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

Iguazu Falls is a safe destination for tourists, especially in well-travelled areas and within the park. The Triple Frontier area has a reputation for smuggling and organised crime. Law enforcement is a precarious task, as most of the misdeeds involve border crossings. Tourists are urged to guard against pickpockets in this area, especially when crossing the Friendship Bridge to Paraguay. A high unemployment rate has resulted in slums along the Parana River, an area best avoided by visitors.

Usually 220V, 60 hertz, round two-pin plug

In the event of a medical emergency, tourists are advised to make use of private medical facilities which are generally superior to public hospitals. Within the park and in major tourist areas, hygiene and sanitation levels meet modern standards. Bottled water is preferable to tap water even though the latter is touted as safe to drink. Tourists must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever while arranging their visas as this and other tropical diseases exist in the countryside.

Emergency services: 192
Costa Cavalcanti private hospital: +55 47 576 8000

The national language of Brazil is Portuguese, with English spoken by those in the tourist trade.

Brazil uses the real, and cash and correct change is useful when travelling outside of major cities.

Visitors to Brazil 18 years of age and older may import the following without paying duty: two litres of spirits, wine or beer; 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars; a modest amount of perfume; and total merchandise not valued higher than 1,000 real.

Greetings in Brazil consist of a handshake in formal situations, or a light kiss on each cheek under less formal circumstances. Brazilians are hands-on, not afraid to initiate friendly hands-on contact even with strangers. Social conventions are a bit more conservative here than in the north, but tourists can still feel free to dress comfortably while sightseeing. When dining out, remember that eating with your hands (even finger foods) is frowned upon.

Nationals of EU countries can enter Brazil without a visa, but visitors from North America, Australia and New Zealand must arrange a tourist visa in advance. Tourists may stay for up ton 90 days, with extensions available through the Policia Federal local office. Those who qualify for a visa upon arrival must travel on a return ticket.

Visitors to Iguazu Falls will find the Visitor Centre within the national park. 
Phone: +55 45 3521 4400