WELCOME
International Office
CONTENTS
WELCOME LETTER
4
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
5
CPF
11
ALUNO ONLINE
12
E-CLASS
13
BIBLIOTECA / LIBRARY
15
HOUSING
18
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
21
NOTES FOR VISITORS 2015
23
RIO DE JANEIRO (GENERAL NOTES)
33
RIO IN FIGURES
40
BRAZIL IN FIGURES
41
TO FIND OUT MORE ON RIO
43
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Welcome
Letter
Rio de Janeiro, February 3rd, 2015
Dear Student,
We are pleased that you have chosen the Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, at
Fundação Getulio Vargas, in Rio de Janeiro as your exchange abroad destination. We are very
enthusiastic about hosting this new group of international students and would like to congratulate you on
your nomination to take part in our Exchange Program.
In order to ensure that your time here with us is as enjoyable and productive as possible, we have prepared
this pack which contains some important background information on Brazil, Rio, as well as practical
information on Fundação Getulio Vargas. PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO READ THIS DOCUMENT.
As you may already know, Rio de Janeiro is one of the major economic and cultural hubs of South
America. It’s a cosmopolitan metropolis with a population of over 11 million people (including the greater
Rio area) and an important centre for commerce and the service industries. The city of Rio is renowned for
the kindness and hospitality with which its residents (Cariocas) welcome all visitors and provides us with a
harmonious and agreeable environment for both work and leisure.
We wish you a pleasant and successful stay at EBAPE and Rio, and hope that your chosen coursework
contributes positively towards your career aspirations.
Should you require any help during your stay, please do not hesitate to contact us at the International
Office, EBAPE.
Yours truly,
MONICA BALANDA
INTERNATIONAL OFFICER
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General Administrative
Information
1. FGV
FGV is a teaching and research institution in the social sciences area, notably Economics, Administration, History, Mathematics
and Law. It is a non-profit making organization with a technical, scientific and educational nature. FGV has been producing
professionals for over 60 years who have been outstanding in the academic area, the financial markets, private enterprise and
public administration.
2. International Relations Support Team
International Officer – EBAPE:
Mônica Balanda
Office hours: 10 am – 12 pm, 3pm – 6pm , Monday – Friday
Telephone: 3799-5752
Email: [email protected]
Room: 423 (4th floor)
International Office Assistants – EBAPE:
Amy Juelsgaard
Office hours: 10 am – 12 pm, 3pm – 6pm , Monday – Friday
Telephone: 3799-5596
Email: [email protected]
Room: 423 (4th floor)
Evelyn Sobrinho de Oliveira
Office hours: 10 am – 12 pm, 3pm – 6pm , Monday – Friday
Telephone: 3799-5740
Email: [email protected]
Room: 423 (4th floor)
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3. Office of Registration and Academic Records (S.R.A) – Room
314 (3rd floor)
Services:
• Student registration/enrolment;
• Provide, forward, publish and issue all documents related to students’ academic lives.
All requests from students in relation to academic issues have to be made officially using the specific
form provided by the S.R.A., which will then be forwarded to the relevant sectors.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm
Tel: 3799-5757
4. Information Technology Laboratories
Opening Hours:
• 7º floor – 08:00 to 20:30h
• 8º floor – 08:00 to 19:00
• 422 – 08:00 to 22:00h
• 1016 – 08:00 to 22:00h
• 1332 – 08:00 to 20:00h
Several classes are given in room 1332, which can also be used by students to do coursework. Room 1332 contains a total of 50
workstations, whereas in lab 422 there are 15 workstations for students to use.
Students should carefully read the rules for the use of the FGV network, the Internet and email (see below). Any requests
from students in the information technology area should be forwarded to the member of staff responsible for the laboratory in
question. Students can also use the study rooms available on the 4th floor.
5. Access to FGV premises
All international students are given an id card + login upon arrival. It may be a temporary card, with no photograph (it depends on
how far in advance you have provided the international office with a photo of yourself) or a permanent one. You will need this card
in order to gain admittance to FGV premises. Please ensure you carry it with you at all times while on FGV premises. The card with
photograph may be used as a student card for obtaining discount at cinemas, theater and live shows. In case your ID card has
Please note that if your id car is either lost or stolen, a Boletim de Ocorrência – BO (police report) will need to be filed at the DEAT
(TOURIST POLICE) , located at Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco, 159(21) 2232-2924 You need to present this report to the
International Office in order to obtain a new card free of charge.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FGV HAS A STRICT DRESS CODE!! No one will be allowed entry into its premises if wearing shorts,
bermuda shorts, tank tops, flip flops or any type of beachwear.
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Student
Handbook
1. Disciplinary System
Principal Procedures and Rules That You Need to Know
Ignorance of these rules does not exempt students from complying with them. Please read FGV’s internal rules of
conduct and the regulations applicable to the course in question.
If you have any questions, please contact the Support Team or the Coordination Office, who will always be available to
help you.
Avoid listening to information from colleagues, non-official sources and suggestions heard in the school. Any outstanding academic
or administrative issues can only be resolved by following the correct procedures as advised by the Support Team, International
Office or the Course Office.
FGV students who commit any acts of indiscipline shall be subject to the following penalties:
a) warning;
b) reprimand;
c) suspension;
d) expulsion.
The stipulated penalties shall be applied in accordance with the seriousness or reoccurrence of the following actions:
a) disobedience of the regulations and/or the decisions of the Directors of any FGV school or of any member of the Faculty
whilst they are carrying out their functions;
b) use of improper clothes, such as shorts, mini-skirts, flip-flops, and shorts or sleeveless tops and t-shirts;
c) smoking of cigarettes, cigars or pipes in classrooms, study rooms, laboratories and libraries;
d) ingestion of alcoholic drinks on the premises of the Getulio Vargas Foundation;
e) use or possession of any toxic substance on the premises of the Getulio Vargas Foundation;
f) involvement in events outside the Getulio Vargas Foundation that can be seen by the relevant authorities as infringing
the law;
g) any hazing that can cause physical or moral harm to the students of the Getulio Vargas Foundation;
h) disturbance of the internal order within the Getulio Vargas Foundation and its schools;
i) the carrying of any type of firearm;
j) damage to the property of the Getulio Vargas Foundation, including painting or drawing graffiti on walls, sticking up
posters and ruining books from the library, in which case, in addition to incurring the disciplinary punishment, any persons
found to have done so shall be obliged to pay for any damage they may have caused;
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k) any impropriety whilst carrying out any school work, or while any academic evaluations are being carried out;
l) disrespecting any member of the faculty or any other employee of the Getulio Vargas Foundation;
m) physical aggression or defamation, slander or libel against any member of the faculty, any other member of staff, or
any student of the Getulio Vargas Foundation;
n) playing cards or any other form of gambling on the premises of the Getulio Vargas Foundation;
o) involvement in activities that in any way harm the Getulio Vargas Foundation and/or its schools, either morally or
materially, including political party activities on the premises of the Foundation.
