Brazil is one of the most exciting destinations on the planet — a country of staggering natural beauty, vibrant cities, legendary beaches, and a culture that pulls you in from the moment you arrive. But before you book that flight, you probably want to know: how much will it actually cost?
The answer depends on your travel style, the regions you visit, and how long you stay. In this guide, we break down every major expense category with real, up-to-date numbers so you can plan your Brazil trip with confidence — whether you're a backpacker sleeping in hostels or a luxury traveler booking boutique hotels in Rio.
Understanding Brazil's Currency: The Real (BRL)
Before we dive into costs, a quick primer on money in Brazil:
- Brazil's currency is the Real (plural: Reais), abbreviated BRL
- As of 2026, 1 USD ≈ 5.0–5.5 BRL (rates fluctuate — always check before your trip)
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for markets, street vendors, and smaller towns
- ATMs (called "caixas eletrônicos") are available at banks and shopping malls — use Banco do Brasil or Bradesco for lower fees
- Avoid exchanging money at airports — the rates are terrible. Use ATMs or exchange houses ("casas de câmbio") downtown
Pro tip: The exchange rate works in your favor if you're coming from the US, Europe, or Israel. Brazil offers incredible value for international travelers right now.
Accommodation Costs
Brazil has options for every budget. Prices vary significantly by city and season (December–March is peak summer; June–July sees higher prices in the northeast).
| Accommodation Type | Cost per Night (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | $10–20 | Available in all major cities; quality varies |
| Budget hotel / guesthouse | $20–40 | Basic but clean; often includes breakfast |
| Mid-range hotel | $40–80 | Good location, AC, Wi-Fi, breakfast included |
| Airbnb (private room) | $20–45 | Great option for longer stays |
| Airbnb (full apartment) | $35–80 | Best value for couples or groups |
| Boutique / luxury hotel | $150–400+ | World-class properties in Rio, São Paulo, Bahia |
Tips to Save on Accommodation
- Book Airbnbs for stays of 7+ days — hosts often offer weekly discounts of 15–25%
- Stay in neighborhoods just outside tourist centers — in Rio, Santa Teresa and Lapa offer better rates than Copacabana
- Travel during shoulder season (April–May, August–October) for the best rates
- Pousadas (Brazilian guesthouses) in smaller towns are charming and affordable
Food and Drink Costs
Brazilian food is one of the highlights of any trip. The country has a unique dining culture that can be incredibly affordable if you know where to eat.
| Meal Type | Cost (USD) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Street food snack | $1–3 | Coxinha, pastel, açaí, tapioca |
| Bakery breakfast (padaria) | $2–4 | Coffee, bread, cheese, juice |
| Per-kilo restaurant (lunch) | $4–8 | Pay by weight — local favorite, huge variety |
| Casual sit-down restaurant | $8–15 | Full meal with drink |
| Mid-range restaurant | $15–30 | Quality dining, good atmosphere |
| Fine dining | $30–80+ | World-class cuisine in São Paulo and Rio |
| Beer (bar/restaurant) | $1.50–4 | Local brands like Brahma, Skol, or craft options |
| Caipirinha cocktail | $3–6 | Brazil's national drink — a must-try |
| Supermarket groceries (per day) | $8–15 | For self-catering in an Airbnb |
The Per-Kilo Restaurant: A Budget Traveler's Best Friend
Brazil's "restaurantes por quilo" are a brilliant concept — you fill your plate from a buffet with dozens of options (salads, rice, beans, meats, pasta, sushi, everything) and pay by weight. A full, satisfying lunch typically costs $4–8 USD. These are everywhere and used by locals daily — they're not tourist traps.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Brazil is straightforward, though the country is massive (larger than the continental US), so plan accordingly.
Flights
| Route | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International flight (US/Europe) | $500–1,200 | Round trip; book 3–6 months ahead |
| Domestic flights | $40–150 | GOL, LATAM, Azul; book early for deals |
Ground Transport
| Transport Type | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (São Paulo, Rio) | $1–1.20 per ride | Clean, efficient, safe |
| City bus | $0.80–1.10 | Extensive networks; can be confusing |
| Uber / 99 ride (city) | $3–10 | Widely available; often cheaper than taxis |
| Long-distance bus | $15–60 | Comfortable; great for coastal routes |
| Car rental (per day) | $25–50 | Useful for road trips; traffic is intense in cities |
Pro tip: Use Uber or 99 (Brazil's homegrown ride app) instead of taxis. They're cheaper, safer, and you don't need to negotiate fares. Both apps work perfectly as long as you have a data connection on your phone — one more reason to make sure your connectivity is sorted before you land.
