Brasilia, Brazil Destination Guide

Overview of Brasilia Situated atop the Brazilian highlands, Brasilia is the country's purpose-built capital and seat of government. Most visitors pass through Brasilia International Airport, one of the continent's major transport hubs, without bothering to view the city. And, sadly, it's true that the city can't compete with the allure of Brazil's more mainstream destinations. Nevertheless, Brasilia is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a major drawcard for architecture aficionados, who come to marvel at its artistic layout and monumental modernist buildings. Designed to recreate a utopian city, Brasilia has been nicknamed 'ilha da fantasia' or 'Fantasy Island'. The buildings serve as monuments to progress, technology and the promise of the future, and, against a backdrop of perpetually blue sky, their striking, bleached-white granite and concrete lines are wonderfully photogenic. Among the most famous of Brasilia's modernist structures are the Cathedral of Santuario Dom Bosco, the monolithic Palácio do Itamaraty, and the TV tower which, at 240 feet (72m), offers the best views in town. The famous Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer, designed all of the original city's buildings, while the urban planner, Lucio Costa, did the layout. The central city's intersecting Highway Axis makes it resemble an aeroplane when viewed from above. Getting around the city is easy and convenient, as there is excellent public transport, but walking is not usually an option given the vast distances between the picturesque landmarks. Brasilia is located 720 miles (1,160km) from Rio de Janeiro and 626 miles (1,007km) from Sao Paulo. As the only major inland city in this vast country, it's quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Still, visitors will find some worthwhile excursions outside the capital, with the long distances involved making for great overnight trips. Itiquira Falls is a 550 foot-high (168m) waterfall 60 miles (100km) from the city, while Caldas Novas, the world's largest natural hot springs resort, is found 220 miles (360km) southeast of Brasilia.

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 Brasilia Climate for Brasilia Brasilia has a tropical savannah climate, with fairly constant temperatures year-round. The average temperatures range between 63°F (17°C) and 81°F (27°C) most of the year, with slightly lower averages between May and September. There are fairly distinct wet and dry seasons, with rainfall far more plentiful between October and early April, and the cooler months between May and September markedly drier and a bit less humid.

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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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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Getting around in Brasilia, Brazil Brasilia is not a pedestrian-friendly city and walking is only recommended for very short distances. Hiring a car is a good and popular option, as the city's easy to navigate by car and traffic congestion is minimal compared to most of Brazil's big cities. The subway is not particularly useful for tourists as it's designed for commuters and mainly services outlying suburbs. But, it can be used to get to some hotels and shopping malls. The subway operates between 6am and 11.30pm on weekdays, and 7am and 7pm on weekends and holidays. Most travellers prefer to make use of the buses and taxis in Brasilia. Minibuses are particularly useful as they link the central, commercial area to most main avenues and the airport. Buses must be flagged down as they usually won't stop unless signalled. Taxis are relatively expensive, but are metered and reliable. They're difficult to hail on the street, but can easily be called from hotels or found at taxi stands.

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Attractions in Brasilia, Brazil

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Nightlife in Brasilia, Brazil

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Shopping in Brasilia, Brazil

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Dining in Brasilia, Brazil

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Airports in Brasilia Brasilia International Airport (BSB) Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport www.bsb.aero/en Location: Brasilia The airport is situated seven miles (12km) southwest of Brasilia. Time: GMT -3 (GMT -2 between the third Sunday in October and the third Sunday in February). Contacts: Tel: +55 (0)61 3364 9000. Transfer between terminals: A shuttle operates between the two terminals. Getting to the city: Buses and microbuses leave regularly from outside the terminal building for the main bus station in the city centre. However, taxis are generally the best option. Taxis are available 24-hours a day outside both terminals. Car rental: There is a range of car rental companies based at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Localiza, Movida, Unidas and a number of local companies. Airport Taxis: Taxis are available all day and night outside the terminal buildings. Facilities: The airport is clean and efficient. Facilities include banks and a bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, snack bars and bars, left-luggage facilities, shops, a children's area, a post office and a travel agent. The airport is also well equipped for the disabled. Parking: Parking is available within easy walking distance of the terminal.

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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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