BASIC INFORMATION
PASSPORT AND VISA
Any foreign visitor desiring to enter Brazil must have a valid passport. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa exempt agreements with Brazil. Conference attendees can receive documents if needed as part of the visa application process. Those who need a Visa can ask for the documents from middle of February. Participants who need a visa should complete registration beforehand.
If you have any questions about this matter, please contact cmi2026@interevent.com.br.
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TRANSLATION APP
Using a translation app may help you stay more comfortable. Please note that the translation may not always be correct.
AIRPORTS
Rio de Janeiro has two main airports: Galeão International Airport (GIG), which serves both international and domestic flights, and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), which primarily operates domestic flights. Both airports are located in the northern part of the city and offer public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services to reach the city center or the southern zone, where most hotels and tourist attractions are located.
Tom Jobim International Airport – RIOgaleão
Tel – information: (21) 3004 6050 | Email: faleconosco@riogaleao.com
Domestic Airport - Santos Dumont
Information and flights (21) 3814-7070
TAXIS
Rio has a large fleet of taxis, almost all equipped with air conditioning. Regular taxis, identified by their yellow color, operate on the streets with taximeters and Uber services are widespread. Special taxis operated by licensed companies serve airports and hotels or can be hailed by phone. At airports and major shopping centers, most special taxis operate with fixed fares per area, which can be paid in advance at the company's counter, where the price list is posted.
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​Use the official taxi stands inside or outside the arrivals restricted area to get a regulated fare (companies officially operating are ‘Táxi Oficial’ or ‘Rádio Táxi’) or ride-hailing apps. Be cautious of unsolicited taxi or Uber offers
TRANSPORTATION
Rio de Janeiro is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines, which are operated by about a dozen different companies.
More: https://riotur.rio/mobilidade/
CLIMATE
May is a month with very pleasant temperatures, with the average temperature in Rio de Janeiro being 24°C. The weather becomes milder, and the days remain sunny. The rain decreases, making the city more peaceful for sightseeing and exploring.
TIMEZONE
Brazil spans several time zones, however the Brazilian Standard Time is 3 hours earlier than G.M.T. and 2 hours earlier in the summer (Oct to Feb).
Rio de Janeiro's time zone is UTC-03:00 (or UTC-3). This time zone corresponds to Brazil's official time, which applies to much of the country, including the Southeast region, where Rio de Janeiro is located.
CLOTHING
Attire in Rio de Janeiro is generally casual and relaxed, although during work hours, men tend to wear suits and ties and women wear more elegant clothing. During the day, light and comfortable clothing is ideal due to the warm climate. In the evening, especially in more upscale restaurants, it's common to dress a little more formally, but still light and elegant. A light sweater is sufficient for winter evenings.
HEALTH
There are no compulsory health requirements for entry into Brazil. Precautions are advised for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Polio and Malaria. We suggest you contact your local G.P. for current advice and recommendations or telephone one of the organizations listed below. You are advised to have full medical insurance coverage. Please note that if you are entering Brazil via Peru, Ecuador or Colombia, you will be required to provide an up-to-date yellow fever vaccination certificate for immigration purposes. Avoid eating and drinking local products from street vendors and restaurants with suspect hygiene or refrigeration practices. It is advisable to drink only bottled water at all times.
INSURANCE
The organizer is not responsible for accidents that might occur. Participants are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country. Insurance plans typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical costs in the case of injury or illness, and other possible risks of international travel.
MONEY
The Brazilian currency is the REAL; 100 centavos = 1 real. Bank bills are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2; coins are 1.00 real; 50 centavos, 25 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos and 1 centavo. All banks and exchange offices accept travelers checks and foreign currency. It is advisable to take US Dollar travelers checks or currency as this is more readily exchanged than other currency. There is a currency exchange black market, but you are strongly advised to ignore anyone who approaches you asking if you want to change money. Credit Cards - Access, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted in the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants. Banking Hours - 10:00-16:00 Monday to Friday (may vary in some banks) ATM machines are also available in the main cities. There is a limited amount to be withdrawn daily. After 10:00PM it is only possible to withdraw up to 100,00 reais. Depending on the bank no withdrawals are allowed after 10:00 PM.
Tipping
In most restaurants and bars a 10% service fee is added to the bill. More sophisticated places may add on 15%. If service is not included it will be stated at the bottom of the bill: "Serviço não incluído". Cab drivers do not expect a tip, but it is normal to round up the final price. You should be aware that the amount shown on the taximeter may not always correspond to the amount you are due to pay - look out for a separate sheet taped to the window which will tells you how much the amount on the meter equates to.
Taxes
Airport taxes are usually included on the ticket price. To promote tourism and conventions, most of the hotels charge a non-mandatory fee that runs from U$ 1,00 to U$ 7,00 per room per night depending on the hotel category as a contribution to the Convention Bureau. If guests want to deny the payment, they must inform the reception clerk upon check out.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
The electrical current in Rio de Janeiro is 110 or 120 volts. Sockets are type N, with three round pins. It's recommended to bring a universal adapter if you'll be using electrical appliances from other countries. Many hotels and buildings have alternative 220-volt outlets.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Portuguese. Some English is spoken, particularly in the main cities, but the nearest thing to a second language is Spanish with which you will generally be able to make yourself understood.
