No matter where you live in the world, Brazil is likely to be a destination that’s on your travel list. This vast country is one that many people aspire to visit, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, iconic celebrations such as Carnival, and world-renowned landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer.
An important part of any trip is budgeting. While it might not sound very fun, knowing how much money you have to spend allows you to be able to fully enjoy the experience while you’re there – especially if you’ve got time to save up some funds beforehand. So what will a vacation to the magical country of Brazil cost you? In this post, we share some of the main expenses you need to consider.
Accommodation
According to Budget Your Trip, the average cost of a hotel per night is $56 to $105 dollars in Brazil. Of course, as with any country, the type of hotel you choose and the location will vastly determine the room rate. Cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília are the most expensive locations, thanks to the higher number of tourists and greater access to amenities.
Of course, you can always lower the cost by staying in self-catering accommodation or in a hostel. If that’s not your style, then you might want to consider getting a loyalty card or credit card that rewards your spending with hotel points, so you can book nicer accommodation for less money – or simply enjoy a nicer room. However you will need to plan ahead to give you enough time to build up points before booking.
Food
If you’re happy to get involved with the delicious street food scene in Brazil, then not only will you taste some of the most authentic ingredients, but you’ll also keep your costs down. Removing the expense of wait staff and proper plates quickly cuts costs, and you can manage to eat well, even on a tighter budget.
You can also keep your expenses lower by buying your own food and drinks to take on your days out – sitting on the beach with a water cooler full of cold drinks is much more convenient, especially if you’re a solo traveler.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – June 6th, 2013: Aerial view from a helicopter of the city of Rio de Janeiro with the Corcovado mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer with Sugarloaf mountain in the background.
If you do want to have a sit-down dinner, it’s still not expensive in comparison to US prices. It should cost you around $30-$60 dollars in a mid-range restaurant. Bear in mind that some buffet-style restaurants require you to pay by weight, depending on what you eat, so this can significantly change the cost.
Transport
Keeping yourself safe in Brazil is paramount, as there is typically a risk of crime, especially in urban areas. Therefore, you should make sure you budget enough to be able to get into an Uber or taxi if the situation demands it, especially if you’re going to be out and about late at night. You can expect an initial base fare, then a mileage fare, and an additional waiting fee if applicable.
The Rio de Janeiro taxi rates are R$6.20 ($1.11) as the base rate, R$3.65 ($0.60) per kilometer, and then R$45.99 ($8.21) wait charge, per hour. The good news is that tariffs are regulated by the city or local authorities across Brazil, so you can be sure that the price of an official taxi is fair.
Brazil highlights: things to know
Creating your budget
If you’re considering a trip to Brazil, sitting down and creating a budget will help you know how you can create a vacation you’ll love, but at a price you can afford. There’s plenty to see and do that isn’t expensive, so do your research before you’re put off by costs – this is an amazing country to visit. Just make sure you’ve either got the money you need in your account, or a way to top up your funds from home if you’re staying for a longer period of time.
Read also: 10 Bucket List Travel Destinations Everyone’s Talking About Right Now
