MileHacker Logo
Brasilia Travel Tips

Brasilia Travel Tips

Brasilia Federal District, Brazil Travel Guide

Mobile & Internet

Accessing local networks and Wi-Fi.

Connectivity

  • Local SIM Cards: Vivo, Claro, TIM are major providers. Purchase at kiosks, stores, or the airport. A CPF is typically needed. Consider eSIM options for ease. Explore Airalo eSIMs.
  • Internet Access: Wi-Fi is common in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls. BSB Airport also has Wi-Fi. Portable Wi-Fi from Solis Wi-Fi.
  • Mobile Data: Good 4G coverage in Brasília and surroundings from major providers.

Language & Postal Services

Navigating language and traditional mail.

Communication Tools

  • Official Language: Portuguese (Brazilian Portuguese). English proficiency is limited outside tourist areas. Learn with Rosetta Stone.
  • Translation: The Google Translate app (with offline Portuguese) is an excellent tool. Phrasebooks also work.
  • Postal Services: Correios is Brazil's national postal service. Branches are throughout the city.

Phrases

Basic phrases for daily interactions.

Essential Portuguese

  • Olá / Oi (Hello formal/informal)
  • Bom dia (bohm-JEE-ah)
  • Boa tarde (BO-ah TAR-jee)

More Essential Phrases

Continue your language journey.

Further Vocabulary

  • Boa noite (BO-ah NOY-chee)
  • Por favor (por fah-VOR)
  • Obrigado / Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)

Advanced Phrases & Questions

Interactions

  • Com licença / Desculpe (kohn lee-SEN-sah / jeez-KOOL-pee)
  • Sim (seen) / Não (nown)
  • Quanto custa? (KWAHN-toh KOO-stah?)
  • Você fala inglês? (vo-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEHS?)
  • Não entendo (nown een-TEN-doo)
  • Socorro! (so-KO-hoo!)
  • Help! (Emergency)
  • Where is...? (Onde é...?)

Communicate Smart

Consider an eSIM from Airalo for easy mobile data access. For language learning, Rosetta Stone is a great resource.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours in Brasília follow a standard pattern, but holidays bring changes.

Shopping Malls

Generally 10:FROM 12 am TO 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat), 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Sun).

Street Shops

Usually 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri), shorter hours Sat, often closed Sun.

Restaurants

Lunch 12:00 PM-3:00 PM. Dinner from 7:00 PM onwards, often late.

Banking & Holidays

Accessing funds and navigating public holidays.

Financial & Festive

  • Banks: Generally 10:BETWEEN MIDNIGHT and 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri).
  • ATMs (Caixa Eletrônico): Widely available 24/7 at banks, malls, gas stations, supermarkets.
  • Holidays: National holidays (e.g., Carnival, Easter, Sep 7) and Brasília's founding day (Apr 21) mean limited or closed services.

Airport Services

Useful facilities at the airport.

Airport Conveniences

  • Airport Lounges: Priority Pass offers access to independent airport lounges.
  • Flight Compensation: Compensair helps with flight delays/cancellations.
  • Seasonal Closures: Not common in Brasília, the majority of businesses run year-round.

General Schedules

Shopping & Dining

  • Street shops close earlier, typically 6 PM.
  • Bars open late, especially on weekends.
  • Seasonal closures are rare in Brasília.

Holidays Impact

  • Bus and train schedules might change on holidays.
  • Brasília's founding day (April 21) is a local holiday.
  • Some services might be closed or limited during national holidays.

Plan Ahead

Check for national and local holidays. Services and transport might operate on reduced schedules. Maximize your airport experience with Priority Pass or get flight compensation with Compensair.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

How to greet locals.

Welcoming Gestures

  • Handshake: Common for formal introductions and between men.
  • Kiss on the cheek: Common between women, or a woman and a man (one kiss generally safe).
  • Eye Contact: Maintain during conversations.

Attire & Dining

Dressing for the occasion and mealtime practices.

Guidelines

  • General Attire: Casual, comfortable, and neat. Don't wear overly exposed attire in conservative or formal settings.
  • Religious Sites: Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) shows respect.
  • Dining: See previous sections for details on dining customs and tipping.

Social Interactions

Navigating conversations and personal space.

Cultural refinements

  • Photography: Ask permission before photographing individuals. Some government buildings have restrictions.
  • Personal Space: Brazilians tend to stand closer when conversing. Do not feel uncomfortable.
  • Sensitive Topics: Politics can be sensitive. Football is a national passion, come near with awareness.

LGBTQ+ Information

Openness and acceptance for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Considerations

  • Acceptance: Generally more open and accepting in larger cities like Brasília.
  • Legal Status: Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal.
  • Public Displays: Generally accepted. Discretion might be suitable in some contexts.

Photography Ethics

Respect Privacy

  • Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
  • Be discreet and respect requests for personal space; avoid intrusive photography.
  • Observe signage regarding rules on photography, especially at government or religious sites.

Religious Sites

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Remove hats, maintain quiet, and avoid flash photography in sacred spaces.
  • Observe any specific signage or instructions for visitors.

General Conduct

General Interactions

  • Be patient and polite in all interactions.
  • Respect local customs, especially when engaging with traditional communities.
  • Acknowledge local traditions and ways of life.

Sensitive Topics

  • Approach discussions about politics with caution.
  • Football is a national passion; be aware of local teams but avoid overly strong statements.
  • Observe, rather than impose, your own cultural norms.

Respectful Travel

Learn basic Portuguese. Be patient and polite. Respect local customs, especially at religious sites or with established communities.

Accessibility Information

Access is improving in Brasília, but travelers with mobility challenges plan ahead.

Mobility Infrastructure

Planning for mobility challenges.

Considerations

  • Infrastructure: Improving in newer buildings and public spaces. Still a challenge in older areas or with public transport.
  • Sidewalks: Can be uneven, plus ramps are not always available.
  • Accessible Sites: Major modern landmarks (e.g., National Museum, CCBB) and shopping malls might feature enhanced features.

Accessible Transport

Getting around the city with ease.

Transportation Options

  • Metro: Newer stations might have elevators and accessible platforms. Older ones might be less so.
  • Taxis/Ride-sharing: Standard vehicles with limited options for wheelchair-accessible specific vehicles.
  • Public Buses: Some newer buses may have accessibility features.

Specialized Services

Support & Resources.

Assistance Information

  • Visual/Hearing Impairments: Specialized services are limited. Travel with a companion or rely on tour operator assistance.
  • Information Resources: Contact local tourism boards or disability organizations in Brazil for up-to-date information.
  • Planning Advice: Pre-trip research into specific venues is necessary.

General Accessibility Insights

points for smooth navigation.

Traveler Tips

  • Urban planning sometimes creates barriers.
  • Be prepared for varying levels of accessibility across different areas.
  • Utilize apps and online resources for real-time information.

Further Considerations

Tour Operators

Some tour operators concentrate on accessible travel; inquire with them.

Advocacy Groups

Local disability organizations can provide valuable, up-to-date resources.

Accessibility Planning

Research specific places and transport options ahead of time.

← Previous
Day Trips from Brasilia
← Back to Brasilia
Next →
Sustainable Travel in Brasilia

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Brasilia. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation

Continue to Sustainable Travel in Brasilia
Brasilia Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture - MileHacker