Expatriate Forums in Brazil

Am I Lost?

Atornokeber — Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:16 pm

Author: Atornokeber

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:16 pm

Howdy!

I'm fairly new to this community and just had the urge to introduce myself and say "wuzup".

For once a reliable forum with colors that I can stare at all day - that is a refreshing change!

I'm here to learn + participate. How would I best participate?

Cheers!

PS: - I'm trying to locate a lost step-brother called Rhett Aderholt, Where would I search for him?

BRAZIL TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN BRAZIL

jamescruz — Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:20 am

Author: jamescruz

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:20 am

I am impressed by the way you have mentioned every major town / city to visit. It would be easy for anybody to take a fair bit of idea from here about Brazil.

Regards
Get luxury reasonable Apartments for Rent Toronto
www.torontosuites.com

Tour Brazil and Argentina On Line (Video + Stills)

IntrepidBerkeleyExplorer — Thu May 28, 2009 7:14 pm

Author: IntrepidBerkeleyExplorer

Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 7:14 pm

My movie, “Tango and Samba Falls”, presents highlights of Argentina and Brazil, starring Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls.

Tango in Buenos Aires, meet Evita, enjoy Gaucho dancing from the Pampas; and then north to the Argentina side of massive Iguazu Falls, featuring “The Devil’s Throat”.

Across the border to Brazil, for a close-up of the falls from below. In Rio, gaze at the views from famous mountain tops, and look for the Girl from Ipanema at Rio’s beaches. Take in a Samba show, featuring costumes that range from almost nothing to extremely elaborate and colorful. With digital effects.

“Tango and Samba Falls” can be seen on the web, if you have a high speed internet connection. This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I sell absolutely nothing.

My video site is:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Video.html

With any modem you can view a gallery of Argentina/Brazil still pictures at:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Page24.html

There are over 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line including trips to China, Russia, Antarctica, Italy, Britain, Hawaii, Australia, Bali, American National Parks, Africa, Greece, and Turkey; see lions, whales, elephants, or penguins.

The planet is yours, including my Home Page giant galaxy of still pictures from every continent at:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/

The Intrepid Berkeley Explorer

Carajas Questions

Jake871 — Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:29 pm

Author: Jake871

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:29 pm

where is carajas? I never heard of the place!

Rio Carnival 2007

Jake871 — Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:28 pm

Author: Jake871

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:28 pm

rio carnival is great, but it's meant to be better in salvador right?

HOTELS IN BRAZIL / BRAZIL HOTEL GUIDE (SAO PAULO)

Brazil Info — Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:55 am

Author: Brazil Info

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:55 am

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN BRAZIL (SAO PAULO)

5 STARS

Blue Tree Towers Morumbi
1000 Av Roque Petroni Jr,
Sao Paulo 04707-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 5187-1200
Fax: 55 11 5187-1221
Email: reservas@sanraphael.com.br
Website: http://www.bluetree.com.br

Gran Melia Mofarrej Hotel
Alameda Santos, 1437,
Sao Paulo 01419-905,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3146-5900
Website: http://www.solmelia.com

Gran Melia WTC Sao Paulo
12558 Avenda Nacoes Unidas,
Sao Paulo 04578-905,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 30558000
Fax: 55 11 30558002
Email: reservas@granmeliasp.com.br
Website: http://www.granmeliawtcsaopaulo.solmelia.com

Intercontinental Hotel Sao Paulo
1123 Sao Paulo,
Alameda Santos,
Sao Paulo,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3179-2600
Website: http://sao-paulo.brazil.intercontinental.com

Maksoud Plaza Hotel
150 Almeda Campinas,
Sao Paulo 01404-900,
Brazil
Phone: +55 11 3145-8000
Fax: +55 11 3145-8001
Email: maksoud@maksoud.com
Website: http://www.maksoud.com

Paulista Wall Street Suites
Rua Itapeva 636-Bela Vista,
Sao Paulo,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3141-3000
Website: http://www.wallstreet.com.br

Sofitel Sao Paulo
Rua Sena Madureira 1355,
Sao Paulo 04021-051,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-5087-0800
Website: http://www.accorhotels.com

4 STARS

Blue Tree Towers Analia Franco
960 Eleonora Cintra Street,
Sao Paulo 03337-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 6672-7000
Fax: 55 11 6672-7001
Email: reservas@bluetree.com.br
Website: http://www.bluetree.com.br

Blue Tree Towers Faria Lima
3989 Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima,
Sao Paulo 04538,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 3896-7544
Fax: 55 11 3896-7545
Email: reservas@bluetree.com.br
Website: http://www.bluetree.com.b

Blue Tree Towers Nacoes Unidas
1371 Rua Fernandes Moreira,
Sao Paulo 04716-003,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 5189-6555
Fax: 55 11 5189-6556
Email: reservas@bluetree.com.br
Website: http://www.bluetree.com.br

Blue Tree Towers Paulista
707 Rua Peixoto Gomide,
Sao Paulo 01409-001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 3147-7000
Fax: 55 11 3147-7001
Email: reservas@bluetree.com.br
Website: http://www.bluetree.com.br

Blue Tree Towers Vila Olimpia
55 Rua Pequetita,
Sao Paulo 04552-060,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 3845-0225
Fax: 55 11 3845-9873
Email: reservas@bluetree.com.br
Website: http://www.bluetree.com.br

Caesar Park Sao Paulo International Airport Hotel
1 Rod Helio Smitd Setor,
Sao Paulo 07141970,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 2548-3562
Fax: 55 11 2255-6810
Email: sales@come-to-brazil.com
Website: http://www.caesarpark-rio.com

Comfort Hotel Moema
825 Av Sabia,
Sao Paulo 04515 000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 5054-7200
Fax: 55 11 5054-7201
Email: hotelhelp@choicehotels.com
Website: http://www1.choicehotels.com

Comfort Hotel Vila Mariana
2740 Rua Vergueiro,
Sao Paulo 04102 001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 5088-6600
Fax: 55 11 5088-6623
Email: hotelhelp@choicehotels.com
Website: http://www1.choicehotels.com

Estanplaza Paulista Hotel
497 Alameda Jau,
Sao Paulo 01420-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 3016 0000
Fax: 55 11 3016 0009
Email: paulista@estanplaza.com.br
Website: http://www.estanplaza.com.br

Hilton Sao Paulo
165 Avenida Ipiranga,
Sao Paulo 01046,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3156-4300
Fax: 55 11-3156-4322
Website: http://www.hilton.com

Hotel San Raphael
150 Largo Do Arouche,
Sao Paulo 01219,
Brazil
Phone: 11 3334 6000
Email: reservas@sanraphael.com.br
Website: http://www.sanraphael.com.br

Hotel Unique Sao Paulo
4700 Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio,
Sao Paulo 01402-002,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 3055 4710
Fax: 55 11 3889 8100
Website: http://www.hotelunique.com.br

Marian Palace Hotel
65 Avenida Casper Libero,
Sao Paulo 01033 001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 3228-8433
Fax: 55 11 3228-8013
Email: hotelmarian@marian.com.br
Website: http://www.marian.com.br

Mercure Grand Hotel Ibirapuera
515 Rua Joinville,
Sao Paulo 04008011,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 5088 4000
Fax: 55 11 5088 4100
Email: mercure@accorhotels.com.br
Website: http://www.mercure.com

Radisson Hotel Sao Paulo Faria Lima
625 Av Cidade Jardim,
Sao Paulo 01453-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3093-5960
Fax: 55 11-3093-5969
Website: http://www.radisson.com

Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel
2233 Alameda Santos,
Sao Paulo 01419,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3069-2233
Fax: 55 11-3064-3344
Email: https://marriott.com/suggest/suggest.mi
Website: http://marriott.com

The Park Lane Hotel
Rua Carlos Sampaio 157,
Sao Paulo 01333-021,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11-3285-1100
Website: http://parklanehotel.com.br

Tryp WTC Brooklin Hotel
14 Rua Heinrich Hertz,
Sao Paulo 04575,
Brazil
Phone: 55 11 55098800
Fax: 55 11 55098802
Email: melia.confort.brooklin@solmelia.com
Website: http://www.solmelia.com

HOTELS IN BRAZIL / BRAZIL HOTEL GUIDE (RIO DE JANEIRO)

Brazil Info — Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:10 am

Author: Brazil Info

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:10 am

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN BRAZIL (RIO DE JANEIRO)

5 STARS

Caesar Park Ipanema Hotel
500 Av Vieira Souto,
Rio de Janeiro 22420-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2548 3562
Fax: 55 21 2255-6810
Email: sales@come-to-brazil.com
Website: http://www.caesarpark-rio.com

Copacabana Palace Hotel
1702 Avenida Atlantica,
Rio de Janeiro 22021001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2548 7070
Fax: 55 21 2235 7330
Website: http://www.copacabanapalace.com.br

Gloria Hotel
Praia Do Russel 632,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2555-7272
Website: http://www.hotelgloriario.com.br

Hotel Marina All Suites
696 Avenida Delfim Moreira,
Rio de Janeiro 22441-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2172 1100
Fax: 55 21 2172 1001
Website: http://www.marinaallsuites.com.br

Intercontinental Hotel Rio
Av Prefeito Mendes De Morais 222,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-3323-2200
Website: http://www.intercontinental.com

Jw Marriott Rio De Janeiro Hotel
Avda Atlantica 2600,
Copacabana,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2545-6500
Website: http://www.marriotthotels.com

