Get your IDP before you travel

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Brazil?

If you are a tourist who wants to drive around the country, getting an IDP is one of the essential documents you need to have. This document translates your valid home country's driver's license into 12 languages widely recognized by the United Nations as per convention on road traffic. 

Our IDP is recognized in countries such as:

• Uruguay
• Argentina
• Brunei
• Cayman Islands
• Cyprus
• Guatemala
• Guinea-Bissau
• Denmark
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Italy
• Liechtenstein
• Macao
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Myanmar
• Peru
• Portugal
• and more!

Can a foreigner drive in Brazil?

For a foreigner to drive a motor vehicle which he rented from one of the car rental companies in the country, they only need to get an International Driving Permit along with their valid driver's license. However, this is only applicable if they are visiting the country for less than three months.

Can I drive in Brazil with my driver license?

Yes, you can go on a road trip in Brazil with a driver's license if you are driving for less than three months. And as mentioned above, as long as you have an IDP with you. So, if you possess a U.S. driver's license, then you can use an IDP to translate your driving licence for you. This alternative can only be possible if you are driving in the country for less than three months.

But if you need to drive in the country for more than three months, they will need to apply for a driver's license issued in the country after joining a driving school and take a driving test toobtain the license.

How to get a Brazilian international driving permit?

Getting an IDP for this country is relatively easy with us. Here is what you need to do get your IDP:

1. Complete your application form.
2. Provide a copy of your valid driving licence.
3. A passport-size photo.
4. Your credit card details to pay for the fee.

What are the requirements to rent a car in Brazil?

Here are the following requirements to renting a car in Brazil:

• The driver's license must be valid for at least two years. 
• The person must be at least 21 years old, unless they are accompanied by a minor who is at least 16 years old, in which case they will need to have both their own and the minor's licenses. 
• The person must not have any outstanding debts with the company that he or she is renting from. The person must not have any outstanding debts with any other company that has an outstanding debt with them. 
• The person must not have had their driver's license suspended or revoked within the last three years.

Driving here is not for all, with around 1 million miles of highways, many of which are unpaved. Based on your travel plans, you'll come across various road types, from the grid-locked freeways of Sao Paulo to the rugged dirt roads in the Amazon region.

Driving Requirements

If you wonder, do I need an International Driver's License in the country? Yes. To drive legally in the country, the driver must possess a license and have an international driver's license/permit for Brazil. In applying for an IDP, provide them your contact number, address, credit card details for a more effortless transaction.

Obey the Road Signs

When traveling in this country, be aware of the local rules and keep an eye on the Portuguese language's road signs. Since some Brazilians don't speak English, you should learn some basic car vocabulary for your trip. If possible, practice speaking with someone familiar with the language since many words like carro (car) and rua (street. The road signs in Brazil meet international guidelines, so keep an eye out for stop signs, which are written as "PARE." in Portuguese.

Drunk driving Laws and Distracted Driving

When you drink alcohol, there is zero-tolerance for driving in the country. There is a BAC or blood alcohol content level of 02 percent, similar to a bottle of wine or beer. Also, without a hands-free unit, you will be charged for using a mobile phone, particularly though you are caught in road traffic.

Speed Limits

The speed limit is normally 18 miles per hour or 30 kilometers per hour on rural highways, 31 mph or 60 kph on boulevards, and 50 to 60 mph or 80 to 110 kph on major roads. Some towns use speed bumps or lambdas. Typically, but not all the time, certain individuals use colorful stripes. Often there may not be warning signals in front of you, but most of the time, they do.

Parking

Parking in the country is a challenge, and some Brazilian drivers feel proud of it. You'll need to be prepared to maneuver in tight parking garages or parallel park on narrow streets. Otherwise, paying for a parking lot with valet services makes you have easy parking. It would be best to be mindful of some public areas, such as malls, since they will charge you for making parking.

Someone might ask you if you'd like them to watch your car if you park on the driveway when you're out. It is a way to prevent your vehicle from being stolen, and you should always agree, just in case. When you return to get your car, you only need to tip this person anywhere between 1 or 2 reels, which is a real bargain for some peace of mind.

