UPDATED: JANUARY 18, 2011
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
For Info: Tel. 3398-5050
For Flights: Tel. 3398-4527 / 3398-4526
Domestic Airport: Santos Dumont
For info and flights: Tel. 3814-7070
BUS STATION
Novo Rio Bus Station
Address: Avenida Francisco Bicalho, 01 – Santo Cristo
Tel. 3213-1800
CARNAVAL
This 4-day event will take place on March 5 to 8, 2011 (always in the Summer).
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 to August. Temperatures can drop to around 20º C (68º F) in the day and a cool 16º C (60º F) at night.
COMMUNICATIONS
The International Direct Dial (IDD) code for Brazil is 55 and the City/Area Code for Rio de Janeiro 21. Switchboard is +55 (21) 3364-9000.
CULTURAL
Rio de Janeiro has more than 250 locations for movies, theater, samba shows, musical and artistic exhibitions, 82 museums and 76 libraries. Besides traditional museums, the city is home to museums dedicated from trains to jewelries, and of course to Carmem Miranda, among others.
CONSULATES
- Argentina 2553-1646
- Australia 3824-4624
- Austria 2522-2286
- Belgium 2543-8558
- Bolivia 2551-2395
- Canada 2543-3004
- Chile 2552-5349
- China 2551-4724
- Colombia 2552-5048
- Denmark 2558-6050
- Egypt 2553-5623
- Ecuador 2547-4413
- Spain 2543-3200
- France 2210-1272
- Germany 2553-6777
- Great Britain 2553-3223
- Greece 2552-6849
- Ireland 2501-8455
- Israel 2548-5432
- Italy 2282-1315
- Japan 2265-5252
- Mexico 2553-2059
- Paraguai 2553-2294
- Peru 2551-9596
- Portugal 2544-2444
- Rússia 2274-0097
- Switzerland 2221-1867
- United States 2292-7117
- Uruguai 2553-6030
- Venezuela 2551-5248
CUSTOMS & VISA FOR AMERICAN TRAVELERS
ELECTRICITY
The electric current in Rio is 110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles, alternating current. Many hotels and large apartment complex have this but you will still find some with 220 volts so its best to bring a converter.
EMERGENCY (National) NUMBERS
- Fire 193
- Police 190
- Ambulance 192
- Civil Defense 199
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Real (R$) is the Brazilian currency. Please check the most current exchange rate in your local bank. Cash and traveler checks, especially US Dollars, can be exchanged at most banks or exchange places and major hotels. All major credit cards are accepted in Brazil and some stores even accept foreign currency such as Euros.
HOSPITALS & CLINICS:
HOTELS
Currently Rio de Janeiro has about 275 hotels including those from 1 to 5 stars, motels and apart-hotels. Major hotels & restaurants offer free wifi connections.
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.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Rio de Janeiro and Brazil have a number of public holidays during the year. These include:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 20 – St. Sebastian – Patron Saint of the city of Rio de Janeiro (only Rio)
April 21 – Tiradentes – Independence Martyr
April 23 – Saint George Day
May 1 – Labor Day February
Moveable – Corpus Christ
September 7 – Independence Day
October 12 – Our Lady Aparecida – Patron of Brazil
November 2 – All Souls’ Day
November 15 – Proclamation of the Republic
November 20 – Zumbi dos Palmares – Negro Consciousness Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
HOLIDAYS WITH FLEX DAYS:
Carnival – March 5 – 8
Good Friday – April 4
Easter – April 2
Corpus Christ – June 3
SCHOOL YEAR
The school year consists of 2 Terms: (flexible) February 2 to July 1 and August 2 to December 16
TAXIS
Special taxis which are operated by licensed companies, work on a fixed fare by area which is paid in advance at the company’s counter at international airports and shopping areas. The fare price must be displayed. The yellow taxis can also be hailed in the streets. Here is a 24-hour taxi service in Rio:
Rádio Taxi Service 24 Horas
Rua Sto Eduardo, 161 – Irajá
Tel. 3351-5888
TIPPING
- Hotels – will 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 per cent.
- 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 U$1.00 per suitcase.
