Brazil Destination Guide

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Overview of Brazil The gorgeous weather, perpetual party atmosphere and stunning natural wonders of the South American country combine to create the exuberant and passionate fabric of Brazilian culture. The long-lasting impression of visitors to the country, besides the unrivalled scenery, is of a carefree and colourful people, dancing and celebrating in street parades and carnivals. Tourists descending on the country's exciting cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janeiro, can enjoy five-star hotels, pristine beaches and a bustling nightlife. While most visit for the tropical glamour, some choose to go on tours of the impoverished favela townships, with meals and overnight stays becoming increasingly popular as tourists have begun to explore these (safer) neighbourhoods for an authentic Brazilian experience. With booming mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors, Brazil has the highest GDP in Latin America and is expected to be one of the world's dominant economies by the middle of the century. Brazil also caters well for business tourism and is a favoured destination for conventions, congresses and expos, particularly the city of São Paulo, which is the country's largest city and the business capital of Brazil. Being so vast, Brazil is home to a variety of cultures and topographies: from the Amazon, Pantanal rainforests and secluded mountain towns of Minas Gerais to the urban jungle of São Paulo, and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Every experience results in an exotic and exciting Latin American holiday destination where the common denominators are samba, sunshine and soccer.

Key Facts

Language: The spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, however Spanish and English are also used in the cities. Passport/Visa: All visitors require passports that are valid for at least the period of intended stay in Brazil but we strongly recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended date of travel. Border control may well deny entry to holders of passports valid for the period of intended stay. Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil, as well as a return or onward ticket and documentation required for further travel, are necessary for all travellers. Visa requirements vary from country to country. Currency: The Brazilian currency is the Real (BRL). The US Dollar is also welcome in most tourist establishments. In the main cities, foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or cambios. There is an extensive network of ATMs in the country and most major international credit cards are accepted. Electricity: Brazil has a variety of electrical voltages, sometimes within the same city. The better hotels offer 220 volts, 60Hz. If not, transformers are available in electrical stores. Two-pin plugs with a grounding pin are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Brazil Overview The attractions of Brazil are delightfully varied, from the endless cultural intrigue of São Paulo to the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro. But the natural wonders are no less enticing, with the Amazon and Pantanal rainforests offering plenty of opportunities to experience its breathtaking scenery and fascinating local cultures. Every year, thousands flock to the world-famous Carnival in Rio, when the entire city is awash in parties, parades, music and dancing. Rio also features the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which is one of the New7Wonders of the World, and the architectural wonder that is Samba City. The mild climate of the major cities makes them an attractive destination all year round, with the coastal areas being even warmer and suited to year-round sunbathing. Brazil's major cities are known for their wild nightlife, with enough bars, clubs and parties to satisfy even the most hedonistic revellers. Brazil's beaches are just as famous, with spots such as Ipanema and Copacabana immortalised in song and pop culture. There are several well-known nude beaches, including one in the relaxed town of Pinho. The southern beaches, including Praia Do Rosa, offer big waves that attract top surfers from all over the world between April and November. There are also many popular scuba diving spots that boast beautiful coral reefs, volcanic islands, caves and shipwrecks. Brazil is a huge country, and over half of it is verdant rainforest. The Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, covers a jaw-dropping seven million square kilometres and is a wildlife and bird watching paradise, home to countless species of plants and animals you won't find anywhere else on Earth. The pink dolphin, for example, is only found in the Amazon and its tributaries. You might also find jaguars, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and anacondas, among many other creatures. The marine world off the coast of Brazil is no less wonderful. Dolphin and whale watching are popular in places such as Fernando de Noronha, and snorkelling in Bonito, which fittingly means 'beautiful', is an absolute delight. Praia do Forte and other beaches are also good places to witness the hatching of sea turtles. Climate in Brazil Brazil's weather is quite diverse as there are five different climatic regions: equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. Cities such as São Paulo and Brasilia, on the plateau, have a mild climate with temperatures averaging 66°F (19°C). Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Natal and Salvador on the coast have warmer climates balanced by the Trade Winds. Rio, for example, has an average temperature of around 80°F (26°C), which will climb to over 100°F (38°C) during the summer months, between December and February. In the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba, the subtropical climate is similar to parts of the US and Europe, with frosts occurring in the winter months, between July and August, when temperatures can fall below freezing. Summers are hot, though. Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures rarely rise above 90°F (32°C), and days are generally warm, wet, and humid. The region has two seasons: a rainy season (November to May) and a not-so-rainy season (June to October). Health Notes when travelling to Brazil Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent in Brazil, so insect repellent and protective clothing is essential if visitors will be travelling to the countryside. Malaria exists below 2,953 feet (900m) in most rural areas, and outbreaks of dengue fever occur frequently. Visitors travelling from infected areas outside the country require a yellow fever certificate, and vaccination is recommended for those travelling to rural areas, as outbreaks have occurred in recent years. Typhoid vaccinations are recommended if travellers intend to spend a lot of time outside of major cities. Milk in rural areas is not pasteurised, so it's best to avoid it. Hospitals in the major cities are fairly good, with cash and card payments both acceptable and travel insurance common.

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Safety Notes when travelling to Brazil In Brazil's metropolitan areas, crime is a fact of life. Rio, in particular, is regarded as one of the most crime-ridden cities in the world and, although violent crime is generally limited to the favelas, foreigners are advised to take precautions. Visitors should not attempt to visit these township areas, even on a guided tour. Violent crime is on the increase due to the establishment of drug and criminal gangs around Rio and São Paulo. Muggings are frequent and visitors should dress down, conceal cameras and avoid wearing jewellery or expensive watches. Bank- and credit card fraud is common, including card cloning from ATMs, so tourists should keep sight of their card at all times and not use an ATM if they notice anything suspicious. Thefts are common on public beaches and visitors should avoid taking valuables to the beach. The threat of personal attack is lower outside the main urban centres, but incidents do occur. Women should be aware that sexual assaults have been reported in coastal holiday destinations. Beware of unofficial taxis and those with blacked-out windows, and be particularly careful on public transport in Rio, Recife and Salvador. Customs in Brazil Brazil is a diverse cultural and ethnic melting pot, but most social customs will be familiar to visitors. As a result of three centuries of colonisation by the Portuguese, the Brazilian culture is actually recognisably European in many ways. Physical appearance is considered important by most Brazilians and care is taken to dress well but generally not too formally. Duty Free in Brazil Travellers to Brazil can enter the country with 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars; 24 units of alcoholic beverages, with a maximum of 12 units per type of beverage; and goods to the value of USD 500, without incurring customs duty. Restricted items include fresh produce, meat and dairy products. Strict regulations apply to temporary import or export of firearms, antiquities, tropical plants, medication and business equipment. Doing Business in Brazil Business practices vary quite substantially from city to city in Brazil: highly formal in São Paulo but more relaxed in Rio de Janeiro and other centres. Multinational companies have similar business etiquette to those in Europe or the US, while local businesses require a few more considerations, particularly preferring face-to-face meetings over phone calls or written communication. Brazilians place a high value on personal relationships within business environments and will generally only conduct business through personal connections or with those whom they have already established a personal relationship. Nepotism is considered not only acceptable but actually desirable, because it is seen as ensuring trust and good relationships in business. All meetings are preceded by handshakes and small talk, and visitors should avoid the temptation to rush things. Even after the meeting is over, it's considered rude to rush off. Entertaining is common, either at a restaurant or someone's home, again with the emphasis on building personal relationships. Punctuality is flexible, except when meeting at a restaurant, when tardiness is considered impolite, and a small gift or flowers for the host is common when invited to a home. Business suits are expected, especially for first meetings. Portuguese is the dominant language, and although English is widely spoken in business, an interpreter might be required. Business cards, as well as written documents, should be printed in both English and Portuguese. Business hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Communication in Brazil The international access code for Brazil is +55. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available in tourist centred areas. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Tipping in Brazil Nearly all hotels add a service charge to the bill, usually 10 percent. Most restaurants also add 10 percent or more to the total of the bill, but must make it clear that they have done so; waiters appreciate another five percent if their service was good. Otherwise, a 10 to 15 percent tip is customary. Brazilians don't normally tip taxi drivers, except if they handle bags, although they may round up the total. Hotel staff expect small tips, and most other service personnel such as barbers and petrol station attendants, are usually rewarded with a 10 to 15 percent tip. Parking attendants earn no wages and expect a tip of around two real.

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Passport/Visa Note All visitors require passports that are valid for at least the period of intended stay in Brazil but we strongly recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended date of travel. Border control may well deny entry to holders of passports valid for the period of intended stay. Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Brazil, as well as a return or onward ticket and documentation required for further travel, are necessary for all travellers. Visa requirements vary from country to country. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: Passports must be valid for six months beyond the departure date. Tourists can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Passports must be valid for six months beyond the departure date. Tourists can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: A valid passport is required. UK passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians: Passports must be valid for six months beyond the departure date. Tourists can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals need a valid passport, but do not require a tourist or business visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders need a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans: A valid passport is needed, but no visa is required by South African nationals for up to 90 days.

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Tourist Offices Brazilian Tourist Institute, Brasília: +61 429 7704 or [email protected]

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Brazil Embassies In the United States: Brazilian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 238 2700

In Canada: Brazilian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 1090.

In the United Kingdom: Brazilian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7747 4500

In Australia: Brazilian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 2372.

In Ireland: Brazilian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 475 6000.

In New Zealand: Brazilian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 3516.

In South Africa: Brazilian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 366 5200.

Foreign Embassies in Brazil American Embassy United States Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3312 7000.

Canadian Embassy Canadian Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3424 5400.

British Embassy British Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3329 2300.

Australian Embassy Australian Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3226 3111.

Irish Embassy Irish Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3248 8800.

New Zealand Embassy New Zealand Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3248 9900.

South African Embassy South African Embassy, Brasilia: +55 (61) 3312 9500.

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Currency The Brazilian currency is the Real (BRL). The US Dollar is also welcome in most tourist establishments. In the main cities, foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or cambios. There is an extensive network of ATMs in the country and most major international credit cards are accepted.

Exchange rate for 1 BRL - Brazilian Real 0.28 BMD 0.25 EUR 0.28 USD 0.19 GBP 30.30 JPY 0.36 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.28 CHF 0.38 AUD 6.99 UAH 93.95 KZT 418.95 LBP 0.20 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 1.91 BOB 30.01 NPR 0.11 OMR 1.01 QAR 0.38 SGD 2.31 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 1.84 TTD 2.78 VEF 12.75 DOP 1.87 HRK 5.18 MXN 163.12 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.88 PGK 0.28 BSD 0.59 FJD 6.30 HNL 30.75 DZD 331.44 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 3.11 BWP 0.94 PEN 192.95 CLP 133.01 AMD 6.73 CZK 5.56 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 34.58 ISK 817.60 UZS 1.07 ILS 0.20 JOD 0.08 KWD 8.72 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 9.88 MUR 7.93 NIO 2.32 NOK 1.09 PLN 1.04 SAR 40.62 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 9.91 THB 1.02 AED 1.13 RON 2.16 HKD 163.49 XAF 6,252.77 VND Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 3.88 ARS 0.75 XCD 2.18 GTQ 2.72 MAD 0.10 BHD 0.28 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 0.42 AZN 867.42 COP 19.00 KGS 77.83 HUF 2.19 TJS 3,806.83 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 2.47 EGP 331.38 KRW 1,577.31 PYG 1.16 MYR 149.89 CRC 0.41 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 29.14 PKR 18.58 RUB 4.34 ZAR 0.59 TND 0.56 BBD 0.49 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 0.82 TRY 12.97 PHP 9.07 TWD 54.67 NGN 29.81 XPF 1.09 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 34.76 JMD 0.50 ANG 0.38 BND 30.76 RSD 1.83 CNY 5,536.03 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 1.85 DKK 0.96 TMT 18.71 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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Port of Call - Rio de Janeiro In the beautiful and vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, sprawling urban high rises contend with steep green hills and the long strip of sandy beach on the south coast of Brazil. One of the world's most famous attractions, standing guard over Rio de Janeiro, is the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, with equally impressive views from the cable car ride up to Sugar Loaf peak. Cruise ships berth at the commercial Pier Maua port, which can dock a number of cruise liners, all sharing the Emapa cruise passenger terminal. The port and cruise terminal are equipped with medical services, transportation options, and shops. The Rio de Janeiro port is across from the Praca Maua district and although travellers should be safe enough during the day or in groups, it is best not to walk the area at night.

