Do
you need a Tourist Visa?
Can
you say RECIPROCITY ??
It
seems that if a Country requires Brazilians to have a visa in order
to enter, Brazil will also require the citizens of that Country
to have a visa in order for them to enter Brazil
All
U.S. Citizens must have a valid Brazilian Tourist Visa in order
to enter Brazil.
For
information on how to obtain a Brazilian Tourist Visa, visit the
Brazilian Embassy Web Site at http://www.brasilemb.org click
on Consular Services and then click on Visas.
Citizens
of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, will also need a visa. You
cannot get a visa at the airport. If you do not have a valid visa,
your carrier will not even let you board the plane to Brazil. Again,
check with the Brazilian Embassy in your country in order to find
out if a tourist visa is required..
Most
citizens of South American countries can most likely enter Brazil
with just a photo I.D.. Most European citizens, will most likely
need only a passport in order to enter Brazil.
OK,
You're Finally in Rio, now what?
Most
planes arriving from outside of Brazil usually arrive at the International
Airport also known as (GIG).
First
stop Immigration: This should not be a problem if you have your
paperwork in order, or unless you are the last one in that long
line.
Second
stop: it’s off to the Luggage Carrousel, to retrieve your luggage
Last
Stop: Now it is time to make it through Customs.
Customs
officers usually don’t bother foreign visitors. They have a
green-light-red-light system of inspection. Green light you pass
right through. Red light, guess what......
If
you get a Red light don’t worry, keep cool and cooperate with
the Customs Officer. Be friendly, and helpful.. Your luggage will
most likely be opened or at least get X-rayed, and possibly even
sniffed by dogs.
Don’t
bring anything with you that will end you up in jail.
Getting
into Town:
Some
travelers choose to arrange to have a car meet them at the airport.
However, it is not necessary to make your arrangements in advance.
There are two taxi stands at the baggage claim area. The fares to
all parts of Rio are posted at the booths, and you pay in advance.
Also trustworthy are the white radio taxis parked in the same areas,
and they charge about 20% less. From the airport to the Hotel district
in Copacabana or Ipanema they charge a flat rate of around R$35-R$50.
Depending on the time you arrive and the traffic, your travel time
to Copacabana or Ipanema should be about 45 minutes.
Busses
called frescao run by Empresa Real or park curbside outside customs
at the airport and for about $5 US you can take the hour long trip
into the city. The busses follow the beachfront drives and stop
at all the hotels along the way. If your Hotel in inland the bus
driver will let you off at the nearest corner.
Your
First Impressions:
Your
first impressions of Rio might be a little disappointing. Don't
expect to see the gorgeous beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema when
you first walk out of the airport. As you leave the airport and
head to your hotel, you'll be tossed onto a massive, chaotic, not-so-scenic
urban roadway. But, by the time you reach breezy, sunny Avenida
Atlântica -- flanked on one side by white beach and azure
sea, and on the other by the pleasure-palace hotels that testify
to the city's eternal lure -- your heart will leap with expectation.
Now you're truly in Rio, where the 10 million wicked angels and
shimmering devils known as cariocas dwell.
What
to do about Money?
Brazilian
money is knows as the REAL, pronounced (hey·ALL), or the
plural REAIS, pronounced (hey·ICE).They come in R$100,
R$50, R$10, R$5 and R$1 bills.
Click
the Button to get today's exchange rate.
How
to bring your money:
Cash
Cash is always best. If you are worried about safety, wear a money
belt.. Once you are safely in your room you can put the money in
a safe place. A word of advice, never carry more cash than you will
need for the day.
Credit
Cards
Credit
Cards are used almost everywhere in Rio. Visa, Am Ex, and MasterCard
are widely accepted. If your credit card uses the Cirrus or the
Plus system, you can withdraw cash at ATM's.
Personal
Checks
Simple,
leave your check book at home.
Other
types of Currencies
US
Dollars get the best rates, period. You may bring other currencies
but you will get a poor exchange rate. Also, you may have to try
many different places before you find someone willing to take the
other currencies.
Traveler's
Checks
OK,
it's safe, but you will get a terrible exchange rate, and many currency
exchanges do not take them.
