Banks: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (many with 24-hour access)
Post Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 19:00, weekdays, 09:00 to 14:00, Saturdays, closed Sunday
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

Rio has been largely cleaned up since the gang warfare days of the 1980s when muggings and crimes against visitors were extremely common. Nowadays there is a much larger police presence and most of the crime seems to occur in the shanty towns, known as favelas, and dimly-lit areas.

Common sense should tell you to keep off the beaches at night and also avoid the deserted areas at night. Take a taxi to your hotel from wherever you finish up on your night out, try not to walk around at night by yourself and refrain from wearing flashy jewellery and having large amounts of cash on you.

Electricity: 110V – major hotels also have 220 volts

The Brazilian currency is the Real, which is divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in 1 (green), 5 (blue/purple), 10 (red), 50 (brown), and 100 (blue) denominations, while coins are of similar size and hard to distinguish from one another: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos.

It is a good idea to arrive in Rio de Janeiro with some local currency although the international airport has bureaux de change and money can be exchanged in the city. Unlike other countries, exchanging money in Brazil at the local ‘cambio’ shops will generally reward you with better exchange rates than using a credit card at a cash machine, for instance.

Most banks in Rio have ATM machines that will accept international credit cards. Some banks allow 24-hour access to their cash machines, although doors are often locked. Using debit cards and credit cards is becoming increasingly popular when travelling abroad and receiving funds in the local currency. Although charges may mount up, you cannot beat the speed and efficiency of using your cards in this way.

Visitors are rarely hassled at customs in Brazil, although random checks could single out anyone in a given group and their luggage inspected. Personal items, such as cameras, laptop computers, and gifts are allowed to be brought in, but gifts worth more than US$500 must be declared. One good thing about flying into Rio or any other Brazilian international Airport is that passengers can do some duty-free shopping on arrival, unlike at most world airports. Passengers have an upper limit of $500, yet can spend their money on whatever they choose without restriction, be it cigarettes, liquor or chocolates, for example.

Brazilians are free-spirited and very friendly people with a love for life and especially family. Greetings and civilities are important and if you are at a party you should make sure you say hello and goodbye to everyone in the room. Women greet by kissing cheeks twice - one on each cheek – and a third kiss will signify that the lady is single.

Don’t be put off if your new found friends are touchy feely and seem to invade your personal space, as physical contact and standing close for the Brazilians is all part of their communication process - typically, the arms, elbows and back may be touched. Wiping hands signifies that it doesn’t matter, while clicking the tongue and shaking the head means the opposite, disagreement or disapproval.

Appearance is very important in everyday life in Brazil and Rio, especially at dinner. Smart and suave outfits for the gents and sexy dresses for the ladies are expected. Whatever the occasion, Brazilian women dress sexily, whether business or pleasure and foreigners would do well to follow suit or possibly be considered conservative. Wash your hands before eating and try not to touch your food; use cutlery for just about everything, even eating fruit. Using napkins while eating and drinking is proper and always cover your mouth if using a toothpick in public. Waiters should be beckoned with an upheld right index finger and a ‘Garçon’.

Tourists coming from countries where yellow fever is prevalent must be vaccinated against the disease, and be carrying an International Certificate of Vaccination to be presented to immigration on entry to Brazil. Some of these countries include: Angola, Colombia, French Guiana, Peru, and many other mainly African nations. Tourists who are also travelling to certain destinations in Brazil, such as the Amazon jungle, should also be vaccinated.

The quality of tap water has improved although it is best to drink bottled water to remain on the safe side. ‘Agua sem gas’ is still water, while ‘agua com gas’ is carbonated. There are several quality government and private hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, as well as numerous Western quality clinics and pharmacies in all the popular tourist areas. It is important to have a comprehensive travel insurance package which includes medical cover when visiting Rio.

Miguel Couto, Rua Bartolemeu Mitre 1108, Leblon
Tel: +55 212 274 6050

Although Portuguese is spoken, Brazilian Portuguese has evolved or devolved slightly from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal. Those who can speak Spanish will be able to get by as some of the words between the two languages are similar or the same. Many of the locals only speak a modicum of English so learning at least the greetings and civilities in Brazilian Portuguese will go a long way and is also respectful.

Many nationals do not require a visa to enter Brazil for 90 days. These include British citizens and holders of an EU passport. Passports, however, must be valid for at least six months on entry to Brazil and the bearer must have a return ticket. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US must obtain a visa to visit Brazil. Ninety-day visas take about two weeks to process.

The tourist board of Brazil is known as EMBRATUR and their website is loaded with useful and valid information on Rio de Janeiro. Visit their website at: www.embratur.gov.br.

The Municipal Tourist website of Rio de Janeiro is also a great source of information on the city covering everything from Rio’s top tourist attractions to festivals, events, and accommodation. Visit their website at: www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.