Practical Information

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Practical Information

We want you to be aware of all the "practical details" so you can enjoy your time in Rio. You don't need to worry, Rio has everything you really need. However, if you want to check out the "nitty gritty", click on any of the items listed below: (top)

ATM's, Credit Cards, Exchange Bureaus
Business Hours
Drinking
Electricity
Internet
Laundromats
Mail Service
Mobiles
Money
Phone Cards
Phone: "How to Make a Phone Call" - Useful Telephone Numbers
Phone: "How to Make a Collect Call"
Phone Alternative: SKYPE
Restrooms / WC
Safe Water
Safety
Smoking
Time Zone and Current Time
Tipping

ATMs, Credit Cards, Exchange Bureaus

ATMs are abundant and ATMs of different local banks are usually clustered together around public centers, including the Arrivals terminal at Galeão Airport, local streets throughout the city and in major shopping areas and malls. Be aware that ATM machines in bank vestibules are closed after 10:00 p.m. (22:00). It may be difficult to find an ATM after this time; however, we suggest checking at the gas station convenience stores which are generally open late.

Most bank machines are on the Cirrus, Maestro and PLUS Networks. If you plan on using your cards in Rio, check the back of your card to make sure that your credit card is on one of these networks. (It is also a good idea to let your bank know that you will be travelling in Brazil prior to your departure). Two international banks that are also popular in Rio are HSBC and Santander. (Tip: Many of the ATMs are not in English - Note that "Saque" means "Withdraw", "Corrige" means "To Correct", "Entra" means "Enter" and "Fim" means "End").

Credit cards are also widely used and accepted throughout the city. Please remember that purchases on credit card accounts are generally subject to an international service and currency conversion fee.

If you prefer to carry your own currency with you to Brazil, you can also exchange it at currency exchange offices called "casa de câmbio". There are exchange offices in the airport Arrivals terminal, bank offices and other tourist areas. (back to top)

Business Hours

Business and Public Administrative offices are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (9:00 – 17:00) during the work week. Banks are open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (10:00 - 18:00). The stores in the major shopping centers and malls are normally open 10:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. (10:00 - 22:00) Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, they typically open at 1:00 p.m. and stay open until 10:00 p.m. (13:00 - 22:00).

The stores on the street operate under a different schedule. They are typically open 9:00 - 6:00 p.m. (9:00 - 18:00) during the week. On Saturdays, many of the stores close at 1:00 p.m. (13:00) and are often closed all day on Sunday. (back to top)

Drinking

Alcohol is readily available in Rio de Janeiro and generally less restricted than in parts of Western Europe and North America. Beer, wine and hard liquor can be bought at supermarkets and small stores, which are often open late into the night. You will often find groups of people gathered on the street where drinking is also allowed.

However, it is important to recognize that Brazil has strict "alcohol related driving" restrictions - never "drink and drive." Drinks are served in kiosks near the beach and throughout the bars and cafes in the city. The legal drinking age in Rio is 18. (back to top)

Electricity

Rio uses 110 V and 60 Hz. Electricity. A number of hotels have dual voltage (220 V) in the bathroom. If you're coming from Europe, in addition to dual voltage you may also need an adapter plug. Brazil is trying to standardize on the type of receptacle shown in the picture. However, many "older" receptacle sockets will take plugs with round (Type "C" European 2-pin) or flat pins (Type "A" North American/Japanese 2-blade).

They also accommodate the newer (Type "B" American 3-pin) Flat blades with round grounding pin. Although your appliances should work fine in Rio, it’s recommended that you check what you will need before leaving home, as you may require a plug adaptor or transformer/voltage converter. The hotels will often supply adapters upon request. (back to top)

Internet

Internet access is available in many cafes and restaurants. In fact, you will find free wifi access in many public places including some of the beaches!

If you do not have a laptop, you can look up some of the internet cafes around the city or visit the public library (Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil) located at Av Rio Branco 219, Cinelândia where PCs and internet access are available. Another alternative is the major hotels where there is often an internet lounge with PC's and Internet access available for a fee. (back to top)

Laundromats

Ok, so you did not pack enough clothes and now you need to do some laundry - no problem, the hotel you are staying out will be more than pleased to charge you a small fortune to wash and fold your garments. If you have better ways to spend your money, you can use a public laudromat.

