One Rule to Start
Pack half of what you think you need. Brazil is hot, casual and has excellent shopping — you can buy almost anything you forget. A carry-on and a daypack is the right setup for trips up to 3 weeks. Brazilian pharmacies (Drogasil, Raia, Drogaria São Paulo) have everything you need if you forget toiletries.
Documents & Money
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
- Printed copies of passport, travel insurance, hotel bookings
- Travel insurance card with emergency number (SafetyWing or equivalent)
- Wise card or Revolut card — no-fee BRL withdrawals
- Some US dollars or Euros as emergency backup (easily exchanged at airports)
- Vaccination certificate (yellow fever required for Amazon and Pantanal)
Clothing
Brazil is casual and warm. You do not need much:
- 3–4 lightweight t-shirts or linen shirts (quick-dry fabric is best)
- 2 pairs of lightweight shorts or linen trousers
- 1 light rain jacket or packable poncho (essential — Brazilian rain is sudden and heavy)
- 1 smarter outfit for nicer restaurants (men: collared shirt + chinos. Women: sundress)
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (NOT white trainers — they show dirt immediately)
- 1 pair of flip-flops (Havaianas are cheap and good — buy in Brazil)
- Swimwear — 2 sets (one always drying)
- Underwear and socks — 4–5 sets
- A light cardigan or hoodie for air-conditioned restaurants and overnight buses
Toiletries & Health
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF50+ (important — regular sunscreen damages Brazil's coral)
- DEET insect repellent 40%+ (essential for Amazon, Pantanal and any rainforest area)
- Your regular medications — bring more than you need
- Anti-diarrhea medication (stomach bugs happen, especially in the Amazon)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Small first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister patches
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for Amazon, Pantanal — get 10 days before travel)
- Malaria prophylaxis if visiting the Amazon (consult your doctor)
Tech & Electronics
- Brazil uses Type N plugs (3 round pins) — bring a universal adapter
- A portable power bank — beach days are long and phone batteries die
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag (essential for boat tours, Macuco Safari, beaches)
- Unlocked phone + Airalo eSIM (download before you leave home — instant Brazil data on arrival)
- Offline Google Maps downloaded for your destinations
- Lightweight laptop or iPad if working remotely
🔌 Voltage: Brazil uses 127V in some states and 220V in others. Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) are dual-voltage — check your device's power brick. São Paulo and most of the Southeast is 127V; most of the rest of Brazil is 220V.
For the Amazon or Pantanal
- Long-sleeve lightweight shirts (sun and insect protection)
- Long trousers — lightweight, quick-dry
- Head net for mosquitoes in the Amazon (you'll be very glad you have it)
- Binoculars — non-negotiable for the Pantanal
- Waterproof boots or rubber boots (Amazon lodges usually provide these)
- Red-light torch / headlamp (for night walks — red light doesn't disturb animals)
What to Buy in Brazil
- Havaianas flip-flops — much cheaper in Brazil than abroad
- Brazilian sunscreen — brands like Neutrogena Brazil and Hawaiana Sun are excellent
- Cachaça — buy local artisanal bottles in Paraty or Bahia
- Coffee — Brazilian coffee is some of the best in the world and cheap
- Hammock — essential if doing Amazon river boats; cheap everywhere in Brazil
What to Leave at Home
- Expensive jewelry or watches — leave at home entirely
- Multiple pairs of shoes — one walking shoe + one flip-flop is sufficient
- Heavy guidebooks — everything is on your phone
- Formal clothes — Brazil is extremely casual even in good restaurants
- Your home country's bank card as your primary card — fees are brutal; get a Wise card