Please see below for frequently asked questions regarding what to prepare for your upcoming trip to Brazil. From accommodations to tipping Guides, you can find the answers here!

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Meals

Can I drink the tap water?

We recommend you not drink the tap water. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water, which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

Tipping

Are tips included?

Tips for Guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are not included in your trip costs. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to show appreciation and provides supplemental income for local teams. If they have enhanced your experience, consider rewarding their efforts with a tip. Below are tipping suggestions:

For Guides, it is recommended to tip $5-$10 USD per person/day
For Drivers, it is recommended to tip $3-$4 USD per person/day
At restaurants, 10% is typically added to your bill as a service fee

Transportation

What is the best way to get to and from the airport?

Booking your transfer to and from the airport is easier than ever! Once your Itinerary is finalized, you'll be able to book a private transfer through our partner company, Transferz, through the Portal!

See below for some additional options:

Transportation Apps: Services like Uber, 99, or inDrive are reliable and widely available in Rio. You can request a ride directly from the airport, and there are designated pick-up points for these services. This option offers a good balance between comfort and cost.

Airport Taxis: The airport has official taxi stands with regulated fares. You can choose between yellow taxis with a meter or prepaid taxis (which are paid in advance at an airport counter). Prepaid taxis are a bit more expensive but offer a fixed price to your destination.

Public Transportation:

BRT + Metro: This is the most economical option.
From the airport, take the BRT TransCarioca bus, which has a station at the terminal. Look for buses heading to "Terminal Alvorada" and get off at the Vicente de Carvalho station.

Then, connect to MetrôRio (Line 2), where you can transfer to Line 1 to reach neighborhoods in the South Zone such as Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon.
The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your final destination.
Premium Bus (Frescao): There are air-conditioned buses (line 2018) that run from Galeão to the South Zone, with stops at key locations such as Copacabana and Ipanema. These buses are more comfortable than the BRT and are an excellent option if you're carrying luggage.

We recommend taking a private transfer, but if this is not possible, an Uber or Taxi, and as a last resort, public transportation, are all good options.

If you are going to take public transportation, the bus is better, but some websites say that the line is not very reliable and changes its route frequently.

What is public transportation like?

Buses are the most common form of public transportation, and all major cities will have a public bus system. Brazil's larger cities will offer taxi services. Make sure you are looking for a radio taxi, as they offer a pre-paid fare. Uber is also available.

Visas

Do I need a visa to go to Brazil?

As of April 2025, passport holders from United States, Australia and Canada will require a visa to enter Brazil. We recommend you check with your local government and/or airline to ensure you have the right documentation.

Please refer to the Trip Prep guide here for additional information about Brazil.