Banks: 10.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday; 08.00 to 12.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 08.30 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday; some offices close at 16.30 on Fridays
Business Centres: 08.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 19.00, Monday to Saturday

Unfortunately crime and violence are common in Fortaleza but visitors can reduce their chances of encounters with either by remaining vigilant at all times and using a little common sense. Be especially careful when going out at night and steer well clear of the favelas, which are the city’s slum areas. Terrorism has been something of a concern in the past, so it’s wise for prospective visitors to check the situation with their own government’s foreign office before booking a trip.

110V, 60Hz, plugs come with two pins, in both flat and round varieties

Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for all visitors, while rabies shots are advisable for anyone intending on close contact with animals. Dengue fever is a problem, especially in the wet season, and all visitors should apply insect repellent both day and night to protect against mosquitoes that might carry the disease. Free emergency medical treatment is available to all visitors and is of a reasonably high standard.

Fortaleza General Hospital: +55 85 3488 2800
Emergency services: 190/192/193 (police/ambulance/fire brigade)

The national language of Brazil is Portuguese.

Brazil uses the real as its currency with R$1 equal to 100 centavos.

Adult visitors may bring two litres of alcoholic drink and 400 cigarettes plus 250 grams of loose tobacco and 25 cigars. Gifts and other duty free goods are allowed, up to US$300 in value.

Greetings between strangers are generally accompanied with a handshake, although women frequently exchange kisses on the cheeks. Hugs are acceptable between friends and close acquaintances. Smart dress is considered to say a lot about an individual’s character; in business situations it’s especially important. Beachwear is not considered acceptable attire in restaurants in the city centre.

Nationals of all EU countries except Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta, may enter Brazil for stays of up to 90 days on nothing more than a passport. The majority of other visitors need a tourist visa; these can be obtained from Brazilian embassies in major cities around the world.

The Fortaleza Tourist Office is located at Av Eng Santana Junior, 2.500 Lj.39 Fortaleza. Telephone enquiries can be made at: +55 85 3258 5888.