Pestana Rio Atlantica Hotel Rio de Janeiro
2964 Avenida Atlantica,
Rio de Janeiro 22070-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2548-6332
Fax: 55 21 2255-6410
Email: reservas@pestanahotels.com.br
Website: http://www.pestana.com

Rio Othon Palace Hotel
3264 Av. Atlantica,
Rio de Janeiro 22070-001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2525 1500
Fax: 55 21 2522 1697
Email: gemark@othon.com.br
Website: http://www.othon.com.br

Sheraton Barra Hotel & Suites
Avenida Lucio Costa 3150,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-3139-8000
Website: http://www.sheraton.com

Sheraton Rio Hotel And Towers
121 Avenida Niemeyer,
Rio de Janeiro 22450,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2274-1122
Fax: 55 21 2239-5643
Email: vendas.rio@sheraton.com
Website: http://www.sheraton-rio.com

Sofitel Rio De Janeiro
4240 Avenida Atlantica,
Rio de Janeiro 22070-002,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 25251232
Fax: 55 21 25251200
Email: sofitelrio@accorhotels.com.br
Website: http://www.sofitel.com

4 STARS

Augustos Copacabana Hotel
Rua Bolivar 119,
Copacabana,
Rio de Janeiro 22061-020,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2547-1800

Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel
320 Avenida Vieira Souto,
Rio de Janeiro 22420 000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2525 2020
Fax: 55 21 2247 8484
Website: http://book.bestwestern.com

Copasul Hotel
1284 Avenida N S,
Copacabana,
Rio de Janeiro 22070010,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2106 0442
Fax: 55 21 2287 7497
Website: http://www.copasul.com.br

Excelsior Copacabana Hotel
Ave Atlantica 1800,
Rio de Janeiro 22021-001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2545-6000
Website: http://www.windsorhotels.com

Florida Hotel Rio de Janeiro
69/81 Ferreira Viana St,
Rio de Janeiro 22210,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2245-8160

Golden Tulip Rio Internacional Hotel
Ave Atlantica 1500,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2546-8000
Website: http://www.riointernacionalhotel.com.br

Hotel Atlantico Copacabana
90 Siqueira Campos,
Rio de Janeiro 22031-070,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2548-0011
Fax: 55 21 2235-7941
Email: reserva@atlanticocopacabana.com.br
Website: http://www.atlanticocopacabana.com.br

Ipanema Plaza Hotel
34 Farme De Amoedo Street,
Rio de Janeiro 22420-020,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 3687-2000
Fax: 55 21 3687-2001
Email: hotel@ipanemaplaza.com.br
Website: http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com

Le Meridien Copacabana
1020 Ave Atlantica,
Rio de Janeiro 22010,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 3873 8888
Fax: 55 21 3873 8777
Website: http://rio.lemeridien.com

Leblon Palace Hotel
Av Ataulfo de Paiva 204,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2512-8000
Website: http://www.leblonpalace.com.br

Luxor Continental Copacabana
320 Gustavo Sampaio,
Rio de Janeiro 22210 010,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2546-1070
Fax: 55 21 2546-1070
Email: continental@luxor-hotels.com.br
Website: http://www.luxor-hotels.com

Luxor Copacabana Hotel
Ave Atlantica 2554,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2545-1070
Website: http://www.luxor-hotels.com

Luxor Regente Copacabana
3716 Avenida Atlantica,
Rio de Janeiro 22070-001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2525-2070
Fax: 55 21 2267-7693
Email: regente@luxor-hotels.com.br
Website: http://www.luxor-hotels.com

Marina Palace Hotel
630 Avenida Delfim Moreira,
Rio de Janeiro 22441-000,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2172-1000
Fax: 55 21 2172-1010
Website: http://www.hotelmarina.com.br

Merlin Copacabana Hotel
392 Avenida Princesa Isabel,
Rio de Janeiro 22011,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2132-1000
Fax: 55 21 2132-1029
Website: http://www.hotelmerlin.com.br

Miramar Palace Hotel
Ave Atlantica 3668,
Rio de Janeiro 22070-001,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2195-6200
Website: http://www.windsorhoteis.com

Plaza Copacabana Hotel
Av Princesa Isabel, 263,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2586-0000
Website: http://www.windsorhoteis.com

Premier Copacabana Hotel
205 Rua Tenelero 205,
Rio De Janeiro 22030,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2548 8581
Fax: 55 21 2547 4139
Email: premier@premier.com.br
Website: http://www.premier.com.br

Rio Copa Hotel
370 Av Princesa Isabel,
Rio de Janeiro 22011 010,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21 2546-9500
Fax: 55 21 2275-5545
Email: riocopa@riocopa.com
Website: http://www.riocopa.com

Windsor Palace Hotel
Rua Domingos Ferreira 6,
Copacabana,
Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Phone: 55 21-2545-9000
Website: http://www.windsorhotels.com

GETTING AROUND IN BRAZIL / BRAZIL TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

Brazil Info — Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:42 am

Author: Brazil Info

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:42 am

GETTING AROUND IN BRAZIL

AIR

There is a shuttle service between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, a regular service from São Paulo to Brasília, and a shuttle service from Brasília to Belo Horizonte. There are air services between all Brazilian cities, Brazil having one of the largest internal air networks in the world. At weekends it is advisable to book seats as the services are much used. The monthly magazine Panrotas (website: www.panrotas.com.br) gives all timetables and fares for internal air travel. No-frills airlines include GOL Linhas (website: www.voegol.com.br) and OceanAir (website: www.oceanair.com.br). Air taxis are available between all major centres.

Domestic airports
São Paulo (VCP) (Viracopos), 96km (60 miles) southwest of the city. Facilities: Banking, a duty free shop and a restaurant.

São Paulo (CGH) (Congonhas), 14km (8 miles) from the city.

Manaus (Internacional Eduardo Gomes) (MAO), 14km (9 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: There are coach services into the city and to other destinations.

Salvador (SSA) (Dois de Julho), 36km (22 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: 24-hour taxi facilities are available. Facilities: Banking, a duty free shop and a restaurant.

The Brazil Airpass
The Brazil Airpass is available through VARIG and can be purchased only outside of Brazil. Any IATA international carrier may be used. The pass costs US$560 for one to five coupons. Extra coupons cost US$100 each, up to a maximum of nine coupons; validity is for 21 days from first day of travel. The same route cannot be traveled twice. The similar Star Alliance VARIG Brazil Airpass must be used in conjunction with a Star Alliance or Pluna international carrier ticket. The pass costs US$399 for one to four coupons; extra coupons cost US$100. The Star Alliance Northeast Airpass is valid in the northeastern region of Brazil only and costs US$299 for one to four coupons. It is also possible to by an airpass with TAM, using any international carrier.

Departure tax: None.

SEA/ RIVER

Ferries serve all coastal ports. River transport is the most efficient method of travel in the Amazon Delta. The government-owned Empresa de Navegação de Amazônia (ENASA) has now virtually suspended its passenger-boat services, but private companies have stepped in and provide constantly improving services on rivers throughout the country. Boat trips from the mainland to the popular and beautiful islands of Ilha Grande, Ilhabela and Ilha de Santa Catarina are also possible.

RAIL

Limited rail connections exist to most major cities and towns, but there has been a substantial decline in the provision of long-distance services from the 18 major regional networks. Most (95 per cent) of Brazil’s 22,000km (13,640 miles) of rail lines are located within 480km (300 miles) of its Atlantic coastline. Because of the great distances and the climate, some of these journeys can be uncomfortable. Daytime and overnight trains with restaurant and sleeping-cars link São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s most scenic rail routes are from Curitiba to Paranagua (originating in São Paulo) and from São Paulo to Santos. Other major rail routes include Belo Horizonte– Itabira–Vitoria (with buffet car), Campo Grande–Ponte Pora (with restaurant car), Porto Santana–Serra do Navio (second-class only), Santos Ana Costa–Juquia (second-class only), São Luis A Guarda–Parauapebas (with buffet car), Curitiba–Foz do Iguacu, São Paulo–Panorama (second-class only), São Paulo–Presidente Prudente (first-class, air conditioned, buffet and sleeping cars available), Araguari– Campinas (restaurant or buffet car) and Santa Maria–Pôrto Alegre (with restaurant car). Children under three travel free. Children from three to nine pay half fare.

ROAD

General: Brazil has 1,940,400km (1,202,800 miles) of roads. Traffic drives on the right.

Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. The speed limit is 110 kph (70 mph) on most national highways and 80 kph (mph) in cities. Passing on the right is forbidden. Road conditions vary.

Documentation: International Driving Permit required.

Car rental
Available in all major centres but rates are expensive and the whole procedure very bureaucratic. Parking in cities is very difficult and it is best to avoid driving through the often congested urban areas if at all possible.

Bus
Inter-urban transport is very much road-based (accounting for 97 per cent of travel), compared with air (2.2 per cent) and rail (less than 1 per cent). High-quality coaches have been increasingly introduced on the main routes, which are well served. Services connect all inhabited parts of the country. Standards and timetables vary, and the visitor must be prepared for overnight stops and long waits between connecting stages.

URBAN TRANSPORTATION

There are extensive bus services in all the main centres, often with air-conditioned express executive coaches running at premium fares. Rio and São Paulo both have two-line metros and local rail lines, and there are trolleybuses in São Paulo and a number of other cities. Trolleybuses are increasingly being introduced as an energy-saving measure. Fares are generally regulated with interchange possible between some bus and metro/rail lines; for instance, on the feeder bus linking the Rio metro with Copacabana.

