Belem Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Providers

Vivo, Claro, and TIM are the main mobile providers. Vivo typically has wide coverage. A passport is needed for registration.

Purchasing Your SIM

Purchase at official provider stores in shopping malls.
Your passport is necessary for registration.
Malls offer better rates and smoother activation than airports.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. Many public places also have Wi-Fi for customers.

Wi-Fi Availability

Hotels and hostels generally have free Wi-Fi.
Cafes, restaurants, and malls often have free Wi-Fi.
Mobile data is reliable in urban Belém with a local SIM.

Postal Services

Correios is Brazil's national postal service. You will find branches throughout the city.

Sending Mail

Branches are available throughout Belém.
International shipping can take time.
Services are generally reliable for postcards or packages.

Language Barrier & Resources

Portuguese is the official and main language. English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas.

Translation Aids

Download Google Translate offline language pack.
Carry a small Portuguese phrasebook.

Important Phrases

Essential Greetings

Olá / Oi: Hello / Hi (oh-LAH / oy)
Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite: Good morning / afternoon / evening
Obrigado / Obrigada: Thank you (male speaker / female speaker)
Por favor: Please (por fah-VOR)

Basic Inquiries & Needs

Quanto custa?: How much does it cost? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah?)
Eu não entendo: I don't grasp (eh-oo nown en-TEN-doo)
Você fala inglês?: Do you speak English? (voh-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEHS?)
Água sem gás / com gás: Still water / sparkling water

Stay Connected Globally

For seamless communication, consider an ESIM from Airalo. If you prefer a portable device, check Solis Wi-Fi. To prepare for language interactions, explore Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Business Hours & Schedules

Grasping typical operating hours aids with planning your daily activities.

Banks

Open Monday to Friday, generally from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Shops

Independent shops: Mon-Sat, ~9 AM-6 PM. Malls: 10 AM-10 PM.

Dining & Markets

Lunch: 12 PM-3 PM. Dinner: ~7 PM onwards. Markets open very early, close late afternoon.

Banking & ATMs

ATMs (Caixas Eletrônicos) are widely available. Look for Banco24Horas.

ATM Security Advice

Use ATMs inside banks or busy shopping centers.
Conduct transactions during daylight hours.
Be cautious, avoid isolated areas, especially at night.

Public & Religious Holidays

Brazil has many national and regional holidays that may influence services.

Holiday Influence

Banks and government offices are generally closed.
Many businesses have reduced hours or close entirely.
Public transport schedules may be reduced.

Seasonal Closures & Schedules

Major Holiday Periods

Carnival (Feb/Mar), Christmas, New Year's shape schedules.
Always verify specific opening times in advance.
The Círio de Nazaré festival (Oct) notably impacts city operations.

Museums & Attractions

Hours vary, typically 9 or 10 AM to 5 or 6 PM.
Many museums and attractions close on Mondays.
Always confirm specific hours before your visit.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Brazilian people are generally warm and open. Grasping local customs enriches your travel.

Greeting Customs

Learning a few basic greetings is highly appreciated.

Common Greetings

Handshakes are common for initial introductions.
Women often greet with one or two air kisses on the cheek.
"Oi" (Hi) is informal, "Olá" (Hello) is formal.

Appropriate Attire

Dress for comfort in Belém's heat and humidity, yet with respect for certain venues.

Dress Guidelines

Modest dress (shoulders, knees covered) for religious sites.
Smart casual for upscale restaurants or Theatro da Paz.
Swimsuits are for beaches and pools only.

Dining & Tipping

A 10% service charge is often on the bill. If included, no extra tip is expected.

Tipping Practices

If not included, 10% is customary for restaurants.
Tipping for taxis or ride-sharing is not common.
Check your bill for "serviço" before tipping.

Photography Permissions

Generally, public spaces are fine to photograph. People need permission.

Photography Guidelines

Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Do not photograph children without explicit parental consent.
Avoid photographing military or government buildings.

Sensitive Topics & Taboos

Conversation Caution

Politics and socioeconomics can be sensitive discussions.
Avoid overly critical comments about local football teams.
Be respectful of local religious customs and traditions.

Cultural Respect

Be mindful and sensitive to local contexts.
Avoid expressing strong opinions on unfamiliar subjects.
During services, maintain quiet and turn off cell phones.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

Women travel freely and safely in urban areas.
Catcalling can occur; generally harmless, best ignored.
Brazil is generally a patriarchal society.

LGBTQ+ Environment

Brazil is relatively progressive on LGBTQ+ rights.
Major cities like Belém have a more open environment.
Public displays of affection might draw attention.

Local Engagement

Attempting a few Portuguese words, like "Olá" or "Obrigado/a," shows respect and is genuinely appreciated by local residents.

Accessibility Information

Belém's infrastructure has unique challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

City infrastructure generally lacks high accessibility standards.

Infrastructure Challenges

Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, and obstructed.
Many older buildings do not have ramps or elevators.
Navigating the city with a wheelchair can be difficult.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Some modern venues offer better accessibility.

Accessible Sites

Estação das Docas is well-maintained and flat.
Newer shopping malls have good accessibility features.
Taxis/ride-sharing can be arranged, but not all vehicles are equipped.

Specific Impairment Services

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services are limited.
Travel with a companion is advisable.
Arrange specialized assistance through tour operators.

Resource Consultation

Contact local tourism boards in advance.
Consult specialized travel agencies focusing on accessible travel.
Confirm up-to-date information on accessible venues.

Important Phrases Continued

Essential Communication

Olá / Oi: Hello / Hi (oh-LAH / oy)
Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite: Good morning / afternoon / evening
Obrigado / Obrigada: Thank you (male/female speaker)

Por favor: Please (por fah-VOR)
Quanto custa?: How much does it cost?
Água sem gás / com gás: Still water / sparkling water

Support for Accessible Travel

Advance planning with specialized agencies or local tourism boards can assist in making arrangements for accessible venues and services in Belém. Consider contacting them for detailed, up-to-date information tailored to your specific needs.

Belem Travel Tips