Originally Posted by
KDS777
You'll need a current and UTD GPS. My concern is that if you get lost and don't speak Portuguese you're in trouble. A lot of the road signs outside, and even inside major cities, can be inaccurately placed. Natal and the rural NE is particularily bad for that.
Don't rely on cell service either. Watch out for the trucks
This.
Bring/use a standalone GPS unit that doesn't depend on mobile data service. Phone apps are pretty useless as there's spotty TIM and Vivo 2G data service with gaping holes of nothing along the highway and in the town of São Jorge proper, but zero service outside of that.
I have driven extensively in both Rio and São Paulo, everywhere and at all times (the only economical way to get around as I have a large dog) and apart from the mayhem that traffic in such a metropolis can be never had any issues.
Also, carefully check the car you're assigned for road safety issues. I`ve had cars with bald tires etc. renting from the big worldwide chains in Brazil.