p) practicing of any acts incompatible with the dignity of any student of the Getulio Vargas Foundation
2. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Professional standards set expectations for individual conduct inside and outside the classroom in networking activities, student
organizations, and informal FGV-related activities. These standards offer guidelines for appropriate actions, attitudes, and
behaviors. Professional conduct means that students:
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Represent themselves honestly to their fellow students, faculty, employers, recruiters, and guests of the institutions;
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Fulfill the commitments they make to their classmates, faculty, staff members, and their employers;
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Respect others regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of
income, disability, or other legally protected classes;
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Contribute to open discourse, the free exchange of ideas, and the intellectual climate, and respect the contributions of
scholars and practitioners;
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Present themselves at institution-related events on- and off-campus suitably dressed and with professional conduct;
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Preserve individual, community, and institutional property, and do their part to keep the physical facilities neat and
clean when on campus;
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Comply with all applicable program rules, policies, and procedures of Escola Brasileira de Administracao Publica e de
Empresas, from Fundação Getulio Vargas.
3. ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
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A key component of FGV/EBAPE exchange program is the interaction and learning that takes place in the classroom.
We have carefully selected the best faculty and students to create a collaborative and interactive experience that
results in a highly dynamic learning environment. Student attendance and participation in classroom lectures are
critical to maintaining a productive environment. Students must be present and prepared when the faculty member
begins the class and staying engaged throughout the entire course. Arriving late, leaving during or early from class, or
being unprepared or distracted by non-course related matters diminishes not only your experience but that of your
colleagues. It is each individual student’s responsibility to maintain the quality of the classroom environment.
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Please remember that attendance in all classes is required. On the rare occasion when a personal emergency
prevents class attendance, students should notify the faculty member, academic director, and program office in
writing (via email) as soon as possible. Your notification should include the reason for the absence and expected
return. In the case of a serious emergency or health issue, the professor has the discretion to waive up to 25% of the
student’s absences. Students who miss more than 2 classes of each course will fail that course.
x
Students will fail any course where their attendance falls short of 75% (seventy-five percent) of the classes given,
except in cases set down in existing and pertinent legislation.
o
In addition, faculty members reserve the right to require a more stringent attendance policy for their class, as
class participation is a very important component of the grade. Failing to meet the faculty guidelines for
attendance may result in a reduced participation grade, reduced overall grade, or the assignment of
additional work to make up for class time missed. A student who, even though registered for a course, has
not regularly attended, participated, or otherwise met class requirements may, at the professor’s discretion,
not be permitted to attend class sessions, or may receive a lowered participation grade in the course.
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4. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
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Timeliness
Students are expected to be ready to begin classes at the starting time. Late arrival is unprofessional, and it
diminishes everyone’s learning opportunity.
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Leaving Class
Students should not leave the classroom before the class period ends, except when absolutely necessary, as it can
disrupt the class. In exceptional foreseeable cases, students should consult with their instructor before the class
begins if they must leave early.
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Electronic Devices
The use of mobile phones, pagers, or other hand-held electronic devices in the classroom is not permitted. All
electronic devices should be switched off during classes. Sending or receiving emails or text messages during class is
disrespectful to other students and faculty and erodes the professional environment.
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Laptops/iPads
The use of laptops or iPads to take notes or contribute data to the classroom discussion can be useful. However, it
can also be distracting to colleagues behind you. Please refrain from any form of instant messaging or visiting
websites not related to the classroom discussion. Faculty members may ban the use of laptop computers in the
classroom altogether.
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Dress code
Dress for classes and for academic events outside the classroom is consistent with a professional environment.
IMPORTANT: Fundação Getulio Vargas has a very strict dress code. Students will not be granted access if wearing
flip-flops, shorts, tank tops, very short skirts or any type of beachwear.
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Eating
Eating during class is distracting to fellow students and to the faculty and is strongly discouraged. Please put away
food items and their containers before class begins.
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Classroom Recording
Out of respect for the free expression of the class, permission must be granted in advance by the individual
professors, and each course participant in order for classroom sessions to be recorded. Unless these permissions
have been granted in advance, please refrain from recording any classroom session during the program.
5. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
A. Definition of Academic Integrity
We achieve academic integrity if we are honest and do not impinge on the intellectual rights of others, regardless of any motive.
The purpose of the Academic Integrity System is to define academic activities that are dishonest and that can result in negative
sanctions, and to provide a rationale for these policies.
All students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with these rules and procedures, and to maintain the highest
standards of academic integrity in pursuit of their educational and professional goals. FGV/EBAPE reserve the right to use all legal
means, including the submission of student work to electronic search engines to investigate academic dishonesty.
B. Violations of Academic Integrity
Academic misconduct or dishonesty is any action or failure to act that violates the Academic Integrity System. Rules governing
academic integrity may relate to, but are not limited to, the following areas of concern:
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Cheating
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Group versus individual work
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Plagiarism
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False citations and false data
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Proprietary information
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Work submitted for multiple purposes
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Misrepresentation
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Unethical behavior related to the earning of a grade
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Assisting violations of others
i. Cheating
Cheating is the use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids, written or oral, on in-class or take-home
examinations, papers, case studies, or other academic exercises. To cheat or to assist a fellow student in cheating is
tantamount to stealing someone else’s intellectual property, and therefore constitutes academic fraud.
ii. Group Versus Individual Work
Teamwork and collaboration are core values of our community. Within group projects, we expect all individuals to
contribute fully to the final joint product. Project tasks can be distributed among team members and consolidated into a
complete product. Each group must collectively complete the project without discussion with others outside the group,
unless directed otherwise by the instructor. Any group work that carries your name implies your full contribution, and you
are responsible for all the content of the group work. For assignments that are to be done individually, you may not discuss
the assignment with other students unless advised otherwise by your professor. Also, you may not use any part of another
student’s work without attribution. Lastly, you may not give any of your work to another student.
iii. Plagiarism
Fundação Getulio Vargas has a very strict policy regarding copying and plagiarism. Please be sure to read the information
on this subject contained in Annex I.
Plagiarism is the act of passing off as one’s own the ideas or writings of another, whether intentional or unintentional.
