Brazil Road Trip Guide

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Introduction

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is a land of contrasts and wonders, offering travelers a rich tapestry of vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. From the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to the serene beauty of the Amazon rainforest and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, Brazil is a destination that promises adventure at every turn. A road trip through this vast country allows you to experience its breathtaking beaches, scenic drives, and cultural richness firsthand. Whether you’re exploring the sun-drenched shores of Copacabana or taking in the panoramic views from Sugarloaf Mountain, each stop on your journey will leave you with unforgettable memories. So gear up for an epic road trip and let Brazil’s enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality captivate your heart.

Car Rental Tips

Book in Advance

Generally, we recommend that you make your reservation one month in advance so that you could choose the desired vehicle and date.

If you proceed directly to the car rental store without a booking, it is likely that the car you need might be unavailable.

If you are already a QEEQ diamond member, you only need 1$ to freeze your booking and make the rest of the payment before pick-up, which does not affect your credit card limit.

Required Documents

Passport, Driver’s License, IDP (Optimal), Credit Card

International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended, which allows you to drive legally in countries that need one.

If it is inconvenient for you to apply an IDP, generate a free driver’s license translation on QEEQ.com (Japanese site only).

Tips: Please be aware that most rental companies require drivers to have held their license for at least one year. Additionally, some companies have age restrictions, and drivers under a certain age may need to pay a young driver fee.

Car Choices

The choice of your car depends largely on the duration of your trip, passenger number, luggage amount and road conditions.

City Driving for small groups (1-3 passengers)

If you are a couple, or travel with a friend or two, or if you travel alone, a reasonably priced small car would be a good choice.

Compact size cars have 4 to 5 seats. We recommend sparing one passenger capacity so you could relax and have more space.

4 to 5 passengers including children and elderly

Medium and large size cars are recommended. These models could still possess a fair mount of space with 2 to 3 suitcases. SUVs are suitable for hybrid road conditions. Eco-friendly cars such as the Prius could save your spend on gasoline. Choose what you need giving you peace of mind on long trips.

Traveling in a group of 6 or more

It would be a wonderful experience to choose a van for everyone to have his or her own seat. These models accommodate a passenger capacity from 7 to 12 people. While it is noticeable that large cars cannot make quick and sharp turns. So we recommend renting two small or medium-sized cars if you spend a lot of time driving through towns.

Online Booking Process

We are endeavoring to make your booking as convenient as possible. Enter our website QEEQ.COM, log in, enter the required information, and follow the instructions, you are free to rent your desired car.

Insurance

What Insurances Are Available?

*For Autopilot Cars:

Insured: Protection for the person renting the car, including passenger accident insurance and personal accident insurance (PAI). This includes the personal safety of the driver, passengers, and their personal belongings.
Automobile Insurance: protection for the vehicle of the renter. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is one example.
Third-party Insurance: insurance that protects third parties other than the renter and the car rental company. Basic Third Party Liability (BTL) insurance, etc.

International car rental bookings will include the basic insurance required for car rentals: Vehicle Damage Coverage, Theft System, and Third Party Liability Insurance.

The deductible is the maximum amount of money you’re liable for in the event your rental car is damaged or stolen as long as you follow the conditions of your rental agreement. For example, the deductible is 1000 dollars, if the damage to the rented car is less than 1000 dollars, the customer pays; if the damage is more than 1000 dollars, the customer pays up to 1000 dollars; and the store’s insurance company pays for the part exceeding 1000 dollars.

Many travelers want more comprehensive coverage and purchase additional insurance. Personnel, vehicle and third-party coverage varies by insurance type. Here are some examples of common types of insurance (note: more checks means more coverage):

When and How to Purchase Insurance

There are two ways to obtain insurance: one is to purchase insurance when booking the car online; the other is to purchase insurance at the local store where the car is rented when picking up the car.

Generally, insurances provided by rental car companies usually has narrower coverage, higher premiums, so purchasing insurance online when booking the car is highly recommended.

How to Choose Insurance

If you are traveling with limited budget, it is better to choose the kind of insurance policy with the most comprehensive coverage. The main reasons are:

Repairing fee for the car would probably be higher abroad.
In case of an accident, the medical cost and compensation are very high.
The wider the coverage, the less the troubles you would deal with, which saves tons of time and energy.

Taking automobile insurance as an instance, comparing to common insurance policies, the most comprehensive insurance coverage, including glasses, tires, chassis protection, and considerations for special road conditions such as sand and rocks, is very necessary, but basic insurance of car rental companies usually does not include full coverage as such.

