A valid passport is necessary for everyone, including children. Passports must be valid for at least 6 additional months from the date of entry in Brazil, so check the expiration dates well in advance!
Effective April 10, 2024, Brazil will require U.S citizens to obtain a visa prior to entering the country for tourism. You can apply for the tourist visa using the following link: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/
We will be flying into São Paulo - Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Jeremy and I are leaving the US on the 5th of April and returning from Brazil on the 20th of April.
Money saving tip: consider using miles or credit card points if you have them.
We recommend booking your flights as soon as you can.
Please note: airlines recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before your international flight departs. Passengers who do not allow sufficient time for all check-in procedures as specified by the airlines may be denied boarding and no compensation will be provided for missed flights.
Our Rio de Janeiro adventure will be from April 14th to April 17th. We will be flying from São Paulo to Rio. Please feel free to reach out about this trip if you are interested in joining us!
Taxi - Guarucoop is a taxi company that operates at GRU Airport.
Terminal 3 - Arrival +55 (11) 2440-7070
Uber - You can get an Uber using your existing app.
Rental car - There are lots of car rental companies to choose from at Guarulhos Airport. The most popular companies are: Localiza, Unidas, Foco, Movida, Alamo and Europcar.
A valid driver's license can be used for up to six months, but must be accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese or you can apply for an Inter-American Driving Permit.
We are excited to share that we will be staying at Vila Galé (Paulista location) for few days during out trip to Brazil.
Vila Galé is a hotel located in the heart of São Paulo. With its prime location, you'll have easy access to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of the city.
You're more than welcome to join us at the same hotel for a convenient and enjoyable stay together. However, we understand that preferences vary, so feel free to explore other options. Whatever you decide, we look forward to sharing great experiences during our trip together.
The Brazilian Real (BRL) is only currency accepted in Brazil.
Banks and credit unions are generally the best places to exchange currency, with reasonable exchange rates and the lowest fees. You could also exchange your money at the airport kiosks.
Visa and Mastercard are the most common credit cards accepted in Brazil. You can check with your credit card company/bank how the foreign transaction fees work.
Keep in mind that you may be charged for additional services fees when travelling abroad. The best way to avoid that is checking with your phone carriers for the international plans they offer or ordering an eSIM/SIM card online.
Another option would be getting a local prepaid SIM card at the airport in Brazil.
Travel insurance is not required in Brazil, but it could be beneficial in some cases.
Traveling to a foreign country can sometimes cause our bodies some confusion. It might be helpful to bring with you medicines for sleep, tummy (bloating, gas, discomfort), dehydration, constipation, diarrhea, and immune system support.