Verbatim text from another source must be quoted and cited. A paraphrase or summary of another’s ideas must be cited
where written; it is not sufficient to list the source in references at the end of the paper. These practices must be followed
in any written work – notes and drafts as well as final products – that you hand in for use by others. Information obtained
from web sites, personal interviews, and other students require citations just like information obtained from articles and
books. The learning objective is to develop your own thinking, not to create a collage of borrowed ideas pieced together
from other sources. To document sources identifies relevant prior knowledge and enables the reader to locate the source
materials. It does not diminish your contributions, but rather it lends credibility to them.
iv. False Citations and False Data
False citation is the attribution of intellectual property to an incorrect or fabricated source. False attribution undermines the
integrity of the academic enterprise by severing a chain of ideas that should be traceable. False data are data that have
been fabricated, altered, or contrived in such a way as to be misleading.
v. Proprietary Information
Information, whether quantitative or qualitative, and whether written or oral, that is the property of another person or
organization and that is not in the public domain that students receive for their educational purposes may not be used
outside of its intended purpose or disclosed without the owner’s explicit permission.
vi. Work Submitted for Multiple Purposes
You may not submit your own work, in identical or similar form, for multiple purposes without the prior approval of all
faculty members to whom the work will be submitted. This includes work first produced at FGV/ or at other institutions that
you have attended. In some cases you may cite your own prior work, but confer with your professor(s) before doing so.
vii. Misrepresentation
You should not provide inaccurate, misleading, or false information regarding your academic or professional experience or
achievements, for example, in a resume, transcript, or other document or forum.
viii Unethical Behavior Related to the Earning of a Grade
Any unethical behavior that impacts the earning of a grade (letter, numeric, or pass/fail) is unacceptable and is subject to
the same sanctions as other infractions related to the Academic Integrity standards.
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ix. Assisting Violations of Others
It is also a violation of the Academic Integrity System to assist another person in the violation of any of the Academic
Integrity rules.
6. THE FGV NETWORK AND USE OF THE INTERNET AND EMAIL
IN FGV
a) The network
The FGV network includes all the hardware (workstations, servers, connection devices) and software existing in our work
environment. The aim of these norms is to show what the correct and most productive way to use these resources is - in order to
guarantee network availability and accessibility - to prohibit practices that might in some way be prejudicial to individual or collective
work.
1. Network accounts are individual. Under no circumstances should the password be given to anyone else. The network account
user will be held responsible for any undue access to network resources with the password given to him or her;
2. You should not leave your network account connected while your workstation is not being used, in order to prevent anyone else
from having access to confidential information;
3. Access passwords to the FGV network should be altered regularly. We recommend that passwords be changed on a monthly
basis;
4. Network directories made available to users should be used solely for the storage of work related files;
5. Network directories should be regularly checked in order to delete files that are no longer necessary, thereby releasing space on
FGV network servers;
6. Sharing hard disks is not recommended on workstations, since many viruses use disk sharing to spread through networks. If this
sharing is necessary, it can be created by Service desk (User Support Unit);
7. The following actions are not permitted:
• Installation of copies of software without the proper usage licenses. All software installation shall be requested from
Service desk;
• Installation of server software in workstations (Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, any type of Unix, Lotus
Domino, Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server, or any other similar product). If this type of software is required, it shall be
evaluated by Service desk;
• Installation of private software on FGV workstations. This shall only be allowed if required for work, and in these cases
the software shall be evaluated and installed by Service desk;
• Installation or use of freeware software (free software, most often made available over the Internet, without the need to
pay for any usage licenses) or shareware (demonstration software that is normally valid for a specific period of time and
after which it is necessary to buy a usage license) without the proper certification or evaluation of Service desk. The use of
some types of software on the network can harm the work of other users;
• The uninstalling or deactivation of anti-virus software on workstations;
• Use of anti-virus software different from the standard software adopted by FGV (McAfee Viruscan);
• Installation of modems and the provision of remote access facilities to the FGV network through workstations. If this type
of access is necessary, Service desk should be contacted to evaluate the best connection alternative;
• Alteration of computer names on the network. This name should always be the same as on the identification code on the
tag attached to the equipment;
• The moving of information technology equipment without the knowledge of Service desk. It is essential that information
about the location of equipment is kept updated in the control systems of these units;
• The opening of information technology equipment without the knowledge of Service desk. In addition, the removal,
substitution, or moving of the internal parts and components of this type of equipment is not allowed. All handling of
components of information technology equipment shall be made by Service desk analysts or by authorized equipment
maintenance companies.
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b) Internet
With the growth of the Internet, which has allowed organizations to provide increasing amounts of information using various tools, it
has become necessary to optimize available resources, focusing on aspects that are really important for work, as well as for the
common good of the institution and its staff. The following factors also need to be taken into account:
• All Internet traffic passes through a link with limited bandwidth. The more the Internet is used the more this link will be overloaded
and access will consequently slow down. Users who work in a network environment have to take greater precautions regarding the
use of information technology resources. The bad use of available resources can seriously harm other users who need the same
resources for their work;
• The risk of contamination of workstations with computer viruses has become much greater due to the number of new viruses
circulating on the Internet. This can become a much more critical problem since a contaminated workstation on a network can infect
other machines and even servers. In FGV various security measures against computer viruses are used. However, none of these is
more efficient than making people aware of the problems that occur in relation to the improper use of information technology
resources.
Users are obliged to know and to respect the following rules related to the use of the Internet:
1. FGV’s standard navigator is Internet Explorer from Microsoft. Other similar products cannot be used without informing Service
desk (Customer Service Nucleus) in advance;
2. Avoid using Internet services that do not add value to your daily work, such as downloading:
• Screen savers – some screen savers can slow down computers considerably;
• Files and programs that are already available on the local network (for example: Internet Explorer, anti-virus programs);
3. When using the Internet, it is recommended that users:
• Use off-peak times (avoid commercial hours) to transfer files and for processing material that could potentially overload
origin or destination networks;
• Take all due precautions when accessing email from private internet service providers, and when this is done ensure that
the anti-virus software of the workstation is updated;
4. The following is not permitted:
• Accessing sites with content incompatible with professional activities (such as, by way of example, pornography sites). We would
also like to remind users that all Internet access is registered and can be audited at a later date if requested by superior levels of
the administration;
• Use of Internet chat programs (for example ICQ and chat rooms);
• Use of programs to download and/or upload music, videos or any other type of file on the Internet on the FGV internal network.
