Car hire in Brazil at the best prices with Auto Europe

When you book your car hire in Brazil with us, you will be driving around the 5th largest country in the world, and the largest South American country. Brasilia, the capital, is the 4th largest city and also listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Auto Europe is dedicated to finding you the car rental that will best fit your travel plans, and allow you to discover the famous beaches, winding roads, and the Amazon River whilst taking in the colours and sounds of Brazil.

Make the most of your car rental

A car hire in Brazil will allow you to freely roam the beautiful countryside and beaches whilst meandering through local villages. Or if you are heading towards the Amazon River or the Iguassu Falls, a 4WD would be better for your exploration. Auto Europe offers car hire at all major locations in Brazil, so it is easy and convenient for you when you land.

Visit Sao Paulo, the largest and richest city in Brazil. Sao Paulo has a strong influence over the commerce, finance, arts, and entertainment in the country, all of which comes from its international culture. In Sao Paulo, visit Pinacoteca de Sao Paulo, the most important museum in Brazil. Drive down and see the Edificio Altino Arantes, where the views from the 33rd floor are stunning. Hop in the car and drive north where you can breathe the mountain air whilst driving along the coast deciding which beach to stop at and swim.

Or rent your car in Rio de Janeiro, where you can experience many world famous attractions, from the giant Statue of Christ the Redeemer observing the city, which was recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Drive the car in Rio to experience the wonderful landscapes between the mountains and the sea, and visit the beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Open the windows whilst driving and listen to the sound of the samba.

Road Rules and Petrol Stations

• Cars in Brazil must drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left side.
• When there are no signs stating otherwise, cars from the right have priority at crossings.
• When you are driving your car on motorways, note that you are not allowed to pass on the right. You can only pass on the right if the traffic is very congested.
• Mobile phones can only be used with a hands-free device.
• If you have an accident, contact the emergency number 193, 190 for the police or 192 for the ambulance.
• Everyone must wear a seat belt (cinto de seguaranca) in the front and back, this also includes children.
• If children are too small for a seat belt they must be in a child seat.
• Park in the direction of the traffic not opposite it.
• You can turn right at a red light, if permitted.
• Do not drive with flip flops.
• Entering a roundabout, give way to the traffic on it first.
• Petrol stations are easy to find in major cities and along the main motorways.

Tolls

There are toll roads in Brazil with the majority being in the Sao Paulo area. Toll booths (Pedagio) also operate in the following areas: Bahia, Parana, Rio de Janiero, Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina. Fees vary and depend on the size of vehicle you are driving. Please ensure you have plenty of cash and small change with you for these.

Age Requirements

You can drive a car in Brazil at age 18, but most car hire companies will insist that you be at least 21 to rent a car, although this varies from supplier to supplier. An extra charge applies if you are under 25 years old.

Currency

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). Cash and credit cards are widely accepted. Chip-and-Pin cards are also widely accepted. Do not hand over your credit card to someone to pay a bill, keep it and run it through the machine yourself. Remember to inform your card provider if you are going to use your bank or credit card abroad.

Time difference

There are three time zones in Brazil. The one that is frequented by most tourists is BRT.

Brasilia Standard Time - BRT (GMT -3)
Amazon Standard Time - AMT (GMT -4)
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago Time - FNT (GMT -2)

Dictionary

Brazil's official language is Portuguese. English is not used unless you are in a tourist area. To allow you to brush up on your Portuguese before your trip, here are some key phrases listed below.

Hello - Ola
Good morning - Bom dia
Thank you - Obrigado
Goodbye - Adeus
How much does this cost? - Quanto custa este?
Where is the police station? - Onde e a delegacia de policia?
Where is the hospital? - Onde esta o hospital?
One-way street - Rua de sentido unico
Motorway - Auto-estrada
No parking - Proibido estacionar
Roadworks - Obras em estradas

Electricity

Brazil is one of a very few countries which uses both 110 and 220 volts for everyday use. The voltage will change depending on where you are, even within the state. UK appliances will require an adaptor for use in Brazil, which are sold at most supermarkets.

Visa & Embassy Information

No visas are required for citizens of the United Kingdom for travel to Brazil as a tourist. The British Embassy, should you require its services during your trip, is located in Brasilia. The contact details are listed below.

British Embassy Brazil
Sector de Embaixadas Sul
Quadra 801, Lote 8
CEP 70408-900 Brasilia
Telephone: +55 (61) 3329 2300
Email: press.brasilia@fco.gov.uk

Useful links

Foreign Travel Information