Banks: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday; 08.00 to 12.00 Saturdays
Government Offices: 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 14.00 Saturdays

A survey conducted in 2005 found that Natal was the safest capital city in Brazil. This place is no Rio or Sao Paulo, so visitors can rest assured that they will have little of the crime dilemma that plagues Brazil’s larger cities. The police are out in full force in Natal, which is probably why crime against foreigners here is so low. However, the Forte dos Reis Magos has had some theft and assault problems along Praia Forte, so be careful. Also be alert if you venture down beaches that are outside the public realm of scrutiny.

Police: 190

100 to 240V, 50 to 60Hz; Brazilian plugs typically have three prongs: two round and one flat. It’s advised to bring a universal plug adapter to Natal.

The water is fairly clean in Natal, but it’s recommended that you stick with bottled water for all drinking needs. The restaurants in the city are reliably sanitary thanks to the government-run Sanitary Agency, which is very active and keeps things safe behind the counters. In fact, Brazilian law allows tourists to inspect the kitchen of any restaurant if they so desire. There is no need for special vaccinations to visit Natal, but if you have prescription medicine you’ll need your prescription as the drug stores are strict.

Natal has several public and private hospitals, but the private ones are considered to be better for foreigners. Either way, it is common to wait a long time to get treated at either kind of hospital, and specialists aren’t always available at the private ones. If you have an unusual emergency, it may be better to go to a public hospital, as they are required to keep all specialists on staff 24 hours a day.

Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel Hospital: +55 84 3201 9727
Emergency services: 193

People in Natal speak Portuguese, though workers in the tourism industry may speak English or other common global languages.

Brazil uses the real (R$) as its national currency. There are 100 centavos in a real. Notes come in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in denominations of R$1, as well as 50, 25, 10, five and one centavos.

All visitors over the age of 18 may bring 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars, two litres of alcohol, and a range of gifts with a value not exceeding US$500 without incurring a duty tax.

Brazilians are passionate people who love life and enjoy it to the fullest. This zeal puts off a lot of foreigners, especially when they are being constantly interrupted during a conversation. These interruptions, however, are merely a sign of enthusiasm, so try and rev yourself up to their energy level.

Brazilians also have a different perspective on personal space, so expect lots of close encounters. Men and women often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek depending on the status of those involved, but handshakes are the norm between men. Saving face is important for Brazilians, so don’t embarrass or show disrespect to a local in public. Also, remember that the ‘okay’ sign with thumb and forefinger is an obscene gesture here.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand and EU passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Brazil, but their passport must be valid for at least six months and a return ticket is often asked to be seen. Citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need to apply for a visa before arriving in Brazil. A standard single-entry visa valid for a 90-day stay can be applied for at any Brazilian consulate and takes about two weeks to process.

Citizens of all other countries will likely need a visa beforehand to enter Brazil, so check with your local consulate for the requirements. When you enter Brazil, you’ll receive an entry card. Do not lose this card or you’ll face a fine and a big hassle when you try to depart.

There is a branch of the tourism office at Natal’s airport, and a main branch downtown that is open daily from 09.00 to 17.00.

Centro de Turismo
Rua Aderbal de Figueiredo 980
Petropolis
Phone: +55 84 3211 6149.