Taxi: In most cities these are identified by red number plates and are fitted with meters. Fares are inexpensive, costing a little more with the ‘special’ taxis with air conditioning and better comfort. Willingness to accept a taxi driver’s advice on where to go or where to stay should be tempered by the knowledge that places to which he takes a visitor are more than likely to give him a commission – and the highest commissions will usually come from the most expensive places. Taxis are metered and passengers should insist that the meter is turned on. Tipping taxi drivers is not normal practice.

BRAZIL TRAVEL INFORMATION / BRAZIL TRAVEL GUIDE

Brazil Info — Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:50 am

Author: Brazil Info

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:50 am

BRAZIL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Full Name

República Federativa do Brasil

Capital City

Brasília

Area

8,514,215 sq km
3,287,338 sq miles

Population

175,000,000

Time Zone

GMT/UTC -2 ()
GMT/UTC -3 ()
GMT/UTC -4 ()
GMT/UTC -5 ()

Daylight Saving Start

October (used in southern Brazil only)

Daylight Saving End

February (used in southern Brazil only)

Languages

Portuguese (official)

Religion

70% Roman Catholic; also a significant proportion who either belong to various cults or practice Evangelical Christianity or Indian animism

Currency

Real (R$)

Electricity

110/220V 60HzHz

Electric Plug Details

European plug with two circular metal pins

American-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades above a circular grounding pin

Japanese-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades

Country Dialing Code

55

Plastic Surgery Holiday at 70% less than US or EU

Anonymous — Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:22 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:22 am

BIONEXUS INTERNATIONAL
www.bionexus.biz

My name is Alexander and I moved to Fortaleza, Brazil
in June of 2005. I interviewed a dozen plastic surgeons
until I decided on using alumni of the Ivo Pitanguy
Institute which is the most famous plastic surgery
learning instituion in the world.

I had a full facelift with eyelids, liposuction, and
cosmetic dentistry here. I will be 52 years old on my
next birthday, but now after the surgery people think
I am only 35. I now work at Bionexus as a consultant to
assist other patients.

Bionexus has some of the lowest priced plastic surgery
services on the net with 5 star world class plastic
surgeons who served an entire 3 years of plastic surgery
residency at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute, the most famous
plastic surgery teaching institution in the world. It was
founded by Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, known as the "Pioneer of
Plastic Surgery".

The doctors are world class plastic surgeons who operate in
a multi million dollar hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil. They
are considered artists and sculptors, true "Michelangelos"
of the plastic surgery world, and are all members of the
Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgeons, (S.B.C.P).

Brazil has internationally recognized physicians due to the
country’s excellent medical education. The 3,500 plus members
of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery are renowned for
their experience and expertise. Brazil is second only to the
USA in terms of number of plastic surgeries performed.

All of the doctors speak English and we can offer you a
personal assistant who is fully bilingual. Your personal
assistant can go with you to all medical appointments and
visits you require. He or she can also go with you on the
day of the surgery/treatment. Your personal assistant can
also be your translator and advisor during your stay.

In the northeast of Brazil where Fortaleza is located, the
overhead such as the "land and labor" are much less expensive
than cities in the south like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and
North America or Europe. These savings are then simply passed
on to you, the patient.

You can combine an exotic holiday with the latest procedures
for plastic surgery, hair transplant, cosmetic dentistry and
dermatology treatments. Visit Morro Branco, Canoa Quebrada
and Jericoacoara, voted in the "Top 10" Beaches of the world.

I previously had surgeries in Mexico and Costa Rica and
was not pleased at all with the results. Many doctors
there are not even plastic surgeons, but simply general
practioners who have bought different diplomas on the
internet.

Beware of these doctors who say they have a "FELLOWSHIP"
from Ivo Pityanguy. This is no more than a one week course,
as with a "FELLOWSHIP" the visiting doctor is not even allowed
in the operating room, but has to observe on a TV screen
completely outside the operating theatre.
"
Bionexus plastic surgeons have had a the full 3 year "RESIDENCY"
at Ivo Pianguy Institute and not a 1 week "FELLOWSHIP", which
is nothing more than a tax deductible vacation.

Also in Mexico and Costa Rica these doctors are using small
clinics, literally a house with a garage converted into an
operating room. If something serious happened to you during
a surgery, these doctors could probably not save your life.

CLIENT REFERRALS

1st Patient: She had a full facelift with eyes and browlift.
She is a 63 year old PhD graduate in International Development
and has her own company. Her name is Dr. Hildegard
Vary. Her email is: hvary@aol.com

2nd Patient: You can also contact a patient who had a breast implant,
liposuction and a mini-tummy tuck. She is still in Rio de Janeiro.
She is 39 years old. Her name is Debby Dusza and her email is:
debby2rio@hotmail.com

3rd Patient: You can also contact a patient who visited Fortaleza
for dental work. She is an international writer named Robin Sparks
with a website: www.robinsparks.com and an editor of
www.escapeartisttraveler.com. Her email is robin@robinsparks.com

All of these female patients traveled alone. Fortaleza is very safe
and has a woman as the mayor, who has done a tremendous job cleaning
up the city and stopping crime. This has caused Fortaleza to be the
"Number 1 Tourist DEstination" in Brazil, passing even Rio de Janeiro.

HOTELS

Comfort Hotel - $55 per night one person, $65 double room.
It is a deluxe hotel located a block from the "Beira Mar", the
famous boardwalk on the beach with color TV, AC, swimming pool, and
restaurant with breakfast included.

http://www.atlanticahotels.com.br/atlantica/hoteis/busca.asp?NumFuncionalidade=17&busca=ok&Cidade=Fortaleza
Rua Frei Mansueto , 160 Fortaleza - CE
Tel: (5585) 4006-4800
Fax: (5585) 4006-4801

New Life Spa Hotel - $55 per night one person, $65 double room.
It has a country setting with color TV, AC, swimming pool, gym,
sauna, post-op massages, treatments, hydrotherapy, lymphatic
drainage, individual or group therapies, and price includes 3
meals daily with a special light menu. You will be with other
patients who have also had plastic surgery procedures.

http://www.spanewlife.com.br
Prainha, Aquiraz, CE
Tel: (5585) 3361-5305
Fax: (5585) 3361-5314

TOURIST ACTIVITIES

To see tourist activities in Fortaleza see here:

http://www.bionexus.biz/about_fortaleza.php

AIRLINE TICKETS

For information on purchasing your airline ticket see here:

http://www.bionexus.biz/travel_services.php

If you are a US citizen you will need a tourist visa.
There are many large tracel agencies or visa service
companies who can assist you in obtaining the tourist visa.

CONTACT

Email me at: alex@bionexus.biz

or call me on my cellphone at: 55-85-9905-0032

Please see the doctor's name and CV further below.

I look forward to seeing you here in Fortaleza.

All the best,

Alexander

BRAZIL Tourism Offices Overseas Directory

Anonymous — Sat Feb 04, 2006 7:18 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 7:18 am

BRAZIL Tourism Offices Overseas Directory

SOUTH AMERICA
Person in Charge: João Carlos Vasconcellos
E-mail: americadosul@embratur.gov.br
City: Brasília
State: DF
Country: BRAZIL
Telephone: + /55/61 429-7809
Fax: + /55/61 3429 7960

FRANCE
Person in Charge: Flávia Malkine
E-mail: btb.france@ebt-paris.com.br
City: Paris
Country: FRANCE
Telephone: + /33/ 1 72 76 25 40
Fax: + /33/ 1 72 76 25 99

GERMANY & SCANDINAVIA
Person in Charge: Karin Luize de Carvalho
E-mail: brasilien@ebt-frankfurt.com.br
City: Frankfurt
Country: GERMANY
Telephone: + /49/ 69 2197 1557
Fax: + /49/ 69 2197 1276

ITALY
Person in Charge: Geraldo Peccin
E-mail: ubt.italia@ebt-milao.com.br
City: Milan
Country: ITALY
Telephone: + /39/028 907 7169
Fax: + /39/028 907 7169

JAPAN
Person in Charge: Lawrence Reinisch
E-mail: laurence.reinisch@embratur.gov.br / director@mercosur.jp
City: Tokyo
Country: JAPAN
Telephone: +81 3 5565 7591
Fax: +81 3 5565 7593

PORTUGAL
Person in Charge: Vera Sanches
E-mail: info@ebt-lisboa.com.br
City: Lisbon
Country: PORTUGAL
Telephone: + /351/ 21 324 7060
Fax: + /351/ 21 324 7069

SPAIN
Person in Charge: Vitor Iglesias Cid
E-mail: oficina.turismo@ebt-madrid.com.br
City: Madrid
Country: SPAIN
Telephone: + /34/ 91 7000 187
Fax: + /34/ 91 310 2235

UNITED KINGDOM & BENELUX
Person in Charge: Silvana Nascimento
E-mail: tourism.office@ebt-londres.com.br
City: London
Country: UNITED KINGDOM
Telephone: + /44/ 207 385 9975
Fax: +/44/ 207 386 4601

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Person in Charge: Miguel Jeronimo
E-mail: ebt_usa@verizon.net
City: New York
State: NY
Country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Telephone: + /1/ 212 997 3360
Fax: + /1/ 212 997 3363

BRAZIL BEACHES : Beaches in Brazil Guide

Anonymous — Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:49 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:49 am

BRAZIL BEACHES : Beaches in Brazil Guide

Brazil is a year round destination [except for the southern part of the country which doesn't have the best beaches anyway]. Beware of Brazil's summer holiday Dec-Feb [school holidays and Carnival time], when domestic transportation and accommodation can be expensive and difficult to find.

