Language

Portuguese is the national language, however, the accent and intonation are quite different from what we listen to in Portugal and other ancient Portuguese colonies. There are many Brazilian descendants from German and Italian-speaking immigrants, particularly in the Southern cities of the country. The majority of the people understand Spanish. In the tourism industry, English is the most used language, such as at hotels and airports.

 

Currency

The Brazilian monetary unit is Real (R$). Most establishments allow the use of credit cards. For more information on quotations regarding foreign currencies, access: www.bcb.gov.br/?ENGLISH.

 

Time Zone

Due its continental dimension, Brazil has 3 time zones. São Paulo adopts Brasília time (less three hours in relation to Greenwich). The city is subjected to daylight saving time between October and February when watches go forward in one hour.

 

Weather

The weather is predominantly tropical with a few variations as each region. Annual average temperature is 28°C North and 22°C South.

 

Airports

Before going to a trip, access the website www.infraero.gov.br. There you can find information to arrange your air travel. This website shows tips on baggage, timetables, documents, facilities, airport services, among others.

The city of São Paulo is provided with two commercial airports: Congonhas, placed in the urban grid of the city and focused exclusively on home flights, and the Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos – Governador André Franco Montoro, approximately 25km from downtown and focused on international and home flights.

 

Taxi

Tourists may select the common taxi which is found easily on the streets, or by radio taxi service. It is recommended to give priority to registered tax in airports and break points near to hotels. It is not a habit to give tip for taxi drivers but it is common to round the total value to be paid as an allowance.

 

Security

As an every huge city, it is important to take into consideration personal security. Therefore, do not leave your belongings and prevent yourself to carry laptops, cameras, and electronic devices while on the streets. Emergency numbers as follows:

·         190 – Military Police

·         197 – Civil Police

·         193 – Fire Brigade

 

Telephone System

For international calls, dial: 00 + code of the operator* + code of the country + code of the area (e.g. 21 for Lisbon) + destination phone number. For international collect calls, dial 08007032111.

 

*Main Operators:

·         Brasil Telecom 14

·         Embratel 21

·         CTBC 34

·         GVT 25

·         Intelig 23

·         Telefônica 15

·         Telemar 31

 

Codes of the most visited cities in Brazil:

·         São Paulo: 11

·         Rio de Janeiro: 21

·         Salvador: 71

·         Manaus: 92

·         Foz do Iguaçu: 45

·         Belo Horizonte: 31

·         Brasília: 61

 

Vaccination

Resident travelers or those who have been in the following listed countries for the last 3 months before arriving in Brazil have to be given vaccine against yellow fever. International Certificate against yellow fever should be presented in arriving Brazil. Republic of Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Republic of Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Gabon, Republic of the Gambia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Guinea-Bissau, French Guiana, Republic of Liberia, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Peru, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Sierra Leone, Sudan, Venezuela and Zaire..

Full and update information can be found on the website:

http://www.anvisa.gov.br/eng/pab/travelers/index.htm

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/home.htm

 

Anti-smoking Law

Following an international trend of smoking restriction adopted in cities such as New York, London, Paris and Buenos Aires, the State of São Paulo has an anti-smoking law. The new law text prohibits cigarette or tobacco by-products in common use environments, either public or private, total or partly closed, in the whole State. Bar and restaurants internal areas, nightclubs, labor environments, taxi and common closed areas of condominiums are among the prohibition places. The cigarette remains as authorized in public roads and open-air areas. Soccer stadiums are authorized as well as hotel and lodgings, yet.

 

Electricity

There are differences in the electrical current regime in Brazil. Find out about tension before turning on some electric device. An adapter is essential for some electrical devices.

 

Tips

Most restaurants and bars include in the account a non-mandatory service tax for 10%. It is a habit to receiving this inclusion of 10%, or even let a bit more if the service is considered as satisfactory.

 

Credit Cards

The main credit cards are accepted in Brazil, particularly in São Paulo. Visa, MasterCard, Diners, and American Express flags are present in almost commercial stores.

 

VISA Information

The visa is a federal authorization for a foreigner to enter Brazil. For most countries, is issued only abroad, but for some, the entry and residence of the visitor in Brazilian territory is authorized for a specified period, defined according to the purpose of the trip.

Visas are granted to foreigners who come to Brazil because of diplomatic trips, officers, tourism, visits to friends and family, business, participation in sport and artistic events, and attending seminars and conferences.

The foreign visitor must complete Form Visa Application – available in Portuguese, Spanish, French and English – individually, or even tourists take a minor, this must complete their own form. And if you come to Brazil without their parents or guardians, the under 18 must have a permit with the signatures of both.

The application for a visa to enter Brazil can be done at any Brazilian consulate abroad. It is required to pay a fee, which varies with the type of visa requested and the time that tourists stay in the country