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To help you get more out of your trip to Brazil, we've included a few travel tips ...

The larger Brazilian cities such as Salvador, São Paulo, and Rio, are no more dangerous than London or New York, but like all big cities, have their share of social problems. There are some basic things you can do to avoid trouble. Don't carry all your credit cards and bank cards - just those that you are going to use. Leave the rest in the hotel safe. Also leave any expensive jewellery and watches at home. Don't walk around with expensive cameras obviously visible. In other words, try to avoid any signs of conspicuous wealth. Try to look low-key and not draw attention to yourself. Leave your passport in the safe but bring a photocopy of it with you because it's useful to carry some kind of identity papers when you are out and about.
It can be very handy to have a travel/health insurance package. Brazil's public hospitals are often full, so it can take a while to get treatment. For faster service, you may want to consider a private clinic. Dental treatment is of exceptional quality.
Mosquitos can be a nuisance. You can take anti-malarial tablets, which you can buy, over-the-counter, at pharmacies. Be sure to mention that you are going to Brazil, since the tablets are different according to the country. See www.traveldoctor.co.uk/malaria.htm for more information.
The currency in Brazil is the Real. It is currently worth about 25p. You can use your Switch or credit cards at ATM machines (of which there are many). If you want to bring cash bring US dollars. Travellers' checks are a safer but sometimes inconvenient alternative because it will take longer to change them. Get dollar travellers' checks rather than sterling ones (which can be more difficult to change).
Generally, almost everything except imported goods cost much less in Brazil, so don't worry about bringing swimming gear, sun block, trainers, etc... you can buy them over there when you arrive.