We are so excited to welcome you to Brazil! For many of you, this may be your first time in the country, so we’ve put together some useful tips to help you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident during your stay in Belo Horizonte.

📍 About Belo Horizonte & Pampulha

Belo Horizonte (often called BH ‘BEH-AH-GAH’) is a large, friendly city in southeastern Brazil, known for its food, warm hospitality, and beautiful views.

Our wedding will take place at Meyer Recepções – Pampulha, located in the Pampulha area, near the famous Pampulha Lake and Oscar Niemeyer’s architectural complex.

Local Weather:

• Belo Horizonte has a warm climate.

• Expect temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

• The airport is Belo Horizonte International Airport (CNF – Confins). 

• The journey from the airport to Pampulha or central areas typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes, subject to traffic conditions. 

• It is advised to take Uber or an airport taxi instead of public transportation. 

• Should you opt for an Uber, it is strongly recommended to select the ‘Uber Black’ option, as vehicles are generally maintained to a higher standard.

Uber is very popular, cost-effective, and secure in Belo Horizonte.

Taxis are also accessible; however, Uber is typically more convenient for non-Portuguese speakers.

We strongly advise against renting a vehicle unless you possess considerable familiarity with Brazilian traffic regulations.

Once again, we highly recommend employing Uber Black when using taxis in Brazil, as it offers greater safety.

We recommend staying in:

• Pampulha (closer to the wedding venue), or
• Savassi / Lourdes (central, lively neighborhoods with great restaurants)

Hotel suggestions:

5★: Hotel Fasano and Radisson Blu Savassi.

4★ or less : Novotel Savassi, Hilton, Mercure and San Diego Suites Pampulha (close to wedding venue).

• The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). 

• While credit and debit cards are broadly accepted, it is highly advisable to utilise Revolut instead of your primary bank account in order to minimise the risk of scams. Should you choose to utilise Revolut, please ensure to select the 'crédito' function when making transactions.

• Portuguese is the official language.

• English is not widely spoken, especially by taxi drivers and in small shops.

• We recommend downloading Google Translate (offline Portuguese).

• Don’t worry!!! Brazilians are very friendly and always happy to help!

Belo Horizonte is a welcoming city; however, as with any major urban centre:

• Refrain from displaying valuables such as mobile phones, watches, jewellery.

• Store your passport securely in the hotel safe, maintain a digital photograph of it on your device, and utilise an alternative form of identification.

• Opt for Uber or authorised taxis rather than walking during nighttime hours.

• Keep your possessions close and secure in crowded areas.

• Exercise the same prudent precautions as you would in any sizeable metropolitan environment.

Brazilian food is a highlight!

• Minas Gerais cuisine is famous for cheese, pão de queijo, meats, and desserts.
• Try local favourites like pão de queijo, feijão tropeiro, and brigadeiro.
• It is advisable to drink bottled water, as tap water is not recommended for drinking.

Restaurant recommendations in BH:

Glouton- R. Bárbara Heliodora, 59 - Lourdes, Belo Horizonte - MG, 30180-130.

Ninita - R. Bárbara Heliodora, 71 - Lourdes, Belo Horizonte - MG, 30180-130.

Filé - Av. Fleming, 271 - Ouro Preto, Belo Horizonte - MG, 31310-490.

Bebedouro - Bar e Fogo - Otacílio Negrão de Lima, 1835 - São Luiz, Belo Horizonte - MG, 31365-450.

Paladino - Av. Gildo Macedo Lacerda, 300 - Braúnas, Belo Horizonte - MG, 31365-745.

Bistro Vila Rica - Av. Fleming, 900 - Casa 2 - Ouro Preto, Belo Horizonte - MG, 31340-490.

Coco Bambu - Avenida Cristiano Machado 4000 Loja OP001 - União, Belo Horizonte - MG, 31160-900. (check nearby location)

Vino -Rua Sergipe, 1341, Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais 30130-171.

Should you have any inquiries prior to or during your journey, please do not hesitate to contact us!

We sincerely appreciate the effort you are making to travel such a considerable distance and eagerly anticipate celebrating this special occasion with you in Brazil. 

A WhatsApp group is being organised, including all travellers to Brazil from abroad and Brazilian guests who speak English to facilitate assistance throughout your trip. Should you wish to participate, kindly get in touch with us.