Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Belém Brazil: A Quick Look
Brazil is an immense country, full of famous places to visit. But it also has twice as many off-road, still unknown places waiting for you. For those of you traveling all over Brazil, you can later read our Brazil travel guide.
Now onto Belém!
I am going to be with you throughout this Belém travel guide to talk a little more about this northeastern gem. It gives you perfect weather all twelve months for beach-going, sightseeing, and exploring a rich cultural scene.
This article is going to be the ultimate Belém travel guide, letting you know where to stay, what to do, safety tips, and when to come over. This destination is for those hoping to get a little adventure in their lives.
Belém is increasingly gaining attention for its Amazon-to-table culinary movement. With chefs reimagining local ingredients like tucupi and jambu in creative ways, the city is becoming a must-visit for foodies looking for bold flavors in authentic settings.
Whether you want to cover as much ground as possible or just get a quick tour in before going to the next place, follow me along with this Belém travel guide for all you need to know.
Belém Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go
🛫 Airport: The airport closest to downtown Belém is the Belém International Airport. The codes to look for are BEL and SBBE.
🤑 Currency: The Brazilian Real, represented by the R$ symbol, is used here.
🗣️ Language: The town’s main language is Portuguese. English is available mostly in tourist spots and hotels.
🕰️ Time Zone: The time here is Brasília Standard Time (GMT-3). Which means it’s generally one hour ahead of EST and 4 hours ahead of PST.
💵 Cost: It is an affordable trip if you are coming from stronger currencies such as the US dollar, EURO, or Yen.
🛜 Internet: It is not as fast as it can be in places like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, but it is more than enough for all the needs you may have.
📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. For EU Nationals, you do NOT need a visa, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.
🔌 Power Outlets: Outlets have two associated plug types in the country: types C and N. Type C is the one with two round pins, while Type N has both round pins and a third one for grounding. Consider bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with these outlets during your travels.
🔋 Power Grid: The power here is great and stable. Brazil mainly operates on a 127/220V voltage and 60Hz. A few newer buildings work on 220V, but don’t count on it.
📳 SIM Card: You may not be sure it is necessary to have a national SIM card for your trip to Brazil. But if you want to use Uber, Google Maps, or similar apps, there is a need to have good mobile internet with a robust data plan.
🚘 Car Rentals: Renting a car is a somewhat complicated process, especially if you consider a number of new traffic rules to memorize. But depending on how you want to spend your time, it can be your best choice for getting around town.
Belém Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)
🍏 Food safety: 99.9 percent of foods are safe to eat! Just use common sense to avoid that 0.01 percent of sketchy-looking street food.
💧Water safety: Tap water isn’t safe for drinking without a filter, but it is good for everything else. Most restaurants have a filter and use filtered water to make their drinks and ice, so you only need to keep a reusable bottle to avoid high prices in some places. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.
👷♀️ Daytime safety: Petty theft is a rather common crime in tourist destinations all over the world, so avoid carrying flashy items. And take your phone out only when needed.
🦺 Nighttime safety: Your company should be common sense every hour of the day. Valuable items should be stored properly, not in easily accessible pockets. And don’t walk alone at night, use ride-sharing apps, or rent a car.
👺 Avoiding scams: Scams often happen in sales transactions, so give preference to buying tickets online. As for transportation, stick to reliable apps or have your hotel call a cab.
Belém Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective
🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists: Campina (best central locations), Batista Campos (families), Reduto (groups and solo travelers), and Nazaré (couples).
🎄Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Our major holidays are Carnaval in February, Festa Junina in June, and the Holiday Season in December.
🍜 Local food to try: Cachorro quente, brigadeiro, coxinha, feijoda, pao de quejo, vatapá, moqueca and sweet water fish.
🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): The town’s main alcoholic drink is Cachaça de Pitu, but try the traditional caipirinha and Catuaba.
🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Juices are my favorite thing to drink in Belém because there are so many different fruits to try. But you also HAVE TO try our traditional guaraná soda, açaí juice, and caldo de cana.
🚶♂️Walkability: Streets here are perfect to walk on since the terrain is mostly plain. It’s ideal for renting a bike to explore.
🎉 Nightlife: It is not very lively, made up mostly of bars and higher-end lounges. This town’s nightlife reflects the relaxation you feel all the time.
😀 Friendly to Foreigners: Belém is a wonderful place for foreigners since locals make every effort to make you feel welcome.
🏥 Hospitals: Public Health in town has been on an upward climb, but you should get medical insurance just in case.
🇺🇸 English speaking: English speakers with fluency are mostly in the hospitality sector of services, but you may be able to find them in other places, too.
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Where is Belém Brazil Located?
Belém Map
Belém, sometimes called ‘Belém do Pará,’ is within the borders of Pará. Nestled in the Marajó Bay, it is a place full of seaside wonders.
What State is Belém In?
Belém is capital to Pará. The northern state is naturally beautiful and borders five other states in both the North and Northeast areas of Brazil. Visitors come here to see a different version of Brasil, a more natural one different from major urban centers.
What’s the Closest Airport to Belém Brazil?
Lucky for you, Belém has its own airport. Belém International Airport, code BEL/SBBE, is less than 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from downtown, so you won’t need to make a long trip to your hotel. It is also an international airport, so there’s a chance you can just arrive at your destination without connecting flights.
What is the Best Way to Get to Your Belém Hotel?
Once you land at Belém Internationa Airport (BEL/BSB), there are a few ways to reach your hotel.
The easiest (and best, according to the Belém Travel Guide) way is to book a private shuttle. They drop you off at your final destination with no hassle and save you the trouble of firing it all out upon landing.
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to take an Uber, ensure you have a Brazil SIM card so your phone operates appropriately. You never want to depend on free public WIFI for using your ride-share apps.
Way number three to leave the airport is in one of many taxis available; just make sure your drivers have the meter on.
But our Belém travel guide recommends to rent a car. It is so much better to have your own way of getting around Belém and its beautiful surroundings.
Plus, if your trip is more of a family affair, you should also consider renting a car. Not everyone can fit into the Uber sometimes.
How to Get Around Belém?
Ride Sharing (top choice):
Since it is a state capital, there are a lot of people driving for ride-share apps. It’s cheap and convenient to rely on it; just be sure to have a decent mobile network.
Rent a Car (top choice): You know our Belém travel guide highly recommends renting a car, and I do that because it gives you the most freedom. Like this, you are able to go places any time you want; remember to have a valid license and money for eventual parking costs.
Take a Taxi: As the person behind your Belém Travel Guide, I must tell you about Belém’s taxi ride app. It’s similar to Uber, but it works with taxi drivers to provide you with fair rates and quick service.
Get on a Bike: As I said before in our Belém travel guide, the terrain here is mostly smooth, so it makes for perfect bike riding days. You can rent one and go explore city parks easily.
Public transportation (last choice): Belém doesn’t have the best public transport system, so don’t plan to rely on it.
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
When to Go to Belém?
As you get to the scheduling phase of your planning, I understand you’re thinking of more than when your vacation days can happen. So, to help you understand Brazilian seasons, which are opposite of Northern Hemisphere ones, here’s a little summary.
Belém Brazil Summer (December to March): Summer in Belém is marked by high temperatures, fewer rain showers, but higher temperatures for you to enjoy every corner of the town.
Summer Carnival: Carnaval in Brazil is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you should definitely plan for it. It usually happens in the middle weeks of February, but spaces in Belém sell up fast, so plan in advance.
Belém Brazil Fall (April and May): Fall in Belém is mostly rain showers with lower temperatures but not by much. However, it is a shoulder season, so you will have good weather with better prices, a win in all aspects.
