Belem Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Essential Preparations

Plan your trip chronologically for a smooth experience.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Follow these steps for optimal readiness.

-6 Months Before

Passport & Visa

Passport valid six months beyond departure, two blank pages. If US/Canada/Australia citizen, apply for Brazilian E-Visa online.

Flights & Accommodation

Book flights to Belém, especially for Círio (October). Reserve accommodation as it fills fast.

Health & Insurance

Consult a travel doctor for vaccinations (Yellow Fever 10 days before travel). Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance.

Month Before

Confirmations

Reconfirm all flight, hotel, and pre-booked tour reservations. Arrange transfers from Val de Cans–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL).

Itinerary & Money

Plan your daily itinerary. Exchange some Brazilian Reais. Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.

Packing & Gear

Pack prescription medications (with doctor's notes) and specialized toiletries. Obtain a Universal power adapter and Portable charger. Get effective insect repellent.

Week Before

Final Checks

Reconfirm your flights and check-in times. Make physical and digital copies of all important documents. Store digital copies in a cloud service.

Digital Tools

Download offline maps for Belém on Google Maps/Waze and the Portuguese language pack for Google Translate.

Home & Electronics

Charge all electronics. Arrange for mail collection or a hold service. Organize pet-sitting or boarding. Secure your home. Inform a trusted contact of your itinerary.

Required Advance Bookings

Some bookings require foresight to secure your spot.

Reservations

Flights: Book international and domestic well in advance.
Hotels: Secure accommodation, especially for Círio (October).
Multi-day Amazon Tours: Book with reputable operators.
Confirm all reservations for peace of mind.

Pre-Trip Research

Diving into local details enriches your journey.

Research Topics

Belém's Unique Cuisine: Learn about Tacacá, Maniçoba, açaí.
Cultural Festivals: Understand Círio de Nazaré if traveling in October.
Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with basic Brazilian etiquette and phrases.
Any special events during your dates.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure your home matters are handled while you are away.

Mail & Pets

Arrange for mail collection or a hold service.
Organize pet-sitting or boarding.
Ensure pet care is confirmed.
Delegate home responsibilities.

Security & Contacts

Secure your home (lock windows, set alarms).
Inform neighbors of your absence.
Inform a trusted friend or family member of your complete itinerary.
Share contact details.

Financial & Digital

Ensure all recurring bills are paid or set up for auto-payment.
Back up important digital files.
Update software on travel devices.
Cloud sync for documents.

Essential Travel Gear

Pack necessary Travel gear like a Universal power adapter, portable charger, and effective insect repellent.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in a new city can be disorienting. A checklist makes for a smooth arrival.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration:
Clear immigration procedures at the airport. Have your passport and visa (if applicable) ready.
2
Luggage:
Collect your checked luggage from the carousel.
3
Customs:
Clear customs procedures efficiently.

Orientation & Initial Setup

Transportation:
Locate the official taxi stand or ride-sharing pick-up area (Uber, 99) outside the terminal.
Local SIM Card:
Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or a city shopping mall for connectivity.
Currency Exchange:
Exchange a small amount at the airport if immediate cash is needed, or use an ATM in the city for better rates.

Getting to Accommodation

Pre-booked Transfer

Use your pre-booked transfer for a hassle-free journey to your hotel.

Confirm details before departing.

Official Airport Taxi

Opt for an official airport taxi. Confirm the price before starting your trip.

Look for designated stands.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Use Uber or 99 for a safe and efficient journey. Confirm the fare estimate in-app.

Meet at designated pick-up points.

Hydration

Purchase bottled water immediately upon arrival. Tap water in Belém is not safe for drinking.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure from Belém to ensure a smooth journey home.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase significant souvenirs or gifts well in advance of departure.
If buying large items like Marajoara pottery, inquire with vendors about shipping options.
Be aware of your home country's customs regulations, especially for food or plant/animal products.
Brazil does not have a generalized VAT refund system for tourists.

Timing & Return Trip

Air Travel: Arrive at Val de Cans–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL) 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
River Boats: For long-distance departures, arrive at the port 1-2 hours early to secure a good spot for your Hammock.
Reconfirm your return flights 24-48 hours before departure.
Arrange for hotel check-out, ensuring any outstanding bills are paid.

Accessibility Notes

Accessibility infrastructure in Belém is limited. Planning ahead is .

Important Considerations

Mobility needs:Plan thoroughly.
Accommodations:Confirm accessibility features in advance.
Transportation:Private driver offers flexibility.
Impairments:Consider traveling with a companion.

Preparing for Re-Entry

Ensure all necessary documents for re-entry to your home country are ready.
This includes passport, any visas, and health declarations.
Re-pack luggage, complying with airline regulations for carry-on or checked bags regarding liquids or restricted items.
Review baggage allowances for your flight.

Packing Efficiency

Travel smart. Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes suitable for Belém's humid climate.

Consider Eagle Creek for packing organizers to maximize space.

Belem Travel Resources