Brazil

Area

8,547,404 km² (3,300,171 sq miles).

Population

192 million (official estimate 2008).

Population density

22.5 per km².

Capital

Brasília. Population: 2.3 million (official estimate 2008).

Government

Federal Republic.

Geography

Brazil covers almost half of the South American continent and it is bordered to the north, west and south by all South American countries except Chile and Ecuador; to the east is the Atlantic. The country is topographically quite flat and at no point do the highlands exceed 3,000m (10,000ft). Over 60% of the country is a plateau; the remainder consists of plains.

The River Plate Basin (the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, both of which have their sources in Brazil) in the far south is more varied, higher and less heavily forested. North of the Amazon are the Guiana Highlands, partly forested, partly stony desert. The Brazilian Highlands of the interior, between the Amazon and the rivers of the south, form a vast tableland, the Mato Grosso, from which rise mountains in the southwest that form a steep protective barrier from the coast called the Great Escarpment, breached by deeply cut river beds.

The population is concentrated in the southeastern states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The city of São Paulo has a population of over 12 million, while over 7 million people live in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Language

The official language is Portuguese, with different regional accents characterising each state. Spanish, English, Italian, French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Gê, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.

Religion

There is no official religion, but approximately 74% of the population are Roman Catholics. A number of diverse evangelical cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs (particularly the Afro-Brazilian religion of candomblé).

Time

Brazil spans several time zones:

Eastern Standard Time: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March)
Western Standard Time: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March)
North East States and East Parà: GMT - 3
Amapa and West Parà: GMT - 4
Acre State: GMT - 5
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: GMT - 2

Social Conventions

In informal situations, it is common to kiss women on both cheeks when meeting and taking one's leave. Handshaking is customary between men, and normal European courtesies are observed. Frequent offers of coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir from the visitor's home country will be well-received as a gift of appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather. For more formal occasions the mode of dress will be indicated on invitations. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, something which should be kept in mind by the visitor.

Electricity

Brasília and Recife, 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.

Head of State

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva since 2002.

Recent History

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a former shoeshine boy and metal worker, became Brazil's first left-wing president in four decades when he beat his government-backed rival by a wide margin in the 2002 elections. He secured his position as the people's choice with a landslide victory in presidential elections in October 2006.

The Lula government has faced a difficult balancing act between social welfare and the economy. Lula's left-wing ideals and commitment to social reforms sparked fears about the future of the Brazilian economy. While the economy slowed it was not the picture of doom that critics painted. At the start of his new term as president, Lula announced a target of 5% growth to be fuelled through tax cuts on investments and ensuring government spending does not grow faster than the economy.

Climate

The climate varies from hot and dry in the arid interior to the humid tropical rainforests of the Amazon jungle. Coastal Brazil tends to be hot and sticky for most of the year but it can get cold in the south and in the mountains during the winter months. Rainy seasons occur from January to April in the north, April to July in the northeast and November to March in the Rio/São Paulo area.

Required Clothing

Lightweight natural fabrics; waterproofs for the rainy season. Warm clothing is needed in the south during winter (June to August). Specialist clothing is needed for the Amazon region. The sunlight is extremely bright and sunglasses are recommended.

Hotels

Accommodation varies according to region. First-class accommodation is largely restricted to the cities of the south and generally expensive. There are also a number of pousadas, small, privately run guesthouses that are less expensive than the major hotels.

Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo: Many modern hotels, ranging from the very expensive deluxe to the moderately priced. It is vital to book well in advance for Carnival (which takes place annually on the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday, usually in February).

Brasília: Small number of good hotels. Most tourists visit Brasília by air from Rio or São Paulo for a day trip, or make a single-night stopover.

Bahia (Salvador): Small number of good hotels, some moderately priced hotels, some small-scale guesthouses.

Amazon Basin: This region is being developed in part as a tourist attraction and has numerous lodges.

Visitors are reminded that hotel tariffs are subject to alteration at any time and are liable to fluctuate according to changes in the exchange rate.

Note: The best guide to hotels in Brazil is the Portuguese-language Guia do Brasil Quatro Rodas, which includes maps, available from book shops and any news stand in Brazil.

Grading: The Brazilian Tourist Board has a star-rating system (from 1- to 5-star), but the classification is not widely used.

Youth Hostels

There are over 80 youth hostels (albergues de juventude) scattered across the country.