Video and sound files can only be used if required for academic and work purposes;
• Listening to the radio and/or watching television over the Internet;
• Publicizing of products and services by email without the explicit authorization of the person responsible. Sending messages
without due authorization can compromise the name of the institution and result in complaints from those who receive these
messages;
• Distribution of emails of FGV users without their prior authorization;
• Making web pages on workstations available to other users, as well as the installation of server programs to process these pages
(web servers) without the authorization of DITI. In these cases we recommend the use of the already existing web servers.
c) Email
Email is a powerful tool that has now become indispensable and which has significantly contributed to increased communication
between people and has made organizational processes more agile. By providing email access to students, we aim at extending
the potential of individual and collective work and maximize the use of existing resources. It has, therefore, become necessary to
respect rules of courtesy, thereby avoiding sending messages with offensive or improper messages, or which in some way go
against the acceptable rules of good behavior, morals or customs. The following rules of netiquette must be followed:
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1. Do not send messages with very large files (bigger than two megabytes). Always use a utility tool to compact the file annexed to
the message (such as, for example, Winzip, Pkzip, ZipCentral);
2. If you want to send many files, in addition to compacting the files, try to send each file in a different message. Do not expect very
large messages to reach their destination immediately. The use of email on the Internet gives a false impression that as soon as
the user clicks the send button the message reaches its destination. The sending of a message suffers the same problems with
slow speeds that exist in Web access;
3. Avoid the use of email to send propaganda, chain emails of any type, campaigns, notices, or any type of message that is not
strictly related to your work;
4. Avoid participating in solidarity chain emails over the Internet. Many people send these messages in good faith. However, most
often the people who create these chain emails only aim to saturate mail servers and Internet links;
5. Do not use other email servers on the Internet to send SPAM (the sending of a large number of messages with the authorization
of those to whom the messages are sent);
6. Do not distribute messages about viruses to other email users. Information about viruses should be sent to Service desk (e-mail:
service [email protected], extension 6030), which will examine the truth of the information in question and if necessary release it to
other users;
7. Avoid participating in discussion lists that are not related to your daily work. If you do not need any further information from a
particular discussion list, do not forget to sign off the list;
8. Always check the email address of recipients before sending any messages:
• Usually ,error messages that state ‘User unknown’ mean that the message left FGV and reached the destination site,
where the destination server found that the user did not exist, in other words that it did not recognize what came before the
@ sign ([email protected]);
• Usually, error messages that state ‘Host unknown’ mean that the destination site does not exist, in other words what
comes after the @ sign ([email protected]). In general these error messages arrive more quickly than the former because
our email server finds that the destination does not exist and informs the mail sender;
9. If you do not know the person who sent you an email (or if you have doubts about this person), avoid opening emails with
unknown extensions. Some of these files can be simple programs that can wipe out the content of a local disk or cause other forms
of damage to a computer. FGV email servers automatically block the majority of extensions of files that may contain viruses (such
as, for example, BAT, EXE, COM, VBS, amongst other). Nevertheless, files may exist with other extensions not covered by the
anti-virus program, and running these file can cause significant damage;
10. The regular maintenance of your mail box is recommended, including the following procedures:
• Do not leave large messages in the mail box, copy them to private folders;
• Use private folders to store messages;
• Clean the Deleted Items folder on a daily basis. Outlook can be configured to exclude these
items permanently from this folder whenever the program is finalized;
• Clean the Sent Items folder regularly, moving important items to private folders;
11. The following are also recommended as good rules of conduct:
• Always complete the subject field in an email message;
• Take care in writing messages, a badly written message can create problems of communication between the people
involved;
• Configure the automatic signature to facilitate your identification as the sender;
• Configure the Outlook Out of Office Assistant when you are away from FGV (travelling, on holidays, etc);
• Always check the size of your private folder file (PST). We strongly recommend that when the size of the file reaches 400
Megabytes it be copied to CDROM and reinitialized. We also recommend that this procedure be carried out by a Service
desk technician.
Final considerations
These rules, which are necessary to define responsibilities, prevent abuses and ensure network stability, are not aimed at inhibiting
or discouraging the creative, proficient and beneficial use of the facilities of the FGV network, the Internet and email.
If while reading this document you have any questions about any technical terms, we recommend you ask for Service desk’s help
to clarify these issues.
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CPF
CPF – Cadastro de Pessoa Física
CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) is a type of social/tax registration number, used in Brazil for a number of activities, such as
financial operations (e.g. to open a bank account), the acquisition of goods (e.g. buying a cell phone), make online purchases (e.g.
airline and bus tickets) as well as other activities related to the public and private sector. The CPF number is recorded in a
databank managed by Brazil’s Inland Revenue (Receita Federal do Brasil – RFB).
1. Where to Obtain a CPF
Students wishing to acquire a CPF can go to any branch of Correios (Post Office), answer a few questions at the service desk and
pay a fee of R$ 5.70.
2. Documents Required for Obtaining a CPF (Originals or Notarized Copies)
• A valid ID (in the case of an international student, this will be the passport). Although the ID document required from international
students need not contain information regarding the parents of the owner of said document, it must be valid and (sometimes) it may
need to be translated by an official, sworn translator
• The protocolo (a receipt) given to you after you have registered with the Polícia Federal (Federal Police), which is required for all
visitors/students who remain in Brazil for a period over 3 months. (For more information on the registration with the Polícia Federal,
please read the specific chapter about it within your Welcome Pack)
• Proof of a valid address. This can be any document that proves where you live (a phone, electricity or credit card bill issued in the
last 90 days). If the name that is shown in the bill is of someone other than the applicant (e.g. your landlord) then the applicant will
need to take a declaration signed by the owner of the apartment/house, attesting to the fact that the student lives at that address.
After you have applied for your CPF you will be given a Comprovante de Inscrição no CPF (a receipt which states you have applied
for a CPF). As soon as you receive it, check it carefully and if there are any errors, be sure to inform the service desk who will then
make a formal request for a correction to be made.
3. Next Steps
You will then be required to go to an Unidade de Atendimento da Receita Federal (a branch of the Inland Revenue), in order to
finalize your application. This you must do within 90 days of the day you apply for your CPF. If you do not go within this period, your
application will be canceled.
When you go to the Unidade de Atendimento da Receita Federal you will need to bring with you the following documents:
• The receipt of payment of the fee of R$ 5.70
• Passport
• Proof of residence
• The Comprovante de Inscrição no CPF received at the moment you applied
• The protocolo (receipt) of registration with the Federal Police
• A document which shows the names of your parents, in case that information is not available in your id or passport.
IMPORTANT: The information presented in this document is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate, and the source is the site of
the “Receita Federal”.
We cannot, however, be held liable for any differing information provided by third parties or by the branches of the post office where
the applicant acquires the CPF.