Road Conditions

Brazilian roads vary from potholes and a well-kept size of impassable mud pits and craters. Because of private ownership, roads with tolls are well-maintained. The side streets in the countryside can be prone to flooding and are rough. Check your route in advance for some road situations and plan your travel properly.

Any of the highways is managed and funded by a toll scheme used by private corporations. Depending on your car, tolls can range between 5 and 20 Brazilian reals. A direct route is well worth it, paying for a small toll to ensure a well-maintained road in Brazil. 

It is one of the largest countries and one of the most diverse nations globally. The country has a rich dose of history, culture, religion, and excellent sports with intriguing people, plants, and animals. Home to the fantastic Amazon Forest and a haven for biodiverse ecotourism, with the highest biodiversity of plant species globally, it is a unique destination with more than 1km of rain forest housing more than 100,000 tons of living plant life.

Manaus

Aside from Manaus's port as an important commercial business for some industries in manufacturing industries, it is also the most prominent beginning point for Amazon rainforest and river tours. Some of the most eye-catching things to see on your tour includes glimpses of the pied tamarin, the country's most endangered monkey, Love Cascade, and the Paricatuba Waterfall. Another significant sight is the Waters' Meeting, a natural process where the two rivers of and Solimões and Negro run side by side for more than three miles without mixing.

Besides the river and rainforests, Manus also offers public parks, a botanical garden, and a zoo. Several beaches are here, such as Ponta Negra, with several restaurants, bars, and hotels. With lots of lovely nature surrounding Manaus, you can easily take a day trip with your family to the place after passing qualifications.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is where Carnival's most significant celebration is famous for its street parties, fireworks, music, dancing, costumes, and vibrant parades. In the outdoor festival, the city buzzes nightly with an abundance of bars and dance clubs. 

There is no tourist destination on earth more exciting and more animated than this spot. It is located in southeastern Brazil. Rio de Janeiro belongs to one of the largest harbors worldwide, surrounded by natural attractions, including Corcovado and Sugarloaf’s famous beaches and mountains such as Ipanema and Copacabana. Their lounging metropolis is Tijuca National Park, one of the world's most extensive urban forests, teeming in native fauna and flora.

Foz do Iguacu

One of the most fantastic nature's wonders worldwide, Iguazu Falls, straddles the Argentine-Brazilian border. It is in comparison to Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls with a staggering scale and size. Surrounded by an endless series of cascades and dense forests stretch for almost three kilometers, making it the most extensive waterfall system worldwide.

Besides taking in the deafening roar and gazing in awe at Iguazu Falls, tourists go hiking in the steamy rainforest or take a boat ride along the falls surrounding them. Brazilian Foz do Iguaçu is where the gateway of the falls is located, a prominent and reasonably safe city by Brazilian standards. Tourists can drive to the town, provided that they have secured their driving permits. If you're planning to opt for a rental car during your trip, bring with you your native driving licence and your International Driver's Permit from the International Drivers Association.

Salvador

Situated on the Bay of All Saints' coast, Salvador has fantastic beaches perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Some of the most popular include Stella Maris, Flamengo, and Porto De Barra. When you want to drive around, make sure you always bring with you your International Driver's Permit in Brazil.

It is a historic old town with lively culture, beautiful beaches, and one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world for all fashion Salvador into the top tourist destinations in the country. O Salvador is the country's third-largest city and one of the oldest cities in America, and the Bahia state's capital. Its annual Carnival celebration is one of Salvador's main big shows. The extravagant event involves music, dancing, parades, costumes, and street parties is one of the largest in the world.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is the capital of Santa Catarina, situated in the country, consisting of half of the city’s beautiful island and the mainland. It is a top-rated tourist spot and considered one of the most beautiful locations you can choose to live in the country because of its scenic view. But the tourists allowed are those who have an International Driver's License to drive around the city.

Florianopolis also has forested forests, sparkling waterfalls, breathtaking dunes, thus soaking in the spectacular view, and with a large lagoon where visitors can explore. Cycling and camping are popular activities around the 'Magic Island', as are paragliding and water sports. But the best aspect is the sixty, magically great beaches.

To get an International Driver’s Permit in Brazil, check the website of the International Driver’s Association. If you lose your IDP, contact customer service and provide them your International Driver’s Permit number.