Post booking travel FAQs for Brazil

4 weeks before departure, you will receive an email to notify you that your pre-departure letter has been uploaded which will include important information such as emergency contact information. At this point you will also be able to see your airline reference which will be added to your itinerary. 

You will receive all your pick-up times for tours and transfers locally when you arrive in-country, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information

No, we do not provide paper tickets. The only thing you need to check-in and fly is the airline reference which is on your itinerary (look for reference made up of 6 letters and numbers). This reference can be used to check in online or at the airport along with your passport. You may have multiple airline references if you have several flights.  

No, you do not need any vouchers for tours or hotels. Just give your names and passports on check-in and to the guides.  

The My Routes App stores your itinerary, travel documents, flight updates, recommendations, and local weather. Once downloaded, most features work offline. You can also message your Travel Specialist directly through the app.  

If you are in Brazil and need assistance, please contact our local office in Brazil on +55 (21) 3288 7899 during office hours 9am-7pm local time.  

In an emergency outside of these hours you can call +55 21 99735 7446

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. If it is not stamped, you may be fined when you leave.

For your international flight we advise you to check-in online. Airlines open check-in between 24-48 hours before departure. For domestic flights, you can also check-in online or at the airport. To check-in to any flight, you need the airline reference which is added to your itinerary 4 weeks before departure.  

Seat selection policies vary depending on the airline and fare type. In most cases, you can pre-book your seats for a fee via the airline’s website once you have made the booking. Please contact your Travel Specialist for your airline reference if you wish to do this more than 4 weeks prior to departure. You can normally select seats for free at the point of check-in, usually 24-48 hours before departure.  

For international flights, clients travelling in Economy are allowed 1 checked bag up to 23kgs which is included in the cost of your holiday, unless otherwise stated. For Premium and Business class clients, 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 32kgs are included unless otherwise stated. 

For domestic flights, 1 checked bag up to 23kgs is included.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Brazil, but routine vaccines should be up to date. If visiting other Latin American countries on the same trip, Yellow Fever requirements may apply. Always consult your GP before travel.  

The local currency in Brazil is the Brazilian real (BRL).

Cash is useful for small purchases, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, especially in cities. ATMs are readily available, and contactless payment is common. Carrying a small amount of cash is helpful for markets and rural areas.

In Brazil, tipping is modest and not usually expected.

In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill. If it is not included, rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, although rounding up the fare is common. For guides and drivers on private tours, a small tip at the end of the service is welcomed but discretionary.

Brazil is usually 3 hours behind the UK when the UK is on GMT, and 4 hours behind when the UK is on British Summer Time.

For Brazil, pack light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with comfortable walking shoes. A light rain jacket, sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential. Bring a travel adaptor, swimwear, and any personal medication, plus a small day bag for excursions.

For Brazil, you will need a UK (type G) to type C or type N travel adaptor.

Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer good WIFI. Coverage can be limited in remote areas. Check roaming costs with your mobile provider before travel.  

In Brazil, most taxes are already included in advertised prices, so you will not usually see extra charges added to bills.

Hotels, restaurants and services include local taxes, and there is no separate tourist tax to pay on arrival. Any departure taxes are typically included in your flight ticket.

All transfers listed on your itinerary are included in the cost of the holiday. If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend taking official taxis booked by your hotel.  

Changes may be possible, but fees or fare differences could apply. Contact your travel specialist as soon as possible to discuss your options.  

If you are arriving at the airport, please proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a Latin Routes sign displaying your name. If you cannot locate your driver, remain in the arrivals hall and call the emergency contact number provided in your final travel itinerary.  

Drink only bottled or purified water. A reusable bottle is useful for refill stations available in many hotels and restaurants. Be cautious with uncooked foods in more rural areas.  

Brazil does not have high altitude destinations in the way some other Latin American countries do. Most cities and regions, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, the Amazon and the coast, are at low elevation, so altitude related effects are not a concern for the vast majority of travellers.

Brazil is a welcoming and popular destination, and most travellers enjoy a smooth and memorable trip. As with many large countries, it is sensible to take everyday precautions in busy cities, but travelling with reputable guides and using private transfers helps ensure a comfortable and well organised experience throughout the country.

Minimum rental age of 21 years.  Brazil does not universally require an International Driving Permit by law for all visitors - but many car rental companies do require or strongly recommend it, especially if your license isn’t in Portuguese or English. This helps avoid issues at the rental counter and with police checks.

• A valid driving licence is required and must have been held for at least 2 years.
• A valid passport must be presented along with your licence

https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit  advises that a 1968 IDP is required
A credit card is also required as a guarantee, the credit card holder must be present to sign documentation.