Paula e Tomas

[ PT]

Para os nossos convidados que estão indo visitar o Brasil ou a região pela primeira vez, separamos algumas dicas e montamos essa seção com as 'perguntas frequentes' para facilitar a estadia deles. Ela estará toda em ingles.

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[EN]

For our guests who are visiting Brazil or the region for the first time, we have prepared some tips and created this section with 'frequently asked questions' to make your stay easier.

FAQ

1. What are the travel requirements for Brazil?

• For tourists from the Netherlands, a visa is not required for stays up to 90 days in Brazil, as long as you have a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. It’s also recommended to check if any vaccinations are required, especially for diseases like yellow fever, depending on which areas of Brazil you are visiting.

2. What is the local currency, and should I exchange money before arriving?

• The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). You can exchange money at the airport, some big hotels do it too, or ATMs. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, but most places in cities accept credit cards.

3. How do I get around in Brazil?

• The easiest way to get around in Brazil is by renting a car. With a valid foreign drivers license, you’re allowed to drive for up to 180 days in Brazil. Popular rental companies like Localiza, Movida, and Unidas operate at most airports and in major cities. Uber is also widely available and very reliable.
• Public transportation can be a bit tricky and unreliable, so we recommend using the subway only in São Paulo capital. In other cities, it’s safer to avoid public transport, especially in non-central areas.

4. What will the weather be like?

• Brazil has a tropical climate so expect warm weather. Make sure to bring sunscreen, light and breathable clothing, and sunglasses. In some areas, it can get a bit cooler in the evenings, especially near the coast or in the mountains, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.

5. Do I need to speak Portuguese?

• While many people in Brazil speak some English, Portuguese is the official language. It’s helpful to know a few basic Portuguese phrases or use Google translate, especially when ordering food or shopping in smaller stores where English might not be spoken.

6. Where can I stay in Brazil?

• There are plenty of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more affordable guesthouses. We recommend staying near the wedding venue for convenience, and we can provide a list of recommended areas to stay [see bellow in tips]. Please let us know if you need help with booking or suggestions!

7. What is there to see around the wedding venue?

• If you want to stay in the city, we recommend Campinas. It has great restaurants, shopping malls, bars and great night life as well. Joaquim Egidio on the other hand is a small village and recommended if you want to relax. The region offers a variety of natural, cultural, and historic attractions [see bellow in tips].

8. Are there any safety tips for traveling in Brazil?

• As with any destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Use common sense: avoid displaying valuables, keep your belongings close, and use reliable transport like Uber or registered taxis. In larger cities, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and always use your best judgment when exploring new places.

Tips

Where to stay:

We recommend to stay in or around Campinas / Joaquim Egídio for easy access to the wedding venue.

Joaquim Egídio is a village near the venue.

Campinas is a big metropole city, so there is everything you will need. The best areas to stay are:

• Cambuí
• Sousas
• Taquaral
• Nova Campinas

Note: When looking for a place to stay online, be aware to not book a "motel" as in Brazil those are actually 'love-hotels' and not for long stay.

Although Morungaba looks near to the wedding venue, the road from Morungaba to the venue isn't rental car friendly, so unless you rented a SUV or 4x4, we don't recommend it.

What to do/see in Campinas and Joaquim Egídio:

Shopping malls:

• Shopping Dom Pedro,
• Shopping Iguatemi
• Shopping Galleria.

Restaurants and Café:

- Joaquim Egídio

• Vila Paraíso
• Feijão com Tranqueira
• Café Maritaka
• Padoca do Vila - Café
• Ninho da Cambaxirra
• Estação Marupiara
• Casa Belga Doceria & Restaurante
• Velho Valentim Restaurante e Bar
• Carní Espaço Gastronômico

- Campinas (especially in Cambuí area there will be plenty of good restaurants and bars)

• Macaxeira Campinas
• O Matuto Fogo & Mar - Taquaral
• Churrascaria Nova Pampa (Rodizio)
• SMEAT
• Nico Paneteria (also good lunch)
• Kaizen Japanese Food
• Famiglia Gianni Ristorante
• Elixir Restaurante e Bar Cocktail
• Mukeca Brasileira
• Trankilo Burriteria
• Catedral do Chopp
• LGNDRI / Thai Jasmine
• Bad Bone Parrilla
• Rudraskafé (Thai/Indian)

Parques:

• Taquaral (here you can see lots of capybaras)
• Parque Ecológico de Campinas
• Pico das Cabras (Astronomy museum / Observatoruim) - child friendly

Sports and amusement:

• PowerBlock (Bouldering)
• Joaquim Egídio Adventure (Quad tours)
• Cachoeira Joaquim Egídio (Waterfall hike)
• Hopi Hari amusement park 30km (40 min drive) - child friendly
• Wet 'n Wild water park 30 km (40 min drive) - child friendly
• Parque Maeda in Itú (1 hour drive) - for children
• Hike the Pedra Grande (Big Rock) in Atibaia, 60km (1,5 hour drive)

Places within driving distance from the wedding venue:

• São Sebastião: 180 km | 3 hours | Beautiful beaches like Maresias, Camburi, and Boiçucanga.
• Ilhabela: 200 km | 3.5 hours | Lush forests, stunning beaches, and hiking opportunities.
• Paraty: 300 km | 4.5 hours | Colonial town, historic center, and nearby islands.
• Ubatuba: 270 km | 4 hours | Over 100 beaches, nature, and the Projeto Tamar sea turtle sanctuary.
• Guarujá: 188 km | 2.5–3 hours | Urban beaches, shopping, and family-friendly attractions.
• Serra da Canastra National Park: 400 km | 5 hours | Waterfalls, wildlife, and rugged terrain.
• Petar (Petar State Park): 180 km | 3 hours | Stunning caves, waterfalls, and hiking in a protected natural environment.
• Campos do Jordão: 180 km | 3 hours | Cool mountain town, Swiss-style architecture, and hiking.
• Monte Verde: 145 km | 2.5 hours | European-style village, cool climate, and outdoor activities.