There are many laundromats across Rio. Some offer fixed prices while others will charge based on weight; be sure to ask before handing your clothes over. A wash and dry of a normal sized load will usually cost around R$ 25,00. (back to top)

Mail Services

Brazil post offices (Correios) can be recognized by their distinctive yellow and blue signs. Click here for post office locations and online services. Note that stamps can only be purchased at post office locations.

If you are sending a package, you will need to provide your own plain packaging. Packaging materials can be purchased at the post office or from nearby stores. Parcel contents are normally not checked before sending; however, it is a good idea to avoid sealing the parcel until you check packaging requirements at the post office. (back to top)

Mobiles

Rio uses the GSM 1800 mobile phone network which can be made compatible with tri-band (900, 1800 and 1900) and quad-band (800, 900, 1800 and 1900 Mhz) phones. There are multiple GSM operators in Rio, including Vivo, Claro, Tim and Oi. Along with the proper GSM setting, you will also need an "unlocked" phone (typically not available from standard U.S. Service Providers) to install a local SIM (Subscriber Information Module) card that operates the phone.

Local SIM cards are widely available from convenience stores and newspaper stands. The cost for a Prepaid SIM card normally starts around R$ 10,00. At some locations, you may be asked to show identification to complete the transaction.

Another option is to bring your Nextel "radio" cell phone. Nextel phones are popular in Rio and do not require a SIM card. The "push to talk" feature works fine - you should just contact your carrier and make sure your international roaming service is activated for Brazil. The Nextel phone will operate under your standard subscription service. (back to top)

Money

Brazil’s currency is called the "Real" (the plural is known as Reais) and you will see the currency referenced with the symbol R$. The currency exchange symbol is shown as (BRL). The currency denominations are very similar to the U.S. Dollar ($ - USD) and Euro (€ - EUR).

Although, the note denominations are similar, it is important to recognize that Brazilians use a comma (,) where Americans and Europeans would use a period. As an example, 1000 Brazilian Reais would be shown as R$ 1.000,00. Click here for more detailed information on the currency and a handy, pocket currency converter tool. (back to top)

Phone Cards

Phone cards for standard "land line" calls may be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, newspaper stands and beach kiosks. It is best to buy the phone cards in Rio (rather than in your home country) where you can be confident that the card will work and they are reasonably priced.

With the growing popularity of mobile phones, "pay phones" are rapidly disappearing on the streets. However, you will find "Oi payphones" on popular tourist streets and your hotel will also offer the standard telephone service option. (back to top)

Phone: "How to make a Phone Call" - Useful Telephone Numbers

To maintain consistency throughout this website, we will always show the complete phone number. The number of digits that you need to enter depends on the current location where you are making the call.

A phone number in Rio de Janeiro would be shown as follows: +55 (21) 1234-5678 – and is made up of the following components:

International Call Prefix	Country Code	Area/City Code	Relevant Number
(exit code) = +__	55	(21)	1234-5678

Dialing Instructions:

1. International Call Prefix: If calling from outside the country of Brazil, you first need to enter an International Call Prefix or exit code. The most common call prefix is "00" – however there are different prefixes for different countries. As an example, the U.S. uses "011" and Brazil uses "0021." You will typically see the prefix designated with the "+" symbol.

2. International Dialing Code: You would then enter Brazil’s country code which is "55."

(a) However, if you are calling a number in Brazil and you are already inside Brazil, you do not need to enter this code.

(b) If you are making a call from Brazil to another international location, you need to enter Brazil’s exit code, 0021 and then the International Dialing Code, often called the "country code" for the country that you are calling.

3. Area/City Code: The area or city code for Rio de Janeiro is (21). If you are already in Rio, you do not need to enter this code.

