Are you looking for the best ways to save money while traveling? At Local Saving Guide, a platform dedicated to helping readers spend smarter, we’ve noticed that Brazil is not only one of the most searched travel destinations online but also a country you can explore affordably with the right planning. With thoughtful choices in food, accommodation, transportation, and payment methods, you can fully enjoy Brazil’s culture, beaches, and vibrant cities without overspending.
Drawing insights from trusted travel resources like Lonely Planet, Nomadic Matt, and Tales of a Backpacker, Local Saving Guide has curated the best ways to save money on travel in Brazil — from embracing local habits to avoiding tourist traps and choosing budget-friendly options for getting around.
If you want a simple, stress-free guide to saving money while traveling in Brazil, just keep reading!
📘 In this guide, you will get:
- Brazil on a budget ★ When to Visit
- Brazil on a budget ★ Where to Go
- Brazil on a budget ★ Affordable Accommodation
- Brazil on a budget ★ Smart Transportation
- Brazil on a budget ★ Eat Like a Local
- Brazil on a budget ★ Payment Tips
- Budget Sample: What Daily Costs Look Like
- Local Saving Guide’s Final Thoughts
Brazil on a budget ★ When to Visit
Choosing the right time to travel is one of the best ways to save money on travel in Brazil, as flight prices, accommodation rates, transportation costs, and even food expenses vary significantly by season. At Local Saving Guide, we’ve analyzed trends and traveler data to help you pick the smartest — and most affordable — months to visit Brazil.
✔ Best Months for Budget Travelers
If you want to save money without sacrificing comfort or good weather, the cheapest months to visit Brazil are:
- March to June (after Carnival; pleasant weather and lower prices)
- August to early November (before the holiday and summer high season)
During these months, hotel and hostel rates often drop 20%–40%, tourist sites are less crowded, and domestic flights become significantly more affordable.
✔ Avoid Peak Seasons
We found that prices rise sharply during major holidays and national vacation periods. To get the best ways to save money in Brazil, avoid traveling during:
- Christmas & New Year
- Carnival (February or early March)
- July school holidays
Flights can double in price, and accommodation in popular cities like Rio de Janeiro or Salvador can sell out months in advance.
✔ Compare Flight Prices Before Booking
Once you decide your travel month, comparing flight fares is one of the easiest ways to save money. Platforms such as:
can help you track price changes and spot deals.
For example, round-trip flights from the United States to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro may cost around US$950 during Carnival, but drop to around US$550 in May. (These figures are estimates for illustration and may vary.)
✔ Want to Experience Carnival but Still Save Money?
If Carnival is on your bucket list but you want to avoid the premium prices, consider staying outside the main tourist zones. Cities like:
- Niterói
- São Gonçalo
are just across the bay from Rio de Janeiro. You can take a ferry or bus into the city and save up to 50% on accommodation compared to staying in Copacabana or Ipanema.
For more details on maximizing your accommodation budget, check the “Brazil on a Budget ★ Affordable Accommodation” section below.
Once your travel dates are set, choose your destination early. This makes planning accommodation, food, and transportation much easier — and helps you take advantage of early-bird discounts and low-season promotions.
Brazil on a budget ★ Where to Go
Brazil is huge — much larger than most first-time visitors expect — and trying to see everything in one trip is impossible. Choosing the right destination is one of the best ways to save money on travel in Brazil, allowing you to have an unforgettable experience without overspending. Below are some of the most rewarding and budget-friendly places to visit.
✔ Most Affordable Destinations
1. Curitiba (Paraná)
Curitiba is one of Brazil’s most organized and affordable cities, known for its clean streets, efficient public transportation, and wide range of green parks. It’s ideal for travelers seeking culture, architecture, and nature—without the high costs of Rio or São Paulo.
Top free attractions:
- Museu Oscar Niemeyer (“The Eye Museum”)
- Catedral Basílica de Curitiba
- Largo da Ordem, a historic neighborhood perfect for exploring on foot
If you want to experience something outside the city, consider booking the “Morretes: Full Day Colonial Town Tour” from Curitiba (currently around €122), available on platforms like GetYourGuide (https://www.getyourguide.com). This tour takes you through the Serra do Mar mountain range to the charming colonial town of Morretes — a great value for travelers interested in history and scenic landscapes.
Recommendation Level: ★★★★★
(Image Credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/brazil/the-south/curitiba)
2. Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) — Best in Off-Season
Known locally as “Floripa,” this island city offers some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, hiking trails, seafood, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Visiting outside the summer high season is one of the best ways to enjoy the island affordably.
Why it’s great for budget travelers:
- The south of the island features quiet, inexpensive beaches.