BUSINESS HOURS
Business hours in Rio de Janeiro vary depending on the type of establishment. In general, banks are open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Stores are open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, depending on the location. Shopping malls are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Supermarkets are open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on the location. Bars and restaurants are open daily, with varied hours, and may stay open until the early hours of the morning. Rio has several convenience stores open 24 hours a day.
BRAZILIAN FOOD AND DRINK
The most common dishes feature various meats, rice and the ubiquitous Brazilian black beans (feijão), whilst restaurants often offer all-you-can-eat barbecues and buffets. Brazil also has many regional varieties of cookery. An example is the Bahian cookery, which includes dishes such as : Vatapa (shrimps, fish oil, coconut milk, bread and rice), Sarapatel (liver, heart, tomatoes, peppers, onions and gravy). From Rio Grande do Sul a typical dish is Churrasco (a kind of barbecue). From the Amazon comes Tacaca (thick soup with shrimps and garlic).
All alcoholic drinks are available, including excellent large style beers: Skol, Brahma, Antarctica and Cerpa. The most popular local alcoholic beverage is Cachaca, most commonly served as 'Caipirinha' with slices of lime. Soft drinks include Guarana (a carbonated cola-like drink) and many varieties of excellent fruit-juices (sucos) including several vitamin-rich fruits you will never have heard of. Coffee tends to be served as a very strong. If you want to avoid sugar in coffee and juices, you should specifically ask for this. In Rio, you may see it’s common to ask for cocconut water in restaurants or kiosks by the beach, and "mate", a beverage that reminds an iced tea.
POLICING
Welcome to Brazil! As in all major cities around the world, it’s important to be aware and take some basic precautions during your trip. With a few simple steps, you'll be able to fully enjoy your experience and focus on what truly matters: living unforgettable moments in our country.
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Rio de Janeiro has extensive policing in the main tourist areas and specialized services to assist foreign visitors.
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The Rio de Janeiro State Military Police has a battalion - BPTur - specialized in patrolling the city of Rio to protect tourists. Properly trained and equipped to respond to police incidents involving tourists, the officers of this force are responsible for patrolling tourist attractions, beaches, and areas near hotels. BPTur – Tourist Areas Policing Battalion Address: Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães, 550 – Copacabana | Tel: (21) 2332-7943
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The Tourist Assistance Division (DETA), a specialized branch of the Civil Police, consists of chiefs, detectives, investigators, and clerks responsible for investigating and recording any incidents. DEAT has its own headquarters conveniently located in Leblon. The department was established, and its officers are specifically trained to assist foreign visitors. Tourist Assistance Station – DEAT Address: Av. Afrânio de Mello Franco, 159 – Leblon | Tel: (21) 2334-6802
It is important to take some basic precautions when visiting the city, such as:
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Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated or unknown areas.
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Do not flaunt valuables or draw attention to yourself with expensive clothes or accessories.
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Do not react in case of assault or attempted robbery.
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Keep your documents and money in a safe place and only take what you need when you go out.
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Respect local laws and authorities.
Essential Guidelines for Your Safety and Comfort:
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Frequent Recommended Areas: Prioritize places like the conference center, main hotels, and the most iconic tourist spots, such as the neighborhoods of Barra da Tijuca, Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana. Be sure to visit Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) and Sugarloaf Mountain, which are widely frequented by tourists and regularly patrolled, ensuring your peace of mind.
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Be Discreet: Just like in other major metropolises, we recommend that you keep your personal items, such as phones, jewelry, and cameras, discreetly while moving around the streets. This helps minimize risks and provides greater peace of mind during your outings.
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Nighttime Travel: Whenever possible, avoid walking alone at night. If you plan to go out, prefer to be accompanied and, if necessary, use ride-sharing services or reliable taxis, which are widely available in the region.
Experience in Rio de Janeiro:
Thousands of international tourists visit Rio de Janeiro every year, whether for academic, cultural, or business events, and leave with incredible memories. With a few simple precautions, your experience in the "Marvelous City" will not only be safe but also enriched with opportunities for learning, connection, and unique discoveries.
We wish you an unforgettable stay and hope you make the most of all that Brazil has to offer. We are available to assist with anything you may need.
SMOKING
In Brazil, smoking is prohibited indoors at restaurants, drinking establishments, accommodations and other facilities used by many people, and only permitted in dedicated smoking rooms inside buildings. Smoking is also prohibited outdoors – on the streets and in parks in some areas of Brazil. Please smoke in designated areas only.
Wi-Fi & CONNECTIVITY
Free Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly available throughout the city. Many major hotels, coffee shops, restaurant and public facilities offer a free Wi-Fi. Probably the easiest and most convenient way to stay connected throughout your stay is to rent a pocket-Wi-Fi from one of the kiosks at the airport or pick up a travel sim to fit into your existing phone.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Here are some helpful links about visiting Rio de Janeiro:
