By Patrick M. Lind
Brazil is a beautiful country known for more than just soccer and Carnival. Its luscious
beaches and coastal areas boast over 300 days of sunshine per year and the rich rainforests and Amazon River continue to amaze. Travelers from the
United States should be prepared before visiting Brazil. Though the State Department lists Brazil as a semi-dangerous place to visit, with proper precaution an enjoyable and memorable experience can be had.
Visa
Travelers from the United States need to obtain a travel visa from a Brazilian consulate or embassy prior to entering Brazil.
Language
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. English is taught as a secondary language in Brazil and is commonly spoken by educated people. In larger cities, English is more common. Due to its similarity to Portuguese, most Brazilians can understand and communicate with Spanish speakers.
Travel Insurance
Some hospitals and doctors do not accept private American insurance--international travel insurance is a valuable investment when traveling to Brazil.
Crime Against Tourists
Crime directed at tourists does occur in Brazil. Most crime is petty, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. Use caution when using an ATM machine and always exercise caution in unknown areas. Do not carry large amounts of cash, credit cards and passports when not needed. Violent crime against tourists has occurred but is rare.
Anti-American Sentiment
Brazilians tend to be open to North Americans and do not harbor anti-American sentiment.
About the Author:
Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
