Soon I’ll be packing for a 7-week trip to Dubai and Brazil to see some family members. Because I’ve travelled a few times to Brazil and had some unpleasant experiences, I wanted to write a post about how to best prepare for a trip over there.
Below is a list of tips for staying safe, being prepared and making sure you have a fantastic time while you are in Brazil.
- Personal Documents
Photograph your personal documents and print out copies to take with you. It’s a good idea to leave copies of your documents with someone back home. It’s also a good idea to have digital copies to refer to if something happens and you don’t have the original ones with you.
Personal documents include:
- Passport and other ID
- Drivers License
- Copy of your Injections
- Travel Insurance Certificate
- Injections
Make sure you are up to date with vaccination requirements. You can find this information from your local travel doctor. If you are not up to date, you may get caught up by customs on your re-entry into Australia. Worse off you may get sick over there if you are not prepared.
- Insurance
Activate your Insurance Policy and read the small print. You need to know exactly what you are covered for as well as your limits and what to do if you are in trouble – my luggage has been stolen three times and delayed twice. Knowing what you are covered for, your limits and what you need to do if something like this happened, will save you a lot of time. Also, make sure to pack everything you need for 1-3 days in your carry-on just in case something happens to luggage.
Tip: Photograph everything you pack for insurance purposes. If anything is missing, you need to provide evidence. Having photos and receipts are great ways to show your insurance provider the items stolen and their retail value.
- Leave Valuables at Home
This is common sense, but I’m shocked at some times I have seen tourists walking the streets wearing flashy cameras, jewellery, accessories, etc. Don’t be a target and don’t stand out. Why risk it – leave your valuables at home.
- Pack Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent
Sunscreen and repellent in Brazil are very expensive. If you have space in your luggage, pack a small tube of both of these, you will need them.
- Clothing
Pack lightly; temperatures reach over 40 degrees in summer and 30 degrees in winter. It’s hot and humid! Leave your polyester clothes at home; this isn’t to best material to wear when it’s hot and humid. You need clothes that can breathe.
- Other Things to Note
Alert your bank that you are away so they can monitor any unusual activity in your account. I once forgot to do this and actually could not use my account because the bank froze it thinking that my transaction in Brazil was unusual. Also, make sure to register on Smart Traveller.
Do not walk alone in the streets at night time and don’t show your money in public, always stay in a secure place when dealing with your money.
Also, make sure you give your itinerary to family members back home so they know where and when you will be travelling in Brazil.
These are just some important tips, and I’m sure you have some valuable ones to add here.
Read my other blog about Brazil:
- The Biggest Carnaval in the World
- Brazil – What happened to you?
- Ouro Preto – A beautiful historic city in Brazil
