Recife, Brazil » City Info » Travel Tips

Recife is the beautiful capital city of Pernambuco State. Thousands of tourists travel to this fantastic city every year for its remarkable ancient buildings, rivers, and bridges, and of course, its marvellous beaches. It is also called a ‘Brazilian Venice’ for its long rivers and bridges built on it.

Recife is a perfect destination to spend a long beach vacation. Beaches are spread on both sides of the city, i.e. on the north and south sides. Experience the warm and wide sand strips on the famous beaches of this picturesque city. Carnival also attracts a lot of tourists in the month of January.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected as it is not the Brazilian style. However, if someone is seriously giving good services and food, it is expected in appreciation, especially from foreigners. Usually, service charges are included at the bottom of the bill, but it is not mandatory to pay it but just expected in the form of tipping.

For taxi drivers, tipping is not compulsory, but it is usual to round up the fare as a form of tip for their service. Special or radio taxis do not use typical taximeters and always charge more than the original amount, so tipping is not expected.

Safety

The crime rate in Recife is relatively high, so it is better to follow a few security tips whilst travelling. Major crime incidents like assault, robbery, theft and burglary are significant threats for tourists in this city. It is advisable to be alert from pickpockets and bag snatchers. It is advisable to be alert, keep an eye on the surroundings, and take the following precautions.

1. It is not safe to travel in public transportation, especially at night. Taxis with a permit license will be a safer and more efficient option to explore the city at any time.
2. Stay away from streets where crime targets can be easily trapped and avoid eye contact with the street gangs. If you come across a suspicious environment, it is better to cross the street as soon as possible and enter any public areas like banks, malls, or stores.
3. It is advisable to be more careful in popular tourist areas or while shopping in open markets.
4. It is always good to travel in a group instead of roaming alone.
5. It is always wise to use the peep-hole to confirm the visitor at the door in hotel rooms.
6. Avoid exposing valuable items and expensive jewellery while visiting famous places that may seek the attention of thieves.
7. After dark, it is not safe to visit beaches or parks.
8. It is better to either carry a cell phone or rent one; it will always be easy to dial telephone numbers for emergency services.

Smoking

Brazil comes under a centralised law of smoke-free, and now even Recife city is entirely smoke-free. According to law, smoking is forbidden in all public places, including clubs, bars, and restaurants. Smoking at specific smoking zones or ventilated smoking rooms is permitted.

In Brazil, different activities are carried out to reduce smoking in Bars and clubs and abolish smoking zones or rooms altogether. Many hotels or resorts provide mainly non-smoking rooms, so it is tricky for smokers to find a smoking area in Recife.

City Transport

Recife city offers different means of transportation - bus, train, shuttle, and taxi. Bus transportation is spread all over the city, and the long-distance bus terminal is known as the ‘Terminal Integrado de Passageiros’ (TIP). It is one of the leading and largest national nodes of transportation available in the city that runs interstate buses to many different destinations.

A line of urban transportation is also available in the city in AC minibuses that runs along Conselheiro Aguiar Avenue. Shuttles and the metro train covers the central and south areas of the city. Metro line is connected with bus lines, and with a single ticket, you can ride on both. Car rental services are available throughout the city.

Recife falls under a tropical climate zone, which experiences warm and hot temperatures all year round. Even during the winter season, bright and clear sunlight never allows temperatures to drop below 22°C (71.6°F). Though, to avoid heat strokes and intense sunlight, winter is the best time to visit. This city is situated near the equator, and therefore, it experiences very high temperatures and humidity during the summer season.

Best time to visit: June to February.

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