Brazil is such an amazing place to visit, yet be cautious, alert, and advised, that Brazil has one of the highest crime rates in the world. I urge you to exercise caution as serious crime runs rampant there, as does sea piracy, as well as high levels of violent attacks upon tourists who travel alone.

Thus you will need to pay close attention to your personal safety and security, as well as your personal belongings. Take note that identity theft is a big issue in Brazil. Therefore be cautious when attending celebrations, protests and demonstrations. Thieves simply love these as they can mingle, snatch purses etc and then mingle with the dense crowd. Most demonstrations unfortunately turn violent so don't place yourself at risk.

Ensure that you have a high level of travel insurance, I advise you to invest in the comprehensive one, as these will usually cover everything. Be sure to read the fine print, as many policies do not cover credit card theft. Be a smart traveler and cover every aspect of traveling prior to the onset of your journey.

I strongly urge you to make sure that your insurance covers overseas medical costs. The insurance needs to cover you from the onset of your journey until your return home. Some activities may not be covered with your policy. Take into account also, that many incidents that can occur, are often deemed as "Acts of God" and are not covered by some policies. The old saying that "if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel" is so true. Don't forget that you must carry identification with you at all times. This is a legal requirement.

Within large cities such as Campinas, Rio as well as Sao Paulo, the medical facilities are actually comparable to Australian standards. But outside of these large cities medical facilities can be appalling as well as extremely limited. Ensure that you're immunization needs are up to date. The medical treatment costs in Brazil are sky high, so insurance is a must. In many cases cash payment is forced prior to medical services are issued. (This even applies to emergencies.) In the case of an accident or serious illness, this can involve thousands of dollars.

Brazil is classified as the "ball park" of Malaria infection, other insect related diseases such as dengue fever and leishmanias is a major risk to tourists .More so in the wet seasons. A major health alert has been only recently declared this year 2007, with record levels of recorded Dengue fever cases. Insect repellent and prophylaxis is highly recommended. Ask you general practitioner's advice prior to your trip. Yellow fever is another water/food borne infection which runs rampant, so too does hepatitis, typhoid fever, and rabies.

Do not drink the water in Brazil as schistosomiasis (Which is a parasitic infection that often is contracted through the drinking water) is often found in Brazil. Be wary of the water you swim in. Brazil is also a high AIDS/HIV risk factor in this country. Exercise commonsense and much caution, if engaging in activities which may have you exposed to these infections.

Be prepared for major delays when traveling with domestic flights within Brazil, many flights are notorious for being late. Be prepared for long waits at airports. Do not wander away from airports as there is indeed a significant chance of becoming lost if you should veer towards the remote areas of this country. Particularly if you are anywhere near the Amazon border area or the Pantanal Wetlands. If in doubt seek out a travel guide.

If you are hoping to drive in Brazil I would advise against it. This is an extremely dangerous venture, as Brazil has a high record of appalling, aggressive driving skills, many deeply rutted, unmaintained roads, as well as a high amount of trucks and slow vehicles on most of the main roads.

WILDLIFE WATCHING: Maintain a safe and legal approach when near any wildlife .Follow all wildlife park rules and do not venture near wild animals without a guide. Do not disregard wardens directions or rulings.

NATURAL DISASTERS: Landslide as well as flash flooding occurs on many occasions, particularly in the wet season. In the case of a natural disaster occurring, do not panic if at all possible. Follow instructions that local authorities give.

YOUR VALUABLES AND MONEY: organize all traveler's cheques, credit cards, and ATM cards. Make sure they are all up to date. Check that ATM cards are accepted at your chosen destination. Make sure that all these are kept with you at all times. Do not make a show of exposing these to any passers-by. Photocopy tickets, visa, passports and so forth. Keep a copy with you and also have a family member mind the other back at home. You may need these at your embassy, if you have any problems while traveling, such as mugging, theft, assault emergencies etc.

When in market places, shops, hotels etc do not flash money or expensive jewelery, this will only make you a prime target for a robbery/assault. Leave all expensive jewelery at home if you prize your personal safety. Expensive watches, cameras, necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc beckon a would be robber. Don't tempt them!

Have all valuables under lock and key, (Keep the key on a chain around your neck perhaps) this will assist in alleviating baggage tampering as well. (Particularly in airport terminals etc. )Passports and visas in particular, are a great attraction to many criminals. Often these stolen items are used to commit horrendous crimes using someone else's identity. Keep these in a safe place, do NOT ask motel receptionists to mind them, as often they sell them to known criminals. If your visa or passport is lost, contact your country's embassy immediately.

LOCAL LAWS APPLY TO YOU:

The laws in Brazil may seem harsh in comparison to what you are used to. Don't do any crime. Then you won't do any time.

Trafficking drugs brings an extremely lengthy imprisonment in Brazil.

Not carrying identification upon you at all times can also incur a prison sentence.

There are no laws against homosexuality yet take into account people's sensitivities, more so when traveling in the rural areas.

DUAL NATIONALS:

Australian/ Brazilian Males aged over 18, who reside long term within Brazil are required by law to register for military services. If you are dual national, contact your nearest Brazilian Consulate or embassy for more detailed information.

BAZILLION CULTURE: Brazil's culture is now based on a Latin American flavor, with a uniquely diverse nature indeed. The original influence was of a Portuguese nature. This was actually due to the strong colonial bond with the Portuguese empire, thus this assisted in spreading the Portuguese language throughout the land. Thus, we originally saw a Portuguese flavored culture, legal system, language, and varied Portuguese cultural inheritances taken on board by the inhabitants. European influences such as the South Americans, and African and Asian influences, also heralded the witnessing of an extremely diverse multi ethnic/multi cultural society.

RELIGION: Most Brazilians are Catholics. In actual fact, here you will find the largest number of Roman Catholics in the world! A small number of ones who follow spiritualism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism will also be found. Slowly but surely Methodism, Pentecostalism and Baptist the Baptist church are becoming a little more noticed.

SPORTS: Soccer is extremely popular here. The Brazilian national soccer team has been noted as one of the best in the world with a noted tournament record of five major wins (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.)

CURRENCY:

In Brazil the currency is now called REAL with the plural being called REAIS .This has only been changed as recently as 1994, due to fluxes and changes, as well as inflation surges.

Bills are in 1,2,5,10,20,50,and 100 ,The majority of the bills have animals pictures on one side and the female on the other side which represents the feminine character of Brazil. Coins are in cents such as 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 1 real. These vary in color and size.

There are many amazing sights to see, and much fun to be had, while visiting this very picturesque country. Enjoy the sights of beautiful tranquil waterfalls, watch the locals do the Samba, take an amazing jungle cruise.

Have a great time, but remember to play it safe.

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