Brazil is a moderately priced destination — less expensive than English-speaking Caribbean or upscale European destinations, but pricier than some South American neighbours (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia). Reference budget of €90/day/person corresponds to a comfortable trip excluding domestic flights and premium activities (Amazon cruises, Pantanal lodges).
A comfort traveller for two in dry season will budget: 3-4* hotel €100-200/night, decent restaurant meals €25-45/person, outings (caipirinha, samba €5-15), excursions (Christ the Redeemer €25, Sugarloaf €25, Búzios cruise €50), taxis and Uber (€5-15/ride in city), domestic flights €100-300/segment. That's €150-250/day for two on average, excluding nature logistics.
A backpacker can get by on €50-70/day choosing: dorm hostal €15-30/night (Selina, Mango Tree, Discovery Hostel networks), lanchonete (canteen) meals €5-12, public transport (Rio metro 5 BRL, bus 4 BRL), economical excursions (Christ the Redeemer by van 60 BRL instead of 175 BRL). The luxury traveller finds bliss in colonial boutique hotels in Paraty (Pousada do Ouro €250-400/night), Trancoso resorts (UXUA Casa Hotel €400-700/night), premium Pantanal lodges (Caiman Lodge €800-1,200/day all-inclusive).
By expense category: accommodation (40-50% of budget) — pousada €40-80/night, 3* hotel €70-130, 4* €130-220, 5* €250-500, luxury resort €600-1,500. Food (15-20%) — prato feito (set menu €8-15), kilo (by weight €10-20/meal), decent restaurant €25-40, gourmet €60-120. Activities (15-20%) — Christ the Redeemer €25, Sugarloaf €25, Búzios catamaran cruise €40-60, Iguazu full day (transfers + entry + Macuco Safari) €80-120, Amazon cruise 5 days €800-1,500, Pantanal lodge 4 days €700-1,200. Domestic flights (10-15%) — Rio-Iguazu €100-200, Rio-Manaus €250-400, Rio-Salvador €100-250.
Practical tips: currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$, €1 ≈ 5.9 BRL in 2026). Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Cash essential for small shops, public transport, tips (€1-2 per bag, 10% at restaurant if not included — serviço (10%) on the bill means tip already counted). ATMs everywhere in big cities (Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Itaú — prefer in-branch ATMs for safety). Withdrawal limit often 800-1,000 BRL (€130-170) per operation.
Voltage is mixed 110V/220V depending on region (110V in São Paulo, Rio, Brasília, South; 220V in Northeast and Manaus) — check before plugging in. Type N plugs (Brazilian standard 2P+T, since 2010) and type C (European 2P) coexist: universal adapter recommended. Wi-Fi available in hotels, restaurants and airports. Brazil eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Vivo, Claro) for mobile internet: €10-25 the week.
Time difference: -5h in winter, -4h in summer (Brasília time UTC-3, country has several time zones but 90% of territory on Brasília). Seasons reversed from Europe (austral summer December-March, austral winter June-August).
Read also
- Rio and Southeast — Rio de Janeiro, Búzios, Paraty: Christ the Redeemer, Carnival, mythical beaches and colonial heritage.
- Salvador and Northeast — UNESCO Pelourinho, capoeira, candomblé, Chapada Diamantina — the authentic Afro-Brazilian soul.
- Brazilian Amazon — Manaus, Belém, Rio Negro lodges: the world's largest rainforest, endemic wildlife.
- Pantanal — The world's largest wetland, global capital of wild jaguar observation.
- Iguazu and South — UNESCO Iguazu Falls Brazilian side, Curitiba, Florianópolis and its beaches.