General Tourist Information in Rio

The City

Rio de Janeiro is located in the Tropics. During summer, from December to March, temperatures range from 23 C (72 F) to 35 (95 F). From July to September, the winter temperatures stay close to 20 C (68 F). For a temperature & precipitation chart see climate.

Electrical Current

110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles, a.c. Some hotels provide 220 volts outlets.

Time Zone

Rio's time zone is 3 hours behind Greenwich time (England). There's a 1 hour gap between Rio de Janeiro and New York time. However, with Europe under Summer Saving Time, clocks are in September 5 hours behind middle Europe.

Communication

Rio de Janeiro has an excellent telephone and telex system linked by satellite to the rest of Brazil and the world. Direct dial and collect calls can be placed from any telephone. Pay phones are located throughout the city and run on tokens which can be purchased virtually anywhere.

Currency

The Brazilian currency is the Real (R$). The official rate of exchange is available from daily newspapers, hotel cashiers, banks and travel agencies. Cash and travellers checks are easily exchanged at these locations. Many hotels and shops accept foreign currency and Credit Cards.

Business Hour

Shops and most offices are open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Most Shopping Centers and Malls remain open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Many Pharmacies and small Grocery stores are open on Sunday.

Hotel Facilities

Rio de Janeiro has very good hotels. Respected international and Brazilian hotel chains have 5 star properties in Rio de Janeiro, which boasts 5,240 rooms at 5 star hotels, 3,870 at 4 star hotels and 4,950 at 3 star hotels.
Brazil's hotels are classified by a system ranging from one to five stars.
The best hotels, those boasting five stars, are located in the Zona Sul, from Leme to Barra da Tijuca, in close proximity to beaches, restaurants and night spots.

Tipping

In restaurants, beauty salons and bars, tips are usually given when not included in the bill, varying from 10% to 15%.

Air Services

As Brazil's major gateway, Rio de Janeiro has two modern airports. The International Airport (Galeão), 15 minutes from downtown, is served by all major airlines which link Rio de Janeiro to major cities in Brazil and around the world. Santos Dumont Airport, five minutes from downtown, is used for the shuttle service that links Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo.

Taxi Services

There are two types of Taxis in Rio de Janeiro. The regular metered yellow cabs may be flagged on the streets. Special Taxis, "Taxi especial", are larger, with air conditioning and more expensive. These are found at airports and outside hotels or can be summoned by phone.

Consulates

All nations that maintain diplomatic or commercial relations with Brazil have consulates in Rio de Janeiro. Telephone numbers and addresses are available at your hotel's front desk or in the phone book.

Entrance Requirements

A visa is required for many foreign visitors to Brazil. We are aware that nationals of France, USA and Mexico, in particular, are required to obtain a visa. Tourist visas are usually processed within two working days by applying to your nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements are: a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, one passport-sized photograph and a round trip ticket. Tourist visas are valid for three months; transit visas for 10 days.

Customs

Besides clothing and personal belongings visitors can bring the following items: radio, tape deck, typewriter, movie and still cameras. Tourists entering Brazil are allowed to buy US$ 500,00 of merchandise in local duty free shops.

Summary:

Population: 5,603,000
Latitude: 22.53S
Longitude: 43.17W
International Code Phone: 55-21
Time Zone: GMT-3
Rio Governement:
State :Governor Marcello Alencar
City: Mayor Cesar Maia

Back to Brazil Information