Curitiba, Brazil-travel-tips

Curitiba Travel & Etiquette Tips:

Getting Around:

  • Public Transportation: Curitiba is renowned for its excellent bus system (Rede Integrada de Transporte, or RIT). Purchase a “Cartão Passagem” (transit card) for easy and affordable travel.
  • Taxis: Easily available, but negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Apps like Uber and 99 are also popular.
  • Walking: Curitiba is a pedestrian-friendly city with many green spaces and bike paths.

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Greetings: Brazilians are generally warm and friendly. A handshake is customary for initial introductions, followed by “Bom dia” (Good morning), “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon), or “Boa noite” (Good evening).

  • Personal Space: Maintain a comfortable distance during conversations. Avoid prolonged eye contact, as it can be seen as aggressive.

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • It’s polite to wait for everyone at the table to be served before starting your meal.
    • Use cutlery properly and avoid eating with your hands (except for snacks like pão de queijo).
    • Leave a small portion of food on your plate to indicate you are satisfied.

  • Tipping:

    • In restaurants, a 10% tip is customary but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill is also acceptable.
    • Tipping taxi drivers is optional but appreciated for good service.

Other Tips:

  • Language: While Portuguese is the official language, English is spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic Portuguese phrases will be helpful and appreciated.

  • Currency: The Brazilian Real (BRL) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller purchases and street vendors.

  • Safety: Curitiba is considered a safe city, but exercise caution like you would in any urban environment. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.

  • Dress Code: Casual attire is acceptable for most occasions. Dress more formally for upscale restaurants or cultural events.

  • Bargaining: Bargaining is not common in stores, but it can be practiced in markets and with street vendors.

  • Enjoy the Outdoors: Curitiba is known as “The Green City” due to its extensive park system. Explore Parque Barigui, Jardim Botânico, and other green spaces for a relaxing experience.

Have a wonderful time exploring Curitiba!