Brazil (BR)
South America's largest country, combining major work hubs, world-famous culture, beaches, Amazon biodiversity, strong digital payments, and complex but navigable bureaucracy for expats.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Brazil.
Public Transport Overview
Brazilian transport is city-specific. Sao Paulo and Rio have useful metro systems; buses dominate most cities; ride-hailing is essential for many expats. Intercity travel is often by domestic flight or long-distance coach.
🎫 Transit Passes
Sao Paulo buses, metro/train integrations
Rio buses, metro, trains, ferries and BRT depending product
Local buses/metro where available
Taxi & Rideshare
Official taxis exist at airports and hotels but can be expensive. Use app taxis or ride-hailing to reduce fare disputes. At airports, prefer official counters/apps.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Uber and 99 are widely used in major cities. Confirm plate/driver, sit in the back, avoid displaying valuables and share trip status at night.
Cycling
Bike lanes are growing in Sao Paulo, Rio, Brasilia, Curitiba and Florianopolis, but safety varies. Bike-share exists in several capitals; defensive riding is essential.
Intercity Trains
Passenger rail is limited. Use domestic flights for long distances and reputable coach companies for regional routes. Tourist trains exist in a few regions.
Driving
Brazil drives on the right. Speed limits: 30–60 km/h urban (varies by road type — 30 km/h local streets, 60 km/h arterial roads), up to 120 km/h on federal motorways (set by CONTRAN). Traffic, motorcycles, flooding, potholes and security risks require defensive habits. Major highways can have tolls and speed cameras.
Airports
Main airports include GRU and CGH in Sao Paulo, GIG and SDU in Rio, BSB in Brasilia, CNF in Belo Horizonte, SSA in Salvador, REC in Recife, FOR in Fortaleza and POA in Porto Alegre. Domestic flights are often the realistic way to cross the country.