By plane

There are no direct flights. All flight options from Moscow to Brazil involve a layover in Europe, usually in Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London. Together with connections, the flight takes 17 hours. In winter (Brazilian summer) charter direct flights fly.

Transport

According to Countries in the Box, the most common transport in the country is by car. Federal roads are very good, but internal highways are in much worse condition. Buses run between cities – inexpensive, although not very comfortable, connecting all the main cities of the country. Suburban buses are more modern, often air-conditioned.

Air transport is not very developed, but planes fly between major cities. They are very expensive, but they save time. Lots of river and sea transport.

In cities, the situation with transport is better. Basically, the fare is fixed and is about half a real. On buses, you do not need to buy tickets in advance – you pay at the entrance to the driver or conductor. Almost all cars are old and slow.

Taxis are available in all major cities, ordered from the porter, by phone or caught on the street. The fare is different, taxi drivers name their own. It is imperative to negotiate before getting into the car, but remember that drivers usually do not speak English.

The easiest way to get from Rio airport to the city is by ALVORADO bus – they run every half an hour, stop at all key points, the fare costs only 4 reais.

Money

The Brazilian real is in progress. In some places, payment in dollars is available, but you are unlikely to like the exchange rate, so it is better to exchange the currency. This can be done right at the airport, bank or exchange office. Rates and commissions vary greatly even in neighboring windows, so check different places before making an exchange. Of the banks, Bradesco is the most reliable, it offers favorable conditions.

Bank cards are in use, but problems often arise with foreign ones. Any of our cards usually work as credito, even if they are debit, and in some places they only accept debito for payment, so always have cash with you.

Give preference to small denominations – there is often no change in stores.

You should talk more about withdrawing money from ATMs:

• Often they have a small cash withdrawal limit
• Visa and MasterCard cards are usually accepted, it is better to have cards of both systems
• Sometimes even a large amount can be given out in small bills.
• In the evening, the cash limit is cut even more, so it’s better to change money during the day.

Cuisine and restaurants

During your holiday in Brazil, be sure to try the local cuisine – a mixture of Indian, Portuguese, French and African.

The most popular dish is “feijoada” made of smoked sausage, pork, dried meat and beans. Served with orange, cassava and spicy sauce. Meat is generally popular – they eat beef, pork, chicken and duck. Interesting to taste “cohinha” – balls of potatoes with pork or chicken.

Due to the proximity of the sea, there are many fish and seafood dishes in the kitchen. We recommend “itapoa” – crayfish and crab pudding, “vatapi” – fish boiled in oil, “bacalhau” – dried salted cod. You can try “jacare” – alligator meat, a very exotic dish.

First courses are not as popular as ours, but they are. Good “batata” – fish soup with shrimps and “kaldu verde” – soup with lamb, cabbage and pork sausages.

Lots of snacks and light snacks too. Red cabbage salad with sausage, Brazilian lobster salad, spicy churrasco corn salad with beef and others are good.

There is also a lot of sweets – mostly cakes and rolls. Quite interesting in taste are sweet balls of flour with zest and cinnamon – “sons of the carnival”. Lots of desserts with tropical fruits.

In Brazil they drink mainly coffee – it is very good and tasty here. From alcohol, cane capirinha vodka and Brazilian rum are good. Many people like kisha moonshine. Juices and cocktails made from them are also popular drinks.

Reviews

Reviews about holidays in Brazil are mostly positive. Most often, Russian tourists go to Rio de Janeiro, although they also visit other cities. Everything is impressive – from gorgeous beaches to very beautiful architecture. Guests of the country like the friendliness of the locals, unusual nature and really noteworthy architectural monuments. Everyone especially notes the cheerful atmosphere, which instantly recharges you.

Impressions, however, are not only positive. Of the negative points, intense heat is noted, especially in the Brazilian summer, dirt on the streets and an almost complete lack of knowledge of English. Many tourists are faced with pickpocketing, so you need to be as careful as possible. Some talk about the dangers of Brazil, but judging by the reviews, tourists practically do not encounter them.