Fernando De Noronha Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Access to mobile services and internet connectivity on the island may present some limitations.

Connectivity Details

Local SIM cards from Vivo, Claro, or TIM can be purchased on the mainland. Airalo offers convenient eSIM options for many regions, and Solis Wi-Fi provides portable internet devices.
Wi-Fi is available in most pousadas but can be slow and unreliable due to the island's remote location.
Portuguese is the official language. While some staff speak English, it is not widely spoken. Rosetta Stone can help with essential phrases.

Business Hours & Schedules

Operational Information

Shops typically open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; restaurants from 12:00 PM for lunch and 7:00 PM for dinner.
ATMs are limited (Banco do Brasil, Bradesco). Banking hours are weekdays, usually 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
National holidays strongly sway service availability and pricing; research dates during planning.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interaction with the local community and their cultural norms forms an integral part of your experience.

Social Guidelines

A polite "Olá" or "Bom dia/tarde/noite" shows respect; Brazilians generally welcome visitors.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Swimwear applies only to beaches and pool areas; light casual wear applies to general exploration and dining.

Money & Banking

Be aware of the limited banking access and cash withdrawal options on the island.

Financial Guidance

ATMs are available but limited, found at Banco do Brasil and Bradesco locations.
Plan cash withdrawals during banking hours (weekdays, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM).
A 10% service charge often appears on restaurant bills; check your receipt.

Phrases for Interactions

Common Greetings & Courtesy

Olá (Oh-LAH): Hello
Bom dia (BOHN JEE-ah): Good morning
Obrigado/Obrigada (Oh-bree-GAH-doo / Oh-bree-GAH-dah): Thank you (male/female speaker)
Por favor (Por fah-VOHR): Please

Basic Needs & Questions

Quanto custa? (KWAHN-too KOO-stah?): How much is it?
Água (AH-goo-ah): Water
Você fala inglês? (Voh-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEHS?): Do you speak English?
Praia (PRY-ah): Beach

Additional Information

Tipping taxi drivers is not customary. Brazil welcomes all travelers, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and discrimination is rare on Fernando de Noronha.

Accessibility Information

Fernando de Noronha's natural terrain and existing structures present challenges for travelers with mobility limitations.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure is not extensively adapted for mobility challenges. Many attractions include natural terrain, unpaved paths, stairs, or challenging access points.

Attraction Access

Few attractions design for full accessibility. The famous ladder descent to Sancho Bay is not accessible. The public bus system is not wheelchair friendly.

Accommodation

Some newer or luxury pousadas may offer ramps or accessible rooms, but this is not standard. Research specific accommodations carefully.

Services for Sensory Impairments

Dedicated services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not readily present on the island.

Planning for Support

Travelers with specific needs benefit from a companion.
Make very detailed advance arrangements with tour operators and accommodations.
This helps confirm their needs are understood and addressed.

Airport Services

Consider specialized airport services for enhanced travel ease.

Traveler Perks

Priority Pass provides independent airport lounge access globally.
For flight disruptions, Compensair helps obtain compensation for delays or cancellations.
These services add comfort to your journey.

Resources for Information

Direct Contact Recommended

Contact individual pousadas directly.
Connect with tour operators.
Reach out to the island's tourism board.

Specific Questions

Inquire about accessibility for planned activities.
Ask about accommodation accessibility.
They present the most current and relevant information.

Travel Advice

Planning with a specialist travel agent for accessible travel can also prove beneficial.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Beyond communication, understanding local customs and etiquette makes for a more harmonious visit.

Greeting Customs

A polite "Olá" (hello) or "Bom dia/tarde/noite" (good morning/afternoon/night) always resonates well with locals.

Polite Interactions

Brazilians generally present warmth and friendliness.
A smile and direct eye contact are common.
Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can meaningfully deepen interactions.

Appropriate Attire

The island maintains a very casual dress code, yet some guidelines apply to different settings.

Dressing for Occasions

Swimwear applies only to beaches and pool areas.
For general village exploration or dining, light casual wear is sufficient.
No strict dress codes appear at restaurants, including upscale ones.

Dining and Tipping

A 10% service charge often appears on restaurant bills; always check your receipt before paying.

Tipping Practices

If a service charge is not included, a 10% tip is customary for good service.
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Brazil.
Adjust tips based on service satisfaction.

Photography & Privacy

Generally, photographing landscapes and attractions has no issues. However, specific considerations apply to individuals.

Ethical Photography

Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children.
This serves as a sign of respect for their privacy.
Be mindful of privacy, specifically in residential areas.

Sensitive Topics

Discussion Caution

Avoid discussing Brazilian politics or social issues with strangers.
These topics can be complex.
Discussion is best for those you know well.

Traveler Inclusivity

Brazil, and Fernando de Noronha, generally demonstrate tolerance.
The island welcomes all travelers, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Standard travel precautions apply; discrimination is rare.

Religious Site Etiquette

Visiting Churches

When visiting the Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios or any religious site.
Dress modestly as a sign of respect.
This typically means covering your shoulders and knees.

Demeanor

Maintain a quiet demeanor inside.
Avoid loud conversations.
Be discreet with photography.

General Information

A general overview of useful information for your time on Fernando de Noronha.

Postal Services

Basic postal services are available on the island, mainly for sending postcards.

Mail Guidelines

Sending postcards from the island is straightforward.
For important mail or packages, handling them from the mainland is more reliable.
Check local post office hours upon arrival.

Traveler Tips

Small considerations that smooth your journey and daily activities.

Wise Choices

Use offline maps and downloaded content for intermittent connectivity.
Ensure your phone is unlocked before leaving your home country.
Plan to withdraw cash on the mainland or during banking hours on the island.

Seasonal Considerations

While widespread seasonal closures are rare, some smaller businesses may adjust hours.

Operating Adjustments

Smaller businesses or restaurants may have reduced hours during the absolute low season.
This typically pertains to periods like March or November, excluding holidays.
This occurs when fewer tourists are present.

Safety and Wellbeing

While generally safe, standard precautions apply as in any travel destination.

General Precautions

Keep valuables secure.
Stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Apply sunscreen regularly.

Fernando De Noronha Travel Tips