Activities and Attractions
| Activity | Cost (USD) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Christ the Redeemer | $15–22 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Sugarloaf Mountain cable car | $25–30 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) | $18–25 | Foz do Iguaçu |
| Amazon jungle tour (2–3 days) | $150–400 | Manaus |
| Guided favela tour | $20–35 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Snorkeling in Bonito | $30–60 | Mato Grosso do Sul |
| Historical walking tour | $10–20 (or free) | Salvador, Ouro Preto |
| Beach activities | Free–$15 | Nationwide |
| Surfing lesson | $25–40 | Florianópolis, Rio |
| Carnival street party (bloco) | Free | Rio, Salvador, Recife |
Many of Brazil's best experiences are free or very cheap: walking through Pelourinho in Salvador, watching sunset at Ipanema, hiking Chapada Diamantina trails, or joining a Carnival bloco.
Staying Connected: Internet and Phone Costs
This is an expense many travelers overlook — and it can either save you money or cost you a fortune, depending on how you handle it.
Option 1: International Roaming — Expensive and Risky
Most carriers charge $5–15 per megabyte for data roaming in Brazil. That means checking Google Maps once could cost you $10. A single day of light phone use? Easily $50–100. Many travelers have come home to horror-story bills of $500+.
Verdict: Avoid roaming unless you enjoy financial surprises.
Option 2: Local SIM Card — Cheaper, But Complicated
You can buy a prepaid SIM from Vivo, Claro, or TIM at stores or airports. Plans run $10–20 for 5–15 GB. However:
- You'll need a CPF (Brazilian tax number) — most stores won't sell to foreigners without one
- You'll need to visit a physical store and wait in line
- Airport kiosks charge inflated prices and may not have stock
- Your phone needs to be unlocked
Option 3: eSIM via FlyConnecta — The Smart Choice
An eSIM is a digital SIM that you install before your trip — no physical card, no store visits, no CPF required. With FlyConnecta, you get:
- Instant activation — set it up before you even board your flight
- Coverage on Brazil's top networks (Vivo, Claro, TIM)
- Plans for 7, 15, or 30 days — matched to your trip length
- No bureaucracy — no CPF, no passport copies, no waiting in line
- Data ready the moment you land and turn off airplane mode
| Connectivity Option | Cost | Setup Time | Hassle Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| International roaming | $50–100+/day | None | Bill shock |
| Local SIM card | $10–20 | 30–90 min at store | CPF required, language barrier |
| FlyConnecta eSIM | Affordable plans | 5 minutes (before trip) | Zero hassle |
Bottom line: Budget $0 in "connectivity stress" and set up your FlyConnecta eSIM before departure. You'll have maps, translation apps, ride-hailing, and messaging working from the second you land.
Tipping Culture in Brazil
Brazil does not have the aggressive tipping culture of the US:
- Restaurants: A 10% service charge ("taxa de serviço") is usually included in the bill. You're not expected to tip beyond that, though rounding up is appreciated
- Bars: Not expected, but rounding up is common
- Hotels: R$5–10 per day for housekeeping; R$5 per bag for bellhops
- Taxi/Uber: Not expected; rounding up is fine
- Tour guides: R$20–50 per person for a full-day tour is generous
Full Trip Budget Breakdown
Here's what a trip to Brazil actually costs, broken down by travel style and duration. These estimates include accommodation, food, transport (excluding international flights), activities, and connectivity.