In summer, Dec-Feb, temperatures can reach 40C. Best March-May and Sept-Nov.

Generally sand is white and fine, the sun shines, prices are low and people are pleasant. The water, however, is the Atlantic Ocean, so will often be rough, with strong currents, a steep drop off and not very warm, unless protected by a reef. Careless tourists drown regularly!

Around Rio de Janeiro:

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
The world's best city beach with 4km of surprisingly spotless wide white sand. Relatively cheap, with friendly, lively locals. Plenty of accommodation, restaurants and outrageous night clubs. A great place for volley ball, and is the home of 'futevolei' [foot volley ball], too. Fun for people watching especially if you favour huge bottoms.
The down side is that you have to be cautious about thieves : use common sense - no watches, jewellery, or cameras.
If you like a little more sophistication go next door to Ipanema.

Ipanema and Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
Home of the bikini and tangas- tiny bikinis- Ipanema and Leblon are adjacent and slightly more chic and relaxed than nearby Copacabana. There is a family-friendly ambience and even a meeting area for mothers and babies. Soft white sand and cool blue water.

Angra dos Reis, Costa Verde [between Rio and Sao Paulo]
If you want to escape from Rio, Costa Verde is a good destination. Costa Verde [Green Coast], is one of the most scenic stretches along the 175-mile coastline between Rio and Sao Paulo, where tropical forest spread down to the ocean, with broad bays, golden sandy beaches and small fishing villages. There are some good resort hotels, villas, trendy restaurants and clubs. Angra dos Reis [Kings' Cove] is the best beach of the area and one of the most untouched beauty spots in the country.

Santos Beach Gardens, south of Sao Paulo
The town of Santos, 45 miles from Sao Paulo, has a beautiful 4 mile beach garden, reckoned by locals to be the largest garden in the world. It stretchs from Ponta da Praia, ferryport from another well-known beach resort called Guaruja, to Sao Vicente, the oldest town in Brazil.

Far north of Rio de Janeiro, north east Brazil:

Salvador, Bahia State
A beautiful, vibrant colonial city with excellent beaches on both sides.

Ilha de Tinharé, Bahia state
The seashore on this little island off the coast of Salvador is one of the prettiest in Brazil.
Neighbouring beaches, Ondina and Rio Vermelho host Salvador's most expensive resort hotels, while Rio Vermelho has some of the city's best bars and music.
Going north along the Orla Marítima are many restaurants, clean white sand, and in the north, the Lagoa de Abaeté, a black freshwater lagoon.

Praia do Forte resort, Bahia State
Praia do Forte, to the north of Salvador, is an old fishing village reconfigered as a laidback, downmarket resort. It has more than 8 miles of superb sandy beaches and natural pools and is surrounded by thousands of square miles of wild nature. Among the many cheap and cheerful little hotels is Brazil's first eco-resort, Praia do Forte EcoResort - delux but low key - lurking by the best sandy bit in the area, and offering various eco tourist programmes such as bird-watching, and rainforest walking. 1.5 hours from Salvador.

Natal, Rio Grande Norte State
Natal, inelegant, but 'the city of the sun' sees more than 300 days of sunshine a year and has some of the best stretches of sand in South America, including good lively city beaches - but beware the surf.
Just out of town the seaside get better with the prettiest area being Ponta Negra bay[ 10km away], and Pipa beach [80km away] - so lovely that dolphins visit regularly to admire it.
In addition Rio Grande do Norte has a more than 40 other great beaches, in particular Pirangi, Jacuma, Maracajaú, Galinhos. And by the way, wild buggy rides over the huge dunes seem to be a big attraction in this area.

Fortaleza, Ceara State
A mediocre city beach but hundreds of miles of superb wild coast either side of it, with dunes, palms, wild water and not much else.

Jericoacoara, Ceará State [300km west of Fortaleza]
Jericoacoara, increasingly fashionable in Brazil, has spectacular sunsets from the sand-dunes overlooking the little developed beaches. It is also known as an excellent place for windsurfing and horse-riding along the sands.

Source : Bugbog

BRAZIL TOURISM GUIDE (Brazil Visas, Hotels, & Regions)

Anonymous — Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:41 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:41 am

BRAZIL TOURISM GUIDE (Brazil Visas, Hotels, & Regions)

General Information

Area: 8,547,404 sq km (3,300,170.9 sq miles).

Population: 186,112,794 (official estimate 2005).

Population Density: 22 per sq km.

Capital: Brasília. Population: 2,051,146 (2000).

Geography: Brazil covers almost half of the South American continent and it is bordered to the north, west and south by all South American countries except Chile and Ecuador; to the east is the Atlantic. The country is topographically quite flat and at no point do the highlands exceed 3000m (10,000ft). Over 60 per cent of the country is a plateau; the remainder consists of plains. The River Plate Basin (the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, both of which have their sources in Brazil) in the far south is more varied, higher and less heavily forested. North of the Amazon are the Guiana Highlands, partly forested, partly stony desert. The Brazilian Highlands of the interior, between the Amazon and the rivers of the south, form a vast tableland, the Mato Grosso, from which rise mountains in the southwest that form a steep protective barrier from the coast called the Great Escarpment, breached by deeply cut river beds. The population is concentrated in the southeastern states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The city of São Paulo has a population of over 10 million, while over 5.5 million people live in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Government: Federal Republic. Head of State and Government: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva since 2003.

Language: The official language is Portuguese, with different regional accents characterising each State. Spanish, English, Italian, French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Gê, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.

Religion: There is no official religion, but approximately 70 per cent of the population adhere to Roman Catholicism. A number of diverse evangelical cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs (particularly spiritism, umbanda and candomblé).

Electricity: Brasília and Recife, 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.

Communications: Telephone: Full IDD services are available for the whole country and abroad. Country code: 55. Outgoing international code: 00. Embratel is one of the main telecommunication services in Brasil (website: www.embratel.com.br). Offices of Embratel are in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Rio’s airport provides 24-hour telecommunication services. Public telephones take telephone cards (cartões telefônicos), most of which cost R$20. Some older telephones may require metal discs (fichas), which can be obtained from cash desks or newspaper kiosks. International calls from Brazil are expensive: to the UK, the rate is approximately US$3 per minute, to the USA and Canada, it is approximately US$2.50 per minute. 25 per cent cheaper calls can be made daily from 2000-0500.

Mobile telephone: US-style analogue and digital networks exist. GSM 1800 network operators are Brasil Telecom Celular (website: www.brasiltelecom.com.br), Claro (website: www.claro.com.br), TIM BRASIL (website: www.tim.com.br) and TNL PCS (website: www.oi.com.br). GSM 900/1800 operators are Amazonia Cellular, CTBC Cellular (website: www.ctbctelecom.com.br), Sercom Celular SA (website: http://sercomtelcelular.com.br) and Telemig Celular SA (website: www.telemidcelular.com.br).

Fax: Facilities are available in the main post offices of major cities and some 5-star hotels.

Internet: ISPs include Terra (website: www.terra.com.br). Hotels generally provide Internet access to guests. Internet cafes can be found in main towns and cities, and there are often Internet booths at airports. In smaller towns, public access is sometimes available at post offices.

Telegram: International telegram facilities exist in many cities but are heavily taxed.

Post: Services are reasonably reliable. Sending mail registered or franked will eliminate the risk of having the stamps steamed off. Airmail service to Europe takes four to six days. Surface mail takes at least four weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1300.

Press: In Rio de Janeiro, there is an English-language publication, the Rio Visitor, which gives tourist information. The Brazil Post is a global news service providing information on the latest stories and current affairs in Brazil (website: www.noticiasdomundo.com). International magazines and newspapers are also available throughout the country.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

Restricted entry: Passports issued by Bhutan, Central African Republic and Chinese Taipei are not recognised by the Brazilian Government. Holders of such passports should hold a Laissez-Passer issued by the Brazilian authorities. For further details, check with the nearest Consulate or Consular section of Embassy.

Passports: Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all except nationals of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay arriving in Brazil directly from their own countries and holding a national identity card.

Note: Persons under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals mentioned under passport exemptions above;
(b) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Slovak Republic who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days;
(c) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, San Marino, South Africa, Sovereign Order of Malta, Surinam, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days (except nationals of Andorra, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Israel, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Namibia, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela who must always obtain a visa if travelling to Brazil for business purposes);
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Types of visa and cost: Tourist: cost varies according to nationality. Generally, it is around £16. Other prices, based on reciprocity, are £28 (for nationals of Australia); £32 (for nationals of Canada and Nigeria); free, but £80 processing fee (for nationals of the USA); £40 (for nationals of Japan and the Russian Federation). Business: £48 (£80 for nationals of the USA). Transit: contact the Consulate for details of cost. Postal applications, and those via courier or travel agent, cost an additional £8. Some countries must pay an extra £20.

Validity: 90 days from date of issue. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. For an extension of the (up to three months) tourist visa, apply in Brazil, although this is always at the discretion of the Brazilian Immigration Authorities.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at the Embassy);

Application requirements: Tourist/Transit: (a) Valid passport for at least six months. (b) Application form. (c) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay or return or onward tickets (photocopy, or letter from carrier giving flight details). (d) One passport-size photo. (e) Certificate of vaccination, if necessary; enquire at Embassy/Consulate. (f) Fee (paid at any post office in the UK with a Giro slip obtainable from the Consulate). (g) If participating in conferences, seminars, an artistic or sports event, a letter from the organisers is required. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from applicant’s company stating the purpose and duration of the visit and contacts to be maintained by the applicant.

