Brazil

Trip Information Kit

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Bem-vindo ao Brasil
This information packet is designed to provide general information about Brazil and answer basic questions as you prepare for your upcoming trip to South America.

Brazil is the fifth-largest country by geographical area, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. It is one of the rising economic powers - otherwise known as BRIC nations - together with Russia, India and China.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 4,577 miles. Brazil borders every nation on the South American continent except Ecuador and Chile. Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the department of French Guiana are to the north, Colombia to the northwest, Bolivia and Peru to the west, Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest, and Uruguay to the south. Numerous archipelagos are part of the Brazilian territory, such as Penedos de So Pedro e So Paulo, Fernando de Noronha, Trindade and Martim Vaz and Atol das Rocas. Brazil is crossed by both the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn, and as such is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, natural environments, and extensive natural resources. Its region within the tropics is, by far, the largest of any country; about twice as large as that of Australia. The Brazilian population is concentrated along the coastline and in a few large urban centers in the interior. While Brazil is one of the most populous nations in the world, population density drops dramatically as one moves inland. Full Name Population

Federative Republic of Brazil 194.5 million (UN, 2010) Brasilia 756,096 sq km (291,930 sq m iles) Portuguese Christianity 70 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN) Real Manufactured goods, iron ore, coffee, oranges, other agricultural produce US$10.900 (CIA World Factbook 2010) .br

Capital Area Major Language Major Religion Life Expectancy Monetary unit Main Exports GDP Per Capita Internet Domain

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Over the past few years, Brazil has made major strides in its efforts to raise millions out of poverty.
and introduce better certification of land ownership, but environmental reports suggest the reforms have made little difference. Brazil's natural resources, particularly iron ore, are highly prized by major manufacturing nations, including China. Thanks to the development of offshore fields, the nation has become self-sufficient in oil, ending decades of dependence on foreign producers. Brazil has had to be bailed out in times of economic crisis, but reforms in the 1990s, including privatizations, brought some financial stability; still, there is a wide gap between rich and poor. Much of the arable land is controlled by a handful of wealthy families, a situation which the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) seeks to redress by demanding land redistribution. It uses direct protest action and land occupation in its quest. Social conditions can be harsh in the big cities of Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo, where a third of the population lives in favelas, or slums. Brazil's Aids program has become a model for other developing countries. It has stabilized the rate of HIV infection and the number of Aids-related deaths has fallen. Brazil has bypassed the major drugs firms to produce cheaper, generic Aids medicines. Brazil is revered for its football prowess. Its cultural contributions include the music of classical composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and Bossa Nova icon Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Source: BBC

Economy One of the ten largest economies in the world, the country has a diversified middle-income economy with wide variations in development levels and mature manufacturing, mining and agriculture sectors. Technology and services also play an important role and are growing rapidly. Brazil is a net exporter, having gone through free trade and privatization reforms in the 1990s. Brazil is South America's most influential country, an economic giant and one of the world's biggest democracies. But like some of its South American neighbors, it has a history of economic boom and bust and its development has been hampered by high inflation and foreign debt. The exploitation of the Amazon rainforest, much of which is in Brazil, has become a m ajor worry. A drive to move settlers to the Amazon region during military rule in the 1970s caused considerable damage to vast areas of rainforest. Deforestation by loggers and cattle ranchers remains controversial, but government- sponsored migration programs have been halted. In 2005 the government reported that one fifth of the Amazon forests had been cleared by deforestation. Since then, it has made efforts to control illegal logging