7-Day Trip
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $105 ($15/night) | $420 ($60/night) | $1,400 ($200/night) |
| Food | $84 ($12/day) | $210 ($30/day) | $490 ($70/day) |
| Transport | $50 | $120 | $300 |
| Activities | $60 | $150 | $400 |
| Connectivity (eSIM) | $15 | $15 | $15 |
| Miscellaneous | $30 | $80 | $200 |
| TOTAL (7 days) | $344 | $995 | $2,805 |
14-Day Trip
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $196 ($14/night) | $770 ($55/night) | $2,800 ($200/night) |
| Food | $154 ($11/day) | $390 ($28/day) | $980 ($70/day) |
| Transport | $120 | $280 | $600 |
| Activities | $110 | $300 | $800 |
| Connectivity (eSIM) | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Miscellaneous | $60 | $150 | $400 |
| TOTAL (14 days) | $660 | $1,910 | $5,600 |
21-Day Trip
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $273 ($13/night) | $1,050 ($50/night) | $4,200 ($200/night) |
| Food | $210 ($10/day) | $546 ($26/day) | $1,470 ($70/day) |
| Transport | $200 | $450 | $900 |
| Activities | $150 | $450 | $1,200 |
| Connectivity (eSIM) | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Miscellaneous | $80 | $200 | $600 |
| TOTAL (21 days) | $938 | $2,721 | $8,395 |
10 Money-Saving Tips for Brazil
- Eat at per-kilo restaurants for lunch — filling, delicious, and under $8
- Use Uber/99 instead of taxis — always cheaper
- Book domestic flights on GOL or Azul weeks in advance for deals under $50
- Travel during shoulder season (April–May, September–October) — lower prices, fewer crowds
- Stay in Airbnbs with a kitchen — cooking breakfast and snacks saves $5–10/day
- Get your eSIM before you fly — avoid overpaying at airport kiosks or roaming charges
- Use ATMs at major banks (Banco do Brasil, Bradesco) instead of exchange houses
- Join free walking tours — available in Rio, São Paulo, Salvador; tip-based
- Buy bus passes if staying in one city for several days
- Negotiate at markets and with street vendors — politely, and always in cash
FAQ: Brazil Trip Costs
How much money do I need per day in Brazil?
A budget traveler can get by on $40–60 per day (including accommodation, food, and transport). Mid-range travelers should plan for $100–150 per day, while luxury travelers can spend $300+ per day comfortably.
Is Brazil expensive for American tourists?
No — Brazil is very affordable for US visitors. The favorable USD-to-BRL exchange rate means your dollar goes far. A comfortable two-week trip can cost under $2,000 excluding flights.
Should I bring USD or exchange to Reais before arriving?
Bring a small amount of USD as backup, but withdraw Reais from ATMs in Brazil for the best rates. Avoid airport exchange counters — they offer the worst rates.
Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. US citizens currently need an e-visa, which can be applied for online. EU and Israeli citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements before booking.
Can I use my phone in Brazil without roaming charges?
Yes — the most practical solution is an eSIM from FlyConnecta. You activate it digitally before your trip, and it connects to Brazilian networks instantly when you land. No physical SIM card swap, no local registration, no CPF number needed.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi in Brazil?
Public Wi-Fi in airports, cafes, and hotels is generally not secure and is a common target for data theft. Having your own mobile data through an eSIM is significantly safer and more reliable than relying on public networks.
How much does food cost in Brazil?
You can eat well in Brazil for very little. Street food costs $1–3, a full lunch at a per-kilo restaurant is $4–8, and a nice restaurant dinner runs $15–30. Fine dining in São Paulo or Rio can cost $50–100+ per person.
What is the best way to get around Brazil?
Within cities, use Uber/99 and the metro. Between cities, domestic flights (GOL, LATAM, Azul) are cheap if booked early. Long-distance buses are comfortable and scenic for coastal routes. All of these work better when you have a reliable data connection on your phone.
Ready to Plan Your Brazil Trip?
Brazil offers an unbeatable combination of value, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're watching the sunset over Ipanema on a shoestring budget or sipping caipirinhas at a luxury resort in Bahia, your money goes remarkably far here.
One thing that can make or break your trip experience is staying connected. From navigating unfamiliar streets to booking last-minute tours, translating menus, or simply sharing your trip with friends back home — reliable internet is essential.
Get your Brazil eSIM from FlyConnecta and land in Brazil with data already working. Choose a 7, 15, or 30-day plan that matches your itinerary, activate it in minutes, and focus on what matters — experiencing everything Brazil has to offer.