Brazil, birthplace of the bossa nova, has become a very popular place to visit for many tourists around the world. The weather is usually wonderful, and there are countless of activities to do for everyone. To ensure that you have a great travelling experience in Brazil check out these handy hints:
It’s a good idea not to wear pricey jewellery and watches. Leave your expensive jewellery at home, just buy an inexpensive digital watch before you leave and use that instead.
Wear handbags or strapped purses across your body rather than just on one shoulder, as this will make it more difficult for thieves to grab it off you.
Don’t carry loads of cash around with you. Carry only what you actually require for the activities you are planning for each day.
Do yourself a favour and take only a bear minimum of possessions out and about with you.
Photocopy your passport and visa, and carry these copies around with you rather than the originals then only carry these copies with you for identification purposes. The last thing you want to be doing is trying to get replacement papers if they are lost or stolen on holiday.
Put your wallet in your front pocket, or better still, an under-clothes money belt in order to make it harder for people to steal it.
Always avoid very congested places, as these are popular hunting grounds for pickpockets.
If you’re alone, avoid deserted streets and dark alleyways. Even if this means your journey time is elongated, there is nothing so important as your safety.
Be sure to hire a real taxi, as these can be dangerous. If in doubt, ask a street cigarette vendor as to which taxis are genuine. Also, real taxis have red or maroon license plates, although these can easily be faked.
The favelas might look nice, but they can be very dangerous for tourists.
Only drink water from sealed bottles, as the tap water in Brazil isn’t always that clean.
Brazil is a hot place, so be sure to stay hydrated by drinking at least two litres of mineral water or coconut water per day.
Don’t stay too long in the sun, and wear sun lotion with the highest SPF you can find.
You may come across some nasty biting insects on your Brazilian adventure, so be sure to apply insect repellent before you get bitten.