To the rhythm of the Samba!
When you consider that Brazil is almost 16 times the size of France, you can imagine the extent of the resources this country has to offer!
Feel like a party? Head for Rio; Ipanema, Copacabana, where the whole of Brazil and the tourist crowds gather; you can discover the great classics: Corcovado and Sugarloaf, take a bike ride along the beach and sip a caipirinha. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to attend the grandiose Rio Carnival: a colorful spectacle!
Then retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city to discover lush, dazzling nature: Iguaçu Falls, peaceful Ilha Grande.
And let’s not forget the history: colonial in Paraty, African influence in Salvador de Bahia. And contemporary life, in the heart of the favelas, still the subject of debate, but nonetheless the scene of authentic life.
GMT-3
Brazilian Real
(BRL)
+55
Some words and expressions in the language
Brazil is at GMT-3:
So there are 04h00 less: when it’s 4pm in Rio, it’s 9pm in Paris.
European plug – Type N or Type C.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted by a mosquito. Symptoms vary from flu-like to fatal , in which case treatment is symptomatic. There is no preventive medication to protect against yellow fever. Prevention is essentially based on avoiding insect bites and on vaccination, which is also strongly recommended.
Dengue
Brazil’s Federal Ministry of Health reports a major upsurge in the disease. The South-East, North-East and Centre-West are the regions most affected.
Dengue is transmitted by several varieties of mosquito, day and night, but especially in the two hours following sunrise and at sunset. Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu (high fever, joint pain, headaches). There is currently no preventive treatment against dengue infection, but a vaccine is currently being developed. Treatment is therefore primarily symptomatic, based on paracetamol-based analgesics and rest. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs must be avoided. Individual prevention is therefore essentially based on protection against mosquito bites.
It is important to consult a doctor if you develop a fever during your stay or after your return to France, in the latter case mentioning your trip to Brazil. The mapping of dengue fever in Brazil can be consulted on the website www.dengue.org.br.
Chikungunya
Brazilian health authorities have confirmed the presence of chikungunya cases in the north and northeast of the country (Bahia state in particular).
Chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. This disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle and joint pain). Treatment is symptomatic. There is currently no preventive treatment or vaccine. For more information on chikungunya, visit : http://inpes.santepubliquefrance.fr/10000/themes/maladies-moustiques/chikungunya/index.asp.
Many DEET-based products are too low-dosed in Brazil. It is therefore preferable to use Icaridine-based products.
Zika virus disease
The Zika virus is widely present in Brazil. This disease is transmitted by the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. Cases of sexual transmission of the virus have also been reported.
Symptoms are generally mild (fever, headache, joint pain, rash) and are similar to those seen in other viral infections such as dengue fever. However, there is evidence of serious complications, such as microcephaly in the newborns of pregnant women infected with the virus, and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndromes.
It is particularly recommended for all :
Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant are advised to postpone their trip and, failing that, to follow mosquito bite prevention measures, avoid unprotected sex during their trip, and avoid unprotected sex with anyone who may have been infected with the Zika virus.
To protect against digestive or contact contamination :
Track dust combined with very low humidity can cause respiratory problems.
French nationals are exempt from visa requirements for stays of less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months. All travelers must be in possession of a return or exit ticket.