RIO
DE JANEIRO
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Rio
is beauty of itself, 50 miles (90 Km) of beaches,
towering mountains, or the mountain greenery that
so spectacularly links the high ground to the sea.
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People
Rio
de Janeiro has a population approximately 11 million.
Language
The
national language is Portuguese, with English as the second
language widely taught in schools.
Brazilian Portuguese varies from European Portuguese including
pronunciation and vocabulary. Some aspects of Brazilian Portuguese
pronunciation might seem unusual to native English Speakers.
The use of nasalize vowels. Nasalized vowels are indicated in
spelling by a following "m" or "n" or by
"~" over the vowel.
English words of Brazilian Portuguese origin include cashew,
ipecac, macaw, petunia, piranha, tapioca and toucan.
Basic
words and phrases in Brazilian Portuguese
Travelers
checks / Credit cards
Cash
and traveler checks, can be exchanged at most banks or exchange
stores as well as the major hotels.
US dollar travelers checks can be conveniently cashed at all
provincial banks and authorized money changers.
Major international credit cards, such as American Express,
Diners Club, VISA or Master Charge are accepted by major banks,
restaurants, hotels and shops.
Currency
Real
(R$) is the Brazilian monetary currency since July 1, 1994
Exchange facilities for cash and traveler cheques are available
in banks, hotels, and foreign exchange stores located in tourists
areas.
Check
the actual currency exchange rates
Business
Hours
Most
offices are open from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., Monday through Friday.
Stores are open from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., Monday through Friday
and from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Saturday. Most of the large
shopping centers such as Rio Sul and Barra shopping are open
Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M and Sunday from
12 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Banks
provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday
from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M., except public and bank holidays.
Climate
Tropical
to semi-tropical. Spring and summer clothes generally suitable.
Seasons reversed from northern hemisphere.
| Spring |
September
22 to December 21 |
| Summer |
December
22 to March 21 |
| Autumn |
March
22 to June 21 |
| Winter |
June
22 to September 21 |
Weather
in Brazil
Clothing
Rio's
tropical weather makes light summer clothing most practical,
especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Most restaurants
and nightspots are not restrictive on the dress code - polo
shirts, t-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses and skirts, sun dresses
and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Although some establishments
require formal wear for the evening, suits and evening dresses
will never be out of place in Rio's trendy night-spots. It is
always advisible to ring up beforehand to check on dress regulations,
if any.
Time
Zone
One
hour difference ahead to New York when daylight savings time,
3 hour difference ahead to New York when standard time.
Visas
Visitors
from certain foreign countries will require a visa which is
usually processed within 2 working days by applying to the
nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
Requirements for a tourist visa include a passport valid for
at least 6 months, one passport-sized photograph and a round-trip
ticket.
Airport
Rio's
international airport itself is conveniently located on Ilha
do Governador which has excellent access to Rio's south zone
where most of the major hotels are located. The airport is served
by 28 international carriers.
| International
Airport |
(55
21)3398-4526, 398-4527 |
| Domestic
Airport |
(55
21)2210-2457 |
- Airport
Tax
- Outgoing
passengers on international flights from Rio de Janeiro's
airport must pay US$36.
Electricity
in Rio de Janeiro operates exclusively on 110 Volt or 120 Volt,
60 cycles.
Useful
Telephone Numbers
Blame
It On Rio 4 Travel |
3813-5510 |
| Ambulance
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192
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| Federal
Highway Police |
3371-8011
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| International
Operator |
000-111
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| Long
Distance Operator |
101
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| Phone
number information |
102
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| Police
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190
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| Rio
de Janeiro Tourism Authority |
2217-7575
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| Telegram
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135
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| Tourist
Services Center |
2541-7522,
2542-8004, 2542-8080 |
Sightseeing
Corcovado
(Christ the Redeemer statue)
The most memorable attraction
in Rio de Janeiro, standing over Rio on top of Corcovado mountain.
From there you can see all of Rio-Guanabara Bay, Yacht Club,
Sugar Loaf, the south zone with the Jockey Club, Botanical Gardens,
and the Atlantic Ocean and beaches.
513 Rua Cosme Velho (Cosme Velho).
Tel (21) 2558-1329
Tijuca
National Park
Tijuca National Park is
the largest urban natural park in the world.
Tourist
Sights in Tijuca Forest
The Chinese Lookout with
views of Ipanema, Corcovado, Leblon and south beaches.
Sugar
Loaf
The second most sought-after
landmark in Rio de Janeiro, a huge granite rock rising form
the entrance to the bay, reached by cable car. The cable cars
is open daily from 8 A.M. to 10 P.M.
520 Avenida Pasteur (Praia Vermelha)
Tel. (21)2541-3737
Botanical
Garden
The 340 acres containing
trees and plants from around the world and Brazil. When you
are in the center of the gardens, look up, you will see Corcovado
mountain.
The Botanical Gardens open daily from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
The main entrance is located at 1008 Rua Jardim Botanico.
Tourist
Organizations
Brazilian
Tourist Authority
174 Rua Uruguaiana, 8th floor
(Downtown)
Tel: 2509-6017, Fax: 2509-7381.
City
of Rio de Janeiro Tourist Authority
10 Rua da Assembleia, 9th floor
(Downtown)
Tel: 2542-8080, Fax: 2531-1872.
Rio
Convention and Visitors Bureau
547 Rua Visconde de Piraja,
6th floor (Ipanema)
Tel: 2259-6165, Fax: 511-2592.
State of Rio de Janeiro
Tourist Board
10 Rua da Assembleia, 7th and 8th floor (Downtown)
Fax: 2531-1898.
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