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Informaionpacket-Ohiostate-2015 PROGRAM VISIT TO RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL March 14th – March 21st, 2015 2015 The Ohio State University Program Trip Information Packet Welcome to Brazil! This information packet has been designed to answer basic questions about your trip, your Brazil itinerary, and contact information for any questions or personal requests that you might have. Information Packet Contents In this document, you will find the following information: 1. Hotel Information………………………………………………………. page 2 2. About Brazil………………………………………………………………… page3-4 3. Trip Preparation…………………………………………………………. page 5-6 4. Useful Information…………………………………………………….. page 7-8 5. Exploring Rio de Janeiro……………………………………………… page 9-17 6. Emergency Contact Info in Brazil…………………..…..…..….. page 18 1 Hotel Information: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Atlantis Copacabana Rua Bulhoes de Caravalho, 61 Copacabana http://www.atlantishotel.com.br/ With its prime location, Atlantis Copacabana Hotel is just a 5-minute walk to both Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. It provides a terrace with Atlantic Ocean views and a rooftop pool. Rooms at Atlantis Copacabana are air-conditioned and include cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the sauna or by the outdoor pool. A varied buffet breakfast is served each morning at Atlantis Copacabana's restaurant, including tropical fruits, juices, cereals, breads and cakes. *Includes breakfast daily and WiFi access in rooms. 2 About Brazil Brazil is South America's most influential country, an economic giant and one of the world's biggest democracies. Over the past few years it has made major strides in its efforts to raise millions out of poverty. The discovery of major offshore oil reserves could propel the country into the top league of oil-exporting nations. Economic Brief Characterized by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and Brazil is expanding its presence in world markets. Since 2003, Brazil has steadily improved its macroeconomic stability, building up foreign reserves, reducing its debt profile by shifting its debt burden toward real denominated and domestically held instruments, adhering to an inflation target, and committing to fiscal responsibility. In 2008, Brazil became a net external creditor and two ratings agencies awarded investment grade status to its debt. After record growth in 2007 and 2008, the onset of the global financial crisis hit Brazil in September 2008. However, Brazil was one of the first emerging markets to begin a recovery. Consumer and investor confidence revived and GDP growth returned to positive in 2010 (GDP official exchange rate 2013 est. 2.4 trillion), boosted by an export recovery. Brazil's strong growth and high interest rates make it an attractive destination for foreign investors, although growth slowed considerably in 2013 and 2014. Government Brief: The Brazilian government is made up of the president, who is elected for a term of four years, chooses a cabinet, which he heads and a bicameral national Congress: 81-seat Senate (the upper house) with representatives of 26 states, plus the federal district of Brasilia; 513-member directly elected Chamber of Deputies (the lower house). The 26 states and the district of Brasilia each have a legislature. Brazil holds municipal elections every four years, with the next due in October 2016; presidential, congressional and state elections every four years, next due in October 2018. Dilma Rousseff won the national elections Oct. 26th, 2014, and was inaugurated on January 1st, 2015, assuming her second successive term. History: When Napoleon invaded Portugal in 1807, the prince regent (later King João VI) moved the court to Rio, and in 1815 he declared a united kingdom including Brazil and Portugal. In 1821 João returned to Lisbon, leaving his son Dom Pedro in Brazil. When commanded to return in 1822, Pedro refused, declared Brazil’s independence, and soon became Brazil’s first emperor. Brazil supported the allies against Germany in the First World War, but military unrest followed again in the 1920s. Getúlio Vargas assumed power in a coup in 1930, governing as an autocrat, modernizer and centralizer until 1945, and once again as an elected president from 1950 to 1954. With the 3 restoration of democracy the post-war period was a hopeful time, symbolized by president Juscelino Kubitchek’s building of a new capital at Brasilia, inaugurated in 1960. But the era also saw the beginning of a chronic struggle with inflation, and the military again seized power in 1964, bringing some economic stability but ruthlessly repressing dissent. Civilian rule resumed in 1985. The first elected president of the era, Fernando Collor, was a disaster, leaving office under corruption allegations in 1992. Electoral democracy has since stabilized. 