What to Leave at Home when Traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There are some things that are better left at home. This could be because of their value, rarity, or difficulty in getting into Brazil or back into the United States. Remember that you will need to go through customs in both directions and some simple things are not allowed to pass the borders. They will be confiscated, or in some cases you may be arrested, if you are caught. Here is a partial list of some of these things.
| Item | Why you should leave it at home |
| Lots of Cash | Take what you need and take a cash and/or credit card for the rest. See Money Matters for details. Don't just carry a lot of cash around that you do not plan on spending. It will need to be registered both entering Brazil and entering the US if it is in excess of US$ 10,000. |
| Watches that look expensive | A security risk if it marks you as a rich tourist. I recommend getting a $10 - $20 plastic sports watch or similar prior to leaving. |
| Jewelry | You run the risk of getting robbed or losing something irreplaceable. Also, it is a hassle going through security and customs. If you can take off that pinkie diamond, do so. |
| Beach Towels | These are too bulky and heavy and are usually supplied by the hotel. Rio Holiday supplies these for our guests. |
| Large Quantities of anything | The giant economy size is bulky and heavy and takes up valuable luggage space. Go to the drug store and buy the travel sizes of the shampoo or whatever that you like. If you think this is too expensive, buy empty small bottles and transfer the Costco size. Rio Holiday provides basic toiletries for its guests, but most rental apartments do not. |
| Most food items | These are a problem in getting through customs. They may also leak and damage other parts of your luggage. The only exception here is special diet food that may be hard to find in Brazil. |
| Fruits or produce | Almost universally prohibited because of the danger or contaminating the foreign ecosystem. |
| Excessive Tobacco or Alcohol | There are limits on what you are permitted to bring into Brazil. See the details under What to Take. Also, all liquids are now prohibited in the passenger cabin. |
| Anything irreplaceable or of very high value | Why do you need your grandmother's broach on this on vacation? Do you have a wedding ring that has a value in excess of the median annual income in Brazil (about US$ 3,600)? What happens if your luggage is lost or stolen? |
| Prohibited Baggage | There are many new restrictions about what you may take in your luggage, both checked and carry-on. See our section on Airline Baggage and Security for details. |
| Recreational Drugs | Contrary to popular belief, there are NO legal recreational drugs in Brazil. The penalties for trying to bring these into Brazil can be very severe. |
| Pornography | At the very least, this will cause a detailed examination of your luggage if found. The pornography laws, especially as related to children, are the same or more stringent in Brazil than they are in the US. |
| Firearms or weapons | This requires special handling, permits, delays, etc. There are very few legal hunting trips to Brazil, and most handguns or hand carried weapons are prohibited in airline luggage. |
| Politically sensitive literature | Do you want and easy time at customs, or do you want to make a political scene? Criticisms of the Brazilian government are not welcomed. |
| Anything illegal in your country | The same items are probably also illegal in Brazil. Even if they are not, you still have to get them onto your flight and this is just dumb. |