- The north offers lively nightlife and beach clubs for travelers who prefer a busier scene.
- Surfers can head to Guarda do Embaú and Praia do Rosa, two small surf towns located just south of Florianópolis.
Free or low-cost must-see spots:
- Parque Unipraias (note: mainly open on weekends in June & August — check schedules online: https://www.unipraias.com.br)
- Mirante de Joinville, a scenic viewpoint
- Praia do Campeche, a stunning local beach
For family-friendly fun, you can visit Beto Carrero World (tickets often around €20), known as the largest and most complete amusement park in Latin America. More details at: https://www.betocarrero.com.br
Recommendation Level: ★★★★☆
(Image Credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/brazil/santa-catarina)
3. Ouro Preto & Historic Minas Gerais Towns
From Lonely Planet’s top Brazil destinations: Ouro Preto in the state of Minas Gerais stands out for travelers interested in colonial history, architecture, and slower-paced cultural travel.
- The town is rich in 18th-century baroque churches, charming stone-paved streets, and local culture. It’s also often much cheaper than Brazil’s beach hotspots or big coastal cities.
- Staying in a guesthouse or small pousada in Ouro Preto typically costs far less than equivalent lodging in beach resorts — and meals, transport and activities are also budget-friendly.
- For art and culture fans, this region offers a deep, historically rich experience without premium prices.
If you want a different side of Brazil — away from beaches, with history, architecture and a calm atmosphere — Ouro Preto and nearby Minas Gerais towns are a great match.
Recommendation Level: ★★★★★
(Image Credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-brazil)
4. Paraty & the Costa Verde (Green Coast) — Coastal Charm with Manageable Costs
Another destination highlighted by Lonely Planet is Paraty, paired with Costa Verde and surrounding islands/coastline.
- Paraty blends well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and lush surrounding hills — offering a unique mix of history, nature, and coastal vibes.
- From Paraty, you have access to boat or kayak tours through nearby islands and beaches, often more affordable than high-profile beach resorts.
- On a modest budget — staying in guesthouses or smaller pousadas, eating local, and using public or shared transport — you can enjoy a coastal getaway with relaxed pace and charm.
This option is ideal if you want to combine beach/coast experiences with culture and a quieter atmosphere — and avoid the inflated prices of Brazil’s high-season hotspots.
Recommendation Level: ★★★★☆
(Image Credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-brazil)
5. Iguaçu Falls / Foz do Iguaçu — Nature & Adventure on a Budget
For travelers seeking spectacular natural scenery and a bit of adventure without beach-resort prices, the area around Foz do Iguaçu — gateway to the majestic Iguaçu Falls — is a strong candidate.
- The falls themselves, part of a protected national park, offer one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles in Brazil (and indeed the world).
- Accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu tends to be more affordable than coastal resorts; local guesthouses or hostels often offer lower nightly rates compared to beach towns.
- Local transport, shared tours, and modest eating options make this destination compatible with a budget-savvy itinerary.
If your idea of a “cheap and memorable trip” includes waterfalls, jungle, and nature rather than sun-bathing on busy beaches, Iguaçu Falls offers incredible value.
Recommendation Level: ★★★★☆
(Image Credit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303444-Foz_do_Iguacu_State_of_Parana-Vacations.html)
Why These Five Work for Budget Travel
- Variety: They offer different kinds of experiences — city culture (Curitiba), island/beach + surf (Florianópolis), colonial history (Ouro Preto), coastal charm + island-hopping (Paraty), and natural wonder + adventure (Iguaçu).
- Lower Comparative Costs: None of these require the high fees or inflated prices typical of Brazil’s major beach resorts during high season.
- Flexibility: By traveling off-season, using shared or budget accommodation, public transport or affordable tours, you can see a lot without overspending.
- Authentic Experience: These choices lean more towards local culture, nature and history — often the most rewarding parts of Brazil — rather than tourist-heavy, high-cost packages.
✔ More Expensive Destinations (Avoid if Your Budget Is Tight)
Some destinations in Brazil are incredibly beautiful but come with significantly higher travel costs:
- Fernando de Noronha — expensive flights, strict visitor fees, premium accommodation
- Rio de Janeiro (during high season) — prices surge dramatically during Carnival, New Year, and July holiday
- Gramado (Rio Grande do Sul) — retains high costs year-round due to its boutique tourism style
If you want to enjoy beaches, culture, and delicious food while saving money, consider the Northeast states instead—Ceará, Paraíba, and Pernambuco. These regions offer stunning coastal landscapes, vibrant local culture, and extremely affordable prices compared to southern Brazil.