Note: For postal applications, travellers should also submit a special delivery or guaranteed delivery, self-addressed, pre-paid envelope and a written request stating nationality, status and length of residence in the UK (where applicable) and validity of the British visa (where applicable).

Working days required: Depends on nationality. A minimum of three working days in person, 10 by post, 15 for those who require consultation.

Travel - Internal

AIR: There is a shuttle service between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, a regular service from São Paulo to Brasília, and a shuttle service from Brasília to Belo Horizonte. There are air services between all Brazilian cities, Brazil having one of the largest internal air networks in the world. At weekends it is advisable to book seats as the services are much used. The monthly magazine Panrotas (website: www.panrotas.com.br) gives all timetables and fares for internal air travel. Air taxis are available between all major centres.

Domestic airports: São Paulo (Viracopos) (VCP), 96km (60 miles) southwest of the city. Airport facilities include banking, a duty free shop and a restaurant.
São Paulo (Congonhas) (CGH), 14km (8 miles) from the city.
Manaus (Internacional Eduardo Gomes) (MAO), 14km (9 miles) from the city. There are coach services into the city and to other destinations.
Salvador (Dois de Julho) (SSA), 36km (22 miles) from the city. 24-hour taxi facilities are available. Airport facilities include banking, a duty free shop and a restaurant.

The Brazilian Airpass: The airpass is available through Varig Brazilian Airlines and can be purchased only outside of Brazil and only in conjunction with a British Airways or Varig international carrier ticket. Only one airpass may be purchased per person. The pass costs up to US$560 for one to five coupons. Extra coupons cost US$100 each, up to a maximum of nine coupons; validity is for 21 days from first date of travel. The same route cannot be travelled twice and coupons have variable values. Further information is available from Varig Brazilian Airlines in the UK (tel: (0845) 603 7601; website: www.varig.co.uk). It is also possible to buy an airpass with TAM, Transbrasil and VASP and use any international carrier.

Departure tax: None.

SEA/RIVER: Ferries serve all coastal ports. River transport is the most efficient method of travel in the Amazon Delta. The government-owned Empresa de Navegação de Amazônia (ENASA) has now virtually suspended its passenger-boat services, but private companies have stepped in and provide constantly improving services on rivers throughout the country. Boat trips from the mainland to the popular and beautiful islands of Ilha Grande, Ilhabela and Ilha de Santa Catarina are also possible.

RAIL: Limited rail connections exist to most major cities and towns, but there has been a substantial decline in the provision of long-distance services from the 18 major regional networks. Most (95 per cent) of Brazil’s 22,000km (13,640 miles) of rail lines are located within 480km (300 miles) of its Atlantic coastline. Because of the great distances and the climate, some of these journeys can be uncomfortable. Daytime and overnight trains with restaurant and sleeping-cars link São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s most scenic rail routes are from Curitiba to Paranagua (originating in São Paulo) and from São Paulo to Santos. Other major rail routes include Belo Horizonte– Itabira–Vitoria (with buffet car), Campo Grande–Ponte Pora (with restaurant car), Porto Santana–Serra do Navio (second-class only), Santos Ana Costa–Juquia (second-class only), São Luis A Guarda–Parauapebas (with buffet car), Curitiba–Foz do Iguacu, São Paulo–Panorama (second-class only), São Paulo–Presidente Prudente (first-class, air conditioned, buffet and sleeping cars available), Araguari– Campinas (restaurant or buffet car) and Santa Maria–Pôrto Alegre (with restaurant car). Children under three travel free. Children from three to nine pay half fare.

ROAD: Brazil has 1,940,400km (1,202,800 miles) of roads. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Inter-urban transport is very much road-based (accounting for 97 per cent of travel), compared with air (2.2 per cent) and rail (less than 1 per cent). High-quality coaches have been increasingly introduced on the main routes, which are well served. Services connect all inhabited parts of the country. Standards and timetables vary, and the visitor must be prepared for overnight stops and long waits between connecting stages. Car hire: Available in all major centres but rates are expensive and the whole procedure very bureaucratic. Parking in cities is very difficult and it is best to avoid driving through the often congested urban areas if at all possible. Documentation: International Driving Permit required.

URBAN: There are extensive bus services in all the main centres, often with air-conditioned express executive coaches running at premium fares. Rio and São Paulo both have two-line metros and local rail lines, and there are trolleybuses in São Paulo and a number of other cities. Trolleybuses are increasingly being introduced as an energy-saving measure. Fares are generally regulated with interchange possible between some bus and metro/rail lines; for instance, on the feeder bus linking the Rio metro with Copacabana. Taxi: In most cities these are identified by red number plates and are fitted with meters. Fares are inexpensive, costing a little more with the ‘special’ taxis with air conditioning and better comfort. Willingness to accept a taxi driver’s advice on where to go or where to stay should be tempered by the knowledge that places to which he takes a visitor are more than likely to give him a commission – and the highest commissions will usually come from the most expensive places. Taxis are metered and passengers should insist that the meter is turned on.

Accommodation

HOTELS: Accommodation varies according to region. First-class accommodation is, by and large, restricted to the cities of the south and is generally expensive. There are also a number of pousadas, small, privately run hotels that are less expensive than the major hotels.

Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo: Many modern hotels, ranging from the very expensive deluxe hotels to moderately priced hotels. It is vital to book well in advance for the Carnival (which takes place annually in February/March).

Brasília: Small number of good hotels. Most tourists visit Brasília by air from Rio or São Paulo for a day trip, or make a single-night stopover.

Bahia (Salvador): Small number of good hotels, some moderately priced hotels, several demi-pensions. The Bahia carnival takes place after Christmas (from December to March).

Amazon Basin: This region is being developed in part as a tourist attraction and has numerous lodges. Visitors are reminded that hotel tariffs are subject to alteration at any time, and are liable to fluctuate according to changes in the exchange rate.

Note: The best guide to hotels in Brazil is the ‘Guia do Brasil Quatro Rodas’, which includes maps available from EMBRATUR and from any news-stand in Brazil. Grading: The Brazilian Tourist Board (EMBRATUR) has a star-rating system for hotels used by most establishments in towns. The classification is not, however, the standard used in Europe and North America. 5-star is the grade for deluxe hotels. 3-star hotels are good value for money and offer well-kept accommodation, whilst a 1-star hotel can only offer basic amenities.

CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Cars may be hired, and camping arranged on safari tours or group ‘exploration’ trips in the Amazon region. The road network in Brazil is good and is being expanded, but since many parts are wild, or semi-explored, it is wise to drive on main roads, to camp with organised groups under supervision and with official permits, or otherwise to stay in recognised hotels. The country is peaceful, but because it is so large there is a real danger of getting lost, or being injured or killed by natural accident or lack of local survival skills.
The Camping Clube do Brasil has 52 sites in 14 states. Those with an ‘international camper’s card’ pay only half the rate of a non-member (about €4 per person). For those on a low budget, service stations can be used as campsites. These are equipped with shower facilities and can supply food.

YOUTH HOSTELS: There are over 90 youth hostels (albergues de juventude).

OTHER TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION: Eco-Hotels: Owing to a recent government initiative to invest in ecotourism, there are now a relatively small number of ‘eco-hotels’ available, located mostly in or near the Amazonian rainforest. Some provide visitors with luxury accommodation built on treetops and also arrange informative tours to the surrounding area; prices tend to be very high. Budget: Dormitórios, which have several beds to a room, cost as little as US$5 per night, though standards are correspondingly basic (with shared bathroom facilities); a pousada (small guest house) costs approximately US$10 per night. Rooms with bathrooms are called apartamentos, those without a bathroom are called quartos.

Accommodation information:
Associacão Brasileira da Industria de Hoteis (information on hotels)
sala 213, Avenida das Americas, 3.120 Bl.1, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: (21) 3410 5131.
Website: www.riodejaneirohotel.com.br

Camping Clube do Brasil (information on camps)
Divisao de Campings, Rua Senador Dantas 75, 29 andar, 20000 Rio de Janeiro
Tel: (21) 210 3171.
Website: www.campingclube.com.br

Federação Brasileira dos Albergues da Juventude (information on youth hostels)
Rua General Dionisio 63, Botafogo, 22271-050 Rio de Janeiro
Tel: (21) 2286 0303.
Website: www.hostel.org.br

Sport & Activities

Jungle treks: The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest biological reserve. It contains one-third of all living species on the earth and is crossed by 10 of the world’s 20 largest rivers, including the River Amazon (the largest river in the world). The usual base for trips to the Amazon is the city of Manaus, where numerous tour operators can arrange anything from standard day trips to month-long expeditions to more remote areas. It is best to hire a local guide (trips without guides are only allowed on certain trails). During the rainy season (February to April), the flooded rainforest can be explored by boat or canoe. Several jungle lodges and hotels offer ecotourism packages, though many of these tend to be expensive. River cruises to the so-called ‘wedding of the waters’, where the clear waters of the Rio Negro meet the muddy Amazon, are popular. For information on wildlife, see the Resorts & Excursions section.

Hiking and climbing: The best time for hiking and climbing is from April to October. Rio de Janeiro is the centre of Brazilian rock climbing: over 300 climbs can be reached within 40 minutes from the city centre. There are many great hiking trails in the national parks and along the coastline. The Iguaçu Falls on the Parana River near the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is one of the world’s greatest waterfalls, with 275 cataracts. Boat trips to the falls from Rio are available and take two days. Good aerial views can be enjoyed from a helicopter tour of the falls that can be booked on location.

