| 
  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size
  • default color
  • green color
  • red color
Member Area

Transportation (Getting Around) in Brazil

RedditDel.icio.usDiggGoogleFacebookSlashdotStumbleUpon
  • Medical Vacations Bridge Gap Between Affordability and Healthcare

    As Americans face the humbling combination of rising fuel prices, higher healthcare costs, and declining dollar values, finding was to save money has become a necessity.  Affordable healthcare in the United States has become an oxymoron.  With more than 47 million Americans uninsured and even more who are underinsured, the gap between affordability and healthcare is widening into a chasm.  As patients search for solutions to their medical needs, the idea of a…

    Read more...

Getting Around by Air

brazil rio medical tourism health vacation-9.jpg

Keep in mind that Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world as you begin planning out your medical tourism itinerary. Distances between the major points are vast. This is not a country you can do in a quick tour of a couple of days, so abandon that idea altogether.

The vast size and the relative inefficiency of the rail system makes air travel the best way to get around Brazil. There are domestic airlines, including low cost no frills carriers, that service a number of sectors in this vast country. Using these you can travel from your main medical tourism entry point to the rest of the country in comparative ease. Some domestic airlines also offer foreign passengers an air pass that allows you to fly around the country on cheaper fares.

Getting Around by Rail

The Brazilian countryside, like so much of South America has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and is best enjoyed on a train ride. Unfortunately, the rail system here is woefully inadequate, and many trains lack standard facilities. Trains are not a very popular mode of transport here. If you're an adventurous backpacker you might try your luck, but for those who value time, convenience, and luxury, it's best to avoid the rails.

Bus

With the rail system being what it is, people tend to favor buses as a major means of transportation. The bus system here is efficient, and the standard buses are quite comfortable. The more luxurious buses boast of extra perks and frills (movies, bars, etc). Because this is Brazil, it takes an eternity to get anywhere, so as a medical tourism vacationer you should probably stick to air travel to get around the country.

Car rentals and Taxis

Car rentals in Brazil are not advised for foreigners. The distance between points is huge –expect a drive of 36 hours to get from Rio de Janeiro to Recife! And this is to say nothing of the driving and traffic rules (all of which seem to be optional).
Comments (0)Add Comment

Write comment

busy