Driving in Brazil
Photo: João Paulo Chagas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Driving is sometimes the best option to get around Brazil, due to the poor quality of most cities' public transportation. Any foreigner is allowed to drive for up to 180 days with their country's driving license, unless it expires earlier. After the 180-day period, you must apply for some tests in order to obtain a Brazilian license. Citizens of a few countries might be eligible to acquire a Brazilian driving licence without going through the usual procedure due to bilateral agreements. If in doubt, check with the Brazilian consulate or embassy closest to you.
UnderstandBrazilian roads can vary drastically from city to city in terms of quality., but this does not apply to most drivers. Brazilians drive on the right side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left side.
Signs and regulationsBrazilian road and traffic signs in general follow international conventions, in a mixture of the US MUTCD and FN Vienna convention standards.
DriveBrazilian drivers will constantly use the blinker, the horn, flash their headlights and wave their hands to communicate with other motorists.
Stay safeAs mentioned before, driving at night may be dangerous in less developed areas due to the lack of visibility and street lights. It is always best to avoid stopping at the red lights due to the risk of being robbed.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Driving in Brazil" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: João Paulo Chagas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons