• Necessary documents: In general, entry visas aren't required to visit Brazil, except for some countries such
as Australia, Canada, China, USA, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, among others. The Visa is conceded
by Brazilian Embassies and Consulates.

• Currency and Exchange: Brazil's monetary unit is the Real (R$). The exchange rate is published daily in the newspapers. It is possible to exchange money in banks, travel agencies, and authorized hotels.

• Stores in general: Most commercial establishments accept credit cards, but few accept traveler's checks (except hotels and some jewelry stores). Some clothing stores and fine restaurants stores accept dollars, but the exchange rates, in general, are less favorable for the tourist.

•Transportation: For quick and safe transportation in big cities, like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, we recommend using taxis or the subway. In smaller cities, taxis are always the best option. For those who wish to rent a car,
it is advisable that it be done from international rental agencies found in airports, as they offer more comprehensive insurance options. Regarding fuel, prices are not fixed by the government so they vary between cities and between gas station locations. The average price is about US$ 0.80/litre. Passenger trains are practically nonexistent in Brazil, and the best way of travelling long distances is by plane, which serve all capitals and most mid-sized cities.

• Climate: Due to the country's size, the climate in Brazil varies according to altitude and latitude. The seasons
are exactly opposite to those in Europe and the United States, except in the north of the country. The average
annual temperature is about 28ºC in the north and 20ºC in the south. During winter in the south of the country, the temperatures can reach 0° C, and frost and snow are possible. During mid-summer in Rio de Janeiro, temperatures can reach 40ºC.

• Electricity: In Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the electrical current is 110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles, AC. In Salvador and Manaus, it is 127 volts. In Recife, Brasília and several others cities the electric current is 220 volts, and in Teófilo Otoni it is 110 volts.

• Time zone: In most of the country , including Teófilo Otoni, the time is three hours behind Greenwich (England). This difference changes during daylight savings time (summer time) in Brazil, (between October and February)
when clocks jump forward one hour, decreasing this difference to 2 hours.

• Tipping: It is optional in bars and restaurants. A common tip amount is 10% of the total value of the bill and
is generally included in the bill itself. Parking lot attendants and hotel bellboys often receive tips that vary from
US$ 1.00 the US$ 5.00, depending on the city.

• Working: The standard business day is from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., however some companies adopt different schedules, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or similar. Banks are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and shopping centers and malls are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays.