Fair prices in Brasil — what things really cost
What a taxi, a meal, or an activity should actually cost in Brasil, by destination. Verified reference prices so you know the moment a quote is unfair.
In Río de Janeiro
Full Río de Janeiro guide ›Entrada al Cristo Redentor
Compra el billete combinado de transporte y entrada por los canales oficiales para la furgoneta o el tren de cremallera. Los precios suben en horas punta, y comprar en el sitio puede implicar largas esperas.
$18–$30
Teleférico del Pan de Azúcar
El billete de ida y vuelta del teleférico cubre ambas etapas. Reserva en línea para saltarte la cola de tickets, y apunta a última hora de la tarde para captar la vista de día y al atardecer.
$24–$32
Taxi del aeropuerto a los barrios de playa
Usa la parada oficial de taxis o una app de transporte en lugar de conductores que se te acerquen dentro. Una tarifa con taxímetro o de app hasta las playas de la Zona Sur es razonable; acuérdala o compruébala primero.
$18–$35
Viaje sencillo en Metro
El metro es limpio, seguro y barato, y conecta el centro con Copacabana e Ipanema. Compra una tarjeta recargable y recárgala para evitar colas en cada viaje.
$1–$1.5
Comida en restaurante de gama media
Come una calle detrás del frente de playa para mejores precios. Muchos lugares venden comida por peso, por kilo, al mediodía, algo de buen valor si te sirves con sensatez.
$8–$25
Caipirinha
El clásico cóctel brasileño de lima y aguardiente de caña es barato en bares locales y quioscos de playa. Los precios suben en locales orientados al turista, así que comprueba antes de pedir una ronda.
$2–$6
Agua de coco fresca
El agua de coco fría de un quiosco de playa es refrescante y barata. Confirma el precio antes de que lo abran, ya que algunos vendedores cobran más a los visitantes.
$1.5–$4
In São Paulo
Full São Paulo guide ›Guarulhos airport bus
The official Airport Bus Service runs comfortable coaches from Guarulhos (GRU) to Paulista Avenue, Praça da República, the Tietê bus terminal and Congonhas for roughly R$30–50. It is far cheaper than a taxi and the smart budget choice if you are not in a rush.
$6–$10
Airport taxi to the city
A metered or fixed-fare taxi from Guarulhos runs about R$66–85 to the historic centre and R$130–180 to Paulista Avenue and the Jardins, where most hotels are. Use the official rank or an app so you get an honest fare; agree or check the price before you set off.
$13–$34
Prato feito set lunch
The 'prato feito' — a plate of rice, beans, a protein and salad — is the classic working lunch and averages around R$31–39 in the city. Self-service 'por quilo' (pay-by-weight) buffets are just as good value; both are far cheaper than dinner in the same neighbourhood.
$6–$8
Cafezinho coffee
A small, strong Brazilian coffee costs only a few reais at a padaria (bakery) counter, around R$6 for a little cup. Prices climb at trendy specialty cafes on Paulista and in Pinheiros, but the corner bakery cafezinho is a bargain and an institution.
$1–$2
Metro or CPTM ride
A single metro or CPTM train ride is a flat R$5.40 (about US$1) no matter the distance, one of the great travel bargains here. Buy or top up a Bilhete Único card to move seamlessly between the metro, trains and city buses.
$1–$1.5
Bottled water
A bottle of water is only a couple of reais from a supermarket, bakery or newsstand, and large 1.5-litre bottles are cheaper still. Tap water is generally treated but most visitors stick to bottled or filtered water to be safe.
$0.5–$1
Mid-range dinner
A dinner main at a good mid-range restaurant runs roughly R$60–150 per person, and São Paulo's food scene rewards you at every level from Japanese Liberdade to Italian Bixiga. A 10% service charge (couvert/gorjeta) is usually added to the bill.
$11–$29
Uber across the city
Ride apps like Uber and 99 are cheap, reliable and safer than hailing a street taxi, with typical city rides around R$15–25. The price is fixed in the app before you travel, which removes any haggling or meter tricks.
$3–$5
Reference prices in USD, from local sources and travelers. Actual prices vary by season, spot and bargaining.
Watch out for scams tooKnowing the fair price is half the battle — here is how travelers get overcharged in Brasil, and how to avoid it.See scams in Brasil ›