Camping / Caravanning

Camping is uncommon in Brazil, though some tour operators offer organised group trips in the Amazon and in the Pantanal regions. Since many parts of Brazil are wild, or semi-explored, it is wise to drive on main roads, to camp with organised groups under supervision and with official permits, or otherwise to stay in recognised hotels. The Camping Clube do Brasil has around 48 sites in 14 states. Those with an international camper's card' pay only half the rate of a non-member. For those on a low budget, service stations can be used as campsites. These are equipped with shower facilities and can supply food.

Budget

Dormitórios, which have several beds to a room, cost from as little as US$5 per night, though standards are correspondingly basic (with shared bathroom facilities). A pousada (small guest house) costs from approximately US$10 per night. Rooms with bathrooms are called apartamentos, those without a bathroom are called quartos.

Unique Accommodation

There are a growing number of eco-hotels, located mostly in or near the Amazonian rainforest. Some provide visitors with luxury accommodation built on treetops and also arrange informative tours to the surrounding area; prices tend to be very high.

GDP

US$1.3 trillion (2007).

Main exports

Transport equipment, iron ore, soya beans, footwear and coffee.

Main imports

Machinery and electrical equipment, chemical products, oil and transport equipment.

Main trade partners

USA, Argentina, China, Germany and Netherlands.

Economy

Despite widespread poverty, Brazil has the world's 9th-largest economy. Agriculture remains the largest sector in terms of employment and Brazil is the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products, principally coffee, sugar and soya beans. There is also a substantial industrial sector, concentrated in machinery, electrical goods, construction materials, rubber and chemicals and vehicle production. The country possesses large mineral reserves including iron ore - of which Brazil is the world's largest exporter. Plans to develop Brazil's potentially vast oil and gas resources will serve to reduce the country's large current energy import bill but face opposition on environmental grounds.

After difficulties throughout the 1980s, as the economy adjusted to new liberal economic policies, Brazil recorded a fairly strong economic performance during most of the 1990s. Industrial efficiency and financial management were improved while the government bolstered its coffers through privatisation. However, little of this money was directed towards investment and Brazil has suffered the consequences of years of under-investment in infrastructure and public services.

The Lula government, which took office in 2003, enjoys widespread popularity for the combination of its progressive social policies and its sound fiscal management, leading to significant annual economic growth (over 5% in 2007). Unemployment was at 9.8% in 2007, with inflation at 4.1%.

Business Etiquette

Business suits are worn when meeting senior officials and local heads of business, for semi-formal social functions and in exclusive restaurants and clubs. Exchange of business cards is usual.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

Currency

Real/Reais (BRL; symbol R$) = 100 centavos.

Notes are in denominations of R$100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Coins are in denominations of R$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 centavos.

Currency Exchange

All banks, cambios, travel agencies and authorised hotels exchange recognised traveller's cheques and foreign currency. The US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency.

Credit / Debit Cars

Most major international credit cards are accepted (Visa more so than other cards), though not universally. There is an extensive network of ATMs around the country.

Travelers Cheques

Exchangeable at hotels, banks and tourist agencies. Tourists cannot exchange US traveller's cheques for US banknotes but they may, however, benefit from a 15% discount when paying hotel or restaurant bills in foreign currency or traveller's cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, it is advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Exchange Rates

Date Jan 2009

£1.00 = R$3.37

$1.00 = R$2.32

€1.00 = R$3.15

Duty Free

The following goods may be imported into Brazil by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

Clothes and other articles for personal use.

400 cigarettes or 25 cigars.

Maximum 2l of alcohol.

Gifts.

Any other articles with total value not exceeding US$500 or equivalent in other currency.

Shopping

In Rio and São Paulo, major shops and markets stay open quite late in the evening. Rio and Salvador specialise in antiques and jewellery. Special purchases include gems (particularly emeralds) and jewellery (particularly silver).

Fashions and permissible antiques, crystal and pottery are a speciality of São Paulo. Belém, the city of the Amazon valley, specialises in jungle items, but visitors should be careful not to purchase objects that have been plundered from the jungle, contributing to the general destruction.

Travellers should also be aware there may be restrictions on import to their home country of goods made from skins of protected species.

Shopping hours

Mon-Sat 0900-1900. Supermarkets are open Mon-Sat 0800-2200. Major shopping centres also open on Sundays 1500-2200. All the above times are subject to local variations and many shops open until late in the evenings, especially in December.

