Getting Your Papers in Order
Before you can enjoy the wonderful beaches of Brazil, you must complete some paperwork! You will probably need a passport and visa to enter Brazil and to return to the United States. It is illegal to return to your country on an expired passport, even if you are a U.S. citizen.
For a visa, you will need to complete an application form, include a detailed itinerary of your trip, and provide proof of medical insurance, a valid return airline ticket, and proof of accommodations, such as a hotel reservation. You must also carry with you at least two forms of identification, such as your passport or your country's photo ID. Many banks in Brazil require a passport and another ID before cashing traveler's checks.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital, Brasília. There is a Consulate General in each large Brazilian urban center, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Recife. In addition, there are consulate agencies around the country. These governmental agencies answer telephone calls around the clock and have Web sites for more information. The addresses and hours of operation for these consulates and their Web information can be found in Appendix D.
Nothing to Declare
Going through customs or
“Duty-free” simply means that you do not pay taxes on the goods in the country where you made purchases. But if you buy goods in regular stores, make sure you keep all receipts because you might be able to claim a refund on the added tax.
Where's My Purse?
Even if you are extra careful, sometimes you do lose or misplace items, especially when you are traveling. So you thought you put your passport in your bag, but you had it in another coat pocket. Or worse, your wallet falls out of your coat pocket while you were in a taxi ride in Rio. If you lose your passport, notify the local police immediately, as well as the closest consulate general.
