Address:
Av. Atlântica, 4240 - Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
BRAZIL
Distance from airports:
Santos Dumont: 12km
Tom Jobim (Galeão) International Airport: 25km
Location:
Located between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. It is 10 km far from city downtown and the financial center.
RIO: THE MOST AMIABLE CITY ON EARTH
Due to its numerous facets, Rio is the Brazilian tourism capital. The wonderful city, located in the Southeast Region of Brazil, with 6 million inhabitants, in an area of 1,255.3 km2, coastal line with 246.22 km2 and green area of 325.6 km2, is the mosaic of enchantments scattered between the sea and the mountain. Rio is more than one, each day it creates solutions so to provide for all wishes and tastes.
Rio’s post card is the symbol of Brazil. Corcovado, with the Christ Redeemer is running towards being one of the new 7 Wonders of the World in an international contest. And there is also the Sugar-Loaf Hill, a pleasurable trip that reveals the entire city. The emblematic tourism points are numerous, but it is important to mention the Maracanã Stadium, largest temple of the five-time champion Brazilian soccer and Passarela do samba [Samba Catwalk], where the samba-schools parade, which also participate in the largest event of the city, carnival. And, the most recent one is City of Samba, built by the Mayor’s Office of Rio de Janeiro, in an area of 114 m2, in the port area, sheltering the samba factories, where the samba schools prepare their respective parades, which take place during carnival. The City of Samba is the synthesis of carnival, the whole year, given that it hosts daily spectacles, workshops and other attractions.
Rio was chosen after research carried out by the universities of Michigan and California, as the city with the most amiable people in the world. This is the biggest secret of the wonderful city, the carioca spirit, which turns all urban spaces into mosaics of different attractions. Rio mirrors the beaches, mountains, green areas, outdoor sports, and events such as New Year’s party réveillon, carnival and so many others. Rio is historic, cultural, daytime-oriented, and nightlife-oriented. It has many flavors. It is for all ages. Rio is like one of its symbols, the Christ Redeemer, with its arms wide opened to welcome its visitors.
General Information
Banks
Banks are open weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm; they are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Before departure from home, visitors are encouraged to check the acceptability of their credit and/or cash cards with their local bank.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere; some machines provide 24-hour cash withdrawal (R$) facilities for major credit cards.
Currency
The Brazilian currency is the Real (R$); there are 100 centavos in one Real.
Coins issued by the government are either bronze-coloured for 1 centavo, silver for 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos and a nickel and bronze coin for R$1. R$1, R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20 R$50 and R$100 are the denominations of the notes.
The value of the real against the US dollar varies according to the daily rate. Banks and exchange bureaux charge a commission on exchange transactions, which the visitor should check beforehand. As elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and travellers' cheques are marginally different, and coins are not exchangeable. Money changers are obliged by law to display net rates of exchange. Receipt notes must be issued by law; it is advisable to keep these until after departure.
Electricity
The voltage is 110 volts, 60 cycles. In most hotel bathrooms there is a 220-volt outlet.
Exchanges and Refunds
Check with the salesperson as to the store's policy on exchanges and refunds. In most shops, it may be possible to exchange goods, but refunds are rarely if ever made.
Cashing money with Credit or Bank Card
Visa card holders may withdraw cash from the Banco do Brasil and Banco Itaú. Card holders with a PIN number may obtain cash from the 24-hour machines; those without will have to await verification, available from 10 am to 4 pm.
Rio de Janeiro International Airport Exchange Department ("Seção de Câmbio")
3rd floor.
Tel.: (55-21) 3398-3652
Hours for exchange: For U$ and Euros from 8 am to 10 pm, daily; for another money exchange: Mondays to Fridays, from 10 am to 6 pm.
24-hour machines also available.
MasterCard holders with a PIN number may obtain cash from any 24-hour machine which lists CIRRUS among its participating banks.
