Brazil is a large and heterogeneous country. Its people are a result of a mixture of races and they own a charming and unique culture, inherited from Indians, Africans, and Portuguese and from millions of immigrants that arrived in this country since the colonization time.

Due to its big diversity, Brazil is one of the few countries where no one feels like a foreigner. Here you can get in touch with lots of different cultures and people without even leaving a city. This mixture makes Brazil one of the richest countries when talking about history and exotic culture related to gastronomy, with hundreds of recipes only found here. Here you will always find sympathetic, receptive and open minded people.

The beauties of the country, as expected, delight all kinds of travelers. Its hot spots go from the most beautiful beaches in the world to eco touristic challenges in the middle of mountains or the Amazon rain forest.

Geography
Located in the South American continent, Brazil is the biggest country in Latin America. It occupies almost half of the continent and it is the fifth biggest territory in the world – behind Canada, Russia, China and the USA.

The country is intersected by the Equator line, in the capital of Amapa, as much as by the Tropic of Capricorn in a region next to São Paulo. Its borders are divided with practically all nations in South America – excepted Chile and Equator – and it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

TIPS

Visa and Passport
People coming from MERCOSUL, such as Argentina or Chile, are dismissed of showing their passport. Only the ID document is enough. People coming from other countries must hand their passport updated for six months, minimum. For more information about visa and necessary documents to enter the country check:  www.mre.gov.br e www.braziltour.com.

Eletricity
Depending on the State or region the electric current varies from 110V to 220V. Before using any electronic device ask for information.

Currency
The official currency in Brazil is the REAL, represented by R$. Dollars or travelers checks are easily changed in banks, hotels and travel agencies. Main credit cards such as Visa, Amex, Dinners and MasterCard are accepted in most places, mainly in the big cities. In restaurants and some services it is common to include a 10% tip in the receipt.

Telecommunications
To make an international call dial 00 + operator code + country code + area code + telephone number. The operator companies in Brazil are: Brasil Telecom (code: 14); Embratel (21); CTBC (34); GVT (25); Intelig (23); Telefônica (15); and Telemar (31). In case of a collect call dial: 0800 70 32 111

Language
Brazilian Portuguese is the official language. The country is very big so you may find some different accents depending on the region you are in. English is spoken in some hotels mainly in big cities.

Taxis (Cabs)
In the touristic cities taxis are easily found on the streets. As much as in the rest of the world you only need to raise your hand to call them. The color may vary depending on the city ( in  Rio taxis are yellow and in São Paulo they are white, for example). Many companies offer radio-taxis service, get information at your hotel.

Weather
Predominantly tropical, the weather varies depending on the region of the country. The average temperature is 28ºC North and 22ºC South.

Time Zone
Due to its continental dimension Brazil has four different time zones. The official time is Brasilia´s one and it correspond to three (3) hours behind Greenwich. In Summer some States change the time to one hour ahead.

Health
In all the cities it is possible to count on public and private hospitals and emergency rooms. Drugstores with lots of medicines and pharmaceutical drugs are also easily found everywhere. If you use any kind of specific remedy you should bring it along from your country.