Useful information
CLIMATE:
Because of its geographical location, seasons in Brazil are in the reverse period of the year (spring - September 22 to December 21; summer - December 22 to March 21; autumn - March 22 to June 21; winter - June 22 to September 21).
Coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro have tropical climates with warm temperatures offset by the constant sea breeze. While most of the country experiences no significant seasonal variation because it lies within the tropics, in the Southern region temperatures during winter can drop below freezing.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT:
Voltage is not standard throughout the country. Most cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Manaus, Salvador, use 110/127V electricity. Brasília, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Recife, and São Luis use 220V electricity.
CURRENCY:
The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (R$) (pronounced Rey owl). Cash and traveller’s checks are easily exchanged at hotel cashiers, banks, and travel agencies. Most hotels and shops accept foreign currency and international credit cards.
RENTAL CARS AND TAXIS:
Chauffeured or self-driven rental cars are available at all major airports and in most large cities. Taxis are plentiful in most cities throughout Brazil. Regular metered taxis can be hailed on the street. The taximeter will show the exact fare to be paid (fares are indicated in Brazilian currency: R$ - Real). Radio dispatched taxis can be called by telephone. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, although the common practice is to tell the driver to "keep the change".
BUSINESS HOURS:
Most shops in Brazil open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. Shopping centres stay open as late as 10:00 p.m., including on Saturdays, and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and most of the holidays. Banks open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in most parts of the country, with slight regional variations.
TRANSPORT AND SAFETY:
Exploring a new city is always fun and exciting, but here are a few words to the wise to make sure your stay at Rio stays that way.
Firstly, on transport!
The conference shuttle bus will there to pick you up from the hotels listed on our website, under accommodation.
Rio has an underground public transport, which is as wonderful as it is small. If you get the chance do give it a try. Above the underground, Rio is connected via a grid of bus lines (usually more than one operator is available on any given line- we suggest the more expensive options, if for no other reason, than for the AC).
Last but not least, the taxi network is a good way of getting from point A to point B.
Secondly, on Security!
Rio has a few rules that every seasoned visitor will tell you;
Enjoy your time, take a moment to experience the city, see the sights, talk to the locals!
