Tips for Natal in Brazil

In this post on “Tips for Natal” I want to covered the essentials first.

Visa

No visa is required for citizens of the European Union and a number of other countries. You will need to check.

Money

I believe it is always good to have some local currency. Having said that, I have paid the majority of my bills with my credit card be it in the supermarket or hospital. However, a taxi driver hired on the road is going to want local currency.

Apart from changing money at the airport, there are a number of cash machines in supermarkets or banks around.

Electricity

Electricity is 220V. Electrical outlets are European style in most places but not everywhere. Hence, do bring an adaptor with you.

Tips on Natal include vaccinations

Yellow fever is recommended although I have never had to pull out my vacation pass.

If into fresh Oyster, get a Hepatitis A vaccination.

Dengue fever is present in the area. I have been going to that place for many years and had no problems so far. Malaria is not common unless you go to the Amazonas.

Tips for Natal – when to visit

November to February are the best months to travel – weather wise at least. But the beaches are also very crowded. March to May are still good months to visit Natal. From June to August, the probability of tropical rain is high but temperatures remain warm.

If out for some party time, the carnival in February is celebrated big time in Natal. Albeit, expect many business closed.

Security in Natal

Security is a bit precarious but better than in Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Recife or Sao Luis. I believe that security is an issue in many other countries. With Brazil being a popular tourist destination, it is more talked about.

If you leave all your valuables at home you are generally all right. And by that I mean your watch or necklace and obviously money and documents. This also goes when going to the beach. Do not take a big camera or a bulky beach bag with you.

And it is always better to take walks in a group.

Having said that, I would definitely not take a walk in the dark.

And please do only take the official taxis. They are clearly marked.

Tips on Natal includes discovering beaches in the area

The best beach in vicinity is definitely Ponta Negra beach. But still, there are Praia do Meio, Praia dos Artistas, Praia do Forte. Problem is that some of them are not policed so not that safe.

However, if you are mobile (or maybe join a buggy tour) there are plenty more in nearby areas. Check out my posts on these other places.

My experience in an emergency room

The Hospital do Curacao is up to standards when it comes to equipment. Doctors are professional and cleanliness is spotless. They take credit cards and speak English at the reception. It is located on Cel. Auris Coelho, 235 – Lagoa Nova, Natal – RN, 59075-050. Phone: (84) 4009-2000

Hotels and pousadas

There are a number of 5-star hotel on the beach road between Natal and Ponta Negra. Otherwise, pousadas or AirB&B can be found at cheap prices in Ponta Negra itself. Trip Advisor has great suggestions.

Dress code in Natal and what to pack

People dress very casual even when getting into town. So a light dress, shorts, flip flops are fine. This generally also goes when heading out for dinner. There are very few locations in town where you will find people dressed up.

Shopping in Natal

You can find pretty much everything nowadays. Some good deals can be made on Havaianas flip flops that cost half the price. T-shirts and general cotton summer wear can be bought at very cheap prices. Not to speak of bikinis. However, they are cut very, very small.

Shopping malls

Not sure if you want to do this but just in case it is a rainy day you might want to venture out to one of these shopping centres: Natal Shopping or Midway Mall. Mind you, there are more around but I always end up in one of the two.

They have great supermarkets and a number of restaurants. Natal Shopping also has a movie theatre. At times, they do show movies in their original language.

Bolso do Centro de Turistas in Natal

There are several artisan markets in Natal. You could visit the large tourist centre in the former prison. It has a number of stalls displaying local handicrafts. You will find very nice hammocks and embroidered table cloths and runners, some paintings, semi precious stones and plenty more.

Handicraft markets of Natal

But do check out the other markets. In a way, they form part of everyday life of locals. There is another market right on the main road of Ponta Negra. It is on three floors and has a bit of everything. I find it quite entertaining. 

At times, you find a lady dressed all in white near the entrance. She is from Salvador and serves some very delicious street food.

A bit of culture

The Fortaleza dos Reis Magos

The fortress was built by the Portuguese around 1598. It is situated on the sea and can be visited. Unfortunately, it is not well maintained. Apart from giving a glimpse of the history of Natal there is nothing much to see. In addition, security is not the best. You might consider visiting it in a group.

Churches

Check out the Christmas Metropolitan Cathedral. Apart from the central part which is round, the rest of the building is full of straight and plain lines. It reminds me of an administrative building.

More historic is the baroque style Igreja do Galo built in 1766.

So much so for my tips for Natal. I hope you enjoy your trip.

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My posts on Natal include

Enjoy the read!