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Brazils larger and more famous ecotourism attractions are the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal, the pair hosting some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet.
Government Brazil is a federal republic with 26 states and a federal district. The 1988 constitution grants broad powers to the federal government, made up of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president holds office for 4 years, with the right to re-election for an additional 4-year term, and appoints his own cabinet. There are 81 senators, three for each state and the Federal District, and 513 deputies. Senate terms are 8 years, staggered so that two-thirds of the upper house is up for election at one time and one-third 4 years later. Chamber terms are 4 years, with elections based on a complex system of proportional representation by states. Each state is eligible for a minimum of eight seats; the largest state delegation (So Paulo's) is capped at 70 seats. This system is weighed in favor of geographically large but sparsely populated states. History Brief Brazil is the only Latin American nation that derives its language and culture from Portugal. The native inhabitants mostly consisted of the nomadic Tup-Guaran Indians. The early explorers brought back a wood that produced a red dye, pau-brasil, from which the land received its name. Portugal began colonization in 1532 and made the area a royal colony in 1549. During the Napoleonic Wars, King Joo VI, fearing the advancing French armies, fled Portugal in 1808 and set up his court in Rio de Janeiro. Joo was drawn home in 1820 by a revolution, leaving his son as regent. When Portugal tried to reimpose colonial rule, the prince declared Brazil's independence on Sept. 7, 1822, becoming Pedro I, emperor of Brazil. Although a republic was proclaimed in 1889, Brazil was ruled by military dictatorships until a revolt permitted a gradual return to stability under civilian presidents. President Wenceslau Braz cooperated with the Allies and declared war on Germany during World War I. In World War II, Brazil again cooperated with the Allies, welcoming Allied air bases, patrolling the South Atlantic, and joining the invasion of Italy after declaring war on the Axis powers. After a military coup in 1964, Brazil had a series of military governments. Gen. Joo Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo became president in 1979 and pledged a return to democracy in 1985. Collor de Mello won the election of late 1989, pledging to lower hyperinflation with free-market economics, but was later made to resign due to a corruption scandal. A former finance minister, Fernando Cardoso, won the presidency in the Oct. 1994 election with 54% of the vote. Cardoso sold off inefficient government-owned monopolies in the telecommunications, electrical power, port, mining, railway, and banking industries. In Jan. 1999, the Asian economic crisis spread to Brazil. Rather than prop up the currency through financial markets, Brazil opted to let the currency float, which sent the real plummetingat one time as much as 40%. Cardoso was highly praised by the international community for quickly turning around his country's economic crisis. Despite his efforts, however, the economy remained sluggish throughout 2001, and the country also faced an energy crisis. The IMF offered Brazil an additional aid package in Aug. 2001. And in Aug. 2002, to ensure that Brazil would not be dragged down by neighboring Argentina's catastrophic economic problems, the IMF agreed to lend Brazil a phenomenal $30 billion over fifteen months. In Jan. 2003, Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, a former trade union leader and factory worker widely known by the name Lula, became Brazil's first working-class president. As leader of Brazil's only Socialist party, the Workers' Party, Lula pledged to increase social services and improve the lot of the poor. But he also recognized that a distinctly nonsocialist program of fiscal austerity was needed to rescue the economy. The president's first major legislative success was a plan to reform the country's debt-ridden pension system, which operated under an annual $20 billion deficit. Civil servants staged massive strikes opposing this and other reforms. Although public debt and inflation remained a problem in 2004, Brazil's economy showed signs of growth and unemployment was down. Polls in Aug. 2004 demonstrated that the majority of Brazilians supported Lula's tough economic reform efforts. He combined his conservative fiscal policies with ambitious antipoverty programs, raising the country's minimum wage by 25% and introducing an ambitious social welfare program, Bolsa Familia, which has pulled 36 million people (20% of the population) out of deep poverty. In October 2009, Rio de Janeiro won the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the first South American city to host the Games.