Food and Drink

Brazilian food caters for all tastes and standards are generally very high. European, North American and Asian foods are widely available in resorts and main cities. There are many traditional dishes and regional specialities, such as those developed by slaves in Bahia during the days when they had to cook scraps and anything that could be caught locally, together with coconut milk and palm oil.

Things to know: Some bars have waiters and table service. There are no licensing hours or restrictions on drinking.

National specialties

Feijoada (rich stew of black beans, chunks of pork, sausage, chops, pigs' ears and tails on white rice, chopped kale and orange slices).

Moqueca (fish or seafood stew from Bahia made with palm oil and coconut milk).

Vatapá (shrimps, fish oil, coconut milk, manioc paste and rice).

Acarajé (mashed, deep-fried bean fritters often served with dried shrimps, okra, onions and peppers).

Churrasco (mixed grilled meat served with manioc flour).

National drinks

Draught beer is called chopp and Brahma is the most popular brand.

The local firewater is cachaça, a spirit derived from sugar cane popular with locals. It is often mixed with sugar, crushed ice and limes to make a caipirinha, a refreshing if intoxicating cocktail, and the Brazilian national drink.

Southern Brazilian wine is of a high quality.

Sucos (fruit juices) are freshly made at juice bars.

Guaraná is a popular fizzy drink made with energy-giving extract from an Amazonian plant.

Tipping

10% is usual for most services not included on the bill.

Nightlife

The best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Rio, the major clubs do not present their main acts until after midnight - the daily paper gives current information; small clubs (boites) provide nightly entertainment throughout the city. São Paulo nightlife is more sophisticated, with greater choice. Both cities host top international DJs. Samba clubs featuring live music are popular, especially in Rio. Outside the main cities, most towns have late night bars and clubs.

Health

Diphtheria - Yes;
Hepatitis A - Yes;
Malaria - Sometimes*;
Rabies - Sometimes;
Tetanus - Yes;
Typhoid - Yes;
Yellow Fever - Sometimes**.

NOTE - * Malaria risk exists throughout the year below 900m (2,953ft) in Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão (western part), Mato Grosso (northern part), Pará (except Belém City), Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins states, as well as some larger cities, such as on the periphery of Pôrto Velho, Boa Vista, Macapá, Manaus, Santerém, Rio Branco and Maraba.

Health Care

There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK or USA. Full insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs are high. The standard of medical care is generally very good in major towns and cities. English-speaking medical staff are found mainly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The main hospital in São Paulo is the Hospital das Clinicas.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over nine months old arriving within from infected regions. Vaccination is strongly recommended for those intending to visit some rural areas.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period:

2009

1 Jan New Year's Day; 20 Jan* Founding of Rio de Janeiro; 25 Jan* Founding of São Paulo; 20-24 Feb Carnival; 10 Apr Good Friday; 13 Apr Easter Day; 21 Apr Tiradentes; 1 May Labour Day; 11 Jun Corpus Christi; 7 Sep Independence Day; 12 Oct Our Lady Aparecida, Patron St of Brazil; 2 Nov All Souls' Day; 15 Nov Republic Day; 24 Dec Christmas Eve; 25 Dec Christmas Day; 31 Dec New Year's Eve.

2010

1 Jan New Year's Day; 20 Jan* Founding of Rio de Janeiro; 25 Jan* Founding of São Paulo; 12-17 Feb Carnival; 2 Apr Good Friday; 5 Apr Easter Day; 21Apr Tiradentes; 1 May Labour Day; 3 Jun Corpus Christi; 7 Sep Independence Day; 12 Oct Our Lady Aparecida, Patron St of Brazil; 2 Nov All Souls' Day; 15 Nov Republic Day; 24 Dec Christmas Eve; 25 Dec Christmas Day; 31 Dec New Year's Eve.

NOTE - *Regional observances only

Things to Do

Join the mayhem in one of the world's best parties at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. While Rio's event is famed, Carnival is celebrated throughout Brazil. Salvador also holds a big city-wide carnival, as does Olinda, which throws the most traditional fest.

Explore the Amazon, the world's largest rain forest. It contains one-third of all the living species on earth and is crossed by 10 of the world's 20 largest rivers, including the River Amazon. The usual base for trips is Manaus.

Soar above the tropical landscape on a tandem hang-gliding flight from Pedra Bonita in São Conrado, just outside Rio. This popular adventure excursion gives a bird's-eye view of Rio and the Atlantic forest before landing on the beach.

Stroll along the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio de Janeiro, where sun-bronzed beauties share the sands with beach soccer and volleyball players.

