Florianópolis, Brazil

• Florianópolis is an island city in southern Brazil with more than 40 beaches, a lagoon, forested hills and a small historic centre on the mainland side. Locals call it Floripa. Most visitors base themselves on the island's beach districts rather than downtown, and the districts differ a lot: Lagoa da Conceição is the busiest for bars and hostels, Campeche is quieter and surf-oriented, Jurerê Internacional is upscale and expensive, and Santo Antônio de Lisboa is a small Azorean-style fishing village.
• It is widely regarded as one of the more comfortable places in Brazil for a woman travelling alone. Plenty of solo travelers, remote workers and surfers pass through, hostels are social, and eating or having a coffee alone is unremarkable. Catcalling happens, mostly around nightlife, and petty theft on beaches and in crowded places is the most common crime.
• The main nightlife risk is drink spiking: stay with your drink, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and be wary of a friendly stranger who offers to buy a round, especially around the Lagoa da Conceição bar strip. Leave the beach with your phone and cash on you rather than leaving belongings unattended while you swim.
• The island is long and public transport is slow, so most visitors combine buses by day with Uber or 99 at night. Portuguese is the main language and English is limited outside hostels and tourist-facing venues, so a translation app and a few Portuguese phrases help.

Portuguese is the main language. English is common in hostels, hotels and tourist-facing venues but limited elsewhere, including with many drivers and on emergency lines. The Tourist Police (DPTur) units at the bus terminal and airport are set up to assist visitors. Save a translation app and your accommodation's address in Portuguese before going out.

• Beach clothing stays on the beach. Swimwear in town, shops and restaurants is unusual outside the beach strips, so carry a cover-up. Daytime dress in town is casual and relaxed.
• Portuguese is the main language. Basic phrases such as 'oi', 'obrigada', 'por favor' and 'com licença' go a long way, and a translation app is useful. English is common in hostels and tourist-facing venues.
• People are chatty and friendly, but that is not an invitation. A clear, polite 'não, obrigada' is understood. Dinner starts late, often after 8 PM, and nightlife begins after 11 PM in busy areas.
• Many places accept cards and Pix is common among locals, but keep a little cash for beach kiosks and small shops. Tip about 10 percent where a service charge is already added to the bill.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 190. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber and 99 work across the island and are the simplest and safest choice at night. Check the plate and driver in the app before you get in, and share your trip with someone. Rides from the airport to the main beach districts take roughly 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.
• Public buses reach almost every beach from the central terminal (TICEN) and cost little, but the network is slow and infrequent, and the island is large. Keep your phone out of sight on crowded buses and avoid waiting at isolated stops late in the evening.
• Lagoa da Conceição, Campeche and Jurerê are fairly walkable within the district, but distances between beaches are long. Do not walk beaches, dunes or forest trails alone after dark. Many trails are best done in daylight or with other people.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Florianópolis with local guides and curated experiences.