Belém Brazil Winter (June to August): Winter is the wet season in Belém, so come ready to enjoy a couple of rainy days. It does get pretty hot during the day, so you should have a nice balance of weather and prices.
Belém Brazil Spring (September to November): Spring in Belém is part of the dry season, so we’re not in danger of many rainy days. It is important to tell you that towards the season’s end, we’ve got really dry air so I’d say to you to either come in the beginning or wait for summer.
Even though some seasons are better recommended than others, there’s no wrong moment to come to Belém!
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Where to Stay in Belém Brazil? (By Neighborhood)
THE BELEM TALL SHIP VISITS CORK [A THREE-MASTED BARQUE FROM FRANCE] by infomatique is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
When you started reading this Belém Travel Guide, you most likely were wondering about where in town you should book your accommodations. Belém is unique in the sense most recommended neighborhoods are quite close to each other.
Your options are Campina (best central locations), Batista Campos (families), Reduto (groups and solo travelers), and Nazaré (couples).
It is important to have your goal for the trip clear before deciding where to stay. You can be an explorer, or you just want to relax by the pool; each neighborhood offers a unique set of amenities. After that, it is important to consider who is coming along since that influences where you can stay.
Campina (Best Central Location)
Campina is an old Belém neighborhood that used to house the commercial district. It is perfectly located in a position which lets us go to many important spots. There are a number of excellent choices to stay at, just be careful at night since the streets are very calm.
Booking your stay here is to stay where the action happens, going places quickly and enjoying everything Belém has to offer.
Batista Campos (Best for Families)
If your trip to Belém do Pará is a family affair, then Batista Campos is where you need to be.
It is a charming, mostly residential, area. I recommend it for anyone who wants to be close enough to where the action in town is but also have calm days during their trip. This district has plenty of amenities for whatever you and your company may need.
With a relaxed atmosphere, Batista Campos has everything to make your trip smooth sailing.
Nazaré (Best for Couples)
Nazaré is the neighborhood our Belém travel guide recommends for all couples looking to get away from it all. It is a charming district centered around the Basilic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth. You can enjoy large streets, with plenty of green and shops!
The structure is incomparable when it comes to stores and nicer restaurants while keeping a close distance to more central areas.
Reduto (Best for Groups and Solo Travelers)
The Reduto district was this town’s industrial center once upon a time. Because of that, it is close to downtown while boasting a calmer environment for groups and solo visitors. You can easily go to the tourist spots on your checklist while staying far away from downtown’s chaos.
Booking accommodations in this area gives you great mobility for an awesome Belém trip.
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Things to Do in Belém Brazil
Belem, Brazil by Jay Woodworth is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
- Visit the Ver-o-Peso Market: Also known as Veropa, this place has been the city’s beating heart for almost four hundred years. Come here to spend a day browsing unique stalls and going back in time to an amazing historical building.
- Travel Back in Time at Presépio Fort: A lot of history happened in Belém, and Presépio Fort can give you a taste of how it all began since this was one of the first buildings made by colonizers many years ago. You can walk through an immersive museum and many historical buildings!
- Go to a Museum, or Two or Three: Belem do Pará is historical, so we have plenty of museums to choose from. It is a great option for when it rains, or we want to escape the intense heat.
- Finish Your Day at Station of the Docks: This gastronomic and touristic hotspot is housed in three restored iron warehouses from another century. Here, you can enjoy a number of traditional dishes and drinks while taking in the city’s main postcards on the horizon.
- Take a Sunset Boat Tour: Leaving the station of the docks on select days, there is a boat offering sunset tours through the river with live music and dancing to feed your soul.
- Check Mangal Das Garças off of Your List: Every Belém travel guide agrees that even if you have only a day in town, you need to come over here. It is a botanical garden part of a revitalization process by the Guamá River filled with unique natural activities.
- Enjoy Traditional Bars in Town: There are so many traditional establishments in Belém that you will regret not going for a night out in at least one of them.