Picking Up the Car

Check Before Departure

Before proceeding to the car rental shop, make sure you have brought with you all necessary documents for picking up the vehicle, and two international credit cards is recommended to ensure that there is enough credit limit for pre-authorization.

Proceed to the Car Rentals

If there is a pickup store nearby, you could just walk there, following signs for airport rental cars.

If the rental car center is far away, there is usually a free shuttle bus bound for the rental car center. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes approximately, so take the bus when you see the logo of your car rental company.

If the shuttle is not available, you can contact the car rental company and wait for staff member to pick you up at designated location. In case you have difficulty communicating with the store staff, please call QEEQ and we will assist you in English or other languages.

Inspect the Car

When you receive your reserved vehicle, inspect the bodywork for damage. At that time, it’s a good idea to document the entire process with your smartphone camera or take a picture of the dashboard. Because if you forgot to check the condition of your vehicle before departure, you may be charged for wronged damage repairs when you return it.

Payment

Payment is due on the day of the rental unless you are paying online or purchasing a tour package.

Insurance is usually included in the rental price, but some car rental companies offer paid options for more comprehensive coverage.

Last but not least, keep all contracts and documents safe for possible further usage. Once you have received your keys, check the seat heights, mirror positions, secure child seats, and then you are ready to go!

Traffic Rules and Signs

Traffic Rules

Drive on the Right

In Brazil, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, similar to most countries in the Americas and Europe.

Pedestrian Priority

Pedestrians have the absolute right of way. Always yield to them at crosswalks and intersections, as failing to do so can result in fines.

Always Wear Seat Belts

Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, including passengers in the back seats.

No Cell Phone

Holding a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. If you need to use your phone, you must use a Bluetooth headset to avoid distractions and penalties.

Speed Limits

Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and location. Typically, urban areas have a limit of 60 km/h (about 37 mph), while highways can range from 80 km/h to 120 km/h (50-75 mph). Always pay attention to speed signs and speed cameras, which are common and strictly monitored.

Fines and Penalties

Fines for speeding and other violations can range from a few dozen to 200 Brazilian Reais (approximately $37.74 USD, 1 USD = 5.3 BRL), depending on the severity of the offense. Accumulating points on your license can lead to suspension.

Road Conditions

Brazil’s long rainy season can lead to slippery roads, especially in areas with poor maintenance. Exercise caution and reduce speed during adverse weather conditions to prevent accidents.

Signs

For more road signs in Brazil, please refer to: Road signs in Brazil – Wikipedia

Road Conditions and Toll Payments

Road Conditions

Brazilian roads can differ greatly in quality, ranging from smooth, well-maintained highways to roads with large potholes and muddy areas that can be difficult to pass. Toll roads are usually in good shape because they are privately managed, while rural side roads might be rough and prone to flooding. It’s wise to check your route ahead of time to understand the road conditions and plan your trip accordingly. In Brazil, paying a small toll is often worth it for a well-maintained and direct route.

Toll Payments

Brazil toll road price

Toll rates in Brazil depend on the toll facility, vehicle type and payment method. It also depends on:

Road system: Parallel highways, both with double lane, construction site or central barrier
Road lanes: Double lane roads with central lane and single lane roads with one lane per direction.

This implies that despite having multiple toll plazas on the same highway, it may not mean an increase in overall tolls – rather fractioning of the total toll for the length of the road.

How to pay toll in Brazil

Most of the Brazilian toll facilities have both electronic lanes and cash/card lanes. They accept the following three payment methods:

Toll tag
Cash
Credit / Debit card

Using a toll tag is preferred to pay tolls because they offer discounts and can also be used at several parking spots. The toll tags valid across Brazil are:

Sem Parar
ConectCar
C6 Taggy
Move Mais
Veloe

However, keeping cash handy is always recommended as some of these electronic plazas may not be functioning properly.

Source: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/brazil-toll-highways-concessionaries-price

Fueling

Availability

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Brazil, making it easy to refuel even in remote areas. This ensures that you can plan long trips without worrying about running out of fuel.

Fuel Types and Prices

Gasoline is slightly cheaper than in many other countries, and diesel is typically 10% to 15% cheaper than gasoline. Due to heavy taxation, fuel prices are generally high, so budget accordingly.

Self-Service Pumps

Most fuel stations operate on a self-service basis. After refueling, report the pump number at the station to settle the payment, which can be made with cash or credit card.

Fuel Identification

Ensure you select the correct pump; “unleaded” or “petrol” indicates gasoline, while “Diesel” is for diesel fuel. Misfuelling can cause significant damage to your vehicle.

Parking Guidelines

In popular cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, parking can be challenging due to limited spaces. Plan ahead to find parking, especially during peak hours.

