General Info

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3044623]Why don't you keep the same SIM?[/QUOTE]Unless they have changed the rules you need to add more credits every 6 months if you want the number to stay active. I travel to Brazil only once a year for 2-3 months. I could solve the problem by asking a friend to add credits but I don't need the same number again. I never make regular phone calls in Brazil. I use the chip for surfing and communicate by Whatsapp. Getting a new chip is very cheap and the activation is made so quick. This year I spent 60 reais on a new chip and enough credits for my whole trip.

I'm curious, do you use your real name when using Uber in Brazil? I heard from some drivers, specially in cities off the beaten track that they almost didn't accept my ride because of my name. It's very obvious that's my name is foreign, and it's hard for them to pronounce. The drivers told me that they were afraid of not being able to communicate with a passenger with such a different name.

[QUOTE=Sperto;3044584]I buy a new TIM chip every time I arrive in Brazil. You can activate the chip in several ways. By SMS, phone, internet or I a store. A CPF isn't necessary but makes it easier.

Activate it by SMS is done in a few minutes.

Registering a TIM SIM card via SMS.

The simplest and fastest way to activate and register your TIM SIM card is via SMS, through an interactive menu.

See the complete step-by-step instructions below:

Insert the SIM card into your phone and turn it on;.

An interactive menu will appear. Confirm your area code (DDD);.

Wait for an SMS with your TIM number;.

Turn your phone off and on again;.

Then, dial *144#.

In the interactive menu, press 2 and then "send".

Enter your CPF (only the number) and press "send", confirm the number;.

Enter your date of birth, with the sequence of day, month and year (DD / MM / YYYY) and press "send".

You will receive a confirmation message and your SIM card will be activated.[/QUOTE]Do you have to call and use your passport if you don't have a CPF?

[QUOTE=Degenerate24;3044959]Do you have to call and use your passport if you don't have a CPF?[/QUOTE]That would be a solution, but there others. Just RTFF.

[QUOTE=Sperto;3044658]Unless they have changed the rules you need to add more credits every 6 months if you want the number to stay active. I travel to Brazil only once a year for 2-3 months. I could solve the problem by asking a friend to add credits but I don't need the same number again. I never make regular phone calls in Brazil. I use the chip for surfing and communicate by Whatsapp. Getting a new chip is very cheap and the activation is made so quick. This year I spent 60 reais on a new chip and enough credits for my whole trip.[/QUOTE]Ok. If you do not want the same number. I only use mine for the internet as well. There are numerous websites where you can add credit. That is how I do it. I would rather do that and hit the ground running instead of having to worry about going to buy and activate a new SIM each time.

[QUOTE=Sperto;3044752]I'm curious, do you use your real name when using Uber in Brazil? I heard from some drivers, specially in cities off the beaten track that they almost didn't accept my ride because of my name. It's very obvious that's my name is foreign, and it's hard for them to pronounce. The drivers told me that they were afraid of not being able to communicate with a passenger with such a different name.[/QUOTE]Brasil has a census website where you can input your name and know how many Brazilians and in which state share your name. Mine is about 170,000 so no problem, I use the same as on a credit card.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;3044987]Ok. If you do not want the same number. I only use mine for the internet as well. There are numerous websites where you can add credit. That is how I do it. I would rather do that and hit the ground running instead of having to worry about going to buy and activate a new SIM each time.[/QUOTE]That's a good solution. However it's no problem for me. In Galeao I just pass by a pharmacy and buy a SIM card and five minutes later I have it activated.

[QUOTE=Sperto;3045057]That's a good solution. However it's no problem for me. In Galeao I just pass by a pharmacy and buy a SIM card and five minutes later I have it activated.[/QUOTE]Don't work any longer. I arrived today. The pharmacy at Galeao only sold TIM sim card as a package for 120 reais. I used tha airport wifi and ordered a Uber. In Copacabana the bancas de revistas sell TIM sim card for 30 reais, including credits.

In your opinion, is the Christmas holidays (e. G. , December 20th. January 10th) better for a (first) trip to Brazil, or are July and August? Or are both acceptable?

I read many enthusiastic posts on this forum, but there are also many reports of thefts and related incidents online and among people I've met who have experienced them (though not seriously). Which is true? Is it a peaceful vacation, or is there a risk of unexpected events like stolen or worster?

I've had trip for paid sex too in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Greece, Cambodia, and Vietnam, without a single problem. Is the security situation in Brazil that problematic?

Thank you in advance.

[QUOTE=GiovanniVolo;3047190]In your opinion, is the Christmas holidays (e. G. , December 20th. January 10th) better for a (first) trip to Brazil, or are July and August? Or are both acceptable?