Brazil on a budget ★ Affordable Accommodation
Accommodation often makes up 40–50% of your total travel budget, so choosing wisely is one of the best ways to save money on travel in Brazil. Many visitors look for places that are both affordable and comfortable — and Local Saving Guide brings you the top options below:
🏨 Hostels (Albergues)
Brazil has one of the strongest hostel cultures in Latin America. Dorm rooms usually cost just USD $10–20 per night, and hostels often include:
- A shared kitchen for cooking your own meals
- A friendly, social atmosphere
- Free breakfast or discounted meals
You can browse thousands of budget hostels across Brazil on Hostelworld 👉 https://www.hostelworld.com/ Prices are even lower during the off-season.
Typical Prices:
- Dorm bed: USD $10–20
- Private room: USD $25–40
🏡 Local Guesthouses (Pousadas)
Pousadas offer cozy rooms, comfortable beds, and often a free breakfast — all at reasonable prices. They are excellent for travelers who want a local experience without overspending.
Find affordable pousadas on:
🔗 Booking.com – https://www.booking.com/country/br.html
🔗 Airbnb Brazil – https://www.airbnb.com.br/
📅 Weekly or Monthly Rentals
If you plan to stay longer, many Airbnb hosts and independent pousadas offer long-stay discounts (20–50%).
This is perfect for remote workers, backpackers, and slow travelers looking to save money while enjoying Brazil more deeply.
🎓 University Cities = Lower Prices
Some cities with large student populations tend to have cheaper accommodations year-round. These include:
- Belo Horizonte
- Campinas
- Porto Alegre
Because demand is steady but competition is high, budget travelers can often find excellent deals — even on short notice.
Brazil on a budget ★ Smart Transportation
Once your accommodation is sorted, transportation becomes one of the easiest areas to save money while traveling in Brazil. With smart planning, you can move comfortably between cities and within urban areas — without straining your budget.
🚌 Intercity Buses (Best Value for Long Distances)
Brazil’s intercity buses are comfortable, safe, and extremely cost-effective. Traveling by bus between cities is much cheaper than domestic flights, making it one of the best ways to save money on travel in Brazil.
You can compare routes and fares via:
Example Prices (Reference Only):
- São Paulo → Rio de Janeiro: USD 15–22.5 (bus) vs. 56–131 (flight)
- Salvador → Recife: USD 22.5–34 (overnight bus)
Intercity buses remain one of the top choices for budget travelers following the Local Saving Guide approach.
🚇 City Public Transportation (Metro & Buses)
In cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, metro and buses are affordable, efficient, and much cheaper than taxis or rideshares.
Official websites for checking fares and routes:
Typical Cost:
A single metro or bus ride costs R$4–6 (≈ USD 0.75–1.12).
Using public transport daily is one of the best ways to save money in Brazil while exploring major cities.
🚗 Rideshares Are Cheaper Than Taxis
Rideshare apps in Brazil are generally 20–30% cheaper than traditional taxis and widely available. They’re convenient — just be mindful to use them in safe, well-lit areas, especially at night.
Popular apps include:
Using rideshares strategically helps you save money while maintaining flexibility.
✈️ Domestic Flights (Book Early to Save)
Prefer flying? Then booking early is key. Budget airlines like Gol and Azul often offer excellent discounts when booked 30+ days in advance.
Price comparison tools:
Flexible travel dates + early booking = one of the best ways to save money on travel in Brazil, especially for long distances.
Brazil on a budget ★ Eat Like a Local
Beyond accommodation and transportation, food is one of the best areas where you can significantly save money in Brazil. Want to stick to your budget without missing out on Brazil’s incredible flavors? Here are the best ways to save money in Brazil by eating like a local.
🥗 Comida por Quilo — Pay-By-Weight Restaurants
One of Brazil’s most underrated dining experiences. These buffet-style restaurants let you pay only for what you eat — perfect for budget travelers who want flexibility. They’re also one of the most common low-cost dining choices across Brazil.
Typical prices:
- US$9–15 (R$50–80) per kilo
- A full meal usually costs US$4–7 (R$20–35)
You can also search on TripAdvisor for more options:
👉 https://www.tripadvisor.com.br (search for “restaurante por quilo”)
🌮 Cheap & Delicious Street Food
Snacks like Pastel, Coxinha, Açaí, and Pão de Queijo — often sold by street vendors — offer authentic Brazilian flavor at a very low cost.
Typical price:
- R$5–12 per item (around US$1–2)
A great option when you want something fast, tasty, and affordable.
🍳 Cook Your Own Meals in Hostels or Rentals
If your accommodation provides a kitchen, cooking your own meals can save you a huge amount compared to eating out daily. Groceries can be purchased from:
- Pão de Açúcar 👉 https://www.paodeacucar.com
- Carrefour Brazil 👉 https://www.carrefour.com.br
- Numbeo (price comparison) 👉 https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
Cooking 1–2 meals per day can save R$300–600 per week, depending on the city.