4. Finally
You will receive an online version of the card (no physical card will be given)
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Aluno
Online
Aluno online
EBAPE/FGV has a resource entitled Aluno Online, which enables students to view online their grades, their transcripts, schedule,
dates of exams, attendance, etc.
To access this resource you need to go to this webpage (www.fgv.br/srarj) and follow the steps below:
• Click on “ACESSAR”, at the student area, on left! You will be redirected to the Aluno Online login page.
• Since you don’t have a password, click on the link at the end of the page “Esqueci a senha” (I forgot my password).
• Use your matrícula number in the “Informe sua matrícula” box and press “Enviar”. This will send your password to your email.
Once you have your password, fill in the “Login” with your matrícula and the password you have received in your email.
When you access your page you will find 3 links:
• “Notas e Frequências”
• “Histórico Acadêmico”
• “Calendário de Faltas”
In the “Histórico Acadêmico” (Academic Transcript) section you will be able to see your grade against each subject. This is
automatically updated every time a professor uploads the grades.
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E-class
E-class
EBAPE uses a Learning Management System for posting its academic material, which we informally call E-Class (it is, in reality, a
Blackboard).
The eClass (blackboard) platform is used for:
• Posting information on the courses - Objectives, professors, course description, methodology, evaluation criteria, required
readings, etc.
• Uploading of teaching material - slides, class notes, articles, cases studies, exercises, papers, tutorials, videos, simulations, etc.
• Controlled upload of files - to receive student’s work, sharing of files for group work, etc.
• Real-time and asynchronous Electronic communication - Notice board, email-lists, discussion forums, chat, virtual classroom, etc.
• Online evaluation and posting of grades - questions with automatic feedback, self-correcting evaluation, individual posting of
grades, etc.
All students will have access to the system, once they’ve been registered with our Office of Registration and Academic Records
(Secretaria Acadêmica) and have been given an enrolment number (número de matrícula).
In order to proceed to the English page of the system, please follow the simple steps below:
1. Key in your user name and password ( The same as the Aluno Online, but with capital letters! ) to log into the system
2. Choose the last option from the left hand side menu: “Informações Pessoais” (Personal Information)
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3. From the options on display, choose the last item: “Alterar configurações pessoais” (Change Personal Settings)
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4. From the page on display, choose the option English (United States) from the field entitled “Idioma do Usuário” (User’s
Language)
After all these steps have been followed, the entire contents of this
tool will be shown in English!
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Library
Biblioteca Mario Henrique Simonsen (7th Floor)
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 8:30 pm
Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm
General Information:
Email address: [email protected]
Web page: www.fgv.br/biblioteca-rj
Collection:
BMHS has a collection of more than 100,000 books and leaflets and two thousand periodicals, as well as theses, reports, papers,
video tapes, CD-ROMs and other documents in the areas of economics, administration, finance, history of Brazil, political science
and sociology. It also holds copies of everything published by FGV.
BMHS is open to the public from Monday to Friday, however, publications can only be borrowed by previously registered students.
Through the ‘Know Your Library’ project, the library offers guidance about the use of the Pergamum System, the location of works
on the shelves, and the use of databases (CDs and electronic periodicals). For this service ring extensions 5916 or 5918, with a
minimum notice of 24 hours, and speak to one of the librarians.
Services:
• Consultation of local collection
• Domiciliary loans
• Inter-library loans
• Reservation of material
• Consultation of databases over the Internet
• Consultation of Internet
• Electronic periodicals
• Guided visits and training of users
• Reprography
• International Inter-library loans: COMUT, British Library, sending of copies by post or the Ariel System (real time)
Library Rules and Regulations
Responsibilities of the User (to register with the library, the student needs to present his/her school badge):
• Return borrowed material by the established due date.
• Advise any change in your address/place of residence.
• Pay all outstanding debt regarding fines, in case of delay in returning material.
• Replace material or pay the replacement value, in case material gets lost or is damaged.
• When entering the premises, please leave folders, books and bags in left-luggage (guarda-volumes).
• Please remain silent at all times.
• Switch off your cell phone.
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Penalties
In case of delay in returning borrowed material, a fine will be charged for each publication, as per below:
INTERNAL user
R$1.00 per day
EXTERNAL user
R$2.00 per day
In case of loss or damage to borrowed material, in addition to the daily fines, the borrower will be obliged to replace the material
with the most up-to-date issue (in case of books or special reference material) and replace periodicals with the same issue.
Material may be borrowed again if user has no outstanding issues with the library, such as failure to return material after loan
period, debt regarding fines or loss/damage to material.
N.B.: The Virtual System will automatically send users, who have previously registered, an email message informing them of the
end of the loan period. Failure to receive this message does not exempt users from penalties regarding delay. Ensure that you
frequently check the due dates of the material in your possession, via the option Acesso Usuário in the appropriate page (“opção
de consulta”).
Borrowing Terms
Category
Quantity of material
Loan period
FGV Faculty
11 publications
28 days: book
7 days: periodical, thesis and
dissertation
3 days: video
6 months – deposit
Postgraduate Stricto Sensu
11 publications
14 days: book
7 days: periodical, thesis and
dissertation
Postgraduate Lato Sensu
Diploma
Alumni
External user
Undergraduate
Member of Staff
Intern
5 publications
7 days: book, periodical;
thesis and dissertation
Libraries
3 publications
7 days: book, periodical
N.B.: Reference material such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, maps, special collections and rare works are only available upon
special request and must remain within the Library premises.
Renewal of loaned material:
Can be done up to 5 times for a period equal to that of the loan period, if material has not been previously reserved (done online
only).
N.B.: The Librarian has the discretion to suspend library membership, including access to the Internet, to borrowers who fail to
return items or fail to pay charges after due notification or otherwise fail to comply with these rules and regulations.
Renewal can only be done online, therefore, the following steps must be followed:
1. Click on : https://sb.fgv.br/catalogo-rj/
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2. Among the list of options, select “Login” in order to access your user account.
3. Your details will be requested in order to proceed with the connection. Please note that your “Código de Acesso” (access code)
is the number code that is in your student badge, and that the “Senha” (password) is your passport number (minus the letters)
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4. The option “Circ./Renovação” will allow you to request the renewal of books already on loan.
5. Should you have any questions regarding the steps above or any general enquiries, please ask the attendant at the Balcão de
Empréstimos (Loans) on the 7th floor (where the Library is located), for assistance.