Watersports: Brazil is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. The best places to surf in Brazil include Joaquina Beach (near Florianópolis in Santa Catarina state, which hosts the annual Brazilian surfing championships); Saquarema (in Rio state); Búzios (a chic resort area on the Cabio Frio Peninsula); Itacoatiara; and a string of beaches near Rio de Janeiro. There are hundreds of beaches along the coastline suitable for many types of watersports, some of the best being at Buzios; Angra (on the Costa Verde, which is fairly uncrowded, with access to hundreds of offshore islands); Fortaleza; Niteroi (near Rio, with three good beaches); and Itamaraca Island (north of Recife). Diving can be practised in Fernando de Noronha (a small archipelago off Brazil’s north eastern coast in Pernambuco state, where a strict environmental protection programme allows a maximum of 420 visitors at a time); Angra dos Reis (a seaside village in Rio de Janeiro state, part of Ilha Grande Bay, with possible diving trips to 300 surrounding islands); Bonito (located in the fairly untouched and undeveloped Panatal region); Recife (the ‘birthplace’ of Brazil, offering excellent diving in the vicinity); and Parcel Manoel Luís. Diving clubs are located all along the coastline. For further information, contact the Brazilian Tourist Board – EMBRATUR (see Contact Addresses section).

Golf: Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular location makes for a number of dazzling golf courses. The Gávea Golf & Country Club, located beneath the massive Gávea rock and next to São Conrado beach, has an 18-hole course; non-members are not allowed at Itanhangá Golf Club has a 9- and an 18-hole course, located near Barra da Tijuca beach.

Carnaval and music: four days in the South, to two weeks in northern cities such as Salvador and Recife. Brazilians themselves remark that the Recife and Olinda celebrations are the most distinctive but it is cities like Rio or Salvador that receive the most foreign visitors. However in every town and village in Brazil, Carnaval is a time to celebrate and the visitor will see processions and blocos every region during Carnaval time.

Accommodation is traditionally prepaid in four- or five-day blocks and overland travel during Carnaval is notoriously difficult, although always entertaining!

Music: Brazil is the perfect place to sample the samba, bossa nova or lambada and the major cities, particularly Rio de Janeiro, are full of cafes with live music and dancing. Gefieiras are samba parlours where visitors can either watch or join in. In Rio, many gefieiras are located on the south side. The Copacabana beach, where parties are staged nearly 24 hours a day, is also a good location for sampling some Latin American entertainment. An exciting way to experience the genuine samba is by attending a rehearsal at the escolas de samba (samba schools), which open their doors to visitors a couple of months before the beginning of Rio de Janeiro’s carneval. Bandas, the non-professional equivalent of the samba schools, are also a good place to practice. Tickets for the carnival go on sale two weeks before the beginning. The best costumes and most spectacular samba parades can be seen at the Sambódromo (Sambadrome), a stadium on Rua Marquês de Sapucaí, where 14 samba schools parade on Carnival Sunday and Monday; the parades go on for 24 hours and tickets should be bought well in advance. It is possible for visitors to take part in a parade. One week of preparation should be allowed and hotels can often make all the necessary arrangements. During carnival, foreign visitors should be alert to pickpockets and not carry more money than needed.

Football: A good way to experience the Brazilian Maracana Stadium, the largest in the world.

Travel Warnings
Most visits to Brazil are trouble-free. However, levels of crime and violence are high, especially in major cities. Travellers should be vigilant, especially when going out after dark.

Travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Drug trafficking and use is a growing problem, with severe penalties in Brazil.

Latest travel advice contacts:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Regions & Destinations in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO: Known as the cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio has one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The city’s spectacular harbour is dominated by the famous rocky outcrop, Pão de Açúcar(Sugar Loaf), and, further up, the Corcovado (Hunchback) peak, rising 709m (2326ft) above the Baía de Guanabara and providing the focal point for the classic Rio skyline. The Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue stands on top of Corcovado. Pão de Açúcar can be reached by two cable cars ascending 396m (1300ft) above Rio and the Baía de Guanabara (one leaves approximately every 30 minutes). Flocks of tourists arriving by tour buses can sometimes spoil the view, so visitors should avoid the busiest times (between 1000-1100 and 1400-1500). The Corcovado peak is located within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, and is accessible by cog train (leaving from the Rua Cosme Velho). From the top there are magnificent views of Rio. Taxis also take visitors up to the peak and driving there will take up to an hour. Rio’s other landmarks are its numerous beaches, most notably the infamous Copacabana and Ipanema. Beach life is a ritual in Brazil and different beach sections reflect different ways of life and fashions. The Girl from Ipanema beach is particularly popular with young people and is located at Posto Nine in Ipanema. Owing to strong waves and undertows, swimming off Ipanema can be dangerous. Rio’s other main beaches include Arpoador, Barra da Tijuca, Botafogo, Flamengo, Leblon, Leme, Pepino and Vidigal.

Rio has many interesting museums, including the Museu Histórico Nacional, located in the São Tiago Fortress. The Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro contains Brazil’s most important collection of modern art. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói, designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer and overlooking Boa Viagem beach, showcases contemporary Brazilian art. The Museu do Folclore Edison Carneiro displays folk art and art naif. The Museu do Índio contains some 14,000 objects made by Brazilian Indians and is one of the nation’s most important Indian heritage museums. The Museu da República is set in the well-restored Palácio do Catete and reveals a fascinating insight into Brazilian history.

SÃO PAULO: The view from the top of São Paulo’s tallest building, the Edificio Italiano reveals South America’s largest city (over 9 million inhabitants) and Brazil’s financial, commercial and industrial heartland. Famed throughout the continent for its abundant nightlife and shopping, São Paulo’s rapidly growing population resides in a sprawling urban maze characterised by perpetual traffic jams and a chronic lack of space. While São Paulo’s concrete jungle is a far cry from the colour and charm of other Brazilian cities, there are some cultural attractions on offer, notably the MASP – Museu de Arte de São Paulo with an internationally renowned collection of impressionist paintings (with works by Van Gogh and Degas amongst many others).

The Brazilian Northeast

The Northeast of Brazil is famed for its beautiful beaches and distinct history and folklore. Known as the ‘Golden Coast’, this region contains the states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe.

SALVADOR DA BAHIA: The state capital is split into upper and lower sections. Cidade Alta, the heart of the old city, is perched at the top of a 50m-high cliff, linked to Cidade Baixa by steep streets, a funicular railway and the marvellous Art-Deco Elevador Lacerdo. The majority of Salvador’s museums, palaces and churches are concentrated within Cidade Alta and thus the city is ideal for exploring on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a staggering number of churches, including the impressive Church of São Francisco and the fascinating Church of Bonfim, where middle-class matrons rub shoulders with the peasantry as they gather to worship. However, religion in Bahia is not limited to the established church. The state’s African legacy extends to candomble, a fusion of African and Catholic religions. Candomble followers dress in white and honour hundreds of native deities in terreiros (or cult houses) all over the city, it is possible to witness ceremonies as some terreiros accept visitors as long as they dress accordingly and are respectful.

Salvador has some of the best museums in Brazil and next to the opulent Catedral Basilica is the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, a fascinating insight into afro-Brazilian culture, with sections on candomble, capoeira and Carnaval. Other interesting museums include the Casa de Jorge Amado, Bahia’s best-known novelist, the Museu da Cidade and the Museu de Arte Sacra, the latter housed in a 17th-century convent.

Avid shoppers should head for the Mercado Modelo for a wide variety of goods including many examples of local handicrafts. The local cuisine (comida bahiana) is among the best in Brazil, focusing on rich African flavours.

Salvador is also renowned for being the hub of Brazilian music and Salvador’s central district of Pelourinho is home to numerous bars and clubs showcasing live music and afoxé (Salvador’s carnival bands).

ELSEWHERE: Also in Bahia state, the Diamantina National Park is also well worth a visit; it contains several underground lakes (such as Lago Azul) and spectacular waterfalls (such as Veu da Noiva). The towns of Ilhéus and Aracaju with their ornate churches and colonial architecture are also worth a visit.

Piauí State contains the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Serra da Capivara National Park, which contains ancient cave paintings estimated to be over 25,000 years old.

Alagoas state capital, Maceiô, is deservedly proud of its fantastic beaches, reputedly the finest in all of Brazil.

Pernambuco state capital, Recife, has been the beneficiary of sizeable investment to promote tourism. However despite being one of the most visited cities in the Brazilian Northeast, it still suffers from a poor infrastructure and the influx of rich, foreign tourists has made begging and street crime a real problem in the city. A world away is the nearby historical town of Olinda, infamous for its Carnaval celebrations and one of Brazil’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rio Grande do Norte’s state capital, Natal, is divided between the commercial section of the city and its beach suburbs – clean, safe and good for surfing. Natal has several large markets and is famous for its cotton and leather handicrafts.

Ceara’s capital, Fortaleza, sprawls lazily along a spectacular coastline. Blessed with excellent restaurants and an abundance of attractions for the visitor, the city is also a great place to organise a trip to Jericocoara. Just four hours by car, this heavenly village is nestled between a dazzling white sand-dune desert and a balmy turquoise sea.

The Interior

Few tourists venture far from Brazil’s spectacular beaches but a trip into the interior reveals a different Brazil, one with a great deal to offer the visitor.