🍺 Drink Local Beer Instead of Imported Brands
Imported alcohol can be expensive. Meanwhile, Brazilian beers like Brahma, Antarctica, and Itaipava are affordable, widely available, and great for enjoying local culture without overspending.
Brazil on a budget ★ Payment Tips
When traveling on a budget in Brazil, how you pay is just as important as where you stay or how you move around. A Reddit user once asked:
💬 “Can I pay by card in Brazil, or should I carry cash everywhere?”
Other travelers gave clear and helpful answers:
💬 “For safety reasons it’s best to use cards… I personally find PIX the best, but cards work too.”
💬 “Cards are widely accepted in Brazil, but you should carry some cash in case your international card gets declined.”
Based on this community advice — and popular travel guides — Local Saving Guide recommends the following:
⚡ 1. Use PIX — Brazil’s Instant Payment System
Learn more about PIX on the official Central Bank of Brazil website:
🔗 https://www.bcb.gov.br
Most hotels, shops, restaurants, and even many street vendors accept card payments — and the instant payment system PIX is widely loved by both locals and travelers. It’s fast, secure, and extremely convenient.
💳 2. Cards Are Accepted Almost Everywhere
If your bank doesn’t support PIX, you can rely on major international cards. Brazil widely accepts:
- Visa — https://www.visa.com.br
- Mastercard — https://www.mastercard.us
- Revolut International Card — https://www.revolut.com
- Elo Card (Brazilian network)
- Wise (TransferWise) — https://wise.com (often offers better exchange rates)
Using cards reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash and is safer for travelers.
💸 3. Always Carry a Small Amount of Cash
Even though cards and PIX are extremely common, a little cash is still useful. Carry small bills for:
- Street vendors
- Mototaxis
- Remote areas
- Places where cards/PIX may not be available
Small cash avoids awkward situations when digital payments fail.
🏧 4. Avoid Exchanging Money at Airports
Airport exchange counters tend to charge high fees. Instead, withdraw local currency from ATMs, which usually provide better rates. Use ATMs inside malls or banks for better security and reliability, such as:
- Banco do Brasil ATM Locator — https://www.bb.com.br
- Bradesco Bank Locator — https://banco.bradesco
- Itaú Bank (found widely across Brazil) — https://www.itauprivatebank.com/
✅ In Short: The Smart Traveler’s Payment Strategy
Bring one or more bank cards, use PIX whenever possible, and keep a small amount of cash on hand.
This combination is:
- ✔ safer
- ✔ more flexible
- ✔ cost-efficient
- ✔ ideal for budget travelers
It’s one of the best ways to save money in Brazil, ensuring smooth payments throughout your trip.
Budget Sample: What Daily Costs Look Like
Below is a realistic daily budget example for a traveler spending one full day sightseeing around Iguaçu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu). This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
💰 Sample Daily Budget — Iguaçu Falls (Typical Backpacker Level)
| Category | Cost (USD) | Cost (BRL) | Notes |
| Accommodation (Hostel dorm) | $15 | ~75 BRL | Hostel with breakfast |
| Breakfast | Included | — | Hostels usually include free breakfast |
| Lunch (Comida por Quilo) | $6 | ~30 BRL | 400g meal |
| Snacks / Water | $2.5 | ~12 BRL | Bought at supermarket |
| Dinner (Street food) | $4 | ~20 BRL | Pastel + juice |
| Bus to Iguaçu National Park (round-trip) | $2 | ~10 BRL | Local bus fare |
| Iguaçu Falls Park Entry | $17 | ~90 BRL | Official ticket |
| Extra Transport / Misc. | $3 | ~15 BRL | Short Uber ride or museum visit |
➡ Total Daily Cost: $49.5 USD (~252 BRL)
⚠️Note: The prices listed above are for reference only. Actual costs may vary depending on exchange rates and local conditions. This breakdown is meant to illustrate a travel style that is comfortable yet budget-friendly.
Local Saving Guide’s Final Thoughts
Brazil is one of the most diverse, exciting, and culturally rich destinations in the world — and with the right strategies, it’s also incredibly affordable. From choosing off-peak months to using public transport, eating like a local, and taking advantage of PIX payments, there are countless best ways to save money on Travel in Brazil without sacrificing comfort or experiences.
At Local Saving Guide, our philosophy is simple:
Spend smarter, not more.
The goal isn’t just to stretch your budget — it’s to help you travel deeper, connect with local culture, and enjoy Brazil the way Brazilians do.