Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, magnificent landscapes and extravagant parties, but that doesn’t have to mean that a holiday to Brazil comes with a hefty price tag. Yes, Brazil is well-known for being one of the most expensive countries in South America, but it can also be a great place to travel if you’re on a budget. The good news is that public transport and local food are reasonably cheap, which can considerably cut down your costs. Of course, the price of any holiday reflects your personal travel style, but Brazil caters for a range of budgets. From the 5-star resorts with private beaches and expensive cocktails to locally-run guesthouses and delicious street food.
So, how much does a holiday to Brazil really cost? A budget traveller should have a daily allowance of $20 – $40 (R$80 – R$160). For a mid-range holiday, we suggest you’ll need around $50 – $90 (R$198 – R$357) spending money per day, and if you prefer your holidays to have a bit more luxury, we suggest to budget for at least $100 per day. Accommodation costs will be on top. The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian real (R$).
Indulging in the delicious Brazilian cuisine doesn’t have to break the bank, in fact, the food in Brazil is relatively cheap, and you’ll never have to wander too far to find it. Street foods such as pastel, bean soup or coxinha are readily available and will only come to around $2 – $3 (R$12 – R$18). An inexpensive meal at a cafe, such as a sandwich and a drink, will cost around $6 – $9 (R$36 – R$45), and a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost about $25 – $50 (R$150 – R$300). If you have a few nights where you’d like to splash out, dinner for two at a fancy restaurant will set you back at around $200 (R$1200). A beer at a bar will costs around $2 – $3 (R$12 – R$18).
Using local transport is one of the best ways to keep the costs down on your holiday to Brazil. When travelling long distances, bus rates are around $5 (R$30) per hour. A bus from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo will cost approximately $40 (R$240), but if you are short on time, flying can be a great option. A flight from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus will cost around $150 (R$900). Taxis in cities generally work on a meter with the journey starting at $2 (R$6) and adding around $0.8 (R$4.80) per kilometre. Uber also operate widely in Brazil.
Excursions and entrance fees are likely to be one of the highest costs of your holiday to Brazil, but the prices can vary greatly depending on what you’re doing. For example, a trip to the Amazon jungle can cost around $38 – $100 (R$150 – R$400) per day, and if you want to stay in a luxury lodge, it will be around $150 – $300 (R$600 – R$1200) per night. Another plus of joining a group tour to Brazil is that most of these costs are included.
Ipanema is another of Brazil’s most famous beaches. Enjoy the stunning surroundings of the twin peaks and explore the stylish restaurants, boutiques and trendy bars. The palm-lined arc of soft, white sand blending into the rolling waves, is often regarded as one of the best beaches in Brazil. Explore the nearby galleries, colonial theatres and vibrant clubs. Be aware that Ipanema Beach is one of the most popular in Brazil, so don’t expect it to be quiet!
Tipping is standard almost everywhere in Brazil but is usually included on the bill as a service charge. Bartenders, guides, housekeepers and beach vendors generally don’t include a service charge, so it’s common practice to add a tip in these situations.
You’ll find that most restaurants in Brazil will include a 10% service charge on the bill, so there is no need to add a tip. If there isn’t a service charge already included, add a 10% tip. Bartenders generally accept a small tip as they will not include a service charge on your bill.
We always advise to tip your guides no matter where in the world you are, as the majority of their wages come from their tips. In Brazil, guides usually expect a tip of 10%.
Taxis within cities in Brazil generally use a meter, but most people will round up the fare as a tip. In smaller towns, taxis don’t often have a meter, so the price is agreed upon beforehand. In this instance, you do not need to provide a tip. If you hire a car, parking attendants are usually dependent on tips, so tipping is standard.
Keep small notes and coins in a separate wallet so that you are prepared for tipping.
Generally, Brazil isn’t a haggling country. Prices are more often than not fixed, just like in the USA and Western Europe. There are a few situations where you might be able to get away with negotiating for goods, but you shouldn’t expect that as commonplace. Market stalls and street vendors tend to be a little more flexible, so it’s possible you could get a discount there.
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