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Belém Tours
Belem, Brazil, Ver o Peso by Jay Woodworth is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
My kind of tourism is getting the most done in the least amount of time so I can dedicate myself to whatever I want. If you are anything like me, let me tell you how fun tours can be. It’s great to be guided by a person who knows what they’re talking about.
This part of our Belém travel guide is going to focus on ways we can tour the town and surrounding areas. They can be walking, biking, or taking a boat, so there’s something for everyone.
Depending on how long you plan to stay around, I recommend you take a quick city tour to get a feel of it all and decide where you should spend more of your time. It is so sad to find an amazing place right before you’re supposed to leave.
💡Pro Tip: You should never book a tour from random street vendors. It is best to check online websites like TripAdvisor or have your hotel arrange something for you.
Guided tours are a simple way to see as much as possible in new places. From culture-focused activities to touring traditional dishes, you can just grab your things and go.
Here Are My Favorite Ways to Tour Belém:
- Complete Belém City Tour: A full city tour can be either a whole or half day, depending on which you book. It is perfect for you to get a lot of sightseeing done with people who know what they’re talking about. Be sure to ask if the guide speaks English!
- Day Trip to Marajó Island: This one is for when you have a little more time, but I highly recommend it! Marajó Island is a unique natural spot within a natural preservation area. The boat ride over is beautiful, and you can take advantage of many beaches there for swimming, tanning, or practicing a sport!
- Tour the Amazon Forest Parks: Belém has many parks preserving slices of this amazing forest for you to enjoy. So look up tours that take you to some of them all day long for this cool experience.
- Experience the Paraense Gastronomy: There are several ways this one can look since you can tour anything, even artisanal chocolates, in the area. Just come with your heart open and your belly empty.
- Private Custom Tours: If your budget can go a little further, make room for a private tour. You can have it happen for as long as you want to in order to make the most of your trip. Build your itinerary, follow your own pace, and be amazed!
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Is Belém Safe for Tourists?
Belém travel guides all talk about how the city gets safer by the day, but we still need to be careful. Specifically in commercial areas after stores close down and no one’s around, but that situation happens in most major cities.
Your number one concern should be petty crime, like theft, in high-traffic areas. This kind of thing happens commonly around hot spots for tourists during busy moments. It is not a Belém exclusive thing, so it is all about being prepared. Here are my
💡Pro Safety Tips (For Any City You Travel To):
- First, your belongings when youre out exploring need to be properly put away. So opt for keeping a small fanny pack under your clothing for those very valuable items and the rest can go in another spot, so you never loose anything in case confrontation does happen.
- Whenever you are at a very popular tourist location, be mindful of sudden chaos since it can be fabricated as a distraction.
- Back to your valuables, never take them out unless absolutely necessary.
- Mostly in big cities, ask your front desk if any areas should currently be avoided at all times and which ones are only unsafe after dark.
- Flashy items and visibly designer items are a no; they’ll call unnecessary attention to your person.
Whenever going to new places, safety measures are a must. You can be going to Brazil, Europe or anywhere and it’s always the same. Streets here are well patrolled and taken care of but still keep your wits about you.
Keep your guard up and avoid dimly lit areas and empty places. Your safety depends mostly on being careful and making smart decisions.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?
This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting Belém or any other part of the world.
Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to Belém, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible.
To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.
Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table:
✅ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear.
✅ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers, and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage.
✅ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies.
Belém TRAVEL GUIDE
Belém Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the water in Belém Brazil?
It depends. Tap water is not drinkable in Brazil at all.
It is a country wide fact, we don’t drink unfiltered tap water. It is treated and safe for external use but drinking it isn’t a good idea.
You are fine to brush your teeth and take care of personal higiene, but this Belém travel guide advises you to buy bottled water or keep a reusable bottle in your bag.
But it’s nothing to worry about, since most restaurants keep a filter on hand to make ice and serve guests. It’s good to ask beforehand, and stick to bottled water if there’s none.
