Advice for gringos

If you want to come to Brazil, more specifically BH, there’s plenty of advice I’d give you concerning some
aspects. It’s not that Brazilians are a difficult people (in fact, we are one of the most easygoing ones you’ll
find) but there are some important rules for both your safety and enjoyment that I recommend you follow.

First of all, your safety. You might not be aware of it, but Brazil is one of the most dangerous and violent
countries in the world. With crime rates so high, I would not recommend you walk alone in the street in any
circumstance, especially if you’re a woman. If you don’t have friends or family around, always choose busier
streets. Avoid suspicious corners and just have malice overall. Be attentive to your belongings and don’t
walk with your phone, wallet or any precious items in hands. Be very careful while walking from one place
to another.

That said, it’s time to have fun! If you’re coming to BH, the first thing you have to do is try pão de queijo.
It’s like Minas Gerais’ trademark. I’m sure old ladies from bakeries everywhere will be more than happy in
serving you fresh, homemade pão de queijo (always go for homemade pão de queijo, they have some special
flavor to them). Once you’ve eaten the pão de queijo, I’d suggest you go check out some tourist points. The
Circuito da Liberdade is one of my favorites, and it has bilingual attractions all year, so you won’t need a
guide or a translator. One place I would not suggest you go is the Lagoa da Pampulha. That’s because,
although it is considered one of BH’s most famous tourist points, it’s usually very crowded and there is not
much to do around it. It also stinks most of the time so I recommend you avoid that one.

You might also want to learn a few words in Portuguese, such as “por favor” (please) and “obrigado” (thank
you). Brazilians love it when foreigners know their language, and the extra friendliness will definitely help
you out as you sail the wonders of this beautiful country. Last but not least, do not talk trash about Brazil. If
you see Brazilian mocking the numerous flaws of this country, keep quiet. Do not, by any circumstance, join
the trash talking, or you’ll be welcomed into the conversation with glares so cold you’ll forget you’re in a
tropical country. Even though we publicly acknowledge that our country has many issues, we do not want to
hear it coming from a foreigner. Complimenting the country will probably do you better (compliments are
worth two times more when they come from gringos).