Packing list for Brazil, travel insurance for Brazil, and taking your belongings

To take or not to take to Brazil, leave at home or arrange locally?

Sufficiently insured or not for your activities in Brazil?

Sufficiently insured or not for your trip to Brazil?

What to take with you to Brazil: spotlighted

• Documents: a passport with 6 months validity and copies.
• Money: a debit card to withdraw money, but also some Brazilian real, because you certainly don't want to go to the ATMs in the evening!
• Care: sunscreen with a high factor - the sun in Brazil is like an enthusiastic dog: always present and sometimes a bit too much. Aftersun can't hurt either.
• Outdoor and handy items: cap or hat and sunglasses.
• Clothing: light and breathable clothing that protects you well from the sun. A nice going-out outfit certainly can't hurt either, the locals like to dress up. Last but not least, a good swimming outfit!
• Protection: a raincoat is essential, for the rain showers that can suddenly occur, or for the gigantic waterfalls that you are going to visit. The same goes for a rain cover for your backpack.
• Shoes: nice sandals or slippers and hiking boots for the jungle trips. Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and ORS (dehydration is a thing). Good mosquito repellents.
• Safety: money belt and safe bag for your stuff.
• Technology and equipment: the power sockets vary throughout the country - usually plug type C & N. A world plug is therefore essential.

What are some other options for packing as well?

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• International driving license for that cool road trip.
• A bit of courage to haggle at the market.
• Quick-drying towel for your beach and jungle adventures.
• Sarong for the beach, super multifunctional.
• White clothing in case you accidentally get invited to a Candomblé ritual or New Year's Eve on the beach in Rio (you get bonus respect for it).

What should you know when you bring your stuff with you to Brazil?

• Safety measure for travelling around Brazil.
• When are the festivities and what is the dress code.

Are there mosquitoes in Brazil?

• Yes, mosquitoes are a big problem in Brazil. Everywhere in the country, but even more so in the Amazon and Pantanal.
• Mosquitoes in Brazil spread many diseases such as dengue, malaria, zika and yellow fever.
• It is wise to take anti-mosquito measures, and to be extra careful during the rainy season, in places with stagnant water and in poorer areas of cities.

Are there sandflies in Brazil?

• Brazil has the highest number of sandfly species in the world and you can get very sick from them.
• It is difficult to say where you will and will not encounter them, but in general there are fewer sand flies in higher altitudes and less humid areas.
• So it is important to protect yourself well.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Brazil?

• The most effective way to protect yourself in Brazil is to cover yourself.
• You can buy all kinds of anti-mosquito products in every pharmacy and large supermarket. So it’s okay if you forget it in all your packing stress.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Brazil, or take it with you to Brazil?

• Yes, you will see people smoking weed – on the beach, at festivals, on the streets in alternative neighborhoods, but it is illegal!
• It’s all a gray area again, because in 2024 the court in Brazil has decriminalized marijuana use for Brazilians, but that does not mean it is legal. It is also unclear how foreigners are treated and the police can also accuse you of dealing or selling weed if you have weed on you.
• You are not allowed to take it with you anyway, so leave that stash at home if you don’t want to go on a one-way trip.