To
exchange them you may have to go to a Banco do Brasil, CitiBank
or an American Express branch...... However it may be a good idea
to bring some checks just for an emergency.
Need
to exchange money?
A
simple rule of thumb,. "When you exchange money, you lose money".
Try not to cash more than you need because the rate can change daily...
ATM's
with the Cirrus system is your best bet. They use the same exchange
rate that your credit card company will use back home. Cambios usually
found in travel agencies have currency exchange desks and offer
attractive rates. However they close on Saturday afternoon and do
not open again until Monday.
You
can exchange your money at major banks like Banco do Brasil or CitiBank.
Again there are long lines and you will have a problem on weekends.
Most
luxury hotels can exchange money, but often, they offer very low
rates. On weekends or after banking hours they are your only choice.
Do not exchange cash with strangers in the street..
Tipping:
At
restaurants a 10% tip is usually included. Give a little more only
if service was especially good.
Taxi
drivers do not expect big tips. Round up, or give an extra R$1 if
you are feeling especially generous. Bellboys and hotel maids expect
to get at least R$1. Barbers, hair stylists, masseurs, manicurists,
pedicurists and the like expect at least a 10% tip (at least R$1).
Tips to bartenders are not mandatory, but appreciated..
Safety
Issues:
Rio
de Janeiro is not the safest city in the world, however its reputation
as a very dangerous city is really unfair.
Rio
is divided into three sections: Zona Norte (North Zone), Zona Sul
(South Zone), and the "downtown" area that separates them,
called Centro. Centro is a sprawling collection of several districts
that contain the city's oldest neighborhoods, churches, and most
enchanting cafés. Except for some museums, churches, and
historical sights, most of the tourism activity is in the beach
- and hotel-laden Zona Sul.
Rio
has made a serious effort to curb crime within the city, and results
are starting to show. Along with its Federal and Military police
Rio has a new Corps of Municipal Guards patrolling it’s streets.
The Municipal guards do not carry guns and patrol on foot (usually
in groups of two or three), and also patrol on bicycle. They patrol
the South Side neighborhoods, and beaches like Arpoador, Copacabana,
Ipanema, Leme, and Leblon.
Basic
guidelines that should be followed on any trip.......
Do
not bring expensive jewelry or watches. All valuables, your passport
(Carry a photocopy of your passport, in case you are asked to show
some ID) and your airplane tickets should be left in your room,
if your room has a safe use it.
Do
not carry more cash than you need for the day. Most restaurants
and stores will accept plastic.
Carry
your wallet in your front pocket.
At
night, do not wander into dark or isolated areas, like Flamengo
Park, or Centro. Walk as if you know where you are going.
If
you have your expensive camera or camcorder, consider a Travelers
Insurance policy.
At the beach, do not leave anything valuable laying around on the
sand while you go for a swim. Do not try and hide your money in
any clothing
If
you ride the local busses and you are discreet you should have no
problems. Try and avoid them during rush hour and have your fare
in hand when boarding. Do not flash the cash in your wallet.
Do
not get involved with drugs in Brazil. You do not want to spend
any time in the Brazilian jail.
The
police officers in the street will always try to be helpful, however
most of them only speak Portuguese.
If
you need to report that something was stolen, go to the tourist
police (DEAT). Their offices are located in Leblon, on Av. Afrânio
de Mello Franco (call 511-5112).
Getting
around in Rio:
Getting
around in Rio is really not all that difficult. Just about everything
is in the South Side of the city. The Beaches, Guanabara Bay, and
the Lake make great references.
Walking:
Walking
is one of the best way to explore Rio, not to mention very good
exercise. Buy a good pair of walking shoes and even a hat might
be a good idea. Now you can begin to walk your way to the beaches,
excellent restaurants, shopping, movies, theaters, concert halls,
and many other conveniences. A walk along the beach on Sunday is
almost mandatory. One of the lanes of traffic is closed to cars,
and people take over the street.
Bicycle:
You
may rent a bicycle at Copacabana or Ipanema Beach. There are bicycle
lanes connecting all South Side neighborhoods, from Leblon to Leme
and beyond. Be careful in traffic, after all this is a big city.
Go across the tunnel connecting you to Botafogo and head for the
Flamengo Reclaim, one of the biggest urban parks in the world.
