Maceió

The questions people ask first about Maceió, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
• SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
• Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
• TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
• SafetyMaceió is calmer than Recife or Salvador, but take the usual big-city precautions: no phone out on quiet streets, no beach walks after dark…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or a coconut on the beachR$5–12 (≈ US$1–3)
• Street or quick mealTapioca from a beach stallR$8–20 (≈ US$2–4)
• Beerdraught at a bar / can from a shopR$10–18 (≈ US$2–4)R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Uber across the beach neighbourhoodsR$15–30 (≈ US$3–6)
• Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideR$3.35 (≈ under US$1) (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
• Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per personR$70 (≈ US$13)
• Mid-range bedDouble room, pousada or hotel, a night, per roomR$350 (≈ US$65)
• High-end bedDouble room, pousada or hotel, a night, per roomR$800 (≈ US$150)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$350 (≈ US$65) · High R$700 (≈ US$130)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

MCZ Zumbi dos Palmares International (About 20 km (12 mi) north of the centre; taxis and Uber/99 only for most visitors — the local bus needs a rechargeable card)MCZ Zumbi dos Palmares International (About 12 mi (20 km) north of the centre; taxis and Uber/99 only for most visitors — the local bus needs a rechargeable card)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

R$180–300 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed

Mid

R$300–550 (≈ US$60–110) excl. bed

High

R$550 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed

• Normal big-city precautions: no phone out on empty streets, no walking the beach after dark, use Uber at night.
• The Pajuçara pools are only walkable at low tide — check the tide table the day before and book a jangada.
• Bus fares and the card rule change; carry cash for minibuses and confirm the fare on board.
• Sea temperature stays 26–27 °C (79–81 °F) year-round, but May–July rain is heavy and can cancel boat trips.Sea temperature stays 79–81 °F (26–27 °C) year-round, but May–July rain is heavy and can cancel boat trips.