• São Paulo (Southeast)
• Rio de Janeiro (Southeast)
• Belo Horizonte (Southeast)
• Porto Alegre (South)
• Recife (Northeast)

Currency:
Brasil's currency, the Real (R$), comes in notes of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 reais, and in coins of 1, 5 ,10, 25 and 50 centavos. New coins were recently issued, but both the new and the old version continue to be valid. The official rate of exchange is available from the daily newspaper, hotel cashiers, and banks. Many hotels and shops accept foreign currency and international credit cards. Exchange hours are available at the International Airport as well as the hotels.

Health Advisories:
No vaccines are required for entry. We do not recommend drinking the tap water. Sanitation standards are not always up to par, so use your best judgment.

Watch out for inexpensive lunch counters which vary greatly in cleanliness. Foods served in moderate to higher priced restaurants is generally safe.

Time:
3 hours behind GMT in the East, Northeast, South and Southeast
4 hours behind GMT in the West, and 5 hours in the Far West.

Voltage requirements:
110 volts . Most outlets are adaptable for two kinds of plugs (with two flat prongs and with two round prongs)

Tipping:
In most of Brazilian restaurants a 10% service charge is included in the bill, but feel free to leave more. Tip cab drivers no more than 10%. Tip hotel bell boys and porters about R$1,00 per luggage item or for help given.

Sales or use tax:
A 7.5% sales tax is included in the price of most products and services. A 10% hotel occupancy tax and 5% service tax are included in the hotel prices.

Emergency numbers:
English speaking tourist can contact the police at 690 3590 (24 hours) , 190 police, U.S. Consulate (011 if you're outside of SP) 292 7117

Crime:
Important - São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have the same level of violent crime as other densely populated urban area worldwide. The key is to be aware of your surroundings and what s happening around you. Don't be paranoid, just play it safe. Avoid poorly deserted areas, don t wear expensive or expensive looking jewelry (especially watches). Always keep your purse closed and close to your body and keep your wallet in a front pocket. Don't carry large amounts of cash (most hotels provide in-room safes). Avoid city buses, which tend to attract groups of thieves. Never take valuables to the beach just a towel and some money for a cold drink.

Culture:
Brazilian culture has been shaped not only by the Portuguese, who gave the country its religion and language, but also by the country's native Indians, the considerable African population, and other settlers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Brazilian music has always been characterized by great diversity and shaped by musical influences from 3 continents. The samba, pagode , forró and axé are the most popular rhythms nowadays.

Some facts:
Area 247,898 sq km
Population 33,069,900

São Paulo can be an intimidating place, but if you like big cities, it offers the excitement and nightlife of one of the world's most dynamic. The Paulistanos are lively, well-informed and though they complain about the traffic, street crime, and pollution, they wouldn't dream of living anywhere else.

Weather:
In September the temperature will be around:
Temp Max 24 C ( 75 F )
Temp Min 18 C ( 65 F )

Shopping Centers:
Morumbi Shopping
Iguatemi Shopping

Some Facts:
Area 44.268 sq km
Population 12775.000

Rio de Janeiro ceased to be Brazil's capital with the inauguration of Brasilia in 1960. The mix of the ocean, mountains and trees make Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Carioca's, as Rio's inhabitants are called, pursue pleasure like no other people (beaches and beautiful bodies, samba and beer, football and pinga). Rio is a very informal city. The beach is part of Carioca's life, even before 6:00 p.m. you can see a lot of people walking, jogging, and working out.

Weather:
In September the temperature will be around:
Temp Max 26 C ( 79 F )
Temp Min 20 C ( 68 F )