Banks: 10.00 to 18.30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday; 08.00 to 12.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 08.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 22.00, Monday to Saturday

Brazil’s reputation as a dangerous travel destination is largely a thing of the past. City officials have worked hard to step up enforcement in public areas, especially around beaches and other areas of tourism. As a well-tended resort community, Buzios is especially safe for travellers. 

Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings when visiting crowded beaches or transportation terminals, as pickpockets may work these areas. Stick to well-lit streets after dark, travelling in groups when possible and relying on metered taxis for longer journeys after nightfall.

110V, 60 Hertz, plugs have two flat blade or two round blades

Hygiene and sanitation in large cities and resorts like Buzios is up to modern standards. Tap water is touted as safe to drink though most tourists prefer to drink bottled water, which tastes better and is widely available. The primary health concerns facing visitors are dehydration and heat stroke, so be sure to pack plenty of water for those long days on the beach.

Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever occur in remote areas of the country though these are unheard of in Buzios. If you do happen to fall ill, the local pharmacy is a good place to start. Serious medical emergencies can be seen to in Rio de Janeiro.

Emergency services: 192
Clinica Buzios: +55 22 26232465

Brazilians speak Portuguese, with English and Spanish spoken in resorts like Buzios.

Brazilian currency is the real, with small banknotes important in little shops outside the resort. Banknotes come in denominations of R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50.

All visitors to Brazil over the age of 18 can carry in the following items duty-free: 25 cigars or 400 cigarettes; two litres of alcohol or spirits; perfume for personal use; and gifts and other merchandise not exceeding R$1,000 in value.

Brazilians are a hands-on people, not afraid to initiate physical contact during conversation, even when speaking with relative strangers. Greetings consist of a light kiss on each cheek or a handshake in formal situations. Eating on the move is frowned upon, so it is best to finish any snacks at restaurants before heading out for a walk. Locals have a relaxed attitude toward dress in larger cities and resorts, and string bikinis and Speedos abound on the more than 20 beaches around Buzios.

Nationals of EU countries (excluding France) can enter Brazil without a visa, though citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States must arrange a tourist visa in advance through a Brazilian embassy. Tourist visas are good for a period of 90 days and can usually be extended for another three months through any branch of the Federal Police.

The most comprehensive source of tourist of information in the country is available through the Brazil Tourist Office (phone: +55 20 7629 6909). Locally, resort staff can provide a wealth of information on Buzios attractions.