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Salvador Travel Checklist

Salvador Travel Checklist

Salvador Bahia, Brazil Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

A chronological planning timeline organizes your essential preparations.

1

Early Preparations

Passport & Visas

Passport validity (6+ months beyond departure). Research visa; apply for e-Visa if needed. Book flights for high season.

Accommodation

Book main accommodations, especially for peak times. Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Major Bookings

Book specific tours with limited availability. Arrange for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

2

Mid-Range Tasks

Health Consult

See a doctor for shots (Yellow Fever is mandatory). World Nomads for insurance.

Itinerary Detail

Plan your detailed itinerary. Start learning basic Portuguese phrases to enhance interactions.

Document Prep

Make photocopies and digital copies of all important documents. Store them separately from originals.

3

Final Checks

Financial Alerts

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel dates to avoid card suspension due to foreign activity.

Home Security

Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and plant watering. Confirm airport transfers.

Packing & Tech

Pack your bags. Charge all electronics, including phones and power banks. Eagle Creek for packing needs.

Required Advance Bookings

Some aspects of your trip necessitate early reservations.

Essential Reservations

  • Flights are mandatory to book in advance.
  • Accommodation, especially high season or Carnival.
  • Major tours (Chapada Diamantina, Morro de São Paulo).
  • Carnival bloco tickets need early securing.

Pre-Trip Research

Knowledge Deepening

  • Read up on Bahian history and Afro-Brazilian culture.
  • Familiarize yourself with local scams/safety precautions.
  • Understand local transportation options.
  • Home preparation: secure, pay what you owe, turn off appliances.

Considerations Before Departure

Last-minute checks ensure a seamless departure.

Health & Documents

  • Pack prescription medications.
  • Assemble travel first-aid kit.
  • Copies of passport, visa, insurance.
  • Store copies separately from originals.

Financial Prep

  • Inform bank of travel dates.
  • Withdraw local currency from bank ATMs.
  • Purchase bottled water immediately.
  • Have small snack items after long travel.

Digital Readiness

  • Charge all electronics.
  • Download offline maps.
  • Install helpful applications (Uber, Google Translate).
  • WhatsApp for communicating with locals.

Pre-Travel Safeguard

Before your trip, note down your country's embassy or consulate contact information, and area emergency contacts.

Arrival & Departure Flow

Efficient steps upon arrival and smooth preparations for your departure.

Arrival Checklist

  • 1
    Pass Immigration:

    Pass through immigration and customs with documents ready.

  • 2
    Baggage Claim:

    Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area.

  • 3
    Cash & Map:

    Locate an ATM for initial cash withdrawal or find a currency exchange. Get a local map.

Orientation & Transfers

  • Local Maps:

    Obtain a physical or digital map of Salvador for navigation.

  • Tourist Information:

    Locate the nearest tourist information center for free maps and advice.

  • Neighborhood Awareness:

    Familiarize yourself with your accommodation's surroundings (restaurants, pharmacies).

Transportation & Finance

Currency Exchange

Take out local currency from an ATM at the airport or a major bank for better rates.

Airport exchange kiosks are an option, but rates can be less favorable.

Airport Transfers

Use reputable taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99), or pre-booked transfers. Avoid unofficial solicitations.

Verify the price or ensure the meter runs. Verify driver and vehicle details match the app.

Initial Purchases

Bottled water is mandatory upon arrival, as tap water is not safe for drinking.

Small snack stuff can assist after a long journey. Consider a local SIM card for connectivity.

Travel Tip

Notify family or friends of your safe arrival shortly after reaching your accommodation.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs in advance from Mercado Modelo or Pelourinho artisans.
  • Shipping via Brazil's postal service (Correios) or international courier.
  • International shipping can be costly and slow.
  • Research home country customs for imported goods.

Departure Timing

  • Arrive at airport 3 hours before international flights, 2 for domestic.
  • For buses, arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • Factor in potential traffic, especially peak hours.
  • Check flight/bus status before leaving for terminal.

Return Journey Logistics

Ensure smooth passage for your return journey.

Final Checks

  • Required documents for return (passport, boarding passes).
  • Any transit visas are in order.
  • Confirm transportation to airport/bus terminal.
  • Re-pack luggage, adhere to baggage limits.

Last-Minute Tips

  • Charge all devices before you go out.
  • Have your flight or bus confirmation easily accessible.
  • Ensure enough local currency for immediate needs.
  • Grab a final Bahian coffee or snack.

Final Departure Note

Double-check your accommodation for any forgotten items before leaving.

Confirm airport transfers or transport details one last time.