Recife operates on its own rhythm, and knowing a few practical details before you arrive will save time, money, and frustration. Here’s what you need to know about airports, transport, safety, money, and local customs. For more information, see our Recife weather by month guide.
Recife Travel Tips: Airport and Arrival
Recife/Guararapes to Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is located 12km south of Boa Viagem in the Imbiribeira neighborhood. It’s a modern single-terminal airport served by LATAM, Gol, Azul (domestic), and TAP Air Portugal (direct from Lisbon). The airport is compact and efficient , you’ll be from gate to curb in 20 minutes on a domestic flight. There are ATMs (Banco do Brasil and Bradesco) in the arrivals hall, a 24-hour currency exchange (Western Union), and SIM card kiosks for Claro, TIM, and Vivo. Taxis from the official coop at the arrivals exit charge a flat rate of R$45 to R$60 to Boa Viagem, R$65 to R$80 to Recife Antigo, and R$80 to R$100 to Olinda. Uber and 99 (Brazil’s other ride-hailing app) are usually 30 percent cheaper and readily available from the designated pick-up area outside the terminal. The journey to Boa Viagem takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. For more information, see our best time to visit Recife guide.
Recife Travel Tips: Getting Around
Uber and 99 are the most practical ways to get around Recife. A typical ride within Boa Viagem costs R$8 to R$15, from Boa Viagem to Recife Antigo runs R$18 to R$25, and Boa Viagem to Olinda is R$25 to R$35. Both apps work reliably throughout the metropolitan area. Public buses serve most routes but are slow, crowded, and not recommended for visitors unfamiliar with the city. The MetroRec system has two lines (Center and South) connecting the city center to southern suburbs, but neither reaches Boa Viagem directly , the closest station is Joana Bezerra, a 15-minute bus or Uber ride from the beach. A single MetroRec ticket costs R$4.25. For day trips to Porto de Galinhas (60km south), take an Uber (R$120 to R$160 one way, 1 hour 15 minutes) or a direct bus from Recife’s TIP bus terminal (R$21, 2 hours, departures every 30 minutes). Car rental is available at the airport from Localiza, Movida, and Unidas from R$120 per day, but driving in Recife’s chaotic traffic is not recommended for first-time visitors. For more information, see our things to do in Recife guide.
Recife Travel Tips: Safety
Recife has a higher crime rate than Brazil’s southern cities, and visitors should take standard precautions. Boa Viagem’s beachfront and main commercial streets are generally safe during daylight hours and early evening, but avoid walking on the beach itself after dark. Recife Antigo is safe during the day but can feel sketchy after 9pm when the business crowds leave , stick to the well-patrolled streets around Rua da Moeda and Praca do Arsenal if out at night. Avoid the neighborhoods of Santo Amaro, Agua Fria, and the western sections of Boa Vista after dark. Do not wear visible jewelry, flash expensive phones, or walk with your phone out on the street , use it inside shops and restaurants. The shark risk at Boa Viagem beach is real: there have been over 60 recorded shark incidents since 1992. Swim only in the reef-protected pools at low tide and never in open water beyond the reef. Warning signs in Portuguese and English are posted along the beach. For more information, see our Recife events and festivals guide.
Recife Travel Tips: Money and Costs
Brazil’s currency is the Real (R$), with R$1 equal to approximately US$0.19 (June 2026). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and malls, but keep R$100 to R$200 in cash for street food, market purchases, and small bars. ATMs at Banco do Brasil and Bradesco accept international cards, with the airport and RioMar mall ATMs being the safest options. Daily costs for a mid-range visitor run approximately: hotel R$200 to R$350, lunch R$30 to R$50, dinner R$60 to R$120, Uber rides R$40 to R$80 total, attractions R$0 to R$40. A couple can travel comfortably on R$500 to R$800 per day excluding accommodation. Tipping is not expected in Brazil , restaurants include a 10 percent serviço charge on the bill, which you can pay or decline to pay (though declining is rare). For exceptional service, leave an additional 5 percent in cash. For more information, see our best neighborhoods in Recife guide.
Recife Travel Tips: Health and Water
Do not drink tap water in Recife. Bottled water is cheap (R$3 to R$5 for 1.5 liters) and available at every corner shop and supermarket. Ice in established restaurants and hotels is generally made from filtered water and safe, but skip ice from street vendors. Recife is in a dengue and Zika transmission zone, especially during the wet season from March to August. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are most active. The city periodically fumigates neighborhoods during dengue outbreaks. Pharmacies are abundant , Drogasil, Pague Menos, and Drogaria São Paulo are the main chains , and pharmacists can dispense many medications that require prescriptions in other countries. Travel insurance is strongly recommended; private hospitals like Hospital Santa Joana Recife and Real Hospital Português provide excellent care but charge international rates. For more information, see our where to stay in Recife guide.
Recife Travel Tips: Visas and Documents
As of 2026, visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan need a visa (e-Visa) to enter Brazil, obtainable online at brazil.vfsevisa.com for US$80.90. The e-Visa is valid for 10 years (US citizens) or 5 years (Canadian and Australian citizens), with stays of up to 90 days. EU citizens, UK citizens, and most South American passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Brazil does not require proof of onward travel or vaccination (except yellow fever if arriving from certain African countries).
Recife Travel Tips: Language and Communication
Portuguese is the only official language, and English is not widely spoken outside of front-desk staff at international chain hotels and high-end restaurants. Learn a few key phrases: “bom dia” (good morning), “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you, male/female speaker), “quanto custa?” (how much?), and “a conta, por favor” (the bill, please). Download Google Translate with the Portuguese offline pack before arriving. A prepaid SIM card from Claro or Vivo costs R$30 to R$50 with 5 to 10GB of data at any carrier store at the airport or RioMar mall (bring your passport for SIM registration). Wi-Fi is reliable in hotels and most cafes, with speeds averaging 20 to 50Mbps. The voltage in Recife is 220V with Type N sockets (the standard Brazilian 3-prong), so bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Recife Travel Tips: Suggested Hotels in Recife
Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem
The leading luxury beachfront hotel on Boa Viagem, with direct beach access, a large pool, ocean-view rooms, and an excellent breakfast. Best for travelers wanting resort-quality amenities on Recife’s best beach. Check rates and availability
Hotel Atlante Plaza
A reliable mid-range beachfront option with sea-view rooms, a good pool, and a central Boa Viagem location close to restaurants and RioMar shopping mall. Best for families and value-conscious travelers. Check rates and availability
Pousada do Amparo
An atmospheric pousada in a restored 18th-century Olinda mansion with garden restaurant and sweeping views across the old town. Best for couples wanting the definitive Olinda heritage experience. Check rates and availability