Trip Preparation
Preparation is essential to ensure a great experience. Please read the following tips and make sure that you pack appropriately to avoid problems later on.
Dress Codes The daily dress code is listed on the itinerary for each day. The dress code will depend on the daily activity. In general, visits to companies will require business casual dress. Follow these general guidelines: Business formal Tie and jacket for men; suit, slacks or skirt and blouse for women. Business casual Khakis and button down shirts for men; slacks or skirt and blouse for women. Casual Jeans and athletic shoes may be worn. Outdoor Athletic or outdoor pants suggested. Athletic shoes, hiking boots, or sport sandals. General Packing Tips Clearly identify your luggage inside and out with your name and hotel and home address; Place a strap around your suitcase to secure it in case the lock breaks, and to identify it easily at baggage claim; Check your airline regulations for weight, size and number of bags; In your carry-on, keep a change of clothes, toiletries (no liquids), valuables, important documents (passports, visas, arrival instructions) and medication; We suggest you carry-on a coat; Consider bringing an extra empty suitcase or bag to carry souvenirs and purchased tems Items to b ring North American, Australian and Asian citizens need an Entry Visa stamped on their passport. Please read through the Entry Visa section of the program webpage for more information. 3 photocopies of your passport information page (the page with the photo). Also leave a copy at home. Photocopy of your visa stamp (if applicable). Photocopy of your prescription medications. Photocopy of your medical insurance card. International calling card and access numbers for dialing from Brazil. Leave a copy with someone at home of phone numbers to cancel credit cards in case of theft. Camera Travel umbrela (for those rainy tropical afternoons). Sunglasses and hat. Sunblock. (All year round in Rio). Day pack (for short trips; this could double as your carry-on) A pocket Portuguese-English dictionary (optional) Clothing Check itinerary for daily dress recommendations. Clothing appropriate for indicated climate A fleece or in-between weather jacket. Comfortable walking shoes. Workout clothes (if applicable).

Brazil is quite relaxed when it comes to dress codes, although So Paulos trendier bars and clubs may pose an exception (i.e. no sports shoes allowed). Proper business attire in meetings and business occasions is a must.

Toiletries Prescription drugs for the duration of your time abroad. Extra eyeglasses, if available (if applicable) Extra contact lenses (if applicable) Pack only as many toiletry items as you will use. Small sample sizes are preferable. Remember that the hotels will provide soap, shampoo and other items. You may not carry these on your hand luggage, please store them in your checked luggage to avoid confiscation at customs.

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Useful Information
These tips will ensure that you know what to expect when you arrive in Brazil.
Transportation You will be provided with transportation from your hotel to all scheduled meetings and venues. For transportation not included in the schedule, we suggest asking the hotel concierge to arrange for a taxi service. Flagging taxis on the street is not considered safe and reliable in Brazil. Language Portuguese is the official language of Brazil; however English will be used during most tours and meetings. Currency and Banking Brazils oficial currency is the Real (R$). Foreign cash is generally not accepted. Differently from most countries, Brazilians are not used to seeing foreigner currency notes; even the American dollar and the euro have limited course; traveller checks are also restricted (usually, foreigners must exchange the currency before paying their bills, in Reais). Brazilians have no authorization to have bank accounts in dollars; Brazilian firms (including hotels) must provide invoices and receipts in Reais. Credit cards Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and major shops. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express. Exchange rates for credit cards are convenient. It is important to notify your bank that you will be traveling in South America because some banks have to ensure that your card is activated for transactions abroad. Automatic Teller Machines ATMs offer a good opportunity to withdraw local currency from your home bank account at reasonable rates. ATMs in Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo are common and easy to locate. Many ATMs honor Cirrus, Visa, Plus and Maestro cards. Money Exchange Money may be exchanged at any established "Casa de Cambio" (Money Exchange) at market driven exchange rates, and at major banks. Mobile Telephones If you carry a triband GSM handset with your own sim card to Santiago, you will be able to roam with your same mobile number within the Entel PCS GSM Network. The GSM Frequency used by Entel PCS is 1900 MHz. Electric Supply The use of appliances or electric devices designed for 110V need a transformer. Most travel appliances like laptop computers have an auto volt (110V-240V) transformer that will adapt to local electricity current. In Brazil power supplies depend on the state, but Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo both use 110-127 Volts @ 60 Hz (though 220 V may be found in some hotels). The Austral Group will provide you with an outlet adaptor upon arrival. If you require an electric voltage transformer, let us know and we can provide one for an additional rental fee. Electric Plugs Brazil uses mostly type A&B electric plugs (two flat pins, sometimes with a third round pin for earth connection), same as the US. In certain locations type C plugs (European-style with 2 round pins) are also used. Water Water supply in big cities is potable and safe to drink. It is not uncommon for travellers to get an upset stomach for a few days while their bodies get accustomed to the local bacteria, although this is harmless and goes away on its own relatively fast. To avoid any complications, we suggest you drink bottled water, which you can buy in pharmacies, supermarkets, or sidewalk kiosks. Goods and Services Tax Goods and services in Brazil are subject to a 18% value added tax. This is generally included in the purchase price. This tax cannot be recuperated upon leaving the country. Tipping It is usual to tip at restaurants and bars in Brazil. The standard rate is 10% and this is generally not included in the bill unless otherwise stated. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but you may round up the fare to the for convenience, or when the taxi driver has been particularly helpful. Gratuities for group meals that are listed in the itinerary and for bus drivers, travel hosts and tour guides have been included as part of The Austral Group service. Calling Home The cheapest way to call abroad is to use Skype, or use international calling cards which can be purchased at stores, supermarkets and kiosks. Vaccinations Vaccinations are required only if you are planning on going to rural areas and the Amazon region. Please check with your doctor before travelling for recent updates on epidemics. Yellow Fever Following a rise in cases of yellow fever, the Brazilian government has issued an alert reinforcing recommendations for travelers to get vaccinated if they are planning to visit any of the affected areas, which include the Federal District (where Brasilia is located), Parana, Minas Gerais and Goias states. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro has experienced a dramatic rise in dengue fever cases. (This warning is valid only for rural areas. If you stay in the city you should have no problems). Medical Facilities Medical care is generally good, but it varies in quality, particularly in remote areas, and it may not meet international standards outside the major cities. You should have no problems locating a good hospital in Rio de Janeiro or So Paulo. The Albert Einstein Hospital in So Paulo is regularly used by U.S. Government personnel and other expatriates from throughout Brazil.

Emergency Contacts in Brazil

The Austral Group

Caixa Postal 2045, So Paulo - SP, 01032-970 www.theaustralgroup.com
Calling from USA (normal office hours): USA Toll-Free: (877) 871-3932 or Calling from other countries (normal office hours): +(1) 786-345-0048 and +55 (11) 4018 2207

Embassy and Consulate of the United States of America

So Paulo: Rua Henri Dunant, 500, Chcara Santo Antonio, So Paulo Rio de Janeiro: Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 Castelo , Rio de Janeiro http://brazil.usembassy.gov Rio de Janeiro 24 hour emergency assistance: (21) 3823-2000 during Consulates working hours (8am to 5pm) (21) 3823-2029 only call this number after working hours So Paulo 24 hour emergency assistance: (11) 5186-7000 during Consulate's working hours (8am to 5pm) (11) 5186-7373 after hours

Canadian Embassy and Consulate

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ci-ci/index.aspx So Paulo: Av. das Naes Unidas, 12901 - 16 andar, Torre Norte Telephone: (11) 5509-4321 email: spalo-cs@international.gc.ca Rio de Janeiro: Av. Atlntica, 1130 - 5 andar, Atlntica Business Center, Copacabana Telephone: (0 21) 2543-3004 email: rio@international.gc.ca

British Embassy and Consulate

http://ukinbrazil.fco.gov.uk/en/ So Paulo: Rua Ferreira de Arajo, 741 - So Paulo - SP - Brasil Tel: +55 (11) 3094 2700 Rio de Janeiro: Praia do Flamengo, 284/ 2nd floor Rio de Janeiro RJ Tel: +55 (21) 2555 9600 (voicemail - out of office hours) Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 12:30 Email: brazil.consular@fco.gov.uk

Embassy and Consulate o f New Zealand

www.nzembassy.com/brazil So Paulo: Alameda Campinas, 579, 15o andar Tel: +55 (11) 3148-0616 E-Mail: consuladonz@gmail.com Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200 hrs

The Austral Group

HQ: Enrique Foster Norte 196, Las Condes Santiago, 755-0087 Chile www.theaustralgroup.com