Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 10/5/2006

Question
Hi,  I will be traveling to Bahia (Salvador Da Bahia?), Brazil... I am not
sure if it matters how long I'm staying or why I will be there? if it does I can
summerize my visit... I am just going for a few days regarding a professional
boxing show on HBO...the world champion is from brazil and he is defending his
title from his home town in Brazil... I boxer I help train will be on the
undercard...so maybe 3 days max....
I have never traveled outside the country....I am wondering what credentials I
will need?  I have been told 5 different things from passport to no passport
but I do need a visa to both...
also, do you have any good advise for a first time traveler to brazil?   I here
the language barrier is quite strong....
thank you very much for your time!


Answer
You will need a passport and at least a tourist visa which you can get in one day. A passport will take you as long as two months, or more. You will have to go to the US Post Office, anyone will do I BELIEVE, and get the application. You will need to have two pictures of you taken, all th einstructions are on the application form. Been a while since I got one.  

Ideally, you will get a sports visa or something like that but if you are not maknig any money on your trip, I think it is best you just do the easy thing and get a tourist visa. It will cost youbetween $60 and $120.  You have to go to the local Brazil consulate. Hopefully you live in a big city, NY, BOS, CHI, LA, MIA, DC, or you will have to travel to one to get the visa. It will be a pain in the ass. I hope youare not leaving next month. Ideally, you will give yourself two or three months, at least, to get all yoru paperwork in order.

If you are traveling alone, you will be hit with Portuguese as soon as you leave the Sao Paulo airport. The hotels in Salvador, if you are staying at a good one (4 stars), will ahve attendants taht talk English.

Dont wear fancy jewelry outside at night in Salvador. Dont walk around like youre not afraid to be mugged. Doubt you will be mugged, but if you go into a street side bar and flip open your laptop or blackberry, you risk getting robbed.

Good luck.