The Real was devalued in 1999, but prices have remained stable. The cheapest months to travel to Brazil are from March to November, as the hotel prices increase to 25-30% from December to February. The latter period is when most of Brazil biggest activities, such as the Carnival and New Years in Rio de Janeiro, take place. 

Brazil's official currency is the Real (plural, Reais). Banks are generally open from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m, Monday through Friday, although some banks can be open for extended hours. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available in the major cities, less so in rural areas. Please note that not all ATMs accept international cards. Foreign currency can be exchanged for Reais at places displaying the word "Cambio." These are located mostly at airports and major cities and usually have better exchange rates than ATMs, which charge extra fees.

Visitors from the following countries do not need travel visas to Brazil for personal purposes, provided the trip does not exceed 90 days: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vatican, Venezuela.

Visitors from the United States need a visa to travel to Brazil.

Please be aware that not all medical personnel speaks English, and that the quality of healthcare varies between hospitals and clinics. That said, the most immediate health issue concerning travel in Brazil is traveller's diarrhea which may be caused by eating contaminated fruits and vegetables or drinking contaminated water. To be on the safe-side, always peel and wash fruits, do not use ice, unless you know it comes from purified water, drink bottled or purified water, do not consume unpausterized dairy products, and be careful when eating food from street vendors. Other health risks present in travel in Brazil include heatstroke, and some insect-borne diseases present mainly in the Amazon region.

Yellow fever inoculation for travel to Brazil is compulsory when traveling to Brazil from the following countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, or Venezuela.

Most tourists visiting Brazil experience no problems. Most crime on tourists is of the non-violent kind - purse-snatching and pickpocketing, and the Brazilian government has taken steps to curb on crime on tourists. When traveling in Brazil, especially in the larger cities, excersize caution as you would in any large city in the world. You can minimize your chances of being a victim of crime by not carrying large amounts of cash and not flashing expensive jewelry or watches. Keep your passport in your hotel safe, and carry a copy of your passport with the visa stamps, as the Brazilian government requires everyone to carry official identification with them at all times.

Travel to Brazil for women is fairly safe as long as you follow the above precautions and you avoid lonely places where you might be a target. Women should not let drinks unattended at a bar as there have been incidents where they have been drugged.