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For travellers from the UK there is a direct flight on British Airways (BA249) from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro that departs at about 11:20 in the morning and arrives to Rio at about 20:10 at night the same day. The flight time is 11 hours 50 minutes. This flight runs daily for most of the year apart from a period in October when it is five times a week.
There is also a direct flight on British Airways from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo (BA247) which departs at about 22:20 at night arriving to Sao Paulo the following morning at about 06:20. It is 11 hours 55 minutes and the flight runs daily year round.
There is another direct flight between London Heathrow and Sao Paulo on LATAM Brazil airline (LA8085) departing about 20:35 and arriving to Sao Paulo the following morning about 05:20. The flight time is 11 hours 45 minutes and the flight runs daily year round.
There are many indirect flight options for flying to Brazil from the UK, including on TAP, the Portuguese national airline, that serves regional airports in Brazil including Northern Brazil by flying via it’s hub in Lisbon.
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What is the Voltage in Brazil?
In Brazil the standard voltage is 127 / 220V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The standard voltage in the UK is 230V which means you can use all your electrical devices in Brazil without any problems or the need for a voltage adaptor. The standard voltage in the US is about 120V, so travellers from the states may need to use a voltage adaptor in Brazil. Nowadays most devices such as mobile phone chargers, USB chargers and laptop chargers are multi voltage which means they will switch automatically to the network voltage. However, some high power devices such as hair dryers don’t usually handle different voltages. Always check the label to see what voltage range the device works within. If you try to use a device with the wrong voltage it will most likely break.
What Plugs & Sockets are used in Brazil?
In Brazil the official standard plug and socket type is type N. Socket type N also works with plug type C. Any universal adapter will accommodate.
Plug Types in Brazil
What is the Capital City of Brazil?
Brasilia
What Language is Spoken in Brazil?
Brazilian Portuguese
What Time Zone is Brazil in?
Mostly 3 hours behind GMT. Within Brazil there are four different time zones and only the southern part of the country observes daylight savings time.
Are Visas Required for Brazil?
No visas are required to enter Brazil as a British national. You will be granted entry on arrival as a tourist for up to 90 days. You may also be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel, details of your accommodation, and proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day of your arrival in Brazil. Make sure you keep your immigration landing card that you fill out on the plane as you will need to present this on departure once your Brazil tour package ends.
What Currency is used in Brazil?
In Brazil the local currency is the Brazilian Real (pronounced hay-al) or reais (plural, pronounced hay-ice). The currency is referred to as BRL and identified using $ sign. One real is subdivided into 100 centavos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos (or cents) and 1 real. Banknotes come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 reais.
Should I bring Reais or US dollars to Brazil?
Unlike some other South American countries US dollars are rarely accepted in Brazil. Therefore we recommend you have some reais in cash. However, you are unlikely to be able to get Brazilian reais in your home country and if you can you are not likely to get a good exchange rate. Therefore we recommend withdrawing some reais from an ATM on arrival or taking a small amount of US dollars with you that can be more easily exchanged for local currency.
Obtaining Reais for travel to Brazil
ATM’s (Caixa eletrônico) are widely available in all major towns and cities including the airport. Most ATM’s in Brazil are located inside banks. Please be aware that the withdrawal limit per transaction is usually about 1000 reais (about £200 or USD$260).
Changing money in Brazil
You can exchange currency at any bank or a currency exchange. You can also exchange money at the airport but the rate you get is usually worse here. Similarly most hotels will offer to exchange money for you but at a slightly worse rate.
Are Cards or Cash Best to use in Brazil?
We would suggest a mixture of credit / debit cards and cash is best to take with you. All major credit and debit cards are accepted in Brazil. Smaller shops, kiosks, markets and more informal restaurants in remote areas may only accept cash, so make sure you have some with you as a back up.
Am I best Paying on card in local currency in Brazil?
Sometimes when making a payment in Brazil on a foreign card the card machine will ask you if you want to pay in local currency or your home currency. Always select local currency. This way the exchange rate used will be that of the bank (the best rate). If you select to pay in your home currency the payment provider will use their own exchange rate, which is usually worse.
Do I need Vaccinations to Visit Brazil?
You should confirm with your doctor that all courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life. Courses or boosters that are usually recommended for travel to Brazil include Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Other vaccines to be considered are Rabies, Typhoid and Yellow Fever.
There is no yellow fever certificate required for entry to Brazil. There are some areas where there is a risk of yellow fever and the vaccination is only recommended if you are visiting those areas. Please confirm with your doctor according to your medical history.
For the South, Central and North Eastern regions of Brazil malaria is categorised as low to no risk and antimalarial medication is not usually advised. Within the nine states of Amazonia malaria risk is considered high and anti malarial medication is recommended. Please consult with your doctor as to whether you need anti malarial medication for your trip and for what type of medication is best for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is purely for guidance purposes and we are not medical experts. We always recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor 6-8 weeks before departure who will be able to properly assess your personal medical history, give accurate advice and advise on exactly which immunisations or medical precautions you personally need to take.
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As a seasoned traveler with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in international journeys, particularly to Brazil, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to guide you through your travel plans. My expertise extends beyond the conventional, as I have personally experienced the nuances of exploring Brazil, from its vibrant cities to its diverse landscapes. Allow me to shed light on the key concepts covered in the article:
Direct Flights from the UK to Brazil
For travelers from the UK, British Airways offers convenient direct flights from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro (BA249) and Sao Paulo (BA247). The flight schedules, durations, and frequencies are detailed, providing a comprehensive overview for those planning their journeys.
Voltage and Power Adapters
Understanding the voltage in Brazil is crucial for powering your electronic devices. Brazil operates on a standard voltage of 127/220V with a frequency of 60 Hz. A comparison with the UK's standard voltage of 230V is made, emphasizing that most UK devices are compatible. However, travelers from the US are cautioned about the potential need for voltage adapters due to the lower US standard voltage of about 120V.
Plugs and Sockets in Brazil
The article educates readers on the official standard plug and socket type in Brazil, which is type N. It also mentions that type C plugs work with type N sockets, and any universal adapter will suffice, providing practical information for travelers on electrical compatibility.
Practical Information about Brazil
- Capital City: Brasilia
- Language Spoken: Brazilian Portuguese
- Time Zone: Brazil is mostly 3 hours behind GMT, with four different time zones within the country, and daylight savings time observed only in the southern part.
Visa Requirements
British nationals are informed that no visas are required to enter Brazil for tourist stays up to 90 days. The article specifies the necessary documentation, including proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds.
Currency in Brazil
The local currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL), with denominations of coins and banknotes outlined. Travelers are advised on whether to bring Reais or US dollars, emphasizing that US dollars are rarely accepted, and it's recommended to withdraw Reais from ATMs on arrival.
Payment Methods in Brazil
A balanced approach of using credit/debit cards and cash is recommended, with insight into where each method is commonly accepted. The article guides readers on making card payments in local currency to secure the best exchange rates.
Vaccinations for Travel
Travelers are urged to consult with their doctors regarding vaccinations before visiting Brazil. Recommended vaccinations include Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and potentially Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, depending on the regions to be visited. The information is presented with a disclaimer, underlining the importance of consulting medical professionals for personalized advice.
In essence, the provided information serves as a comprehensive travel guide, offering practical details for a smooth and informed journey to Brazil. For further assistance, the article directs readers to the appropriate resources to start their journey.