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Housing
Housing
As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the supply of privately-let accommodation is quite varied in Rio de Janeiro and below
we list some links to help you find the most suitable accommodation. Please note that Fundação Getulio Vargas does not have its
own housing (residences), therefore out-of-town and international students will need to seek private accommodation. Although staff
at the International Office is not able to find private accommodation on a student’s behalf, they can give help and advice on finding
somewhere to live.
Category
Quanti
EBAPE/FGV’s International Office has listed the service providers below for information purposes only. EBAPE/FGV’s
International Office does not provide endorsement of the services provided whatsoever, whether expressed, implied, or
statutory. In no respect shall EBAPE/FGV’s International Office incur any liability for any personal injuries, theft, loss or
damage of personal property, or any occurrence arising out of, resulting from, or any way connected to the use of the
services
ty of malisted.
Useful links
1. Bed and Breakfast
The Cama e Café Network is a Brazilian adapted version of the bed and breakfast system, originated in Ireland, by which visitors
stay at a house or a local resident, who offers, every day, a delicious breakfast, included in the rate. The model fits perfectly the
personality of Brazilians, who are captivating and hospitable by nature. A reservations central service structure serves as agent to a
network of hosting residences. It connects the guest and the host, offers information about the residences and their rates, and
keeps track of payments. What makes Came e Café Network unique is the opportunity for a traveler to be around locals on a daily
basis, experiencing their habits and their culture.
www.camaecafe.com.br
2. Easy Quarto
Has more than 35,000 roommate ads.
www.easyquarto.com.br
3. Zap
The site classified ZAP is the most complete, modern and efficient portal of the Brazilian Internet classifieds, segmented into four
channels: property (houses, apartments, flats) autos (cars and motorcycles), jobs (jobs and resumes) and mix (opportunities and
business). It brings together in one place those interested in buying, selling or renting products and services or hire professionals
www.zap.com.br
4. Hostelworld
Cast aside those fears of sharing your space with overgrown boy scouts - today’s hostel is a world apart and changing for the better
all the time. Hostelworld.com offers reservations at international youth hostels, independent hostels, backpacker hostels and
budget hotels in every corner of the world.
www.hostelworld.com
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5. Rio Apartments
They rent apartments both to tourists and students. Most of the apartments are located in Copacabana and Ipanema. There are all
kinds of apartments from small studios to large penthouses and luxury penthouse apartment. They are all safe located close to
shopping, nightlife and the beach! They also offer vacation rentals in other parts of Brazil in different sizes.
www.rioapartments.com
6. Rent in Rio
Rio de Janeiro’s Highest Quality Apartments, Flats, Penthouses, and Hotels.
www.rentinrio.com
7. Ananab Guesthouse
This is a hostel (pensão) highly recommended by a former international student.
http://ananab.com
8. Flat Hunters Rio
After filling in your preferences, this website will send detailed up-to-date descriptions of available apartments that match your
request along with good clear photos at the best possible price.
http://www.flathuntersrio.com
9. Rio Soleil
This is a hostel (pensão) highly recommended by a former international student. They have apartments to rent and provide helpful
information and support to French tourists and students in Rio.
http://www.riosoleil.com
10. Rio Your Apartment
Rio Your Apartment was created at the beginning of 2008 and is the simple solution for renting apartments short or long time in Rio
de Janeiro. They have direct online booking and payment of apartments on the Internet. Easy to navigate, fast to find apartments
with reservation and secure payment online. All apartments and flats, from budget to luxury, are furnished and fully equipped. In
safe and centrally located areas. Also has relocation service that can assist you at any time before or during your stay.
http://www.rioyourapartment.com
11. Craigslist
http://rio.pt.craigslist.org/
12. Rio Apartment Rental
Headquartered in Copacabana Beach, Rio Apartment Rental offers vacation rentals in Copacabana and Ipanema as well as other
locations.
http://www.rioapartmentrental.com
13. Rio Apartments
This website specializes in several areas such as: Rio de Janeiro/Brazil Real Estate, Large Investments Consulting in Brazil,
Vacation Apartments Rentals, Relocation Rentals and Services.
http://www.rioapartments.com
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14. Apartment in Rio
Apartment Rental in Rio de Janeiro for short and long term with apartments located in Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.
http://www.apartmentinrio.net/
15. Vem pro Rio
Imóveis por Temporada: www.vemprorio.com.br
(Contact Felipe Bandeira/Suzy Gouvêa – [email protected])
16. Rei Moradias
A Facebook group where exchange students or their friends post info on available accommodation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/REIRIOmoradias/
17. Other contacts
Claudine Esteves: [email protected] | Tel: (21) 9514-1292
Marcel Araújo: [email protected]
Vivian Silva (Rio management): [email protected]
Florence: [email protected]
Julia Pinho: [email protected]
Angela Liuzzi: [email protected] | Tel: (21) 3209-1760 and (21) 9302-3324
Shirley Simeoni: [email protected] | Tel: (21) 2286-4370 and (21) 9478-0035
Rachel Rubim: Tel: (9851-1363 and (21) 8679-4538)
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Did you
Know that
Did you know that...
• Brazil is the world’s 5th largest country with a population of 192 million (IBGE 2010 Census).
• Brazil’s total area is larger than the contiguous 48 American States.
• Brazil is the world’s 7th biggest economy, according to the Center for Economics and Business Research.
• The economy of São Paulo state is larger than that of Argentina and Chile together.
• Brazil is the largest domestic economy in Latin America with a growing middle class and an increasing demand for luxury goods,
accounting for close to 50% of South America´s GDP (UKTI).
rd
• The Brazilian company Embraer currently competes with Canadian Bombardier for the title of the world’s 3 largest commercial
aircraft manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing.
• Environmental industries in Brazil are valued at about 45 billion dollars.
• Brazil has the largest healthcare market in Latin America, evaluated at approximately 21 billion dollars (source – UKTI).
rd
• 75% of all equities in Latin America are traded on BM&F BOVESPA-NOVA BOLSA: The 3 largest stock exchange in the world.
• Brazil is one of the world’s top 8 agricultural producers and 2nd producer of soy.
• Brazil hosted the 2014 Football World Cup and will be hosting the 2016 Olympics.
• Brazil ranks 4th in the world in number of cell phone users.
• Brazil is the 7th largest producer of vehicles in the world.
• The construction market accounts for approximately 15% of Brazil’s GDP.
• Brazil’s Software & Services industry is the 12th largest market in the world.
• Brazil is the second largest world manufacturer of denim and sixth largest textile manufacturer (source – ABIT).
• Brazil is the world’s third largest beauty market.
• Brazil is among the ten largest world markets for luxury goods. In the Americas it loses out only to the United States.
