Tips for Americans

Currency is BRL (R$) — The Brazilian Real. Roughly R$5-6 per USD.

Say "crédito" or "débito" — Every single place you pay will ask you this before you tap or insert. Just say it first and they'll set the machine.

Tap to pay is everywhere — Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless cards work widely.

Always pay in BRL, never USD — Some card machines will offer to convert to USD for you. The conversion rate they use is terrible. Always choose BRL, especially if your card has no international fees.

Check your card for international fees — Some credit cards charge 3% on foreign transactions. Worth checking before you go so you know which card to use.

Cards accepted almost everywhere — But it's always nice to have a little cash on you too.

The greeting — Women typically touch cheeks once as a greeting. Men handshake with strangers, hug close friends.

A few words go a long way — Even just "bom dia" and "obrigado" make a difference. People appreciate the effort.

Beach vendors everywhere — People walk the beach selling food, drinks, hats, sunscreen, you name it. Buy or just say "não, obrigado."

Beach chair and umbrella rentals — Super common to rent a chair and guarda-sol (sun umbrella) for the day. Some spots will bring you a menu right on the sand and serve food and drinks to your chair.

Water is not free or automatic — Order "água mineral, por favor." Still = sem gás, sparkling = com gás.

10% service charge = the tip — "Taxa de serviço" may already be in the bill. That's the tip. No restaurant expects tips like in the US.

Download Uber before you go — Works great in BC. Cheap by US standards — a 20-minute ride is roughly R$20-40 (~$4-8).

Download Google Maps offline — Download the BC/Itapema area before you leave home.