Brazil
Tropical Rainforests
About Brazil: Come and experience Brazil's long history and multi-cultural heritage; its sunbaked beaches and mighty waterways' wildlife, jungles and tropical rainforests.
Climate: The average yearly temperature is 82° F in the north of the country and 68° F in the southern part. Remember: The seasons are the opposite of North America (i.e. when it's summer in the U.S., it's winter in Brazil). The one exception is the valley of the Amazon, temperatures there remain steady all year, 81° to 90° F, with high humidity and heavy rainfall.
Documents: A visa is required and can be extended for a period of up to 180 days within one year. All passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in Brazil. An onward ticket is also required./p>
Currency: The real (R$). At press time, the exchange was R$1.00 equals U.S. $0.41.
Electricity: 110 volts. Most outlets are adaptable for two kinds of plugs; plugs with two flat prongs and plugs with two round prongs.
Taxes and Tipping: Most restaurants and bars include a 10% service charge on the bill, but it is customary to leave more if the service is good. When not included in the bill, the tip should be 10% to 15%. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Time: 3 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-3 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in October until the last Sunday in February.
Language: Portuguese is the official language, but both accent and intonation is very different from European Portuguese.
Transportation: Taxi are the best and safest option for getting around town.
Departure Tax: The departure tax is US$36.
