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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

The South, Brazil

Seasonal Clothing

Pack according to the time of year to ensure comfort.

Guidelines

  • Summer (Dec-Mar): Light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen. Include a light rain jacket or compact Travel umbrella for frequent afternoon showers.
  • Autumn/Spring (Apr-May, Sep-Nov): A mix of T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. A waterproof outer layer or Packable rain jacket is advisable.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Warm clothing is necessary. Bring sweaters, fleece jackets, a warm coat, long pants, scarves, and Gloves, especially for evenings.

Cultural & Activity Attire

Curitiba presents a modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Dress is generally casual and practical.

Specifics

  • Cultural Dress Code: No strict dress codes apply for most public places. Modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) is advisable when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Walking/Exploring: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You will spend much time exploring parks and city streets.
  • Swimming: Bring Swimwear if your accommodation has a pool. Curitiba is an inland city.

Footwear Recommendations

Essential Walking Shoes

Absolutely necessary for exploring the city's extensive parks, gardens, and pedestrian areas. Good quality walking shoes are a must-have.

High Priority

Water-Resistant Shoes

Useful during the rainy summer months or if exploring areas like the coast (Morretes/Paranaguá) on a day trip.

Weather-Specific

Dressier Options

Pack these if planning to dine at upscale restaurants or attend formal events. Not a daily necessity.

Occasional Use

Essential Documents

Keep your documents organized and secure.

Ensure you have all necessary paperwork before and during your trip.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa or physical visa (if required). Photocopies or digital scans stored separately.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Policy number and emergency contacts for your provider. Copies of the policy document.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Required with home country license if renting a car.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required/recommended). Doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight itineraries, hotel bookings, tour confirmations. Keep them accessible offline.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Local emergency numbers, your country's embassy/consulate, and contacts for family/friends not traveling with you.
  • IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs might offer discounts at some museums or attractions. Carry proof of eligibility.
  • Document Security: Carry sensitive documents in a secure, concealed Money belt.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up during your trip.

Considerations

  • Power Adapter: Brazil mainly uses 127V/60Hz, with 220V also common. Plug Type N is official. A Universal travel adapter with Type N compatibility is highly recommended.
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility & SIM: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Ensure your phone is unlocked. Local ESIMs from Airalo or physical SIM cards from Vivo, Claro, or TIM are available.
  • Portable Chargers: Portable chargers and power banks (10,000 mAh+) keep devices charged during long days of sightseeing.

Photography & Apps

Document your journey and navigate with ease.

Recommendations

Data Backup & Security

VPN Usage

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi. It helps protect your data.

Cloud Storage

Utilize cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) to automatically back up photos and important digital documents from your devices.

Physical Backups

Bring a portable hard drive or several high-capacity SD cards for camera photos, providing an additional layer of data security.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Pack a Compact first aid kit and any personal health items.

Contents

  • First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), allergy medication.
  • Prescription Medications: Enough for your trip plus extra days. Keep in original packaging with pharmacy labels. Doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Over-the-Counter: Remedies for cold/flu, antacids, laxatives, rehydration salts, and antidiarrheal (Imodium).

Protection & Hygiene

Shield yourself from environmental elements and maintain personal hygiene.

Considerations

  • Insect Repellent: Necessary, especially during warmer, wetter months. Look for products containing DEET or Picaridin.
  • Sun Protection: High-SPF Broad-spectrum sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Water Purification: While bottled water is available, a Filtered water bottle is a sustainable option for tap water.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude

  • Curitiba's altitude is approximately 930m (3050ft).
  • Altitude sickness is not typically a concern at this elevation.
  • No specific altitude-related medications are typically needed for Curitiba.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies might be useful for longer bus journeys.
  • Pack over-the-counter motion sickness pills if needed.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking/Walking

For exploring parks and city trails.

  • A comfortable Daypack (approx. 20-30L)
  • Suitable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Light rain jacket/umbrella
  • Reusable water bottle

Cycling

For exploring Curitiba's bike lanes and parks.

  • Helmet (check if rental includes)
  • Comfortable cycling attire
  • Water bottle
  • Small backpack

Photography

Capture Curitiba's unique urban and natural beauty.

  • Extra batteries for camera
  • Additional SD cards
  • Lens cleaning kit
  • Lightweight tripod (optional)

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Good to Rent Locally

  • Bicycles: Easily rented in the city through bike-sharing programs or private shops. No need to bring your own.
  • City Tour Gear: The Linha Turismo bus covers many sights, removing the need for extensive self-navigation gear.
  • Specific Niche Gear: For serious hiking in nearby mountains, check with local tour operators if specialized gear is provided or rentable.
  • Basic Beach Gear: If doing a day trip to the coast, simple beach items are available for purchase there.

Better to Bring From Home

  • Specialty Medications: Specific brands of medications or toiletries might be difficult to find locally.
  • High-Quality Outdoor Gear: Specialized outdoor gear can be more expensive in Brazil.
  • Personal Comfort Items: Familiar items like a favorite Travel neck pillow or Eye mask.
  • Camera Lenses/Accessories: If you require specific photography equipment beyond a basic setup.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget these small, yet helpful, items that enhance your travel experience and security.

Travel Essentials

Eco-Friendly & Local Necessities

Travel responsibly and be prepared for Curitiba's specific conditions.

Sustainable & Unique Items

  • Reusable Water Bottle: A LifeStraw or general Reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated and reduces plastic waste.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: A compact Reusable shopping bag is useful for market visits or grocery runs.
  • Region-Specific Essentials: A Compact umbrella or light rain jacket is highly recommended due to unpredictable showers.
  • Hard-to-Find Items: Specific brands of medications or toiletries might be difficult to find. High-quality outdoor gear can be more expensive. Bring these from home. Adventure Medical Kits for first aid.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; fill from safe sources or use a filter.

Cloth Shopping Bag

Avoid single-use plastic bags when shopping at markets or stores.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo bars, solid toothpaste; minimize liquid plastic containers.

Reusable Utensils

Carry your own fork, spoon, knife to avoid disposable plastic cutlery.

Destination-Specific Items

For City Exploration

  • Printed map or offline digital map of Curitiba.
  • Small bills or coins for bus fares (R$6-R$7 per ride).
  • Basic Portuguese phrasebook or translation app.

For Serra do Mar Day Trip

  • Motion sickness medication if sensitive to train movement.
  • Camera with extra battery and memory for scenic views.
  • Light rain jacket, as coastal weather can differ from Curitiba's.

Packing Pro Tips

Utilize packing cubes to organize your clothes and maximize space, especially when layering for Curitiba's changeable weather.

Roll your clothes tightly to minimize wrinkles and save space in your luggage.