Salvador, Brazil - Travel Guide

Salvador is a vibrant city known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, historic Pelourinho district, and lively music and dance scene. Its colorful colonial architecture and stunning beaches make it a unique and captivating destination.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

BahiaBrazilSalvador da BahiaSan SalvadorEl Salvador

🇧🇷 Country Information: Brazil

CapitalBrasilia

CurrencyBrazilian real (R$)

Language Portuguese , English, Spanish, Indigenous languages

Phone Code+55

Electricity127/220V (Type C, N)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants and bars (10% service charge is often included, but extra tipping for excellent service is appreciated)
Taxis: Round up the fare or tip a small amount
Hotel staff: A small tip for porters and housekeepers is customary
Tour guides: Tipping is appreciated for good service

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in major cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in remote areas
There is no official black market for cash, but street vendors may offer slightly better exchange rates for foreign currency

Cultural Norms

Brazilians are generally warm and friendly, and physical touch is common (e
g
, hugs, kisses on the cheek)
Punctuality is more relaxed compared to some Western cultures, especially for social gatherings
Dress casually but neatly in most situations; beachwear is for the beach only
Avoid discussing politics or religion with strangers unless they initiate the conversation
When invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift for the host

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Brazil has a reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly, especially in major cities. Same-sex marriage is legal, and there are constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Public consumption of alcohol is generally permitted
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illicit drugs can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment

Special Laws

It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are a member of the armed forces
Be aware of local protests or demonstrations, which can occur frequently
Photography of military installations, police, or protests is generally prohibited

Common Phrases

NoNão (NOWNG)

YesSim (SING)

HelloOlá (oh-LAH)

PleasePor favor (poor fah-VOR)

Thank youObrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah)

Good morningBom dia (bohng DEE-ah)

Good afternoonBoa tarde (BOH-ah TAR-jee)

Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpa (kohn lee-SEN-sah/dee-SKOOL-pah)

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot and humid: Dec
Mar
Rainy season (heavy showers): Apr
Jul

Getting There

Fly into Salvador's Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA)
Direct flights available from major cities in Brazil and some international destinations
Bus travel from other Brazilian cities is also common and often more economical

Getting Around

Salvador has a comprehensive bus system
Taxis and ride
sharing apps like Uber and 99 are widely available and affordable
Elevador Lacerda is a historic public elevator connecting the lower and upper parts of the city

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
Hepatitis A and B, Yellow Fever (certificate often required for entry or onward travel), and Typhoid are commonly advised
Consult a travel doctor for personalized recommendations
Malaria risk is generally low in urban areas but present in some rural parts of Brazil
Take probiotics for digestive health

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available
Major Brazilian providers like Vivo, Claro, and TIM support eSIMs
Apps like Airalo and Nomad offer international eSIM options that work in Brazil

Local Cuisine

Acarajé street_food

A deep-fried patty of mashed black-eyed peas seasoned with onions and palm oil (dendê), split and stuffed with vatapá (a paste of bread, shrimp, cocon

Moqueca Baiana regional_speciality

A flavorful seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, or both, simmered in coconut milk, bell peppers, lime juice, and the distinctive red palm oil (dendê)

Bobó de Camarão regional_speciality

A creamy, hearty stew of shrimp, cassava (manioc), coconut milk, and dendê palm oil, giving it a rich texture and vibrant color. This dish is usually

Caipirinha alcohol

Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), sugar, and lime. Variations, such as passion fruit caipirinha, are also popular and

Tapioca (Beiju) snack

A gluten-free flatbread or crepe made from tapioca flour, griddled until soft. It can be filled with sweet ingredients like coconut and condensed milk

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Especially during festivals) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance, especially for high season or Carnival

High-quality or centrally located accommodations, particularly in areas like Pelourinho or Barra, book out far in advance during peak season and major events like Carnival.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

African Heritage & Acarajé Tasting Tour tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks–1.5 months in advance

Popular small-group cultural and culinary tours, especially those highly rated and focused on Afro-Brazilian culture in Pelourinho, have limited daily spots.

Fun Facts

1. Salvador served as the capital of Brazil for over 200 years, from 1549 until 1763, making it the country's first capital.
2. The city features the Elevador Lacerda, which opened in 1873 and is recognized as one of the world's first urban elevators, connecting the lower and upper city districts.
3. The historic center of Salvador, Pelourinho, was also the site of the New World's first slave market, beginning in 1558.
4. The city's famous Bonfim Church is known for "fitinhas," colorful ribbons pilgrims tie to the gates while making three wishes that are said to come true when the ribbon naturally wears out.

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