Also, not every Belém travel guide is clear about how hot it can get here, so you need to stay hydrated. The last thing you want is to get dehydrated and have your trip ruined.
So Your Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:
- If you stay in an Airbnb, boil the water in case there isn’t a filter. It’s usually attached to the kitchen sink faucet.
- At a hotel, buy bottled water in the absence of filters, but this can get expensive quickly.
- Bring over or buy a reusable water bottle to refill, and refilling is generally free, so you don’t have to worry about something as simple as buying drinking water while in Belém, Brazil. Consider bringing along a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.
What’s the Belém Weather Like?
Belém, a major city and state capital, has a stable equatorial weather, with two very defined seasons due to its closeness to the equator line. You have the dry season, from june to november, and the wet season from December to May.
Summer months, December to March, have higher temperatures. Thermometers range from 23°C to 32°C (73,4°F to 89,6°). It’s also the beginning of the wet season so you shouldn’t have to deal with too much rain fall.
Winter, June to September, is a little milder, but not by a whole lot. It is actually hot enough to head to sweet and salt water beaches with temperatures similar to summer months, between 23°C to 32°C (73,4°F to 89,6°). It is a little on the drier side so be mindful of your hydration.
Our Belém travel guide also would like to talk a little about shoulder seasons!
Shoulder seasons for tourism are always Fall (March through June) and Spring (September through late December), because there’s no school breaks in Brazil. You get similar temperatures and a better balance of humidity in the air; but the advantage is you get better prices and deals.
When you’re coming doesn’t matter as much as the type of experience you are looking for. Belém’s weather is super stable, but always check the weather forecast for your trip beforehand.
Is Belém Expensive?
When you are a visitor coming from places like the USA or Europe or anywhere with a favorable exchange rate in relation to Brazilian Real. Basic expenses like accommodations, food and transportation end up a lot cheaper than what you’re used to.
It is a lot better to enjoy local activities when you don;t have to worry so much about how much it costs. Of course, that isn’t the same for high-end places, those can definitely compare to what your normal expenses are.
You will have an easy time finding local restaurants to dine in or items to ake for a perfect souvenir.
Our Belém travel guide will touch on peak and slow seasons in a little bit, but keep in mind peak season means higher prices. So if you plan to do all the popular sights and attractions, try to come in shoulder seasons to make your budget go further.
Is Belém Worth Visiting?
A hundred percent! Belém is often forgotten as a destination in Brazil’s northern region, but you should come to see for yourself. A lot of history was made in theses streets, making for a different kind of trip. Locals are also some of the nicest people you can ever meet, hoping to help you enjoy your time amongst them.
Belém needs to be in your radar if you’re someone who wants a balanced experience in places you visit. From traditional foods, to brazilian history and culture, your trip will be unforgettable by coming to this town.
Northern food is a trip all on its own, since it mixes foreign influence with native culinary to leave you wanting more of everything.
How Many Days Do I Need in Belém Brazil?
Belém is a big city in attractions and territory so all kinds of visitors can have a great time. If you want to take your time, go on a guided tour, and still feel relaxed, put down six to eight days. especially if you end up coming in peak season.
Now, your goal can be just to enjoy the basic sights before going on to other adventures. In that case, then four days is more than enough. There is time to see the main sights and a little more.
Thinking of you as I write this Belém travel guide, I recommend you thionk of how many days you need then add a couple more just to be safe.
General Belém, Brazil Travel Info & FAQ
🌞 Belém Weather
It is important for Belém travel guides to talk about the town’s weather because it has two very defined seasons. However, the wet and dry seasons are mostly stable.
Depending on your exact schedule, you will have dry air or will have to deal with strong rain showers during summer/fall.
Belém can be a year-round destination because we can do so much here; all we need is to prepare for some fun time here!
💰 Brazil Currency
Brazil’s official currency is the Brazilian Real, symbolized as BRL or R$. Credit and Debit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere, but it is best to have some cash on hand too. It’s good for when you find a street fair or when want to pay for an activity.
