Cost of converting a van into a motorhome in Brazil: from 40 to 160 thousand reais

In Rio de Janeiro, a couple of entrepreneurs recovered a snack trailer that had been stolen and found in a condominium in Barra da Tijuca. After celebrating, they discovered the trailer had not been stolen but sold without authorization by a renter. Police identified the fraudster, and after payment to the first owner, the couple managed to regularize the documents and resume their activities.

In Brazil's Federal District, over 25,000 kiosk and trailer operators await the implementation of Complementary Law 1056/2025, aimed at providing legal stability. The SINTS union secured an extension of concession terms to up to 30 years but fears that new bidding processes will push out small entrepreneurs in favor of larger players. About 80% of the sector is in debt due to retroactive fees, and the union is pushing for debt forgiveness until the law takes effect.

A food trailer belonging to vendor Priscila de Souza was stolen in Madureira, Rio. She paid a ransom but was scammed. The trailer was later found in a luxury condominium 20 km away.

Starting June 15, 2026, the Brazilian city of Porto Seguro (Bahia state) will charge an environmental protection fee (TPA) for incoming vehicles. The measure was approved by Mayor Jânio Natal in November 2025 and applies to the main urban area as well as the tourist districts of Trancoso and Arraial d’Ajuda. The fee is collected via automatic license plate recognition, without toll booths. Vehicles staying less than 8 hours are exempt, except rental cars. Residents of Porto Seguro and neighboring municipalities (50% discount) are also exempt. Non-payment results in a 50% surcharge. In 2025, the city received about 1.4 million tourists.

The Edwards family from the UK sold their home and bought a motorhome in July 2025. The parents quit traditional jobs and schooling to travel Europe with five children, teaching them independently.

A couple from Brasília built their own motorhome and travels across Brazil with their 1-year-old daughter. They have visited 10 Brazilian states so far. The couple works remotely on weekdays and explores new places on weekends. Their goal is to explore all of South America.