http://www.braziltour.com/dicaturista/dicasVacina.html