MINAS GERAIS: As its name suggests, this was so called after the abundant gold and diamond mines that transformed the state into a treasure trove of gold and also of baroque art. During the 18th century, the stream of riches from this region was so relentless that the Portuguese lacked sufficient ships to transport it to Europe. Almost all the gold that gilded altars in cathedrals and churches from as far north as Olinda came from Minas. In towns such as Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Sabará and Mariana, this tidal wave of wealth resulted in the construction of hundreds of churches and civic buildings in lavish baroque style. All of the cidades históricas are immaculately preserved examples of Brazil’s colonial heritage and are accessible by road from the state capital Belo Horizonte. This region’s highlight for art-lovers is Aleijadinho’s interpretation of ‘The Passion’ at the Basilica de Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. Set in gardens that gently slope towards Matosinhos town, the work is positioned in six small domed chapels filled with life-size statues that dramatise the scenes. All of the figures, including the 12 magnificent soapstone statues of prophets from the Old Testament, are more poignant for being sculpted by an artist almost completely disabled by the advanced stages of leprosy and who, therefore, knew it to be his final work.

ELSEWHERE: Brasília, the country’s capital, was built on land originally covered by cerrado (sub-tropical forest) and is renowned for its futuristic architecture, most notable in the Praça dos Três Poderes, Palácio do Planalto and the National Congress. Attracting far fewer visitors than the huge cities of Rio and São Paulo or the tropical paradise of the Northeast, Brasília has little to offer the visitor interested in Brazilian history and culture. However, it is Brazil’s future and it is up to the individual to decide whether it is as attractive as Brazil’s colourful past.

Mato Grosso is the gateway to the Pantanal, a vast area of wetlands approximately half the size of France and Brazil’s largest ecological reserve. Flooded by the Rio Paraguai during the wet season (October to March), this region is the best place in Brazil to see wildlife. However, the region is sparsely populated, with few towns or villages and only one major road (the ‘Transpantaneira’). Therefore, in order to get the most out of the area, wildlife enthusiasts should choose an organised tour with experienced guides.

The South

PORTO ALEGRE: In the rich southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, this city caters for thousands of tourists each year, the majority of whom come from nearby Argentina. The capital has excellent museums, art galleries and restaurants to entertain the visitor, as well as delightful surrounding countryside. To the west, travellers can visit the ruins of the 300-year-old Jesuit missions, abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled from Spain. One of the most fascinating is Saõ Miguel das Missões, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 58km (36 miles) from the town of Santo Angelo (a good starting point for visiting the missions). The most popular beaches in this area are the Tramandai and Torres, respectively 126km (78 miles) and 209km (130 miles) from Pôrto Alegre. In addition, the region’s Gramado and Canela Mountains provide ample opportunities for walking and trekking.

ELSEWHERE: The state of Santa Catarina, with its island capital of Florianópolis, has superb beaches at Laguna, Itapena and Camburiu. The island is famous for its excellent surfing and watersports facilities are particularly good in the area. Further inland Blumenau and Joinville are both living testaments to the last century’s massive influx of German immigration with both towns constructed in predominantly German architecture. Germanic culture is still vibrant in small towns like Pomerode (near Blumenau) where German remains the lingua franca with Portuguese only used in government offices. Blumenau’s annual three-week Oktoberfest is not to be missed.

Paraná is a prime coffee-producing state with a bright modern capital, Curitiba, whose public transport system could be the envy of European capitals like London or Paris. Efficient trams run throughout the city and travellers are encased in glass tunnels that protect them from the elements as they wait for the next tram. However, Curitiba is relatively compact and (weather permitting) easy to explore on foot with most areas of interest found in the historic centre. Curitiba is famous for its parks, two of which are worth seeking out; visitors will be fascinated by the riot of vivid plumage in the aviaries of the Passeio Público, where several species of local birds are kept. A fascinating insight into frontier life and the endeavours of countless European immigrants, who moved here during the last 150 years, is the Museu de Imigração Polenesa in the centre of Bosque João Paulo. The museum’s best exhibits are the log cabins, built by Polish immigrants in the 1880s and relocated here over 100 years later.

The train journey between Curitiba and Paranaguá is a spectacular journey through dense jungle, its route strewn with memorials for the many workers who perished from tropical diseases as they constructed the tracks. Accessible by road or air from Curitiba are the world-famous Iguazu Falls, a spectacular set of 70m waterfalls, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Standing near the waterfalls is a humbling experience. The deafening roar of 5000 cubic metres of water cascading down each second accompanies a perpetual (and in summer temperatures, welcoming) mist that envelopes visitors. The area encompasses two national parks, each boasting hundreds of species of plant and animal life, and spans the borders of two countries, Argentina and Brazil, divided by the River Paraná. For a good view of the entire set of falls, visit the Brazilian side of the Park in Foz de Iguazu and photograph the spectacle. To get close enough to stare into the watery abyss, visit the Argentine side. Unfortunately, there is no access to Brazil from the Argentine Park or vice versa, so visitors wishing to see both parks must travel overland to the border crossing, about 10km south. Due to Foz de Iguazu’s proximity to both the Argentine and Paraguayan borders, it is possible to visit both countries in a day trip from Foz.

THE NORTHERN INTERIOR AND AMAZON: Almost entirely covered with dense rainforest, Brazil’s northern interior is split into the vast regions of Amazonas, Pará, Acre and Rondônia. These massive federal states easily outstrip the land resources of many European countries and, combined, cover over 3,400,000 sq km (1,300,000 sq miles) of endless jungle filled with countless species of life.

RONDÔNIA AND ACRE: Created in 1991 Rondônia has suffered extensive deforestation. There are still natural wonders hidden away such as the stunning Teotonio and Santo Antônio Falls, accessible from capital Porto Velho. Other attractions include river trips to the Forte Principe de Beira or to Bolivia, where air taxis operate to La Paz from Guayaramerin.

Territorially annexed from Bolivia in the early 20th century, Acre is a state of contrasts with a funky capital in Rio Branco, a thriving market and university town on the river. Because of its student population, Rio Branco has good nightlife and its geographical position as a trading post has made the town an important handicrafts centre.

AMAZONAS: The state capital, Manaus, was transformed by the 19th-century rubber boom and nowhere is this more evident than in the Teatro Amazonas, built in 1896 in the elaborate style of the Italian Renaissance. In front of the theatre, a marble square is designed to reflect the four continents represented by four great ships. Along Avenida Sete de Setembro are numerous museums worth a visit; the Museo de Indio, Museo de Amazonas and the marvellous colonial mansion that houses the Centro Cultural de Palacio Rio Negro, an extensive archive of naturalist Alexandre Ferreira. The city is easy to navigate and offers the visitor both fine restaurants and tax-free bargains in the free trade zone. As a major port for river-traffic with arrivals and departures to Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, Manaus is an excellent starting point for river trips and guided tours into the rainforest. 25 million years ago, the volcanic activity that created the Andes blocked the Amazon’s path to the Pacific, sending it on the 6400km journey to the Atlantic and thus creating the vast Amazon basin. Upriver from Manaus, the rivers Amazon and Negro meet but their waters (yellow and black respectively) run parallel for many miles in different-coloured channels.

PARA AND AMAPA: The Eastern Amazon region is split between the states of Para and Amapa. Para’s state capital Belem was founded in 1616. Situated at the Atlantic end of the Amazon estuary at the mouth of the Rio Tocantins, Belem is a thriving port city with an exquisite historical centre, dotted with splendid churches and elegant parks. The Goeldi Museum boasts the largest collection of tropical plants in the world. The docks are the location of the early-morning Ver O Peso (See the Weight) market, which was originally a slave market but still exists these days although the stalls now mostly sell fruit and produce.

Source : Columbus guide

BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS (Brazil Travel Essential)

Anonymous — Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:24 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:24 am

BRAZIL TRAVEL TIPS (Brazil Travel Essential)

Brazil is an excellent choice all year around. You can check the weather according to your preferences. Summertime in Brazil starts in December and runs through to February. Many Brazilians are on vacation at this time, so make your reservations early enough in advance to avoid any hassles. Remember, Carnival, which occurs the week leading up to Ash Wednesday each year (either February or March), is the festival no one should miss!

Travel Visas

When coming to Brazil, you must be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Check with your local Brazilian embassy or consulate whether or not you require a visa to enter the country.

Visa Not Required
Consular visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days by tourists from Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Uruguay, The Vatican and Venezuela.

Visas Required
US and Canadian citizens, Australians and New Zealanders and people of other nationalities not mentioned above require consular visas to enter Brazil.

Foreign tourists may stay a maximum of 180 days in any one year. 90-day renewals are easily obtainable from the local Polícia Federal. All visa related problems are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Police, which has an office in every major airport.

Getting there and getting around

Most of the American and European airlines fly into and out of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro daily. There are various domestic airlines within Brazil, the principal ones being Varig, Tam, Vasp and Gol; Varig also has the most extensive network of domestic flights. Booking the best flights to suit your schedule is a service that Discover Brazil provides. Transfer services in air-conditioned vehicles, taxis, bus services and car rentals are also services we provide.

Tips before traveling

Check with the nearest Brazilian consulate in your area for visa and vaccination requirements before traveling. If you are a US citizen, you will need a visa to get in, so please be well informed of the requirements well in advance of your travel.