Go wildlife watching in the Pantanal, a spectacularly rich ecosystem that is home to jaguars, caiman, giant river otters, toucans and hundreds of other species.

Explore the many islands and gorgeous beaches along Brazil's coastline, including the chic beach resort of Buzios, the bohemian Jericoacoara in Ceará state and the car-free Morro de São Paulo in Bahia.

Learn to dance the samba. Have a local show you the moves at a celebration inside an escola de samba (samba school), which open their doors to visitors a couple of months before Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

Wander the historic streets of Salvador's lively Pelourinho District, a beautifully preserved colonial neighbourhood, set with baroque churches, colourful shops and vibrant restaurants and cafes.

Ride the waves on Brazil's fantastic surf beaches. Surfing hotspots include Joaquina Beach on Santa Catarina island, Saquarema in Rio state, Itacaré in Bahia, Pipa near Natal and Cacimba do Padre on Fernando de Noronha.

Dive into the deep blue waters of coastal Brazil. Diving is popular in the protected marine park on the island of Fernando de Noronha. The coastoff Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro state is littered with 300 islands ripe for underwater exploration.

Watch a game of football in Rio's Maracanã Stadium, which was the largest stadium in the world when it was built. Football is a national obsession and matches are colourful and noisy affairs.

Go rafting beneath the awe-inspiring Iguaçu Waterfalls. Set amid rain forest in southern Brazil, these majestic falls are one of the great wonders of the Americas, with 275 individual falls encompassing an area more than 3km wide.

Go hiking in Bahia's Diamantina National Park. This is one of Brazil's ecotourism hotspots and an adventure playground for trekking, caving, diving and rafting. The park is full of natural attractions including mountains, forests, caves, underground lakes and waterfalls.

Things to See

Take Rio de Janeiro's cog train (website: www.corcovado.com.br) to the top of Corcovado (Hunchback) mountain and enjoy oneof the most beautiful views in the world from under the arms of the iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue.

Witness the spectacular sight of Iguaçu Falls (website: www.fozdoiguacu.pr.gov.br) an awesome set of high waterfalls with 275 cataracts, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). The area surrounding the falls is protected national park containing abundant wildlife.

Explore the colourful city of Salvador da Bahia,with Pelourinho's colonial era buildings and winding cobblestone streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a staggering number of churches. The Museu Afro-Brasileiro (website: www.ceao.ufba.br/mafro) gives a fascinating insight into Afro-Brazilian culture.

See Oscar Niemeyer's futuristic vision in the capital Brasília. Often overlooked by visitors, the city was designed by the renowned architect, and many of his creations, including the city's cathedral and the national congress, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Visit Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. Transformed by the 19th-century rubber boom, the city boasts some extraordinary colonial buildings including the famous Teatro Amazonas and the Centro Cultural de Palacio Rio Negro, containing extensive archives of naturalist Alexandre Ferreira.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Paraty (website: www.paraty.com.br), a charming town that was once a major port for the export of gold. This wealth is reflected in the beautiful colonial buildings, such as Santa Rita Church, built by freed slaves.

Photograph Brazil's natural beauty in the Pantanal (website: www.pantanal.com) in the southwest. This vast wilderness supports a number of different ecosystems, including the largest wetlands area in the Americas.

Join the carnival atmosphere in the historical town of Olinda, a colourful, colonial town that was once the centre of Brazil's slave trade and is another of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Journey to the northern coastal city of Fortaleza, a popular resort and the starting point for a trip to Jericoacoara. Just four hours by car, this picturesque village sits between a dazzling white sand-dune desert and a balmy turquoise sea.

Visit the ruins of 300-year-old Jesuit missions (website: www.rotamissoes.com.br) in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. One of the most fascinating is Saõ Miguel das Missões, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Experience a little piece of Germany in Blumenau (website: www.blumenau.com.br) and Joinville (website: www.promotur.com.br)in Santa Catarina state, where many German immigrants settled in the 19th century. German architecture and culture lives on, as does Blumenau's hugely popular annual Oktoberfest.

Head to the mountainous inland state of Minas Gerais (website: www.turismo.mg.gov.br) and witness some of Brazil's best preserved colonial architecture. Owing to the area's abundant gold and diamond mines, the state has become a gold and baroque art.

Journey to the mouth of the Amazon at Belém, a thriving port city with an exquisite historical centre. The Goeldi Museum (website: www.museu-goeldi.br) boasts a breathtaking collection of tropical plants. The docks house the early morning Ver O Peso market.

