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.
Money
The Brazilian currency is the REAL; 100 centavos = 1 real. Bank notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 1; Coins are 1.00 real; 50 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos and 1 centavo. All banks and cambios exchange recognised travellers cheques and foreign currency. It is advisable to take US Dollar travellers cheques or currency as this is more readily exchanged than other currency. You may benefit from a 15% discount when paying hotel or restaurant bills in foreign currency or travellers cheques.
There remains a currency exchange black market, but you are strongly advised to ignore anyone who approaches you asking if you want to change money - it is a fairly sure way to get robbed.
Credit Cards - Access/Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted in the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants.
Banking Hours - 1000-1630 Monday to Friday
Clothing
Brazil's climate ranges from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Throughout the country, however, dress is informal. Generally, light cotton shirts, shorts, dresses and trousers are ideal for day wear, whilst in the evenings long-sleeved shirts and leather shoes are normal. You will not normally need a jacket and tie in Brazil. In their winter (June/July) it is worth taking an extra layer, or something warm, as the temperature can be quite cool in the south of the country.
Time
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.
Electricity
The electric current in Brazil is 220 volts, except in the states of Sao Paulo; Rio de Janeiro; Pernambuco where it is 110 volts (except the Rio Intercontinental Hotel which, exceptionally, has 220 volts).
Tipping  
In most restaurants and bars a 10% servic3 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 : Servicio nao incluido. Taxis do not expect a tip, but it is normal to round up the final price. You should be aware that the amount given on the taximeter will not always be the amount you are due to pay - look out for a separate sheet taped to the window which will tell you how much the amount on the meter equates to.
Taxes  
Airport tax for international flights is approximately US$18. Internal flights are taxed at about US$7.50. In addition, all hotels require a City Tax at US$1 per day per room. All the above taxes may be paid in Dollars or Reals and must be paid locally. However all our packages will included all hotel, meal taxes. 
Shopping
As with the food, in a country the size of Brazil there are many local specialties for the shopper. In most major cities shops and markets stay open until late (up to 10.00pm). Rio and the south specialise in antiques and jewellery - special purchases include gems (particularly emeralds) and jewellery (particularly silver). In the north east specialities include laces, linen and ceramics.