Flying to Brazil 2/22. Quick question.

As I'm getting everything in order for submitting my visa paperwork and everything else that goes along with it, I find myself still reading different websites claiming travel tips to BR. I just came across the following:

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require passports that are valid for at least the period of intended stay in Brazil. Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil, as well as a return or onward ticket and documentation required for further travel, are necessary for all travellers.

My question is regarding the statement, "Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil...". What exactly does this mean? Do I need to arrive with a stack of bills in my wallet? I planned on carrying/exchanging about $50US into Reals at the airport and for the majority of larger purchases/dinner/etc. use my Visa check card (linked to my checking account). I budgeted about $600US for my 15 days there. Most of the time it will be spent staying at my girlfriend's house or other friend's of hers, so I wont be staying at a hotel.

I've never travelled overseas before, so I want to make sure everything goes smoothly. I'm trying to eliminate any surprises.

Any travel tips would be appreciated!!

[Supermary]

Originally Posted by patriot0173

My question is regarding the statement, "Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil...". What exactly does this mean? Do I need to arrive with a stack of bills in my wallet? I planned on carrying/exchanging about $50US into Reals at the airport and for the majority of larger purchases/dinner/etc. use my Visa check card (linked to my checking account). I budgeted about $600US for my 15 days there. Most of the time it will be spent staying at my girlfriend's house or other friend's of hers, so I wont be staying at a hotels.

What that usually means is that you have a way to pay for things. It doesn't need to be cash. If you have traveler checks or credit cards (i think it's pretty impossible to use US check in Brazil) you are covered. The problem would be if you came here with like 5 bucks in your wallet and no CCs at all. Having a credit card usually suffices in proving that you have enough funds, and having one or two hundred dollars ready to be exchanged might help. That's what i do when I go to the USA.

Don't worry about that *too* much

I hope you have a great trip!

[Meatsauce]

Hi Patriot,

Dont worry about anything. I have been to Brasil a few times and never had a problem. I usually dont take much cash, and just make sure my credit card companies knows I am going to be there. If you use your cc to exchange money you get a higher rate. What part of Brasil are you visiting? I will be in the northeast from March 16 to April 15. Make sure you try the coxinha with catupiry, there great and cheap!

[Miglvoz1113]

The latest I've heard and read is that in the Copa area (Rio) Citibank is charging high fees to use debit cards. Check this out before you go. Credit cards are even higher. That is an expensive country to go to especially because the exchange rate the way it is now. It is good you are staying with friends. I always thought it was best to have all kinds of money for "back up." You know, the unexpected. By that I mean currency, credit cards, and debit cards. Also a friend of mine who has been living there and who has a business says Citibank is charging an extra fee to access your checking account.

[RalphJ]

At this moment Brazil is having a political tift with Spain and have refused the entrance of numerous spainards, a couple italians, and a german, and one of the reasons among numerous was that several didn't have "sufficient funds". I would definitely bring at least 1000 reais, equivalent to 700 dollars, in cash, as well as your credit/debit cards.

It's an unfortunate situation at the moment and the brazilian gov't. is playing a "tit for tat" game in regards to Brazilians being turned away even though it appears that the countries not allowing the entrance of numerous brazilians have reason.

Big Ralph -


We thank you for the travel advisory!

[RalphJ]

Originally Posted by Gringos.com

Big Ralph -


We thank you for the travel advisory!

Definitely need to have all your bases covered at this time. Round trip ticket. Reserved place to stay. Cash sufficient for your stay...bring travelers checks. Even if you've overstayed your stay in Brazil previously and paid the fine they may send you back!

[Cap'n Jib]

A tip of the hat to you Ralph!

I had been wondering IF and WHEN other countries would require an increase of the ‘ante’ to enter a country. For certain two things will result in this decision. On the US side of things, the criminal element will be on the look out for foreign travelers because they will be required to carry more cash. On the destination countries side, the requirement to ‘flash more cash’ will make us travelers an even bigger target. Look for local custom officials to ‘signal’ someone in the crowd that a likely target is on the way.

Second to the last time returning from Colombia, the Mrs. had to display a fist full of dollars. She was extremely uncomfortable doing this. I don’t blame her. This was after they did a pat down search of the five year old.

I think this is just the beginning of the display of solvency thing. Can’t picture any country going back to the good old days.

[RalphJ]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jib

A tip of the hat to you Ralph!

I had been wondering IF and WHEN other countries would require an increase of the ‘ante’ to enter a country. For certain two things will result in this decision. On the US side of things, the criminal element will be on the look out for foreign travelers because they will be required to carry more cash. On the destination countries side, the requirement to ‘flash more cash’ will make us travelers an even bigger target. Look for local custom officials to ‘signal’ someone in the crowd that a likely target is on the way.

Second to the last time returning from Colombia, the Mrs. had to display a fist full of dollars. She was extremely uncomfortable doing this. I don’t blame her. This was after they did a pat down search of the five year old.

I think this is just the beginning of the display of solvency thing. Can’t picture any country going back to the good old days.

I don't know all the details...but if the people brazil refused had credit or debit cards then that was a ridiculous reason to not allow them in. Many people I know today don't bring cash to brazil...only cards. And one of the reasons is there have been numerous robberies of foreigners leaving the airport in Rio and being carjacked on the way to their hotel.

It happened to two groups of brits last year.

[nickdyville]

Dont worry about it... They actually wont even check. But just in case take a credit card.