Travel Advice

Most visits are trouble-free. Travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Violence and threatened violence is a common occurrence in Rio de Janeiro. Travellers should be particularly vigilant in Rio de Janeiro before and during the festive and Carnival periods, as there is often a seasonal upsurge in robberies against foreigners around this time.

Levels of crime and violence are high, particularly in major cities. Travellers should be vigilant, especially when going out after dark. There is a recent and contained outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil affecting the states of Goais and Federal District. Travellers are recommended to be vaccinated against the disease at least 10 days prior to visiting these areas and a number of other states in Brazil.

There is currently a Dengue Fever epidemic in Brazil; 480,000 cases have been officially recorded between January and October 2007, which is a 50% increase on 2006. The states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Goias have been particularly affected, although occurrences of the disease have been reported throughout the region.

Following two air crashes since September 2006, the Brazilian civil aviation network is undergoing changes. Many of these alterations were introduced on 1 October 2007 and they could cause delays to flights and changes to departure and arrival airports. On 7 November 2007, BRA (Brasil Rodo Aereo) airline temporarily suspended all flights. Passengers with BRA tickets are advised to contact the company to have their tickets refunded or transferred to other airlines. Travellers are also advised to check the estimated departure time of their flight before leaving for the airport.

Drug trafficking and use is on the increase, with severe penalties in Brazil. Dengue fever is endemic to Brazil and since January 2007 there have been significant outbreaks in the south of the country. It is a legal requirement in Brazil to carry evidence of identity at all times. A photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport is acceptable.

Passport note

All non-Brazilian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented. All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Passports

Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following: (a) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days; (b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and costs

Tourist: cost varies according to nationality. Generally, it is around £30. Other prices, based on reciprocity, are £28 (for nationals of Australia); £52 (for nationals of Canada); free, but £104 processing fee (for nationals of the USA). British citizens requiring visas with a validity over 180 days will be subject to a processing fee of £124. Business and Transit: cost varies according to nationality; contact the consulate for details.

Validity

Normally 90 days from date of issue, although this is at the discretion of Brazilian immigration officials. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. Tourist visas can be extended up to a further 90 days, provided the application is made at least two weeks before the expiration of the visa. Nationals should apply in Brazil to the federal police; this must be done before the visa expires or there is a risk of deportation.

Note: Some Brazilian immigration officials have been restricting single male tourists aged 25-50 to stays of up to 30 days, particularly in the north east region, in an effort to combat sex tourism.

Working days required

Depends on nationality. Up to three days for applications made in person and 10 days for applications made by a third party. Additional time is required to process applications made by post.

Telephone

Country code: 55. Rio's airport provides 24-hour telecommunication services. Public telephones accept telephone cards (cartões telefônicos), which can be obtained from newspaper kiosks. International calls from Brazil are expensive.

Mobil Mobile Phones

Mobile coverage is generally very good. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies, but travellers should check with their service providers. An unlocked GSM tri- or quad-band cell phone works in Brazil, with SIM cards widely available. Minutes can be added via cartões pre-pago (prepaid cards), available at newspaper kiosks.

Internet

Many hotels provide Internet access to guests. Internet cafes can be found in main towns and cities, and there are often Internet booths at airports. In smaller towns, public access is sometimes available at post offices.

Media

Brazil's constitution guarantees a free press. There are thousands of radio stations and hundreds of TV channels in Brazil, South America's largest media market. Media ownership is highly concentrated and home-grown conglomerates such as Globo, Brazil's most successful broadcaster, dominate the market, operating TV and radio networks, newspapers and pay-TV. Brazilian dramas and soaps are exported around the world. Novelas (soap operas) and reality TV are hugely popular.

Post

Services are generally reliable. Airmail service to Europe takes about one week. Surface mail takes at least four weeks.

Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0800-1200.

Press

The Brazil Post (website: www.brazilpost.com) is a global news service.

Daily newspapers include O Globo, O Dia and O Correio da Manhã.

International magazines and newspapers are also available throughout the count.

Radio

Radiobras operates Radio Nacional.

Globo runs commercial station Radio Globo.

Radio Cultura offers cultural programming.

Getting around by Air

There is a shuttle service between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, a regular service from São Paulo to Brasília and a shuttle service from Brasília to Belo Horizonte. There are air services between all Brazilian cities, since Brazil has one of the largest internal air networks in the world. At weekends it is advisable to book seats as the services are much used.

