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| Entry
Requirements |
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A visa is required for many foreign visitors to Brazil. We recommend you contact your local Brazilian consulate for information concerning visa and any other pertinent requirements for entry to Brazil. Passports valid for at least six months from intended date of arrival are required for Brazil. |
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| Customs
Upon Arrival |
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| Foreign tourists traveling to Brazil
may bring US$ 500.00 of duty free items into the country. Besides
that, most Brazilian international airports, including Rio de Janeiro,
São Paulo and Manaus, offer arriving passengers the added advantage
of buying at its duty free another US$ 500.00 worth of imported articles
in the fairly well stocked duty free shop located inside the customs
area. |
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| Water |
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| Because of the high chemical content used
in purifying Rio's system, it is suggested that foreigners drink bottled
(mineral) water. Several brands (of both, carbonated and non-carbonated)
are available. |
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| Communications |
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| All parts of the world can be swiftly
contacted by telephone, e-mail or fax. A modern microwave communications
system connects the main cities of Brazil, nearly all of which are
equipped with DDS (direct dial system) as well as international direct
dialing. Most 5-star hotels have 2-line phones in all rooms with data
port. |
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| Tipping |
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| Service tips range from 10% to 15% and in restaurants
are often included in the bill as "serviço". The
Portuguese word for tip is "gorjeta". |
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| Office,
Banking & Shopping Hours |
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| Normal office and working hours are 9am to 6pm daily,
with some half days for street stores on Saturdays. Shopping centers
are open from 10am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 3pm
to 10pm on Sundays and holidays. Banks are open from 10am to 4pm,
Monday to Friday. |
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| Traffic |
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| As the newly arrived will quickly learn, traffic is
fast and bold and not always as gracious as one might wish. Caution
is required when crossing the streets, as pedestrians are not always
given the right of way. |
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| Eletricity |
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| The electric current in Rio is 110 volts, 60 cycles
AC, with the exception of the Inter-Continental Rio and the Sofitel
Rio hotels, where the electric current is 220 volts, 60 cycles AC.
Although the plug holes may look different, no plug adapter is normally
required. In other Brazilian cities, voltage may also vary depending
on the hotel. Those which only offer 220 volts 60 cycles AC, have
electricity converters available at no charge. |
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| Clothing |
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| Brazil is an informal and casual country. Jackets
and ties are not required anywhere, anytime. Sport clothes are the
norm. During our winter – June, July and August, a light jacket
or sweater may be advisable in the evenings, but only due to the weather. |
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| National
Holidays |
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« January 1st
« January 20th (in Rio de Janeiro only)
« Carnival week (4 days preceding Ash Wednesday)
« Good Friday (Easter Weekend)
« April 21st (Tiradentes – a Brazilian Hero)
« April 23rd (in Rio de Janeiro only)
« May 1st (Labor Day)
« Corpus Christi (variable date – between May and June)
« September 7th (Independence Day)
« October 12th (Religious feast
– Our Lady of Aparecida)
« November 2nd (All Soul's Day)
« November 15th (Republic Day)
« November 20th (in Rio de Janeiro only)
« December 25th (Christmas)
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