Brazil - Practical information
Formalities
Valid passport with expiry date at least 6 months after date of return from Brazil. No visa required for citizens from member countries of the EEC.
Note: Tourist visa needed for citizens of the USA.
Climate
Rainy season: November to March.
Because of the density of the vegetation and several coastal mountain ranges, the coast between Rio and São Paulo offers a typically tropical climate. During rain season, frequent rainshowers temper the summer heat. Coastal breeze. From March on, the sun is usually generous.
Health
Up to date anti-tetanus vaccine required. Yellow fever necessary for the Amazon region. Anti-malaria treatments usually not necessary, except if you travel in certain areas of Amazon.
Money
The local currency is the Real. Currency exchange possible at the airport. Credit cards are generally accepted in Rio and Paraty, but cash points are fairly rare. It is recommended to change your euros or dollars at the airport, in sufficient quantity, where the rate is better. Brazilians are usually not keen to be paid in dollars. Pousada Picinguaba does not change or give cash advances.
Language
Portuguese. English and French are rarely spoken outside hotels and tourist sites.
Electricity
110 volts is most commonly found, although 220 volts does exist in modern installations. The Pousada is equipped with both 110 and 220 volt plugs.
Time difference
With the UK:
Early February to end of March: -3 hrs.
End of March to end of September: -4 hrs.
End of September to beg. February: -2 hrs.
People and safety
The local population is friendly and welcoming, especially in the countryside. Making contact is easy. Violence and trouble is concentrated in certain neighborhoods of the major cities (Rio and São Paulo). It is wise to exercise caution and to keep a low profile, particularly in Rio, especially at night.
Political and economic situation
Presidential Democracy. President: Luis Ignacio da Silva (Lula), elected in 2002, from the "Workers Party" leads the country thanks to a parliamentary coalition. Inflation is under control since the middle of the 1990's and the currency stable. Brazil has a favorable policy towards foreign investors.
Recommended reading
- Stefan Zweig: Brazil, Land of Adventure - 1941 (Poche).
- Claude Lévi-Strauss: Sad Tropics - 1955 (Pocket Terres Humaines).
- Errol Lincoln Uys: Brazil - 1988 (Presse Pocket).
- Hugo Pratt: Under the sign of Capricorn - 1990 (Casterman).
- Ray C. Anderson: Mid-Course Correction, Towards a Sustainable Enterprise, 1998 (Peregrinzilla Editions).
- Brian Nattrass and Mary Altomare: The Natural Step for Business: Wealth, Ecology and the evolutionary Corporation - 1999 (Paperback).
- Ricardo Semler: Voce esta louco!, Uma vida administrada de outra forma - 2006 (Ed Rocco ltda, Rio de Janeiro).
Recommended music
- Vila-Lobos: A floresta do Amazonas, João Carlos Assis Brasil, Ney Matogrosso, 1987 (Kuarup).
- Joao Gilberto - Astrud Gilberto - Stan Getz: Autour de Minuit, 1967 (Polygram France).
- Zeca Baleiro: Pet Shop Mundo Cão, 2002 (FIS)
- Marisa Monte - Carlinhos Brown - Arnaldo Antunes: Tribalistas, 2002 (Capitol Records).
- Barrosinho: o Sopro do Espirito, 2000 (Kalimba Music).