Yellow
taxis:
Finding
a yellow taxi is not difficult, you don't have to go far, they are
everywhere. You can not miss them, their bright yellow with a blue
stripe painted on the side. Yellow taxis run by a meter. The meter
starts ticking as soon as you get in. After 9 p.m. and on weekends
fares are a little higher (the meter is set to 2).. Some taxis are
air-conditioned at no extra charge. Remain alert and trust your
instincts a few drivers because a few taxi drivers have taken tourists
for a ride.
Radio
taxis:
Another
option is the radio taxi. These radio taxis have drivers that usually
speak English and usually serve the larger hotels . The taxis are
usually larger and air-conditioned. Call one of the companies providing
this kind of service and tell them where to pick you up, where to
drop you off, and at what time. Some radio-taxis charge by the meter,
others charge flat rates. Ask for all details first. They will ask
for a contact phone and call you back to confirm the ride.
Metro:
Rio's
subway system is still relatively small, but it is very safe, clean
and reliable. It can take you from Copacabana to Botafogo, Flamengo
and Downtown. The metro stops running at 11 p.m. and on weekends.
Reaching distant locations can be a challenge so plan your trip
accordingly. Metro maps can be picked up at tourism offices and
some metro stations.
Air-conditioned
buses:
Air-conditioned
buses can be hailed just like taxis. They run along the beach, and
connect South Side neighborhoods to each other, downtown, the airport
and Barra. They do not have a fixed schedule posted on the street,
though. As they are not as frequent as regular buses, you may have
to wait for a few minutes. Beach corners and the right in front
of lifeguard stations are the informal stops. Take a ticket from
the lady sitting in the front, and take any empty seat. Later she
will charge you and give your change. You may ask the driver to
drop you off anywhere along the way. This service is available only
during the day.
Vans:
While
you are waiting for a frescão chances are a van will stop
and offer to take you to your destination. These
vans
are not regulated, but tolerated by authorities. This means if anything
goes wrong you do not have where to complain. We cannot recommend
this kind of service until it is legalized. Obviously this does
not apply to licensed vans that work together with travel agencies
on tours and events.
Regular
local Buses:
Rio's
most popular means of transportation, yet the trickiest to master.
A ride on a circular line bus is only R$
1.10. There are bus lines connecting the whole city, and unlike
in the US do not need exact change. You must enter through the REAR
door and exit through the FRONT door. There is a professional known
as cobrador sitting behind a turnstile to collect your money and
give you change.
Buses
are not air-conditioned, and at rush hours they look more like sardine
cans. Safety is an issue to consider.
Sometimes
pickpockets and petty thieves take advantage of crowded buses to
prey upon commuters. Someone with a $2,000US camera mesmerized by
Rio's natural beauties right out the window spells victim all over.
If you take regular buses try to look like you belong, do not carry
valuables, or wear jewelry.
Cars:
With
a new driving code and heaver fines and penalties, drivers in Rio
de Janeiro are starting to act almost civilized.
Now most cars actually stop at red lights, at least during the day,
and drivers and passengers do wear a seatbelt. Hidden cameras forced
speedsters to slow down in roads like the Red Line connecting to
the airport, and at other problem areas. You do not need a car to
get around the South Side, but it makes sense to rent one if you
choose to stay in Barra or take short trips off-Rio. Consider staying
in an all-suite hotel, where a parking spot is part of the package.
To secure the best rates available rent your car online and pick
it up at the international airport or in Copacabana. A compact car
with insurance and unlimited mileage will cost you about $70
US a day.
Electronics
and Misc.:
The
Electricity is 110 V and 60 Hz. You may need an adapter. The outlets
take round or flat plugs, but not the flat plug with one prong wider
than the other. Computer outlets are standard, but modem connections
could pose a problem.
Misc.
Women,
please wear as little make-up as you can, after all you are in the
tropics. Always use a good sun screen, and bring a high SPF sun
block lipstick. Most of the quality brands of cosmetics are available
in Rio. However if you have a favorite you might want to bring it.
If
you have a favorite snack or one of those things we tend to become
attached to and you just can not live without it, bring it. Favorite
brand of cigarette, bring it. Get the idea.
|
