Tropical heat and humidity favor the growth of bacteria and cause food and organic matter in general to spoil and rot very quickly. As a result, hygiene standards in Brazil are quite high. Nevertheless, it’s wise to take certain precautions so as not to spend your trip with an upset stomach or diarrhea.

In terms of food, be attentive to the conditions of any food you purchase on the street. Fruit with peels (bananas, mangos, papaya) is safer than fruit without (which should be carefully washed). Similarly, boiled vegetables are safer than raw ones (unless you know they’ve been well washed) or veg that have been sitting around in mayonnaise. You should also be careful with seafood (such as shrimp). If something looks poorly cooked, or smells or tastes slightly off, spit it out and discontinue eating.

Brazilian tap water is supposedly safe to drink in large cities, although few people actually do (in part due to the heavy chlorine taste). Most Brazilians drink filtered water or mineral water, either natural or com gas (carbonated), and you should too (although brushing your teeth or rinsing fruit with tap water is perfectly fine). Mineral water is inexpensive and available everywhere: at restaurants, bars, bus stations, gas stations, supermarkets, and pharmacies. And you should really stick to it, or soft drinks.

Ice is usually made from filtered water. However, if you’re in an out-of-the-way place that seems a bit dodgy, you might want to order your drink without it (sem gelo). Also make a habit out of drinking from cans with a straw (which will invariably be offered to you). If drinking beer from a can, make sure you wipe the top off with a napkin or even your shirt.