It is mostly warm or hot, but the winter can get pretty cold. There is no heat or air conditioning, so the temp outside is the temp inside. It rains A LOT! All year it rains.
They walk A TON in this mission, often on cobblestone. You need at least 3 pairs of comfortable waterproof shoes. Also consider a shoe dryer.
Elders: ECCO hiking boots or shoes are highly recommended. All black tennis shoes are also allowed.
Sisters: Tevas and Chacos are open toed sandals are allowed and used the most, but some like the protection of a closed toed sandal.
You will also need warmer waterproof shoes for the winter like Dr. Martens or a comfortable Chelsea boot.
Most clothing should be light-weight and quick-drying with a few sweaters for winter (more if you run cold).
Sisters often wish they brought more slacks than dresses and skirts.
There are no dryers in the apartments, so clothing will be line dried. They have hanging racks in the apartments.
You will need a good waterproof rain jacket. Some missionaries are glad to have a couple coats/rain jackets so one can be drying.
A poncho is a good alternative, as it can cover your bag as well as yourself.
You will also need a good umbrella or two.
The mission gives you a pillow and blanket.
Bring enough deodorant for your mission. It is different there.
A filtered water bottle with a sling bag to carry it is super nice to have.
Be prepared that debit and credit cards don’t always work. It is hit or miss.
Sisters: tampons are difficult to find and are super expensive. Bring enough for your whole mission. You may also want to consider using a menstrual disc or cup as they are helpful when it’s difficult to find a restroom.
Items missionaries wish they had:
Electrolytes like Liquid IV or LMNT
Excedrine Migraine
Bug spray and itch stick
Vitamins
Water bottle cleaner with straw cleaner
Hand held barking device (keeps dogs from jumping on you)
An extra blanket for cold mornings and evenings)
Mascara (expensive there)
Amazon.br is available. You just need your missionary’s CPF #
Have a suggestion or correction for the Brazil Curitiba Mission? Submit it here.
Most parents send their Elders with at least 1 suit (most countries in South America only wear suits to church and meetings) and around 8–10 golf pants. Families are sending more shirts because of heat and humidity — 12–14 is the average. Note for Sisters serving in Brazil: feminine hygiene products are expensive there and tampons are often considered taboo. Be prepared to send a good supply with your Sister Missionary.
This is a very comfortable, durable shoe that missionaries serving all over have loved!
7 inch Rechargeable Fan. These have been recommended for missionaries serving in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. They help keep you cooler at night, but also help keep bugs like mosquitos off at night too.
The power goes out frequently, so it is nice to have a solar power fan.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.