Overview

Brazil boasts more than 4,500 licensed cosmetic surgeons, with the highest per capita number of practicing cosmetic physicians in the world. Most international patients head to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s two largest cities. Smaller destinations such as Recife, Porto Alegre and Santos, are also popular. Only in the US and China are more plastic surgeries performed than in Brazil.

Prices vary widely. While the celebrity "surgeons-to-the-stars" command fees comparable to the highest found in the US, dozens of excellent, lesser-known clinics serve patients from all regions and income brackets. While cosmetic surgery is Brazil's biggest medical tourism draw, some 40 JCI-accredited hospitals throughout the country offer nearly every specialty and sub-specialty to the medical traveler. Sao Paulo, the country's largest city, boasts several world-class hospitals, including Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, the world's first hospital to receive JCI accreditation.

Brazil is home to the internationally revered Ivo Pitanguy, the world’s most renowned plastic surgeon. The clinic and institute bearing his name were established in 1963, and more than 4,000 surgeons have visited there for training, workshops, and continuing education. The 87-year-old Pitanguy and his staff of 70 have set the high international standards for cosmetic and aesthetic surgery, although recently challenged by competing clinics and doctors in Korea, Thailand and Costa Rica.

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Securing Your Money When You Travel

Carrying large amounts of cash is obviously unsafe in a foreign country. Also, be careful using your credit cards when you travel. Never give out your PIN, never let anyone else swipe your card and don't ever let anyone take your card out of your sight (example: at a restaurant). Make sure your cards are "Chip" enabled, require a PIN to use and carry in a wallet or case that shields the data from being scanned on the street.

Many clinics are no longer accepting personal checks, cash or travelers checks. Wire transfer and credit cards are your best bet however they can come with high bank fees per use internationally, variable exchange fees and lower daily spending limits when being used in a foreign country.

A Simple Solution to keep your money safe - Travani offers 3 secure travel products to carrying money for expenses and for paying your doctor. There are no credit checks, low fees, and you don't have to worry about having your money or identity stolen off of your card. In fact, leave those important cards at home and get a FREE RFID shield!* Find out more.