VACCINATION

An international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for travelers who, within three months prior to their arrival in Brazil, have visited or been in transit through any of the following countries:
Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo (Republic of), Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Kenia, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela.
Please note that yellow fever vaccinations take approximately 10 days to become effective.
www.brazil.org.uk/tourism/visasvaccinations.html

VISA REQUIREMENTS

As the Brazilian Foreign Office bases its actions on reciprocity, visitors from some foreign countries will require a visa which is usually processed within two working days by applying to the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements for a tourist visa include a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, one passport size photograph and a round trip ticket. Most international airlines can advise on visa requirements for tourists. In case you need a special invitation to move ahead with visa requirements, please contact us .

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (R$). The exchange rate available to visitors is published daily in the newspaper along with the commercial dollar rate of the day used in official international business transactions. Cash and traveler checks, especially US Dollars, can be exchanged at most banks or exchange houses as well as the major hotels. All major credit cards are accepted in Brazil and some stores even accept foreign currency.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Rio de Janeiro and Brazil have a number of internationally respected hospitals, clinics and doctors, but treatment is expensive so visitors are strongly advised to take out medical trip insurance before traveling to Brazil.

TIPPING

Hotels: hotels generally include any service charge on the bill. Restaurants: tips are discretionary but are often found on the final bills as a "suggestion". In Brazil the norm remains 10 per cent. Taxis: tips are not expected by taxi drivers although most passengers will round the fare up if satisfied with the service. Airport and hotel porters: the Real equivalent of U$1.00 per suitcase.

www.rioconventionbureau.com.br/