What budget for activities and outings Brazil?
Travel budget Brazil and cost of living
Budget. Brazil is no longer a cheap country. The current collapse of the real is making the cost of living cheaper for European visitors, but the budget for a trip to Brazil is still quite high. You should expect to pay 50 euros for a small daily budget per person, 80-100 euros for a medium budget and 150 euros for a comfortable budget. In the big cities, accommodation can be a major expense. As everywhere, rates for hotels and other tourist services vary according to season and event. During the summer vacations, from December to February (including Carnival) and the July school vacations, prices double or even more in Rio, Salvador, Recife and Olinda. Prices also vary depending on the event. In "conventional" restaurants, the bill can quickly become steep. It's possible to eat by the kilo, and for a modest sum. Prepared dishes(PF, prato feito) are generally inexpensive.
In the low season , you can travel more cheaply if you travel only by bus (or book flights in advance), stay in decent but simple hotels, and eat in inexpensive restaurants (self-catering by the kilo). In high season, you'll want to avoid the tourist spots, unless of course you've made them your chosen destination. We don't go to Ouro Preto at Easter, nor to Paraty during the FLIP book festival. An airplane flight, the occasional car rental and a guided tour (in the jungle or Pantanal) can add significantly to this average budget, while solo excursions (not just anywhere!) and lazy days in a hammock on a Nordeste beach lighten it. Don't hesitate to haggle over all the tourist services on offer, especially in low season when customers are scarce. For example, the price of guided excursions (Pantanal, national parks, etc.) can be discussed. It's important to remember, however, that quality service comes at a price, and that very low market prices are sometimes at the expense of safety. In addition, you must respect the work of others and negotiate within acceptable limits.
Tip. The Gol and Azul airlines offer attractive pass systems for domestic flights, which can only be purchased in France or in the traveller's country of origin once the round-trip ticket to Brazil has been purchased.
Tips. In restaurants, a 10% gratuity is added to the amount you pay to waiters. This means you don't have to leave a tip, with the exception of a few restaurants where the 10% is not included. But there's nothing to stop you leaving a tip if you enjoyed the service.
Haggling. Negotiating the price of goods, which has skyrocketed in recent years, is a common custom, especially in street markets. Resist the merchants' talent for making you feel guilty for offering a lower price, and take your chances by asking for up to 20% off. For even juicier bargains, opt for cash payment and bulk purchases. For small merchants struggling to get by, and in some places far from tourist areas, you can offer a decent price or refrain from haggling.
Taxes. Displayed prices may sometimes be taxed, but the practice is not uniform, and displays are not always self-explanatory. In some hotels, you may have to add 5% ISS or 10% service tax (or both!) to the posted price; ask at reception. In bars and restaurants, the 10% service charge is not indicated on the menu, but is always included in the bill.
