Visas
Citizens of the following countries can travel to Brazil as tourists or visitors for up to 90 days without a visa:
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Vatican (Holy See), Venezuela.
Visitors from these countries require a valid passport or child ID. In addition, upon entry you must submit a valid return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
The above information is subject to correction.
Language
The language spoken in Brazil and in the Village Mata Encantada is Portuguese. Brazilian Portuguese is slightly different from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal. The pronunciation is softer than in Portugal. The language spoken in the region has a significantly simplified grammar, as is the case throughout the country.
Time zone
Bahía is located in the GMT-3 time zone. The time difference between Village Mata Encantada and Western Europe is 3 hours behind in the European winter (e.g. London 14:00 - Porto Seguro 11:00), in the European summer it is 4 hours behind (e.g. London 14:00 - Porto Seguro 10:00).
Currency
Brazil's currency is the real, plural reais. This currency has been heavily devalued at times. The economy has recovered and the real is now a stable currency.
Paying with credit cards does not create any problems in most shops and restaurants. ATMs issue cash on Maestro, Cirrus, VISA and Master cards. Please look for the appropriate symbol on the ATM!
You can change dollars, euros or Swiss francs into reais at the intial Brazilian airport. Purchasing reais in your home country is generally not recommended.
If guests wish to bring currency into Brazil, amounts above a value of 10,000 reais must be declared.
It is difficult to cash traveller cheques in Brazil and they usually incur high fees.
In Brazil, and in the region where the Village Mata Encantada is located, the bill includes a percentage for tips. Guests wishing, for example, to take a taxi or use another service may also give an additional tip.
Car rental
Rental cars or buggies are available at the airport or in Porto Seguro.
Our team at Village Mata Encantada will be happy to help with any formalities. An international driver's licence is recommended for vehicle rental.
Medical care
Medical care is guaranteed while holidaying at the Village Mata Encantada as well as throughout the entire region. In the village of Santo André medical emergencies are treated in the »Posto de Saude«. Santa Cruz Cabralia has a small hospital and the city of Porto Seguro has a large hospital. There are also numerous private hospitals, dentists and specialist medical practices in the region.
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required for entry to Brazil. In addition to the standard vaccinations, we recommend that Village Mata Encantada guests have a yellow fever vaccination. Bahia is not a malarial area and prophylaxis is therefore not necessary.
Using an insect repellent is sufficient to protect you from dengue fever while on holiday. Guests can obtain products from most shops in the region.
The above information is subject to correction. If you have any questions or concerns (e.g. about adverse effects) please consult your GP.
Power supply
220 V / 60 Hz, euro plugs can be used in the buildings of the Village Mata Encantada.
Mobile phones
GSM 900 / GSM 1800