Shopping in Rio de Janeiro

A number of standard shopping centres dot the city, but the most interesting finds are along Copacabana and Ipanema. Visiting one of the local weekend markets, like Feira Hippie de Ipanema or the Babilônia Hype Fair, is the best way to find local crafts. There is limited shopping at the port's passenger terminal. Best Buy: Gemstone jewellery

Dining in Rio de Janeiro

Paladino - Casual locals' haunt with generous portions. Olympe - French fine dining. Confeitaria Colombo - Charming colonial lunch venue. Best Dish: Feijoda (black bean dish)

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Overview of the Attractions in Brazil The attractions of Brazil are delightfully varied, from the endless cultural intrigue of São Paulo to the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro. But the natural wonders are no less enticing, with the Amazon and Pantanal rainforests offering plenty of opportunities to experience its breathtaking scenery and fascinating local cultures. Every year, thousands flock to the world-famous Carnival in Rio, when the entire city is awash in parties, parades, music and dancing. Rio also features the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which is one of the New7Wonders of the World, and the architectural wonder that is Samba City. The mild climate of the major cities makes them an attractive destination all year round, with the coastal areas being even warmer and suited to year-round sunbathing. Brazil's major cities are known for their wild nightlife, with enough bars, clubs and parties to satisfy even the most hedonistic revellers. Brazil's beaches are just as famous, with spots such as Ipanema and Copacabana immortalised in song and pop culture. There are several well-known nude beaches, including one in the relaxed town of Pinho. The southern beaches, including Praia Do Rosa, offer big waves that attract top surfers from all over the world between April and November. There are also many popular scuba diving spots that boast beautiful coral reefs, volcanic islands, caves and shipwrecks. Brazil is a huge country, and over half of it is verdant rainforest. The Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, covers a jaw-dropping seven million square kilometres and is a wildlife and bird watching paradise, home to countless species of plants and animals you won't find anywhere else on Earth. The pink dolphin, for example, is only found in the Amazon and its tributaries. You might also find jaguars, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and anacondas, among many other creatures. The marine world off the coast of Brazil is no less wonderful. Dolphin and whale watching are popular in places such as Fernando de Noronha, and snorkelling in Bonito, which fittingly means 'beautiful', is an absolute delight. Praia do Forte and other beaches are also good places to witness the hatching of sea turtles.

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Public Holidays in Brazil 2020 2021 New Year's Day Fri. January 1 Fri. January 1 Carnival / Mardi Gras Tue. February 23 to Wed. February 24 Mon. February 15 to Tue. February 16 Good Friday Sat. April 10 Fri. April 2 Tiradentes Day Wed. April 21 Wed. April 21 Labour Day Sat. May 1 Sat. May 1 Corpus Christi Fri. June 11 Thu. June 3 Independence Day Tue. September 7 Tue. September 7 Our Lady of Aparecida Tue. October 12 Tue. October 12 All Souls Day Tue. November 2 Tue. November 2 Proclamation of the Republic Mon. November 15 Mon. November 15 Christmas Day Sat. December 25 Sat. December 25

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