It’s better to be safe than to miss out on something amazing.
🗣️ Brazil Language
Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, so in Belém and throughout the country, this is what you’ll most likely hear.
English is mostly available in tourist spots and mid-range to high-end hotels, but it is important to learn at least basic Portuguese to make your experience a lot better and enjoy deeper connections with people here.
To help with that, you can use language-learning apps such as Duolingo and Pimsleur.
🛫 Belém Brazil Busy Season & Slow Season
Belém Busy Season: Not just Belém’s, every tourist city’s busy season is Summer (December to February) and the last weeks of July because of school holidays. Also, Carnival happens in late February, which is perhaps the true peak, so you will deal with more crowds, higher prices, and have a harder time in general.
Belém Slow Season: Brazil’s slow season is during fall/winter, from March to June, a few weeks in July, and all then through November. If you are looking to go to Brazil and get travel deals while doing it, then this is your time to plan the trip.
Belém Shoulder Seasons: The Shoulder seasons in Brazil are mostly Fall and Spring. These ones offer you a balance of reasonable conditions for traveling. I’d not recommend to go over in November since it’s the last dry month, as we’ve discussed in this Belém travel guide, and it can be a little difficult to deal with this weather.
Do I Need a Visa for Brazil?
The Short Answer: If you are traveling from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, the answer is no, UNTIL October 1, 2023, then the answer is yes. Currently, no visa is necessary from European Union (EU) countries. This looks like it will be the case even after October 1, 2023.
The Longer Answer: Traveling to Brazil is a great experience, but it is important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row so to speak. That means having the proper documentation needed to enter the country.
Here’s what you need to know about securing a visa for Brazil, specifically for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and European Union (EU) countries.
Section 1: US, Canada, Australia, and Japan
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can currently enter visa-free travel to Brazil for tourism or business purposes.
This applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. All you need is a valid passport with an expiry date at least six months beyond your intended departure from Brazil.
Brazil is looking to implement the visa requirement again for these four countries as of October 1, 2023, so plan in advance for this.
Section 2: European Union (EU) Nationals
For most European Union citizens, including those from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, also benefit from visa-free entry to Brazil.
This policy permits EU nationals to stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Like others, they will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past the date of entry into Brazil.
Visa and immigration requirements can and do change. It is always advised to check the latest information from the official government websites of Brazil or your home country’s foreign travel advisory services before making travel plans.
For the most recent and comprehensive information about visa requirements for all nationalities, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or a Brazilian embassy or consulate near you during your pre-planning phase of your trip.
The October 1st, 2023 update does not look like it will affect EU Nationals, but research accordingly here.
What Do I Need on My Brazil Packing List?
I don’t know about you, but packing is my least favorite part of traveling. We end up overpacking and forgetting essentials more often than not. And to avoid having to spend a whole day shopping for items you already have, here’s a list of essentials I’ve put together for our Belés Travel guide.
Here’s a curated list focusing on your primary needs:
🔌 Power Adapters: Remember when we talked about power outlets in this Belém travel guide? Remember to bring adaptations to fit types C and N outlets. Be sure to have the correct ones and more than one unit since they’re not so easy to find. Consider investing in a universal travel adapter to cover your needs efficiently.
📳 Brazil and Florianopolis SIM Card: You have to be connected when in new places. You may need to use apps like Uber and Google Translate when in Belém, so get a SIM card with a big data package.
💧 Filterable Water Bottle: Remember, tap water in Brazil is safe to use but not for drinking, so this Belém travel guide recommends once again you pack a reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water. Consider bringing a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels..
💊 Anti-Hangover Meds: Brazil’s nightlife is wild. It’s for sure worth carrying anti-hangover medications to make sure your trip runs smoother. The last thing you want to do is waste an entire day out of a seven-day trip in bed with a hangover.
