MileHacker Logo
Serra Travel Resources

Serra Travel Resources

Espirito Santo Brazil Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Serra

  • Navigation:

    Google Maps and Waze instructions and traffic updates.

  • Ride-sharing:

    Uber and 99 popular apps for accessible ways to travel.

  • Public Transport:

    Cittamobi real-monitoring time and route information for Transcol.

  • Translation:

    Google Translate (offline Portuguese language packs) for language.

  • Communication:

    WhatsApp universally used in Brazil for messaging and calls.

Useful Websites for Planning

  • Tourism Info:

    The official websites for tourism for Espírito Santo (e.g., setur.es.gov.br).

  • Airlines:

    Airline websites (LATAM, GOL, Azul) for flight bookings and updates.

  • Bus Travel:

    Bus line websites (Águia Branca, Itapemirim) for departure/arrival times and passes.

  • Accommodation:

    Booking platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb) for lodging reservations.

  • Social Media:

    Follow local tourism boards for current events and updates.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lp Brazil or Rough Guide to Brazil general context for Brazil.

Find guidebooks

Books About Destination

Books on Brazilian history or culture broader context.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like A Gazeta or Folha Vitória current event listings.

Read local news

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers

  • Police (Military Police): 190
  • Ambulance (SAMU - Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência): 192
  • Fire Brigade (Corpo de Bombeiros): 193
  • Keep your country's embassy or consulate contact information.

Hospital Locations

  • Hospital Estadual Dr. Jayme Santos Neves (Serra).
  • Hospital Metropolitano (Serra).
  • Numerous clinics and pharmacies operate throughout the municipality.
  • For minor ailments, neighborhood pharmacies can assist.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Search for documentaries on Brazilian culture.
  • Atlantic Forest, or specific regions of Espírito Santo.
  • These provide visual context.
  • Introductions to local issues and beauty.

Music and Art

  • Immerse yourself in Brazilian popular music (MPB).
  • Forró, Samba, and Sertanejo.
  • Follow local Capixaba artists.
  • Connect with the regional sound.

Online Communities

  • Reddit (e.g., r/Brazil) or TripAdvisor forums.
  • Socialize with fellow travelers.
  • Expat groups for Espírito Santo.
  • Find insights and local advice.

Important Information

Lost Document Procedures

Report to Police

  • Report to local police (Polícia Civil) immediately.
  • Obtain a "Boletim de Ocorrência" (police report).
  • Important for replacement documents.
  • Document the incident thoroughly.

Contact Embassy

  • Get in touch with your embassy or consulate for assistance.
  • Emergency travel documents.
  • Guidance on following steps.
  • Consular services.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Follow the guidance of local officials (Defesa Civil).
  • Stay informed through local news channels.
  • Safety during heavy rains or potential flooding.
  • Monitor weather advisories consistently.

Language Learning

Apps & Courses

  • Utilize apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise.
  • Online Portuguese courses.
  • Develop your language skills.

Phrases to Know

  • "Muito obrigado/a!" (Thanks a lot!)
  • "Bom dia/tarde/noite!" (Good morning/afternoon/evening!)
  • "Com licença" (Excuse me/Pardon me)

Local Insights

Customs to Observe

  • Brazilians generally warm, hospitable, and friendly.
  • Personal space often smaller.
  • Punctuality more flexible.

Avoiding Common Missteps

  • Learn basic Portuguese phrases.
  • Use strong sunscreen, wear a hat.
  • Hide your valuables.

Pre-Trip Planning Tips

Essential Steps

  1. Check passport validity (6 months).
  2. Research visa requirements.
  3. Book international flights.
  4. Research required and recommended vaccinations.
  5. Book accommodation.

Final Week Checklist

  1. Make sure all bookings (flights, accommodation, tours).
  2. Pack your luggage.
  3. Make physical and digital copies of documents.
  4. Download offline maps and translation apps.
  5. Arrange for any prescription refills.

General Safety Practices

Crowded Areas

Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places.

Night Safety

Stay alert, notably at night.

No Resistance

If you encounter a robbery, do not resist. Your safety most important.

Safety Alert

If you meet a robbery, do not resist. Your safety most important.

Language Learning Resources

Language Skills for Travelers

Essential Phrases

  • Gratitude:

    "Muito obrigado/a!" (Thank you very much!).

  • Greetings:

    "Bom dia/tarde/noite!" (Good morning/afternoon/evening!).

  • Politeness:

    "Com licença" (Excuse me/Pardon me).

Engaging with Locals

  • Affection for Region:

    "Eu amo Espírito Santo!" (I love Espírito Santo!).

  • Conversation Starters:

    Brazilians generally open to conversation. Showing interest good.

  • Cultural Icebreakers:

    Interest in their heritage or football (soccer) good icebreaker.

Language Learning Tools

Language Apps

Utilize language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise for daily practice.

Explore Babbel

Online Courses

Online Portuguese courses further develop your language skills before or during your trip.

Immersive Resources

Look for documentaries, music, plus digital communities for cultural immersion.

Digital Travel Aids

Navigation & Transport Apps

  • Google Maps and Waze directions and traffic updates.
  • Uber and 99 popular apps for convenient transport.
  • Cittamobi real-time tracking for Transcol bus system.
  • Download offline maps for restricted connectivity areas.

Communication & Planning

  • Using Google translate without internet Portuguese language packs.
  • WhatsApp universally used in Brazil for messaging and calls.
  • Official tourism websites (setur.es.gov.br) general information.
  • Airline and coach operator websites for booking and updates.

Travel Safety Advice

Personal Safety Practices

  • Be extra vigilant about personal safety.
  • Stay in well-lit, inhabited areas.
  • Use reputable transport options.
  • Keep valuables out of sight, particularly in busy places.

Health and Awareness

  • Use strong sunscreen, wear a hat, and keep hydrated.
  • Stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • If you meet a robbery, do not resist.
  • Be vigilant, notably at night.

Digital Tools Advantage

Download essential apps and offline maps before your trip for seamless navigation and communication.

← Previous
Serra Travel Hacks
← Back to Espirito Santo
Next →
Serra Travel Checklist

Next Up: Serra Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Serra Travel Checklist