Airports

Rio's international airport is located on Ilha do Governador which has excellent access to Rio's south zone where most of the major hotels are located. The airport is served by 28 international carriers as well as the three major Brazilian airlines and between them they offer direct flights to-and-from more than 80 international cities and most of the major Brazilian centers of population. A shuttle service operates between Rio and São Paulo and is based at Rio's smaller city center airfield, Santos Dumont. An efficient taxi and bus service links the international airport with the main hotels and residential areas.

International Airport - Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim
Tel - information:
(55 21) 3398-5050
Flights:
(55 21) 3398-4527 / 3398-4526

Domestic Airport - Santos Dumont:
Tel - information and flights
(55 21) 3814-7070

Climate

Rio de Janeiro is a tropical city. Summer runs from December through March with temperatures ranging from 25º C (77º F) to 42º C (108º F) while winter runs from June through August when temperatures can drop to around 20º C (68º F) in the day and a cool 16º C (60º F) at night.

Currency

The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (R$). The exchange rate available to visitors is published daily in the newspaper along with the commercial dollar rate of the day used in official international business transactions. Cash and traveler checks, especially US Dollars, can be exchanged at most banks or exchange houses as well as the major hotels. All major credit cards are accepted in Brazil and some stores even accept foreign currency. 

Dress Code

Business attire is appropriate for all meetings and functions unless otherwise noted. The Welcome Reception on Sunday and the Closing Reception on Wednesday is smart casual, and the Monday Gala Dinner is traditional dress of country or black tie optional. Guest tours are casual attire.

Electrical Currency

The electric current in Rio is 110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles, alternating current. Many hotels and large apartment blocks do, however, have some 220 volt outlets.

Language

The language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese. English is the predominant foreign language taught in schools, and Spanish, if spoken slowly, is understood by a good percentage of the population.

Local Cuisine

Globally inspired tastes characterize dining in cosmopolitan Toronto. From upscale gourmet to home cooked comfort foods, guests can savor the city’s unique culinary diversity at any of over 7,000 restaurants across Toronto’s neighborhoods. Click HERE for more information.

Nightlife & Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro:

The information on this Guide will get you started on Rio's excellent restaurants and nightlife. Also check out this online guide by Rio locals: Ipanema.com. Even though it's named for the famous beach, it has information about other areas, too.

Rio's Beaches:

Rio has a stretch of sand that's just right for you -- you just need to figure out where it is. One of the single most important ways to identify a carioca, or a Rio native, is to know where he or she likes going to the beach. Nowhere is that clearer than in Ipanema, where each posto, or lifeguard station, has its characteristic crowd: there's the mother-and- baby spot, the gay area, and so on.

São Conrado is the place to be when you want to see hanggliders; Arpoador is great for surfing; Urca is a quiet beach in a classy neighborhood. Copacabana is the beach with the legendary black and white sidewalk that hosts the country's best Reveillon, or New Year's Eve celebration. Its latest attraction is a series of kiosks which serve all kinds of food and drink. There's no getting bored on a Rio beach.

Local Time

Rio de Janeiro is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Tax

The 3% goods and services tax is included in displayed prices.

Taxis

Rio has an extensive taxi fleet which includes yellow metered cabs which can be hailed in the streets, as well as a series of special taxis operated by licensed companies which can be found at the airports, hotels or booked by phone. From the international airport and the main shopping centers most of the special taxis work on a fixed fare by area which is paid in advance at the company's counter above which the fare price must be displayed. 

Tipping

Hotels: hotels generally include any service charge on the bill.

Restaurants: tips are discretionary but are often found on the final bills as a "suggestion". In Brazil the norm remains 10 percent.

Taxis: tips are not expected by taxi drivers although most passengers will round the fare up if satisfied with the service.

Airport and hotel porters: the Real equivalent of US$1.00 per suitcase. 

Visa/Entry

Entry visas for Brazil are required for citizens from Canada, USA and throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America. The visa process can be lengthy so it is advisable to apply early by contacting your local Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. The IIS will on request provide required support documentation.

Rio de Janeiro Safety Tips

• Avoid traveling alone, especially at night and avoid lonely neighborhoods
• Do not leave luggage or possessions unattended at any time
• Avoid unnecessary exposure of valuable and expensive items in crowded areas
• Do not travel by public transportation at night
• Use ATM machines located inside of banks, buildings and shopping centers
• Do not carry a lot of cash around and leave passports in hotel room safe
• Go into a store or restaurant if you need to ask for direction,
• If you are the victim of a robbery, cooperate and don’t give chase.

Health Precautions

Prevent Insect and Animal bites:

• Use insect repellants
• Do not touch or feed any animals, including dogs and cats

Be Careful about Food and Water:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol)
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors
• Make sure food is fully cooked
• Avoid dairy products

Rio Tourist Information Offices and Resources:

The Riotur Website provides a great deal of information about the city. Once there, you will find brochures at the hotels and at booths located at the Airport and other touristic locations.