Brasília Guide — Expat & Newcomer Local Guide

Arriving in Brasilia

Airport: Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) — 10km from the city centre
Getting into the city: Uber and 99 are easiest from the airport. Expect R$40-70 to most central areas
SIM card: Buy a Claro or Vivo SIM at arrivals — bring your passport. Prepaid plans from R$30/month
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL). Pix is the standard payment method — set it up once you have a bank account
Language: Portuguese. Most airport staff have basic English. Download Google Translate before you land

Uber & 99: Most reliable. Always use an app — avoid unlicensed taxis
Scooters: Yellow Grow and Lime scooters across central areas. Download the app, scan and go
Metro: One line from city centre to satellite cities. Useful but limited coverage
Buses: Cover most areas but slow. Use Google Maps for routes
Car hire: All major rental companies at the airport. International driving licence required
Note: Brasilia is very spread out — you will need transport for most journeys

CPF: Your Brazilian tax number — needed for almost everything. Get it at any Receita Federal office with your passport. Free, takes 30 mins
Nubank: Best bank for foreigners — open online with CPF and selfie, no fees. nubank.com.br
Inter Bank: Another good digital option, foreigner friendly. inter.co
Pix: Brazil's instant payment system — free, instant, used everywhere
ATMs: Bradesco and Banco do Brasil most reliable for foreign cards. Fees R$15-25 per withdrawal

Hotels: Most in Asa Sul and the hotel sector (SHN/SHS). Expect R$200-500/night for a decent hotel
Airbnb: Good options across Asa Norte, Asa Sul and Sudoeste. Often better value for longer stays
Renting: One bedroom from R$2000/month. Most landlords require a guarantor or 3 months deposit
Best areas: Asa Sul, Asa Norte, and Sudoeste are safe, central and well served. Lago Sul is quieter and upmarket
Short term: Search OLX and Zap Imoveis for furnished monthly rentals

Local dishes: Pao de queijo, feijoada, churrasco, acai bowls, coxinha, and fresh tropical juices
Churrascaria: All you can eat Brazilian steakhouse. Budget R$80-120 per person. A must-do
Eating out: Meal at a local restaurant R$25-50. Best options in Asa Sul and Sudoeste
Supermarkets: Carrefour, Extra, and Pao de Acucar are the main chains. Most open 7am-10pm
Food delivery: iFood is the main delivery app — works like Uber Eats, available across the city
Feira da Torre (TV Tower Fair): The most famous weekend market. Huge food court — great for trying local acaraje and pasteis. Handicrafts, accessible for all ages
Feira da Ponta Norte: End of the North Wing. Organic produce, artisanal cheeses, live music. Relaxed Saturday morning vibe, popular with families and younger crowd
Feira do Guara: Traditional sprawling market — clothing, electronics, authentic regional food. A great place to see the real Brasilia beyond the monuments

Gyms: Smart Fit is the most popular chain — branches across the city from R$100/month
Coaches & classes: Book padel, tennis, yoga, personal training and more via Agendaz on WhatsApp
Co-working: Spaces from R$500/month in Asa Sul, Asa Norte and Sudoeste
Nightlife: Sudoeste and Lago Sul have the best bar scenes. Clubs near the Esplanada at weekends
Shopping: Conjunto Nacional and Park Shopping are the main malls. Feira da Torre market on weekends
Internet: Fibre widely available. Claro and Vivo are the main providers. Around R$100-150/month
Eixao do Lazer: Every Sunday the main highway closes to cars and opens to people — families, dogs, pop-up drink stalls, seniors in the shade. The best place to feel the local pulse of the city
Pontao do Lago Sul: Waterfront bar and restaurant strip on the lake. Gets very lively in the evenings — good for drinks and dinner with a view
408/409 Norte bars: Superblocks known for craft beer and nightlife. More alternative, local crowd

Parks: Parque da Cidade is huge with playgrounds, cycling paths and open space
Kids activities: Jardim Botanico, Museu Nacional, and Lago Paranoa are all family friendly
Schools: Several international schools including Escola Americana. Enrol early as spaces fill fast
Daycare: Private daycare from around R$1500/month
Kids coaches: Book swimming, tennis, football and more for kids via Agendaz on WhatsApp
Safety: Generally family friendly in Asa Sul, Asa Norte, Sudoeste and Lago Sul

Public healthcare (SUS): Free but long waits. Bring ID and CPF
Private hospitals: Hospital Santa Lucia and Hospital Sirio-Libanes are the best private options
Health insurance: Amil and SulAmerica are the main insurers. Plans from R$300/month
Pharmacies: Drogasil and Droga Raia are the main chains — open late, found on most streets
Emergency: Call 192 for ambulance (SAMU) or go to a UPA urgent care centre — open 24h

Esplanada: The iconic modernist plaza — walk between government buildings, cathedral and national museum
Catedral Metropolitana: Oscar Niemeyer's crown-shaped cathedral. Free entry, unmissable
Lago Paranoa: Kayaking, paddleboarding, waterfront restaurants and sunset spots
Chapada Imperial: 80km from the city — waterfalls, hiking and nature. Great day trip
Museu Nacional: Architecture as impressive as the exhibits. Free on Sundays
Tours: Book food tours and guided experiences via Agendaz on WhatsApp
Parque da Cidade (City Park): Massive park with the Castelinho playground, bike paths and pedal boats. Essential for families and a great spot for any visitor
Planetario de Brasilia: Highly interactive — good for an educational afternoon with kids or curious adults
Jardim Botanico (Botanical Garden): Peaceful, well-maintained paths and a popular tea house called Jardim Bom Demais — great for brunch
Santuario Dom Bosco: Stunning floor-to-ceiling blue stained glass. A serene architectural highlight, good for older visitors and anyone who appreciates design

Dry season (May-Sep): Sunny, 25-28C, cool nights to 15C. Very low humidity. Blue skies every day
Wet season (Oct-Apr): Hot and humid, 28-32C. Heavy afternoon thunderstorms — usually over within an hour
What to pack: Light clothing year round. Light jacket for dry season evenings. Umbrella for wet season afternoons
Humidity warning: Dry season can drop below 20% humidity — drink plenty of water. Nosebleeds common for newcomers
Best time to visit: May to August — perfect weather, no rain, ideal for outdoor activities

People: Brasilienses are welcoming and curious about foreigners. High expat and diplomat population
Language: Portuguese only in most situations. Learn basic phrases — locals appreciate any effort
Tipping: Not mandatory. Restaurants add 10% service charge — you can decline it
Safety: Stick to main residential areas. Use Uber at night. Do not display expensive items in public
Punctuality: Social events run late by European standards. Business meetings are generally on time