FAQs

Question

Is it safe in Brazil for Americans?

Answer

While traveling internationally no matter where you are going, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and the fact that you are American. Because let's face it y'all, America doesn't have a good track record of how we've treated other countries. So let's not make stereotypes worse here. Just be respectful of people and try to embrace the culture and you should be totally fine. Make sure to keep your belongings close to you especially if you are traveling to São Paulo or Rio, just as would in any major US city, too. For safety related questions or concerns, text/call Kelsey at (573) 239-0514.

Question

What is the conversion rate from US Dollars to Brazilian Reals?

Answer

Currently as of the end of 2024/beginning of 2025, the conversion rate is 6.17. You can check periodically to see if this has changed but it is trending in the direction of the US dollar becoming stronger in Brazil.

Question

How difficult will it be to communicate with people in Brazil?

Answer

A good number of people in Brazil can speak English and every announcement on the plane will be in both Portuguese and English. We do recommend having two apps handy on your phone to make communication easier for everyone. This includes Google Translate and Google Lens. To use Google Lens to translate a menu into English, you can do the following: 1. Open the Google Lens app 2. Select the Translate option 3. Point your camera at the text you want to translate 4. Choose the language input and output in the language dropdown 5. Select English as the language you want the words to be translated to We will have live translation at our wedding ceremony and for part of the reception. We will give everyone Inspector Gadget looking ear buds for the translation so be thinking of cool code names.

Question

What are some common phrases in Portuguese I may need to know?

Answer

Below you will find some common vocabulary and phrases that could be helpful as you are traveling to Brazil in order of importance: Most Commonly Used Phrases: -"Wow, Kelsey you are the most beautiful bride in the world!" / "Nossa, Kelsey, você é a noiva mais linda do mundo!" -"Rafa is the luckiest guy!" / "Rafa é o cara mais sortudo!" -"Kelsey is a true queen!" / "Kelsey é uma verdadeira rainha!" Second Most Commonly Used Phrases: -Thank you: Obrigado for men and Obrigada for women (apologies that there are no gender neutral options at this point in time) -You're welcome: De nada -Sorry/Excuse me: Desculpe -Where is the bathroom?: Onde fica o banheiro? -Nice to meet you: Prazer -Can you please tell me your most embarrassing story about Rafa?: Você pode me contar sua história mais embaraçosa sobre Rafa? Airport/Traveling Related Vocabulary: -Airplane: Avião -Trip: Viagem -Plane ticket: Bilhete de avião -Baggage claim: Retirada de bagagem -Luggage: Bagagem Wedding Related Vocabulary: -Wedding: Casamento -Wedding venue: Local do casamento -Wedding ceremony: Cerimônia de casamento -Wedding reception: Recepção de casamento -Bride: Noiva -Groom: Noivo

Question

What will the temperatures be in Brazil while we are there?

Answer

As you know, Brazil is in the Southern Hemisphere, therefore in July it will be winter in Brazil. Good thing Brazil doesn't get very cold! You can expect lows to be in the 60's (maybe 50's if it's really cold) and highs probably in the 70's. But it's important to note that most places in Brazil don't have heat. So whatever the outside temperature is will be the temperature inside. So please bring sweaters/jackets to stay warm, even indoors.

Question

What are some foods I should definitely try while I'm in Brazil?

Answer

Brazil has some amazing food that we highly recommend you prioritize trying while there. Below is a list of 5 must-haves: 1. Churrasco: We don't want to start an international war over BBQ (it's bad enough between the Missourians and Texans), but the BBQ in Brazil is top notch. The most famous cut of meat in Brazil is Picanha. And no, Fogo de Chão doesn't count as Brazilian BBQ. 2. Feijoada: The official dish of Brazil. It is a hearty stew with black beans, different cuts of pork, tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots. 3. Pão de Queijo: This is cheese bread made from cassava flour and cheese. So enjoy, gluten free friends! 4. Coxinha: A fried snack made of a potato and flour dough filled with shredded chicken meat. 5. Brigadeiro: This is a staple dessert. It is sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.

Question

Does Brazil have Uber?

Answer

Yes, Brazil has uber you can use to get around. Have Google Translate ready to speak to the Uber driver.