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Rio de Janeiro and Brazil
General information
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil. The city is connected by direct flights from the most important airline companies in 85 cities in the world. All international flights and most domestic
flights arrive and depart from the Galeão International Airport.
No other city in the world can match the natural beauty of Rio.
Dazzling beaches and majestic mountains form a unique, busy
metropolis. It is a modern, cosmopolitan city where visitors immediately feel at home. Rio's beauty is reborn each morning as the sun rises, unfolding the panorama of this special city nestled between
sea and mountains. Its people call it "Cidade Maravilhosa" - The
Marvelous City - a fitting title for an extraordinary place.
Rio is also a paradise for those who enjoy good dining. Fine, elegant
restaurants feature international cuisine as well as savory, exotic
Brazilian dishes. In Rio's restaurants prices are reasonable, and
magnificent views come “free of charge."
Useful Information
Business Hours
Most offices and stores are open from 09.00 to 18.00, Monday
through Friday. Stores are also open on Saturday from 09.00 to
13.00 while most of the large shopping centres open Monday to
Saturday from 10.00 to 22.00.
Banks
Banks in Rio de Janeiro are open from 10.00 to 16.00, Monday
through Friday.
Clothing
In Brazil, dress is informal. For men, slacks and a sports shirt are
usually adequate; for women, casual attire is fine.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances in Rio de Janeiro operate on 110-120 volts. The
frequency of 60 hz, and most sockets are of the two-pin variety.
Some hotels are equipped with sockets interchangeable between 110
volts and 220 volts.
Passport & Entry Visa
Participants are strongly advised to make sure they fulfil all legal requirements to enter Brazil. Besides a valid passport, an entry visa may also be required. Please check with your nearest Brazilian Embassy/Consulate.
Read more about visa requirements
Entry Form
Please take extreme care with the copy of the entry form that you receive when having your passport stamped at the airport. It will take time, work and a lot of hassle to get another one.
Health & Insurance
There are no compulsory health requirements for entry into Brazil. It is suggested that you contact your local health authorities for current advice and recommendations.
Please note that if you are entering Brazil via Peru, Ecuador or Colombia, you will be required to provide an up-to-date yellow fever vaccination certificate for immigration purposes. Precautions are advised for yellow fever, typhoid, polio and malaria, specially if you intend to visit the Amazon Forest or the Pantanal. All participants are responsible for their own medical, travel and accident insurance.
Medical Care
Rio de Janeiro and Brazil have a number of internationally respected hospitals, clinics and doctors, but treatment is expensive. Visitors are strongly advised to take out medical travel insurance before travelling to Brazil.
Water
Drink bottled water and bottled drinks. Avoid drinking tap water in Brazil.
Money
The Brazilian currency is the real (R$). Travellers cheques and foreign currency, especially US dollars (other currencies are not as widely available/accepted), can be exchanged at most banks or exchange houses as well as the major hotels. All major credit cards are accepted in Brazil.
Store Hours
Most stores are open from 9:00-18:00 Monday to Friday. Stores are also open on Saturday from 9:00 - 13:00, while most of the large shopping centers are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 - 22:00.
Local Time
Rio de Janeiro's time is 3 hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time ((UK)) and 1 hour later than New York when both cities are on their respective time standards.
Climate
The climate in Rio de Janeiro is predominantly tropical with average temperatures varying between 25º C (75º F) to 30ºC (82º F). Winter runs from June through to August, when temperatures can drop to around 20º C (68º F) in the day and a cool 16º C (60º F) at night.
Language
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but the official language of the Conference is English. Some English is spoken, particularly in the main cities, but Spanish is understood by a good percentage of the population.
Tipping
In most restaurants and bars, a 10% service fee is added to the bill. More sophisticated establishments may add 15%. If service is not included, it will be stated at the bottom of the bill: "Serviço não incluído." Taxis do not expect a tip, but it is normal to round up the final fare if satisfied with the service.
General Security
Recently, Rio’s various city authorities have taken action to improve the security of visitors. There are now far more tourist police, who are a great deal more helpful to visitors, and there is much better patrolling of problem areas. Although there is far more being done to improve security, an awareness of the following will lessen the risk to you and your belongings:
- The best way to avoid theft is to blend in and stay in safe areas (if in doubt, please ask your hotel receptionist/concierge whether where you want to go is safe).
- Take the absolute minimum when going out. A camera is a necessity for most travellers, but if it is possible to keep it in a jacket pocket, then do so. It is not advisable to take valuable jewellery or a visible wristwatch.
- Money should be taken in travellers cheques, with the receipt numbers retained separately in case they are lost or stolen.
- You should carry as little cash as possible with you. Leave any valuables, documents and passports in your hotel safety deposit box (most good hotel rooms in Brazil have safes).
- If you have to take a bag while you are out, carry it in front of you where you can see it.
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