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Entering Brazil with a Car or Motorbike

Correct as of: (date last confirmed correct)

Required Paperwork

List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies

Process at border

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Brazil, application instructions and fees see: Brazil Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle

Cost of entry

State the cost for a vehicle to enter

Permitted length of stay

State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle

Extension of stay

Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle

Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.

Driving in Brazil

Insurance requirements

Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.

Cost of insurance

State the price of insurance and a time period.

Where to purchase insurance

Describe where insurance can be purchased.

Driving license

An international driving permit is not required to drive in Brazil, only a recognized North or South American license and valid passport. The IDP is only recommended because the translation can solve problems during routine encounters with police (who may not be aware of the recent changes in Brazilian law dropping the requirement of an international driving permit).

Driving side of road

Brazilians drive on the right. In Brazil, the steering wheel is on the left.

Mandatory items in vehicle

State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle. (i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)

Roads

General Road quality

Roads in Brazil are generally adequate but improving. The quality of pavement is generally not an issue, but some major roads may only feature one lane in each direction, making travel difficult. Some villages are still only accessible via unpaved roads (Which may not be marked on a map). It is a good idea to ask a local guide for more information because the most efficient route may not always be the most obvious, and the best available maps / GPS may not always be up to date. You can get a free updated map for Garmin and Navitel GPS at: http://www.tracksource.org.br/index.php/downloads-mapas.html. One way roads are common in major cities.

Road signs

Road signs are very standardized and most drivers will find them adequate and self-explanatory. Be aware that every 500-1000 meters of road in populated areas will have a (clearly marked) speed bump to force drivers to slow down when passing through cities and villages.

Toll roads

Most new high capacity roads in Brazil charge a minimal toll every 50-80 km of R$1.00 BRL-R$2.00 BRL, and tolls are clearly marked in advance. Generally you must pay the toll with a R$10 (Brazilian Real) note or smaller.

Bribery in Brazil

Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.

Checkpoints

describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.

Traveling with pets

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas and Diesel price in Brazil

Last updated: March 2012

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade	Price
Common Gasoline	R$1.65 BRL per Liter
Gasoline with additives	R$2.05 BRL per Liter
Diesel	??

Link to external websites with price & quality information, if available.

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency

Gas shortages are not common in Brazil, diesel and gasoline are widely available. Even in small villages very rudimentary gas stations exist, even far from major cities. One should not have to drive more than 10-15 km to find a gas station.

Gas and Diesel Quality

Gasoline and Diesel in Brazil are of very high quality, and the quality of gasoline is generally the same at all major chains and independent retailers. Don't be surprised to find very rudimentary gas stations in the areas far from major cities, as their gasoline is usually of the highest quality.

Safety and Security Considerations

Driving at night

Some areas are not safe to drive at night, especially the state of Bahia. Express kidnappings and robberys are known to occur, and most Brazilian people will not stop for cars which appear to be 'broken down' as people have been known to ambush and rob the good Samaritans who come to their aid at gunpoint. Generally, most people do not encounter any problems during the daytime however and Brazilians are very courteous and helpful to travelers.

Vehicle parking

Brazil has a complicated system of parking on the street which involves color codes and different rates for different areas at different times. It is usually cheaper and safer (in most major cities) to park in private "Garages", especially overnight. Many hotels, restaurants, attractions, and places of business provide free parking to their customers. Beware in some areas of people who offer to "watch your car". They usually expect some small amount of money for this "service" and if you do not pay them they could damage your vehicle. This is somewhat common in free parking areas near major attractions.

Special driving considerations

A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).
List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.

Security advisories and information

Camping in Brazil

Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.
List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.
Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.

Camping guide books

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water

Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink. If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.

Navigation

Paper maps

The best paper maps for Brazil is "[Guia Quatro Rodas]http://viajeaqui.abril.com.br/materias/guias-guia-brasil-2012" which comes with a book, including gas stations, police checkpoints, toll roads, etc. The "Guia" itself contains most of brazilian cities and its attractions. It can be bought in any book shop or news stand.

GPS Maps of Brazil

Most of GPS brands have Brazilian up to date maps at least for the big cities. You can get free updated maps for Garmin and Navitel GPS at: http://www.tracksource.org.br/index.php/downloads-mapas.html

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Brazil

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.