4. Relevant Number: Enter the number, which are typically eight (8) digits.

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Useful Telephone Numbers

AIRPORT

(International) - Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim

(Domestic) - Santos Dumont

CONSULATES

POLICE

Emergency

DEAT - District for Attending to Tourists

(Delegacia de Atendimento ao Turista)

TOURISM INFORMATION

RIOTUR - City of Rio de Janeiro Tourism Authority

TurisRio - State of Rio de Janeiro Tourist Authority

+55 (21) 3398-5050

+55 (21) 3814-7070

Click Here for List

dial 190

+55 (21) 2332-2924

+55 (21) 2332-2885

+55 (21) 2271-7004

+55 (21) 2333-1040

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Phone: How to Make a Collect Call

If you are in Rio and find yourself on the street without change or a phone card, you can still make a call from a pay phone by calling collect. If you want to place a call to a number in Rio; dial 9090, then the relevant 8 digit number in Rio and announce your name and desire for a collect call when prompted – you will be connected with the party who can then make a decision to accept the call.

If you require assistance or want to make a collect call outside of Brazil, you can dial 0800 703 21 11 for an operator from Embratel, the Brazilian phone company. (back to top)

Phone Alternative: SKYPE

An inexpensive way to connect with family and friends (whether in Brazil or abroad) is via SKYPE. Assuming your hotel has internet access (or at another "wifi" location or other internet source), your digital device (PC, IPhone, Ipad or equivalent) can be used to make free VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls.

You can even use SKYPE to make inexpensive calls to mobile phones or land lines. Visit SKYPE for more details. (back to top)

Restrooms / WC

There are a number of public restrooms throughout Rio, and the majority are well maintained and clean.

Naturally, the major hotel lobbys will generally have public restrooms and you can ask "Onde é o banheiro" and they will be pleased to direct you. Alternatively, fast food chains, restaurants and bars will usually have restrooms for patrons which are provided free of charge. (back to top)

Safe Water

The water in Rio, especially in the major hotels, is considered safe. However, even though the tap water in Rio is chlorinated, it’s recommended that visitors only drink bottled water.

And why are you drinking water anyway . . . We think you would be much more pleased with Agua de Coco (Coconut Water) found at all the beach kiosks or a traditional caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. (back to top)

Safety

As with any large city, it is important to use common sense when it comes to safety. It is not advisable to walk alone late at night in Rio or to wear "flashy" jewelry. When sightseeing, take care to guard your cameras and personal belongings - put them out of sight when not being used. As a general rule, if planning to visit Centro in the evening, it is advisable that you take a taxi. (Centro is fine during the daytime, but as a commercial center, most people leave the city after the business day and it can be intimidating at night).

It's probably not a good idea to visit the favelas (poor neighborhoods) by yourself and there isn't much to see there anyway. If you are still curious about the favelas, arrange a guided tour. The city is generally well protected and the residents are both fun loving and welcoming. Rio is a very special place - both day and night - and you can be comfortable enjoying the city while being mindful of the "normal" precautions. (back to top)

Smoking

The nature of smoking practices in Rio has gone through a transformation similar to most major cities in North America. Smoking in enclosed public places including restaurants, bars and public transport is restricted. However, many commercial establishments offer a "smoking section".

Smoking is generally NOT allowed at work offices, libraries, buses, cabs, commercial and residential common areas, hotels and inns. (back to top)

Time Zone

Brazil is a large country with multiple time zones. Rio de Janeiro follows UTC/GMT - three hours (Universal Time Coordinated/ Greenwich Mean Time – Standard).

As an example, when New York is under Daylight Savings Time, Rio is one hour ahead of New York City. When Rio de Janeiro is under Daylight Savings Time (DST) and New York is not, the time difference is three hours later in Rio de Janeiro. The current time in Rio is: Time in Rio de Janeiro - (back to top)

Tipping

Service is included in the price for all goods and services in Rio de Janeiro. You will typically see a 10 percent gratuity added to your bill as a separate line item. The gratuity should not be considered as "obligatory" if the service was poor and can be removed from the bill upon request. If you feel you have gotten exceptional service, you are of course free to tip more as you like. It is customary in taxis to round the fare up to the nearest Real. (back to top)