👒 Sun Protection: Brazilian sun is very intense, especially so far up north, so prepare accordingly. Bring plenty of high-SPF sunscreen and a hat to wear if needed. Even just a short time unprotected in the sun can cause a lot of harm.
🦟 Bug Repellent: Not only is Brazil mostly tropical, but Belém is far inland, which means tons of nature around. Mosquitoes are a sure thing, especially in summer, so pack repellent in your toiletries and put on a good layer every time you head out for the day. Consider using an eco-friendly bug repellent to protect yourself while minimizing environmental impact.
🩴 Comfortable Footwear: Not every Belém travel guide talks about how much walking you get done in a trip here. So bring your comfiest shoes only!
📄 Travel Documents: Pack every travel document necessary and more in a safe spot; this includes visas if necessary, passports, driver’s licenses if you plan on driving, and travel insurance. Bring copies of everything just in case anything happens during your time here.
Remember that some items can’t be carry on, so check yous company’s policy in advance. The rest of your packing list needs to include clothes appropriate for the season you are coming in and geared toward your planned activities.
Is it Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Belém Brazil?
Yes! It is quite safe to pick up a car and drive in Belém! The city is easy to navigate because of the plain streets, and I bet you will have fun!
But not every Belém travel guide talks about how traffic rules are different in Brazil in comparison to other countries. Just rely on your car’s GPS or Google Maps to take care of translating directions; they need it so make sure there’s mobile internet available.
Keep in mind we drive on the right-hand side, and don’t forget to get good insurance policies when booking your car. Also, always double-check your doors are locked when you park, with no valuable items left in sight.
All things considered, driving in Belém is a safe experience. It does give you much more freedom during your trip. So it is more than just a way to get around; it will be part of your adventure!
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Visit Brazil?
You definitely dont need fluent Portuguese, since you’re coming to a place where tourism is a given and the industry hs adapted to have English speakers available.
However, it’d be good to learn a few key phrases to make your travel experience that much better. It helps with being truly immersed, and also in a pinch when people around you aren’t fluent English speakers. Tools such as DuoLingo are perfect! They have great user-friendly apps to help with picking up the basics before a trip.
Not being fluent won’t stand in the way of having an awesome time in Brazil. It is just nice to know a little bit of whatever language is spoken so you don’t rely solely on translation apps. It is something I try to do and if you are like me:
Here Are Some Great Language Preparation Options for Your Trip to Brazil:
Learn A Little Portuguese: It is best to use language-learning platforms that have apps like DuoLingo and Pimsleur. They have interactive courses to help you gain some confidence to speak Portuguese when you come here.
Use Google Translate App: This app can be a lifesaver in emergencies. WHenever you hav3e to navigate language barriers, make sure ti hve it downloaded on your phone. Also, remember to have a Brazilian/Travel SIM card with plenty of data.
Get a Portuguese Phrasebook:
And just in case, I’d also recommend you pack a Portuguese phrasebook like the ‘Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook.’ It is good to have a non-digital assistant on hand to help with communication and local language.
Even if your won’t achieve fluency, it is important to have at least basic knowledge of local language. It makes your experience richer, making you turn into your own Belém travel guide. Locals love to see visitors make an effort.ll.
Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travel?
Brazil is generally safe for solo female travel, but we need to take precautions just as anywhere else to ensure safety.
Remember the tips we’ve discussed before in this Belém travel guide! Do research on your acommodations and only book well reviewed ones, your activities should eb booked through online services and you need to ve attentive of your surroundings at all times.
In addition to that, leave your fancier items at home to avoid unwanted attention.
We also ask you respect the local rules and customs in place, even if they seem silly. It’ll show locals you care! As for transportation, use only trusted apps like Uber and 99, or just rent a car if you can!
If you’re entirely on your own, never forget to keep family and friends updated on your whereabouts, just in case.
Solo traveling in Brazil, and even more in Belém, will change your life if you plan it properly!