BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS:
Visas
Brazil has a "reciprocal visa policy," which means that it requires visas of citizens from countries that require visas of Brazilians. Americans, Canadians, Australians, and New Zealand citizens all need visas (UK citizens do not) which can be obtained by applying at Brazilian embassies and consulates. Visas are valid up to 90 days before your arrival, then another 90 once you have arrived. If your visa expires while you are there, you can renew it for another 90 days.
Vaccines
Brazil requires all visitors to be vaccinated for yellow fever.
Currency
The Brazilian currency, the Real, fluctuates widely. At the time of this content was created, the exchange rate was approximately 1.15 reales to the dollar.
Language
Portuguese is Brazil's native language
Water
It is recommended that visitors drink bottled water
Business
Shops and most offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 am. to 6 p.m. and from 9 am to 1pm on Saturday. Banks are open on Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:00pm. Most shopping centers and malls remain open until 10pm. Many pharmacies and small stores are also open on Sunday.
Time Zones
There are four time zones in Brazil.
Electric Current
110 or 120 volts
Brazil Communications
Telephone: Full IDD services are available for the whole country and abroad. Country code: 55. Outgoing international code: 00. Embratel is one of the main telecommunication services in Brasil (.br). Offices of Embratel are in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Rio's airport provides 24-hour telecommunication services. Public telephones take telephone cards (cartões telefônicos) most of which cost R$20. Some older telephones may require metal discs (fichas), which can be obtained from cash desks or newspaper kiosks. International calls from Brazil are expensive: to the UK, the rate is approximately US$3 per minute, to the USA and Canada it is approximately US$2.50 per minute. 25 per cent cheaper calls can be made daily from 2000-0500.
Mobile telephone: US-style analogue and digital networks exist. There are many different network providers, including TCO and Americel . GSM 1800 networks have recently been established. Main operators include Oi .
Fax: Facilities are available in the main post offices of major cities and some 5-star hotels.
Internet: ISPs include Terra . Hotels generally provide Internet access to guests. Internet cafes can be found in main towns and cities, and there are often Internet booths at airports. In smaller towns, public access is sometimes available at post offices.
Telegram: International telegram facilities exist in many cities but are heavily taxed.
Post: Services are reasonably reliable. Sending mail registered or franked will eliminate the risk of having the stamps steamed off. Airmail service to Europe takes 4 to 6 days. Surface mail takes at least 4 weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1300.
Press: The only English newspaper is The Brazil Herald in Rio de Janeiro. Also in Rio de Janeiro there is an English-language publication, the Rio Visitor, which gives tourist information. The Brazil Post is a global news service providing information on the latest stories and current affairs in Brazil . International magazines and newspapers are also available throughout the country.
Radio: BBC World Service and Voice of America can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. |
