Rio, Brazil Information

Money

Brazil`s official currency is the ”Real”. USA Dollars or Euros, are easily exchange either at the banks or at the money exchange offices. ATM`s are the easiest way to withdraw money as there is a good ATM network in Brazil. Travelers checks can be exchanged at banks as well but not recommended. Most credit cards such as Master Card or Visa are accepted.

Communication

) Not to worry, also here you can use your  mobile phone and there are Internet cafes every were and some will have wifi too, so you can bring your lap top. Every town has a central telephone office called a Posto Telefonico, from where long distance calls can be made, and public phone booths are everywhere, operated by phone cards.

Rio Climate

Rio de Janeiro has a hot and damp tropical weather and  because Rio is in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed, just like in Australia. In winter wit will be around 15 Celsius, but windy and damp, so pretty cold to go surfing, but overall there are definitely more sunny than rainy days and a few weeks without a single drop of rain is not uncommon. Summer (the most popular season) starts around October, and summer vacations start in mid-December. On sunny days, digital thermometers in Ipanema and Copacabana may read 40° C, about 104 F, pretty hot and that’s why we wear small bikini’s in Brazil.

Portuguese, not Spanish

Brazil is surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries but the language here is Portuguese. Everyone in the tourist industry in Rioa will do their best to understand you and do speak and or understand a bit of Spanish and English, but to know a few Portuguese words would a lot.

Transport and getting around

Finding your way around Rio is really not all that hard, even for first-timers. Most of the attractions are on the South Side of the city. The beaches, Guanabara Bay, and the lake are excellent references.

Walking and biking are the best ways to explore South Side neighborhoods.There are bicycle lanes connecting all South Side neighborhoods, from Leblon to Leme and beyond. You may rent a bicycle at Ipanema Beach or Copacabana Beach on Sundays.Taxi’s are everywhere, they are bright yellow and hard to miss, make sure your taxi has a taxi meter and no pre-paid deal with yellow taxis. They are illegal, and probably mean the driver is trying to take advantage of you.

There are also plenty buses and subways to get around
 

Visa

Consult your embassy before traveling. Citizens of some countries such as United States, Canada and Australia are required a VISA to get into Brazil.