4 Trip Preparation Arrival and Entry Formalities: All travelers are required to have in their possession a valid passport for entrance into Brazil. *All U.S. Citizens require a visa to travel to Brazil, whether for business or tourism. U.S. Citizens must obtain a tourist visa prior to entering Brazil. Dress Code: The daily dress code is listed on the itinerary for each day. The dress code will depend on the daily activity. In general, visits to companies will require business casual dress. Follow these general guidelines: Business Formal Ties, jackets and slacks for men, pants/business suit or other formal business attire for women Business casual Khakis and button down shirts for men, slacks or skirt and blouse for women Casual Jeans and athletic shoes may be worn 5 Climate: RIO DE JANEIRO Although Rio de Janeiro is generally tropical, hot, and humid, the climate is strongly affected by its topography, its proximity to the ocean, and the shape of the Southern Cone of South America. Along the coast, the breeze, blowing alternately onshore and offshore, moderates the temperature. Daily temperatures in March range from an average low of 73.9º (F) rising to an average of 84.9º (F) in the afternoon. Average Temperature Relative Precipitation Month Average °C (F) Humidity (mm) Min Max % mm Feb. 23.5 (74.3) 30.2 (86.4) 79.0 130.4 Mar. 23.3 (73.9) 29.4 (84.9) 80.0 135.8 Apr. 21.9 (71.4) 27.8 (82.0) 80.0 94.9 Language: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. However English will be used during all tours and meetings. English is not commonly spoken on the street. 6 Useful Information Transportation For transportation not included in the schedule, you may ask the hotel concierge or Southbridge Access to arrange for a taxi service Currency and Banking Brazil’s official currency is the Brazilian Real. As of February 2015, the exchange rate is approximately 2.65 Brazilian Real’s per U.S. Dollar. Most internationally recognized currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and foreign exchange agencies. Brazilian banks are typically open Monday through Friday 10:00-16:00. Credit Cards Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and major shops. Exchange rates for credit cards are fair; however, foreign transaction fees typically apply (usually between 1-3%). It is highly recommended that you alert your credit card company that you will be traveling; otherwise your transactions may be blocked when you attempt to use your card in Brazil. Automatic Teller Machines Southbridge Access recommends using ATMs to withdraw local currency from your bank. ATM’s in Brazil are common, and most honor networks such as Cirrus, Visa, PlUS, and Maestro. Money Exchange Money may be exchanged at the airport or at any established "Casa de Cambio" (Money Exchange) at market driven exchange rates. Centers for money exchange are common in the downtown areas of Rio de Janeiro, hotels, and shopping centers. Please note that airport rates are generally more expensive than other locations. Traveler’s Checks Southbridge Access does not recommend the use of traveler’s checks. Traveler’s checks are becoming increasingly more difficult to use, and are no longer a necessary precaution thanks to the increased access to ATMs and money exchange services. Mobile Telephones Triband GSM mobile phones are able to roam within the Movistar, Vivo or Claro GSM Networks using the same mobile number. Compatible SIM cards can be purchased upon arrival. We recommend checking with your local service provider regarding the use of your mobile phone in Brazil if you plan to use your phone during your visit. Electric Supply The power supply at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro is 110 volts. Please be careful to ensure your electronic device is plugged into a socket that is set to 110 volts. While laptop computers and mobile phone devices generally have built-in transformers and would not be affected; Hairdryers, electric razors, and other electronic devices may result in an electrical malfunction if plugged into a 220 volt socket. 7 Time Difference: Please use the link provided to access the local time in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro: http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_BR-RJ.aspx Water The water supply in Rio de Janeiro is potable and relatively safe to drink. However, to avoid any complications, Southbridge Access recommends bottled water, which can be purchased from the hotels, supermarkets, or sidewalk kiosks. Goods and Services Tax In Brazil the prices of goods and services generally include sales tax. Tipping It is customary to tip at restaurants and bars in Rio de Janeiro. In case of Brazil is almost always included in the bill. Therefore, when paying with credit card, the waiter will often ask if you would like to include tip. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. Bargaining for Goods and Services Unlike many Latin American countries, bargaining is not common practice in Brazil. However, it is sometimes possible to bargain in the local artisan markets for small discounts.
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