I read many enthusiastic posts on this forum, but there are also many reports of thefts and related incidents online and among people I've met who have experienced them (though not seriously). Which is true? Is it a peaceful vacation, or is there a risk of unexpected events like stolen or worster?

I've had trip for paid sex too in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Greece, Cambodia, and Vietnam, without a single problem. Is the security situation in Brazil that problematic?

Thank you in advance.[/QUOTE]I will take a stab at answering but please understand I only speak for Sao Paulo. I have spent two Christmas holidays in Sao Paulo. One by myself and one with a girl friend from there at the beach for the Christmas Days. In Sao Paulo it does get a bit sparse on the holiday days. However not at all impossible to navigate. I still see a girl I called off of Photoacompanhantes on New Years Eve because a date fell through. She came to my hotel and we had a good visit. It is a warmer time of year but can still be cold and most hotels do not have heat so plan accordingly. The clinics will be open most days not actual holidays and the night clubs similar. In short I have enjoyed all my trips there at all times per year. Good luck!

[QUOTE=GiovanniVolo;3047190]In your opinion, is the Christmas holidays (e. G. , December 20th. January 10th) better for a (first) trip to Brazil, or are July and August? Or are both acceptable?

I read many enthusiastic posts on this forum, but there are also many reports of thefts and related incidents online and among people I've met who have experienced them (though not seriously). Which is true? Is it a peaceful vacation, or is there a risk of unexpected events like stolen or worster?

I've had trip for paid sex too in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Greece, Cambodia, and Vietnam, without a single problem. Is the security situation in Brazil that problematic?

Thank you in advance.[/QUOTE]For time periods, there are pros / cons to both, but I would go July / August simply because most girls will be with their families from Dec 20 to Jan 5 or so. In July / Aug some working girls will be in Europe, but you'll still have far more around than in late Dec / early Jan when 90% are taking a break. Note that Brazil, especially Sao Paulo, can be cold in July / August and you should bring a light jacket.

Regarding crime. Brazil, and South American in general, have a high level of crime regardless of time of year, but I'd venture that it's highest in the run up to Christmas. You can avoid most issues if you dress down, don't flash your phone (or use a second cheaper one), and carry minimal money. Of note, I have never had issues with the girls, and Brasileiras are quote honest in my experience. It's the younger men in gangs that you need to watch out for as well as large crowds of people (easier for thieves to disappear). Copacabana beach in particular.

I have been a member for 20 + years.

The younger Chicas are at home with their families!

[QUOTE=Chicago85;3047260]For time periods, there are pros / cons to both, but I would go July / August simply because most girls will be with their families from Dec 20 to Jan 5 or so. In July / Aug some working girls will be in Europe, but you'll still have far more around than in late Dec / early Jan when 90% are taking a break. Note that Brazil, especially Sao Paulo, can be cold in July / August and you should bring a light jacket.

Regarding crime. Brazil, and South American in general, have a high level of crime regardless of time of year, but I'd venture that it's highest in the run up to Christmas. You can avoid most issues if you dress down, don't flash your phone (or use a second cheaper one), and carry minimal money. Of note, I have never had issues with the girls, and Brasileiras are quote honest in my experience. It's the younger men in gangs that you need to watch out for as well as large crowds of people (easier for thieves to disappear). Copacabana beach in particular. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=GiovanniVolo;3047190]In your opinion, is the Christmas holidays (e. G. , December 20th. January 10th).[/QUOTE]Important to note that for new years the prices of accommodations double along with a minimum amount of days to stay.

[QUOTE=WorldTravel69;3047274]I have been a member for 20 + years. The younger Chicas are at home with their families![/QUOTE]I feel like this really ought to be a little common sense. The girls have families and friends and like to take time off during the holidays too just like everyone else. I don't know why some guys think they will be just hanging around waiting for them to show up grinning! We have to have this conversation every single year, and every year some hardheaded noob doesn't listen, and comes back disappointed. Well, we told you so! Don't go mongering in Latin America over Christmas, New Year's, and Easter week. Besides, as Mr. E points out, the cost of accommodations can be way too high at those times. There are a lot of other days on the calendar. Go during those dates to have the best time at more favorable overall costs.

I think the price setting on GOL and LATAM websites are unfair.

E. G Yesterday I bought a flight ticket Salvador-Rio on LATAM website. When entering on the Brazilian site the price shown was 897,18 reais. That would be equal to 167 USD. However without a Brazilian credit card you need to buy the ticket choosing e. G Other countries (USD). The price you get for the same ticket is 217,8 USD. That's 30% higher price.

Ten years ago I managed to buy flight tickets in reais using my CPF and foreign credit card but that's not working anymore.