• Brazil has the world’s largest reserves of tropical forest, biodiversity and flows of fresh water (25%). It has the largest underground
reservoir (Guarani Aquifer)
• Brazil is the world’s largest renewable energy market, thanks to its hydropower and its long established bio ethanol industry, the
latter of which has thrived alongside the country’s sugarcane industry.
• There were 205m mobile lines in March 2011, up from 191.5m in September 2010, making Brazil the fifth largest market in the
world.
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Brazil is a world leader in the following sectors (source:
www.brasil.gov.br):
• Largest producer of regional aircraft and the fourth largest producer of commercial aircraft;
• Largest producer of coffee, oranges and guaraná;
• Largest producer of sugar cane (along with India);
• Largest producer of eucalyptus pulp;
• Largest exporter of beef and poultry and the fourth largest exporter of pork;
• Largest exporter of sugar and orange juice;
• Largest exporter and second largest producer of ethanol;
• Second largest exporter of soy complex (grain, meal and oil);
• Second largest producer of iron ore;
• Second largest producer of organic food;
• Third largest producer of soft drinks;
• Third largest consumer market for cosmetics;
• Third largest producer of shoes;
• Third largest producer of bauxite;
• Third largest producer of fruits;
• Third largest producer of GM foods.
Also highlighted are the following sectors:
Mobile phones and home computers (fifth largest market in the world), vehicles (sixth largest producer), rubber (fifth largest industry
in the world), chemicals (seventh largest in the world), steel (eighth largest producer) and also the largest commercial livestock
herd in the world, more than 198 million head of cattle.
Here are a few websites that will provide useful background on
Brazil, its market and current political and economic conditions:
The Economist – www.economist.com
Latin Trade magazine (US site) – www.latintrade.com
Folha de S.Paulo (Portuguese only) – www.folha.uol.com.br
Estado de S.Paulo newspaper – www.estadao.com.br
Brazil Development Bank – www.bndes.gov.br/SiteBNDES/
Brazil Central Bank – www.bcb.gov.br
ApexBrasil – Trade and Investment Promotion Agency – www.apexbrasil.com.br
Brazilian Government Portal – www.brasil.go.br
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Notes for
Visitors 2015
General notes on Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. It is 3 times the size of India and its total area is larger than the contiguous 48
American States. The country is divided into five regions; the North, the Northeast, the Central West, the South and the Southeast.
Map extracted from
http://www.brasil.gov.br/informe.htm
Brazil’s name is derived from the ember-red color of a rare wood, pau-brasil (Brazil-wood). Discovered in 1500, Brazil had its
birthplace in the State of Bahia. Brazil was initially occupied along the coast and expanded westward during the 17th century.
During the 18th century, with the discovery of gold, the already continental territory was consolidated in Minas Gerais. In 1763,
Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the country. At the end of the 19th century, in 1889, the former Empire was transformed into a
Federative Republic. In 1961, the capital was transferred to Brasilia, in the heart of the Central Plateau. To find out more about the
history of Brazil, visit:
http://www.geographia.com/brazil/brazihistory.htm
Brazil is a large exporter of industrialized products, technology and engineering services, e.g. cars, consumer goods, highways,
airports, deep water oil prospecting, hydroelectric generating projects, as well as of raw materials and agricultural products. The
Brazilian electronic banking system is sophisticated.
Many major multinational banks and companies have had representation in the country for a long time, e.g. HSBC, Lloyds, BAT,
Glaxo, Reckitt & Colman, Zeneca, Uni-Lever, RTZ, Shell, Rolls Royce, Pilkington, General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Siemens,
Rhone-Poulenc, etc.
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Brazil is a democratic federal republic, consisting of 27 states and the Federal Capital, Brasilia. The country’s political organization
is based on a system of tripartite power: the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary Branch of Government. The President is
elected with a mandate of four years with the possibility of re-election. The Presidency has wide powers, including the power to
veto decisions of Congress. The Legislative Branch of Government, represented by the National Congress, is bicameral, consisting
of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The states are autonomous. Their heads, the governors, are elected for a
term of four years. President Dilma Roussef, of the Workers’ Party, was elected in October 2010.
• Area: Eight and a half million square kilometers, with 7,367 kilometers of Atlantic coastline.
• Population: 191 million, according to the census carried out in 2010 by IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
• Language: Brazil’s official language is Portuguese. Spanish is very similar to Portuguese and Brazilians understand it easily. If
you feel the need to speak Spanish make it clear you are aware it is not the national tongue. Most Brazilians do not speak or
understand much English. However, most are helpful to foreigners, and in the more expensive hotels and restaurants and in large
companies, particularly in the major capital cities, you will be usually understood.
• Religion: There is religious freedom, with no official religion. However, over 100 million people profess to be Roman Catholics.
Diverse evangelical cults have approximately 30 million followers. Statistics on animistic manifestations, such as spiritism,
umbanda and candomblé, are unreliable; but it is estimated that they have a total of approximately 5 million adherents.
1. Entry Requirements
• Visa: All students are required to obtain a visa before entering Brazil; therefore we recommend you contact the Brazilian
Consulate nearest to your place of residence for information on obtaining a student visa.
• Letter of Acceptance: Please make sure you have it with you upon arrival in Brazil explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Immigration Form: Before landing, passengers are given a form to be completed and handed over to the Brazilian immigration
authorities at the international airports, who will stamp your passport and give you back a copy of the form you have completed.
Keep it carefully with your passport, as it will be requested when you leave the country.
• Customs: Visitors are recommended to declare to customs authorities articles such as cameras, notebook computers, and gifts
bought for Brazilian contacts. They will not usually be dutiable, but declaring them on entry will avoid possible delay on departure.
Duty Free in Brazilian airports are usually open to arriving international travelers.
2. Registering with the Federal Police
All visitors to Brazil wishing to remain for over three months will need to register with the Polícia Federal (Federal Police) within 30
days of arrival in this country.
Students must report to the nearest Federal Police office (in Rio de Janeiro, it is located at Tom Jobim International Airport,
Terminal 1, 3rd Floor). Once you have registered you will be allowed multiple entries to Brazil, until your visa expires.
Before you get to the Federal Police Office, you will need to follow the steps below:
1° Access http://www.dpf.gov.br
2° Under “Serviços” click on “Estrangeiro”, then “Requerer registro e emissão/renovação de cédula de identidade de Estrangeiro”
• On 1 click on the “clique aqui” link in order to fill out and print your form.
• On 2 you can schedule an appointment on the “Verifique aqui se existe agenda disponível” link. If you don’t find available dates
go directly to the Federal Police Office.
