Information Sheet Last Updated: June 2004

Roads and Car Travel

Any foreigner with a passport can purchase a Brazilian car and travel outside Brazil. Foreigners do not need the CPF tax document – just say you are a tourist. The official purchase receipt is accepted as proof of ownership. It is essential to have an external intake filter fitted or dust can rapidly destroy an engine. A letter in Spanish from your consul explaining your aims and that you will return the vehicle to Brazil can make life much easier at borders and checkpoints. Due to some road work in the country, do not plan your schedule too tightly as you may be held up unexpectedly.

Preparing your car is a matter of common sense. If any part looks suspect, you should replace it. Extra heavy-duty shocks are advisable. Take spare tubes and buy and extra tire and fit tubes on tubeless tires. Take many spare parts that may be easily worn such as hoses, belts, plugs, etc. It is wise to carry a spade, jumper cables, tow rope and an air pump. A 12 volt neon light for camping and repairs will be invaluable. Siphon pipe is essential for those places where fuel is sold out of the drum. Take a 10 liter water container for yourself and the vehicle. Fill up whenever you see a gas station because some stations are few and far between.

Try to make your car as secure as possible. Almost any car can and will be broken into. Use heavy chain and padlocks to chain doors shut, fit security catches on windows, and remove interior window winders so that a hand reaching in from a forced vent cannot open the window. Also, wing mirrors, spot lamps, motif, wheels not secured by locking nuts, as well as anything else on the outside of the car is likely to be stolen. Try to never leave your car unattended except in a locked garage or guarded parking space. Remove all belongings and leave the empty glove compartment open when the car is unattended. Also lock the clutch or accelerator to the steering wheel with a heavy obvious chain or lock. Adult minders or street children will generally protect your car fiercely in exchange for a tip. Be sure to not key numbers and carry spares of the most important ones but do not keep the spares inside the car.

Be careful to keep all the papers you are given when you enter, to produce when you leave. Get the legally required minimum cover for third party insurance, not expensive, as soon as you can because if you should be involved in an accident and are uninsured, your car could be confiscated. If anyone is hurt, do not pick them up (you may become liable). Seek assistance from the nearest police station or hospital if you are able to do so.

It is essential to have a credit card in order to hire a car in Brazil. Reais cash may qualify for a discount. Avis (telephone: 0800-558066) is found in the major cities and has only a time and mileage tariff. National (or Localiza, telephone: 0800-992000, website: http://www.localiza.com.br) is represented in many places and is connected with InterRent/Europcar in Europe. They will accept credit cards from InterRent/Ear and offers unlimited mileage if booked in advance from Europe on a fixed US$ rate. Compare prices of renting from abroad and in Brazil. If you intend to hire a car for a long time, buying and reselling a vehicle within Brazil may be a reasonable alternative.

Check exactly what the company’s insurance policy covers. In many cases it will only protect you against minor bumps and scrapes, not major accidents or natural damage such as flooding. Ask if extra coverage is available. Also find out if you are using a credit card whether the card automatically includes insurance. Beware of being billed for scratches which were on the vehicle before you hired it.