Brazil Blog

Tips, guides, and stories about living and visiting Brazil

Visas and Documents

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Brazil? Complete 2026 Guide

Brazil has significantly updated its entry requirements in recent years, and the rules vary depending on your nationality. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Brazil in 2026 — from visa-free entry to the eVisa process.

·12 min read
Living in Brazil

Cost of Living in Brazil: 2026 City-by-City Breakdown

One of the biggest draws of living in Brazil is the affordability compared to North America and Europe. But costs vary dramatically depending on where you settle. This city-by-city breakdown gives you realistic monthly budgets for the most popular destinations among foreigners in 2026.

·15 min read
Safety

Is Brazil Safe for Tourists? Honest Safety Guide 2026

Let's be honest: Brazil has a reputation for crime, and that reputation isn't baseless. But the reality is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Millions of tourists visit Brazil every year and have safe, incredible experiences. The key is understanding the risks, knowing which areas to avoid, and following practical precautions.

·10 min read
Visas and Documents

Brazil Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply Step-by-Step

Brazil launched its Digital Nomad Visa (officially called **VITEM XIV**) to attract remote workers from around the world. If you earn your income from outside Brazil, this visa lets you live legally in the country for up to a year — with the option to renew.

·14 min read
Living in Brazil

Best Cities to Live in Brazil for Foreigners (2026)

Choosing where to live in Brazil is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Each city has a distinct personality, cost of living, and lifestyle. Here are the top cities for foreigners in 2026, based on safety, infrastructure, expat community, and quality of life.

·11 min read
Culture and People

Brazilian Portuguese: 50 Essential Phrases for Tourists

English is not widely spoken in Brazil outside of luxury hotels and international business settings. Even basic Portuguese makes an enormous difference — Brazilians light up when foreigners make an effort, and you'll have a far richer experience. Here are 50 phrases that will carry you through almost any situation.

·8 min read
Culture and People

Brazilian Carnival: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

Carnival is the largest festival on Earth. Every year, millions of people take to the streets of Brazil for days of music, dancing, costumes, and celebration. But Carnival is far more than just a party — it's a cultural institution with deep roots in Brazilian identity. Here's everything you need to know to experience it like a local.

·12 min read
Travel and Tourism

Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Brazil

Brazil is the fifth-largest country on Earth, with landscapes that range from the Amazon rainforest to glacier-carved canyons, and from tropical archipelagos to vast wetlands teeming with wildlife. These 10 destinations represent the best of what Brazil has to offer.

·13 min read
Money and Finance

PIX: Brazil's Instant Payment System Explained for Foreigners

PIX is Brazil's instant payment system, launched by the Central Bank in November 2020. In just a few years, it has completely transformed how Brazilians pay for everything — and as a foreigner in Brazil, understanding PIX is essential. It's free, instant, and used by virtually everyone.

·10 min read
Money and Finance

Banking in Brazil: How to Open an Account as a Foreigner

Having a Brazilian bank account transforms your daily life in the country. It gives you access to PIX (Brazil's instant payment system), lets you pay bills, receive transfers, and avoid currency exchange fees. The process has become significantly easier for foreigners in recent years.

·12 min read
Travel and Tourism

Rio de Janeiro: The Ultimate Tourist Guide

Rio de Janeiro is a city that needs no introduction — but it does benefit from a good game plan. Between the beaches, mountains, favelas, and neighborhoods, there's an enormous amount to experience. This guide covers what to see, where to stay, how to get around, and how to do it all safely.

·14 min read
Culture and People

Brazilian Food: 20 Dishes You Must Try

Brazilian cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world — a fusion of Indigenous, African, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, and Arab influences that varies dramatically from region to region. These 20 dishes represent the best of what you'll find across the country.

·11 min read
Living in Brazil

Healthcare in Brazil: A Guide for Foreigners

Brazil has a universal healthcare system that covers everyone — including foreigners. Whether you're a tourist, digital nomad, or expat, understanding how healthcare works here will save you stress, money, and potentially your life.

·11 min read
Safety

10 Common Scams in Brazil and How to Avoid Them

Brazil is a wonderful country to visit, but like any popular tourist destination, it has its share of scams. Knowing these common tricks ahead of time is the best way to protect yourself. None of these should scare you away from visiting — they should empower you to travel smarter.

·10 min read
Visas and Documents

How to Get a CPF in Brazil: A Foreigner's Guide

The **CPF** (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is Brazil's individual taxpayer identification number. Think of it as Brazil's equivalent of a Social Security Number (USA), National Insurance Number (UK), or TFN (Australia). As a foreigner in Brazil, getting a CPF is one of the first things you should do — it unlocks almost everything.

·8 min read
Living in Brazil

How to Rent an Apartment in Brazil as a Foreigner

Renting in Brazil can feel overwhelming for foreigners — the process is different from most countries, involves unique requirements, and Brazilian landlords can be wary of tenants without local guarantors. This guide walks you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

·12 min read
Travel and Tourism

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest: How to Plan Your Trip

The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth — covering an area larger than Western Europe. Visiting it is a bucket-list experience, but it requires planning. You can't just show up and wander in. This guide covers how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time in the jungle.

·13 min read
Travel and Tourism

Getting Around Brazil: Complete Transportation Guide

Brazil is continental in size — the distance from Porto Alegre to Manaus is roughly the same as London to Baghdad. Getting around efficiently requires understanding your options, because no single mode of transport works for everything.

·12 min read