The monthly magazine Panrotas (website: www.panrotas.com.br) gives all timetables and fares for internal air travel. Gol (website: www.voegol.com.br) and TAM (website: www.tam.com.br) operate the largest number of domestic routes.

Air taxis are available between all major centres. Air Passes - TAM Brazil Airpass: available for internal flights with TAM. It can be purchased only outside of Brazil from any IATA international carrier. Four- or eight-flight passes can be purchased. Validity is for 21 days from first day of travel.

Water

Ferries serve most coastal ports. One company, Barcas S/A (tel: (21) 4004 3113; website: www.barcas-sa.com.br), operates ferries between Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, and between Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. River transport is the most efficient method of travel in the Amazon Delta. The ferry between Belém and Manaus is a popular route, served by a number of different companies.

Road

Road conditions vary. Brazil has roads ranging from very good paved highways to pot-holed, dusty tracks. Federal highways crisscross the country between major cities and are denoted by the letters BR plus a number. Smaller roads take the initials of the state (eg RJ for Rio de Janeiro) plus a number. Traffic drives on the right.

Bus

Coach: Coaches are by far the easiest and most popular way of getting around Brazil.Services between major cities and tourist destinations are generally comfortable and efficient but distances are long. Main routes include São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, Recife to Salvador and Florianopolis to São Paulo. There are many operators including Expresso Brasileiro (tel: (11) 5061 7566; website: www.expressobrasileiro.com) and Auto Viação 1001 (tel: (11) 4004 5001; website: www.autoviacao1001.com.br).

Car hire

Car hire: International companies operate from major airports and main city centres. Drivers are generally required to be at least 21 years old.

Regulations

Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18. The speed limit is 110kph (70mph) on most national highways and 80kph (50mph) in cities. Passing on the right is forbidden. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers.

Documentation

International Driving Permit required.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Rio de Janeiro to other major cities/towns in Brazil:

Getting there by Air

Following Varig's bankruptcy, the main national airlines are TAM (JJ) (website: www.tam.com.br) and Gol (G3) (website: www.voegol.com.br).

Air Passes - Mercosur Airpass: valid within Argentina, Brazil, Chile (except Easter Island), Paraguay and Uruguay. Participating airlines include Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR), Aerolíneas Del Sur (AS) and Pluna (PU). The pass can only be purchased by passengers who live outside South America and must be booked in conjunction with an international ticket. It is valid for a minimum of seven to a maximum of 45 days.

At least two countries must be visited; dates can be changed but the flight route cannot. A maximum of three stopovers is allowed per country. Oneworld Visit South America Pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Participating airlines are American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), Iberia (IB), Japan Airlines (JL), LAN (LA) and Qantas (QF).

The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to over 30 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with a maximum of 20; prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.

Departure tax

None

Main airports

Brasilia International (BSB) is 12km (7 miles) south of the city.
To/from the airport: Buses run regularly to the city centre (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis are also available (journey time - 15 minutes).
Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, snack bar, post office, banks/bureaux de change, bar, restaurant, shops and car hire.

Rio de Janeiro (GIG) (Galeão) is 20km (13 miles) north of the city.
To/from the airport: Public buses operate 0530-2330 to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). There is an airport shuttle bus which stops at all major resorts and hotels, running every hour. Taxis are also available.
Facilities: Left luggage, banks/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, a pharmacy and a small 24-hour hospital, restaurant, snack bar, car parking, tourist information, post office and car hire companies.

São Paulo (GRU) (Guarulhos)is 25km (16 miles) northeast of the city.
To/from the airport: An airport bus runs every 30 minutes (journey time - 30 minutes). Taxis are also available.
Facilities: Left luggage, duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, pharmacies, restaurants, snack bar, post office and car hire.

Further information on Brazilian airports can be found on the following website: www.infraero.gov.br.

Getting there by Road

It is possible to drive or travel by bus to Brazil from all surrounding countries. Entry points include the border with Argentina at Foz de Iguaçu, the border with Uruguay at Jaguarão and from Santa Elena de Uairén in Venezuela. There are plenty of bus routes from surrounding countries, and it is possible to travel to Brazil from Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and as far away as Santiago (Chile). International bus companies include Pluma (tel: (41) 3212 2689; website: www.pluma.com.br) and Crucero del Norte (tel: (11) 6221 0277; website: www.crucerodelnorte.com.ar).