Brazil does not require you to have any vaccinations to enter the country; however, if you are planning to travel to the Amazon region, a Yellow Fever inoculation is advisable. Make sure you plan this in advance because the vaccine only becomes effective after 10 days. Consult with your local doctor whether or not you should take anti-malaria medicine.
All banks and money exchange houses will change traveler’s checks and foreign currency. It is wise to carry some cash in case you want to go out of the major cities and towns. Generally, Master Card, Amex, Diners and Visa are accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. (A number of banks including Banco do Brasil accept foreign cards in their ATM machines).
It is advisable to always carry smaller bills, as restaurants and shops rarely have change for large bills

If you are sending your little ones alone or accompanied only by your spouse, please make sure you have a written authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian granting permission to travel. This document must be translated into Portuguese, notarized and authenticated by a Brazilian consulate, and you will need to show it to the airport authorities when you leave Brazil and go back home with your kids.

Take out medical and travel insurance (offered by Discover Brazil). Make sure it covers all eventualities especially evacuation to your home country by a medically equipped plane, if necessary.

Take clothes suitable for the climates you are planning to visit.

Take sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Don’t wear expensive items such as jewelry, and be discreet with cameras, like in any major city around the world, don’t tempt thieves.

Drink plenty of water when you’re in Brazil (tap water is unsafe to drink).

Electricity can vary within cities. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo use 110 volts AC, Bahia (Salvador) and Manaus 127 volts AC, in Brasilia and Recife 220 volts AC. Most hotels do provide 110-volt & 220-volt outlets or adaptors. Check with your hotel which voltage is used in your room to avoid damaging your electronic equipment.

If you want to dial internationally, it is necessary to dial 00 – 21 – country code – city code – phone number. For local calls within the city, just dial the telephone number. Between Brazilian states you need to dial a carrier code (021, 031, etc) then the state code and the phone number.

Brazil uses the metric system, Celsius temperature, and military or British time.

Visitors will find that Brazilians are very friendly people - easy to approach, respectful of visitors and always willing to help if possible.

BRAZIL TOURISM FAQ (Brazil Tourism information)

Anonymous — Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:50 am

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:50 am

BRAZIL TOURISM FAQ (Brazil Tourism Frequently asked questions)

What is the best time of year to visit Brazil?

Brazil is a country of continental dimensions and an incredible climatic variation. Thus, there are several destinations that can be visited any time of the year, providing unforgettable vacation time. Research the place you want to visit and see when the best time to visit is. For the search, access:
http://www.braziltour.com/site/en/destinos_roteiros/index.php

Which are the most visited cities?

Rio de Janeiro, in the State of Rio de Janeiro; São Paulo, in the State of São Paulo; Salvador, in the State of Bahia; Fortaleza in the State of Ceará; and Recife, in the State of Pernambuco are the top five cities in the ranking of most visited cities by foreign tourists. But Brazil has countless options for your trip, whether for vacation or business. Visit the page Destinos e Roteiros (Destinations and Itineraries), select a destination and become one more of our country’s fans.

I would like some information about lodging and transportation for a specific city / region.

Access the page Destinos e Roteiros (Destinations and Itineraries) and select the city you wish to visit. There you will find this and much more information. Brazil has excellent air connections to all continents and offices of most of national and international airlines are found throughout the country. There are also many options for lodging, from the simplest and coziest inns to sophisticated hotels and resorts. Consult your travel agent and come see Brazil’s wonders.

I am from a tourism agency and I would like to contact professionals in this area in Brazil.

You can contact one of these entities:

Brazilian Incoming Travel Organization (BITO)
www.bito.com.br/index.htm

Associação Brasileira de Agências de Viagem (ABAV) (Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies)
www.abav.com.br

Associação Brasileira das Operadoras de Turismo (Braztoa) (Brazilian Association of Tourism Operators)
braztoa@braztoa.com.br

Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Eventos (Abeoc) (Brazilian Association of Events Organizers)
abeoc@abeoc.org.br

Federação Brasileira de Convention & Visitors Bureaux (FBC&VB) (Brazilian Federation of Conventions & Visitors Bureau)
fbcvb@fbcvb.org.br

Comissão de Turismo Integrada do Nordeste (CTI-NE) (Northeast Integrated Tourism Committee)
ctine@ctinordestedobrasil.com.br

Fórum de Operadores Hoteleiros do Brasil (FOHB) (Forum of Hotel Operators in Brazil)
fohb@fohb.com.br

How many foreign tourists does Brazil receive annually?

According to EMBRATUR’s (Brazilian Institute of Tourism) Annual Statistics Brazil saw a 15.49% growth in foreign tourists in 2004. The country received 4.7 million international visitors in 2004, compared to 4.1 million in 2003. The Argentine tourist, followed by North-Americans, Germans and Portuguese are the main visitors.

Which are the most popular festivities in Brazil?

Brazilian popular festivities permeate the entire calendar, which makes Brazil a country of constant celebrations. Below are some of the most important festivities:

Carnaval
One of the greatest popular manifestations in the world, Carnaval is an accurate register of Brazilian cultural miscegenation. The festivity has its own characteristics in each part of the country, but some cities are famous at this time of the year.

In the city of Rio de Janeiro, Escolas de Samba (Samba Schools) parade at the Sambódromo, presenting their stories and parading enormous floats down the samba avenue, together with approximately 5,000 members wearing a variety of costumes – always in tune with that year’s theme, parading in front of the audience as if telling a story.

In Recife and Olinda, in the State of Pernambuco, frevo (a typical dance) – typical dance from the State – is the dominating dance setting the pace for the party.

On the Saturday before Carnaval a crowd of almost one million people take the streets of Recife to go dancing with the Galo da Madrugada (Midnight Rooster), the greatest symbol of Pernambuco frolics. During Carnaval time, old Recife becomes crowded.

In Olinda, the merrymakers parade their costumes on the city’s streets. In Salvador, in the State of Bahia, people occupy the streets to follow the Trio Elétricos, which are big trucks transformed into moving platforms where bands play axé-music, a typical rhythm from Bahia. Starting from the Pelourinho and the Low City, African groups play their drums all the way to Castro Alves Square, the heart of the carnaval from Bahia, where there is a celebration.

This festivity starts on Saturday, finishing the following Tuesday, almost always in the month of February. According to the Catholic-Apostolic-Roman calendar, Carnaval is held 40 days before Easter. In some places, the festivities start before and continue for more than a week after the official date.

June Parties (Festa Junina)

In Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, this festivity is enlivened by the forro-pé-de-serra and the square dance – the typical rhythm from the Northeast and one of the several types of dance in the country. The Party gathers thousands of people and has won the title of the “Greatest São João in the World”. Its name is in honor of Saint John’s Day, June 24th, one of the most important festivities of the June circuit. The People’s Park becomes an enormous outdoor ball room, where one can also find typical food and arts and crafts. Another destination that has become famous for its June celebrations is the city of Caruaru. There, northeastern rhythms like forro, xote, and baião attract approximately one million people to the Caruaru Party. There is also presentation of square dancers, floats and folklore groups, while fireworks illuminate the sky. There are kiosks of typical food and arts and crafts spread around the city, and there is also a meter-high bonfire marking the last day of festivity. The June parties are celebrated all over the country, but in Caruaru they start earlier, in the end of May.

Parintins Folklore Festival – State of Amazonas

In the heart of Amazônia, in Parintins, there a dispute between Caprichoso and Garantido, the city’s most famous bois-bumbás. The oxen are characters of a dramatic dance from the Christmas cycle, in which one of them dies and resuscitates later. The city is painted blue (Caprichoso) and red (Garantido), dividing the crowd of 100 thousand people that goes to the Bumbódromo every year. Floats, costumes and fireworks complement the party, which is held in the second half of June, and lasts three days.

Nazareth Candle – Belém, State of Pará

The city’s largest party, Círio de Nazaré is in homage of Our Lady of Nazareth, patron of the State of Pará. It gathers approximately 1.5 million believers in a procession through the city to the Nazareth Basilica. In the procession, the Saint’s image is conducted on a platform, with a long cord attached to it. Thousands of people dispute the privilege of holding the cord as a way to show gratitude for the blessings. The event is held annually, always on the second Sunday of October.

New Year in Copacabana – City of Rio de Janeiro

The most famous Reveillon (New Year’s Eve) in the world gathers millions of people along Copacabana Beach. Coming from all parts of Brazil and from other countries, people usually dress themselves in white to celebrate the beginning of the New Year, to watch the fireworks and to perform their private ritual of passing from one year to the next. Some people offer flowers to Iemanjá, believed to be the queen of the sea; some jump seven waves in order to have a good year; among other things. The celebrations start in the evening of December 31st, with many musical shows, and only end with the sunrise.

São Paulo International Cinema Show

This showing, which is about to complete its 30th edition, promotes a selection that contemplates diversity and the revelation of new talents in the national and international cinematographic universe. The event starts in the second half of October and continues for two weeks.

Brazilian Grand Prix of Formula 1

The only GP in South America attracts racing fans from all over the country and the world to the racing circuit at Interlagos, in the city of São Paulo. It is traditionally held during the months of March or April.

Gramado Cinema Festival

At the top of the Gaúcha Mountain Range, Gramado is itself cinematographic scenery, with its beautiful landscape. In Gramado, national and Latin-American movies are proudly exhibited. The winners take the Kikito – a city symbol trophy – that represents the God of Good Humor. The event always happens in August and lasts 6 days.

Oktoberfest

The country’s largest German party, the Oktoberfest receives hundreds of thousands of people that consume and celebrate. Blumenau , a city of German colonization, becomes the main destination in Santa Catarina during the two weeks of October when the festivity is held.

Source: tourism.gov.br