Documents: Remember that your passport must remain valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure.

Visas: You do not need any visas to enter Brazil. On the plane you will be asked to fill in a form which allows you to stay in Brazil up to three months.

Time Zone: Fortaleza , Natal and Rio de Janeiro are 3 hours behind GMT.

Useful link www.timeanddate.com.

Spoken languages: Portuguese and other Ameridian languages

Currency: The local currency is the Brazilian Real

Safety: Visiting the peripheral areas of the big cities and, in particular, the so-called 'Favelas', might be dangerous. The number of tourists victim of a theft is still increasing, sometimes even during daytime. Therefore, we strongly advise you to be always careful in order to spend a peaceful holiday. Please, do not show valuables, such as jewellery, worth watches, cameras; and pay always attention to your wallet or handbag.

Mobile Phones: You can use three-band GSM mobile phones

Electricity: The voltage is 220 V. You need a flat pin adaptor.

Weather: Subtropical; seasons are opposite to the European.

Vaccination: It is not required. Anyway, we advise you to vaccinate against malaria and yellow fever, when travelling in the Amazonia area.

Useful advice: Use high Sun Protection Lotions, Insect Repellent Lotions, and intestinal disinfectants. Pay attention when in air-conditioned areas.

Shopping:  Souvenirs such as wooden handicrafts, original T-shirts, earthenware, potteries, leather articles, are cheap but appreciated by tourists.

Phone calls: If you want to call Fortaleza you need to digit the dialling code 0055 85. If you want to call Natal , you need to digit the dialling code 0055 84. If you want to call Rio de Janeiro , you need to digit the dialling code 0055 21.

Useful link www.howtocallabroad.com

Transports: Public transport is always available. Taxi is, of course, the easiest and quickest transport. There are many rent a car agencies: this is a valid alternative to very expensive taxis.

Taxes: There are no taxes added to goods purchased within Brazil. Restaurants and hotels usually add a 10% service tax. In Rio, there is also a 5% tax on hotels.

Bank Hours: Generally, weekday bank hours are from 10am (1000) to 4pm (1600). All banks are closed on public holidays. Many branches have 24-hour banking machines (ATMs) that offer several services. Overseas visitors should check with their local banks to find out if they can gain access to their funds through these facilities. In some cases, your bank may charge an additional fee for overseas transactions.

Credit Cards: Any credit card that bears the Visa, MasterCard or American Express symbol will be widely accepted in Brazil. Visitors with other types of credit cards should check to see if their card is accepted in Brazil. Please note that retailers have the option to charge more for goods and services bought using a credit card. We advise that you ask a retailer beforehand whether an additional charge applies.