Brasília Guide — Expat & Newcomer Local Guide

Moving to a new city means a mountain of admin: CPF, CRNM, bank account, SIM card and more. Here is a helpful list to guide you through it, step by step, with the documents you will need and the right order to do things in.

My First 30 Days

Get your CPF
Renting a place
Car - rent or buy
Get a SIM card
Get proof of address
Internet provider
Book your CRNM appointment
Open a bank account
Register for SUS
Enroll your children in school
Convert your drivers license

Arriving in Brasilia

Airport: Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) — 10km from the city centre
Getting into the city: Uber and 99 are easiest from the airport. Expect R$40-70 to most central areas
SIM card: Buy a Claro or Vivo SIM at arrivals — bring your passport. Prepaid plans from R$30/month
Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL). Pix is the standard payment method — set it up once you have a bank account
Language: Portuguese. Most airport staff have basic English. Download Google Translate before you land

Getting Around

Uber & 99: Most reliable. Always use an app — avoid unlicensed taxis
Scooters: Yellow Grow and Lime scooters across central areas. Download the app, scan and go
Metro: One line from city centre to satellite cities. Useful but limited coverage
Buses: Cover most areas but slow. Use Google Maps for routes
Car hire: All major rental companies at the airport. International driving licence required
Note: Brasilia is very spread out — you will need transport for most journeys

Money & Banking

CPF: Your Brazilian tax number — needed for almost everything. Get it at any Receita Federal office with your passport. Free, takes 30 mins
Nubank: Best bank for foreigners — open online with CPF and selfie, no fees. nubank.com.br
Inter Bank: Another good digital option, foreigner friendly. inter.co
Pix: Brazil's instant payment system — free, instant, used everywhere
ATMs: Bradesco and Banco do Brasil most reliable for foreign cards. Fees R$15-25 per withdrawal

Places to Stay

Hotels: Most in Asa Sul and the hotel sector (SHN/SHS). Expect R$200-500/night for a decent hotel
Airbnb: Good options across Asa Norte, Asa Sul and Sudoeste. Often better value for longer stays
Renting: One bedroom from R$2000/month. Most landlords require a guarantor or 3 months deposit
Best areas: Asa Sul, Asa Norte, and Sudoeste are safe, central and well served. Lago Sul is quieter and upmarket
Short term: Search OLX and Zap Imoveis for furnished monthly rentals

Food & Drink

Local dishes: Pao de queijo, feijoada, churrasco, acai bowls, coxinha, and fresh tropical juices
Churrascaria: All you can eat Brazilian steakhouse. Budget R$80-120 per person. A must-do
Eating out: Meal at a local restaurant R$25-50. Best options in Asa Sul and Sudoeste
Supermarkets: Carrefour, Extra, and Pao de Acucar are the main chains. Most open 7am-10pm
Food delivery: iFood is the main delivery app — works like Uber Eats, available across the city
Feira da Torre (TV Tower Fair): The most famous weekend market. Huge food court — great for trying local acaraje and pasteis. Handicrafts, accessible for all ages
Feira da Ponta Norte: End of the North Wing. Organic produce, artisanal cheeses, live music. Relaxed Saturday morning vibe, popular with families and younger crowd
Feira do Guara: Traditional sprawling market — clothing, electronics, authentic regional food. A great place to see the real Brasilia beyond the monuments

City Life

Gyms: Smart Fit is the most popular chain — branches across the city from R$100/month
Coaches & classes: Book padel, tennis, yoga, personal training and more via Agendaz on WhatsApp
Co-working: Spaces from R$500/month in Asa Sul, Asa Norte and Sudoeste
Nightlife: Sudoeste and Lago Sul have the best bar scenes. Clubs near the Esplanada at weekends
Shopping: Conjunto Nacional and Park Shopping are the main malls. Feira da Torre market on weekends
Internet: Fibre widely available. Claro and Vivo are the main providers. Around R$100-150/month
Eixao do Lazer: Every Sunday the main highway closes to cars and opens to people — families, dogs, pop-up drink stalls, seniors in the shade. The best place to feel the local pulse of the city
Pontao do Lago Sul: Waterfront bar and restaurant strip on the lake. Gets very lively in the evenings — good for drinks and dinner with a view
408/409 Norte bars: Superblocks known for craft beer and nightlife. More alternative, local crowd

Families

Parks: Parque da Cidade is huge with playgrounds, cycling paths and open space
Kids activities: Jardim Botanico, Museu Nacional, and Lago Paranoa are all family friendly
Schools: Several international schools including Escola Americana. Enrol early as spaces fill fast
Daycare: Private daycare from around R$1500/month
Kids coaches: Book swimming, tennis, football and more for kids via Agendaz on WhatsApp
Safety: Generally family friendly in Asa Sul, Asa Norte, Sudoeste and Lago Sul

Health

Public healthcare (SUS): Free but long waits. Bring ID and CPF
Private hospitals: Hospital Santa Lucia and Hospital Sirio-Libanes are the best private options
Health insurance: Amil and SulAmerica are the main insurers. Plans from R$300/month
Pharmacies: Drogasil and Droga Raia are the main chains — open late, found on most streets
Emergency: Call 192 for ambulance (SAMU) or go to a UPA urgent care centre — open 24h

Things to Do

Esplanada: The iconic modernist plaza — walk between government buildings, cathedral and national museum
Catedral Metropolitana: Oscar Niemeyer's crown-shaped cathedral. Free entry, unmissable
Lago Paranoa: Kayaking, paddleboarding, waterfront restaurants and sunset spots
Chapada Imperial: 80km from the city — waterfalls, hiking and nature. Great day trip
Museu Nacional: Architecture as impressive as the exhibits. Free on Sundays
Tours: Book food tours and guided experiences via Agendaz on WhatsApp
Parque da Cidade (City Park): Massive park with the Castelinho playground, bike paths and pedal boats. Essential for families and a great spot for any visitor
Planetario de Brasilia: Highly interactive — good for an educational afternoon with kids or curious adults
Jardim Botanico (Botanical Garden): Peaceful, well-maintained paths and a popular tea house called Jardim Bom Demais — great for brunch
Santuario Dom Bosco: Stunning floor-to-ceiling blue stained glass. A serene architectural highlight, good for older visitors and anyone who appreciates design

Weather

Dry season (May-Sep): Sunny, 25-28C, cool nights to 15C. Very low humidity. Blue skies every day
Wet season (Oct-Apr): Hot and humid, 28-32C. Heavy afternoon thunderstorms — usually over within an hour
What to pack: Light clothing year round. Light jacket for dry season evenings. Umbrella for wet season afternoons
Humidity warning: Dry season can drop below 20% humidity — drink plenty of water. Nosebleeds common for newcomers
Best time to visit: May to August — perfect weather, no rain, ideal for outdoor activities

People & Culture

People: Brasilienses are welcoming and curious about foreigners. High expat and diplomat population
Language: Portuguese only in most situations. Learn basic phrases — locals appreciate any effort
Tipping: Not mandatory. Restaurants add 10% service charge — you can decline it
Safety: Stick to main residential areas. Use Uber at night. Do not display expensive items in public
Punctuality: Social events run late by European standards. Business meetings are generally on time

Useful Numbers

Emergency (Police): 190
Ambulance (SAMU): 192
Fire Brigade: 193
Civil Defence: 199
Tourist Police: +55 61 3462-6011
Food delivery: iFood app
Transport: Uber and 99 apps

Welcome to Brasília