Parking Fees

Fees vary by location, with typical charges ranging from 10 to 13 Brazilian Reais for the first half-hour (approximately 1.89 to 2.45 USD), increasing with time. Always place your parking ticket on the dashboard for inspection to avoid fines.

Parking Regulations

Parking violations can result in fines of approximately 85 Brazilian Reais (about $16.04 USD). Avoid parking in restricted areas, such as next to fire hydrants, as these are strictly enforced.

Accident Handling

If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not panic. Check whether the passengers are injured, help yourself and seek help from passersby. Emergency contacts are available at any time.

Emergency services

Police: 190

Ambulance: 192

Fire Service: 193

Embassy Numbers by Country

Brazil – Embassies and consulates

You can also call your car rental company

For the rental company’s phone, please refer to your rental confirmation.

Here are the steps to handle different types of accidents:

Minor Collisions

Ensure everyone’s safety.
Move the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic.
Call 190 to report the accident.
Take photos or videos of the vehicle’s condition.
Have the police document the accident and keep the accident report.
Contact the rental company and your insurance provider.

Vehicle Break-Ins or Theft

Call 190 to report the incident.
Have the police document the incident.
File an insurance claim.
Verify the information.
Receive compensation.

Vehicle Breakdown

Open the car’s trunk and hood.
Hang a white object on the door handle to signal for help.
Call the rental company.
The rental company will dispatch staff for towing or repairs.

If the rental company cannot resolve the issue, ask the police for towing assistance. Repair costs can be high, so having full insurance is important.

Car Return Process

Important Reminders

After your enjoyable road trip, it’s essential to return the vehicle on time. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the 24-hour customer service hotline.

Car Return Tips

Refuel Before Returning

If your rental agreement requires a full tank upon return, make sure to refuel within 5 kilometers of the drop-off location and keep the receipt to show the rental staff.

Keep the Car Clean

Return the car in a clean condition to avoid cleaning fees. Note that smoking in the car may also result in additional charges.

Reconcile the Fee

When you return the car, the staff will inspect it and provide a final invoice. Carefully review the invoice and address any discrepancies immediately or contact customer service for clarification.

Keep the Contract and Document

Retain the rental agreement and receipts after returning the car for future reference.

Early or Late Return

Early Returns

Returning the car early usually does not result in a refund for unused days.

Late Returns

If you need to return the car late, call the rental location in advance to get approval and confirm any additional charges.

After-Hours Returns

If you can’t return the car during business hours, check if the rental location allows after-hours returns. If permitted,

Park in the designated area
Lock the car
Take photos of the fuel gauge, odometer, and car exterior
Drop the keys in the key/drop-off box.

Note that you are responsible for the car until the rental location reopens. To avoid issues, it’s best to return the car when staff are present.

Help after Trip

Insurance Claim

If you bought a full coverage insurance, you would receive a fast claim settlement. The following documents should be prepared:

Passport
Driver’s License
Credit Card Checkback History
The Car Rental Contract
Car Damage Deduction Bill

For more detailed information, check the terms and conditions of insurance company:

QEEQ.term

Classic Routes

Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls

This route takes you from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, through the picturesque southern countryside of Brazil, to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. Along the way, you’ll experience a transition from urban excitement to natural splendor. In Rio, visit iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere. As you continue, the majestic Iguazu Falls await, offering one of the most spectacular waterfall views in the world. If you visit in February, don’t miss the world-famous Rio Carnival, a celebration of Brazilian culture and energy.

São Paulo to Florianópolis

Starting in Brazil’s economic and cultural hub, São Paulo, this route follows the southeastern coastline to the beach paradise of Florianópolis. Along the way, enjoy the stunning Atlantic coastline and diverse natural landscapes. In São Paulo, explore the São Paulo Cathedral and Ibirapuera Park, where modernity meets history. Upon reaching Florianópolis, relax on its beautiful beaches and soak up the sun. For fashion enthusiasts, the São Paulo Fashion Week is a must-see event, typically held in January and July.

Salvador to Recife

This route travels along Brazil’s northeastern coastline, connecting the historic city of Salvador with the culturally rich Recife. Along the way, you’ll pass through several historic towns and beautiful beaches, offering a rich blend of culture and nature. In Salvador, explore the Pelourinho Historic District to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant history and culture. As you continue, the colonial architecture of Olinda in Recife is a must-see, showcasing Brazil’s historical charm. Salvador’s Carnival, known for its African cultural influences, is a vibrant celebration held in February, providing a perfect opportunity to experience Brazilian culture.

Useful Website and Numbers

Brazil’s official tourism website

Visit Brasil

Emergency services