• On 3 you can print extra copies of your form.
• On 4 you can reschedule or cancel your appointment with the Federal Police Office.
• On 5 you can obtain the payment forms by clicking on “Gerar a GRU”, then “3. Pessoas e entidades estrangeiras”. You will need
to complete this form twice as explained in A and B:
A. After filling in the blanks with your personal information, complete the first form with:
• Under “Unidade Arrecadadora” choose from the drop down menu:
“RJ (105-8) DELEGACIA DO AEROPORTO INTERNACIONAL - GALEÃO/RJ”
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• Under “Código da Receita STN” click on the magnifying glass icon and choose:
“140082 REGISTRO DE ESTRANGEIROS/RESTABELECIMENTO DE REGISTRO 64,58”
• Click on “Gerar Guia” and print this form
B. After filling in, once again, with your personal information complete the second form with:
• Under “Unidade Arrecadadora” choose from the drop down menu:
“RJ (105-8) DELEGACIA DO AEROPORTO INTERNACIONAL - GALEÃO/RJ”
• Under “Código da Receita STN” click on the magnifying glass icon and choose:
“140120 CARTEIRA DE ESTRANGEIRO DE PRIMEIRA VIA 124,33”
• Click on “Gerar Guia” and print this form as well
What to take to the Federal Police:
• Your passport, along with the photocopy of every page that has any markings on it (visas, entry and exit stamps), including the
identification page.
• Original (no photocopies will be accepted) Pedido de Visto Consular (Visa application Form). You will have received this form
from the Brazilian Consulate where you’ve obtained the visa (it is usually stapled to your passport).
• Two recent photos, on white background (3cmx4cm i.e., 1”x1½”).
• Requerimento de Registro – this form is provided at the Federal Police Office and has to be completed upon your arrival.
• The payment stubs for both the 140082 GRU and the 140120 GRU (R$ 64.58 and R$ 124.33 fees) forms.
Here you’ll need a phone number and a valid address where you can receive mail. The ID cards, for which you have paid
the requested fee, will be available for pick up at the Federal Police.
You will be finger - printed and the Federal Police will issue a receipt (protocolo) that will be your ID until the permanent one is
available for pick up at the Federal Police.
Failure to register with the Federal Police will result in a fine and/or possible expulsion from Brazil. Payment of any fine resulting
from failure to meet the requirements is entirely the student’s responsibility. We recommend that you bring with you the
payment receipts every time you return to Brazil.
It is important to note that, to enter the Federal Police Office you will need to be appropriately dressed (no shorts, mini-skirts,
sleeveless T-shirts, or flip flops).
In Case You Can’t Make an Appointment before the 30-day
deadline
The Federal Police strongly advises foreigners to try not to exceed the 30-day-from-arrival deadline. For those who haven’t been
able to find an appointment within that time, the Federal Police instructs them to proceed to the Federal Police Office as soon as
possible.
Identification Cards:
The mandatory registration with the Federal Police will also give you an official ID card that can be picked up when ready. You don’t
have to be alarmed if you do not receive it by the time you leave the country since the protocolo can be used as a temporary ID for
all intents and purposes. The ID card can substitute the passport for most identification purposes; however the passport might be
required for check cashing in banks. For travel purposes, both within Brazil and elsewhere, the passport should be used.
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3. Money
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Real - R$ implemented as of July 1994. The notes in circulation include 100 Reais (R$ 100.00), 50 Reais
(R$ 50.00), 20 Reais (R$ 20.00), 10 Reais (R$ 10.00), 5 Reais (R$ 5.00), and 2 Reais (R$ 2.00). The coins in circulation include: 1
Real (R$ 1.00), 50 centavos (R$ 0.50), 25 centavos (R$ 0.25), 10 centavos (R$ 0.10), 5 centavos (R$ 0.05) and 1 centavo (R$
0.01).
Exchanging Currency:
You can exchange currency at the major international airports, where there are several Casas de Câmbio (Bureau de Change) with
varying opening hours and usually offering reasonable rates. It is a very practical and easy way of doing this. If you have no
Brazilian currency with you on arrival, exchange money before you leave the airport. The ATMs in the arrivals hall may allow
cash withdrawals on international credit cards. When traveling outside the main cities make sure you have an adequate supply of
local currency.
There are bank agencies at the arrival gates of both terminals of the Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo and the Tom
Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro. Hotels may change limited amounts of US Dollars and US Dollar Travelers Checks on
the spot. They generally give higher rates of exchange and may have little cash available on weekends. In the main cities there
shouldn’t be problems in changing other foreign currencies.
The best exchange rates are available in banks. The process may be time-consuming on certain dates and you will need your
passport, but it’s a very safe way to change currency. The rates posted in the media are the US$ buy and sell rates (so workout an
average of the two to have an idea of what the day’s rate is).
Credit Cards:
The main Brazilian cities are well equipped with an extensive network of ATMs and accept all the major credit cards (VISA,
MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club). To know if your credit card will work in cash dispensers check for the sign of
which credit card companies are accepted.
Those marked Banco 24 Horas (usually found in supermarkets and gas stations) will dispense cash for most international cards,
however we recommend foreigners to avoid using them since it isn’t uncommon to hear issues with card cloning in those ATMs.
Non-ATM cash advances against credit cards are possible (e.g. at some banks), but the process can be complicated.
Change:
Obtaining change in Brazil is almost a daily hurdle. Ensure you have a good supply of smaller denomination bills (such as R$ 2.00,
R$ 5.00 and R$ 10.00), rather than R$ 50.00 or R$ 100.00. Taxi drivers, for instance, very rarely have (or pretend not to have)
change.
4. Personal Security Advice in Brazil
Useful Numbers:
Tourist Police (DEAT): (21)2332-2924 (Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 159 – Leblon)
Police: 190
Ambulance:192
Fire: 193
Levels of crime and violence are fairly high especially in major cities. Therefore you should be vigilant especially when going out
after dark. Nevertheless, you may take comfort in the knowledge that the vast majority of visits pass without incidents.
Below are suggestions of some precautions you should take during your stay in Brazil:
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• Avoid carrying large quantities of cash and valuable objects (expensive cameras etc).
• Brazilian law requires that everyone carries identification at all times. It is advisable not to carry your original passport, but
rather have a copy of the main pages (passport number, identification and visa, if any). If possible, carry some form of photo ID, like
a Driver’s License.
• Beware of pickpockets, particularly on public transport and at the beaches. Never leave personal belongings unattended.
• Expensive watches and large wedding rings offer unnecessary temptation. Avoid wearing them.
• Hotels in which you may be staying should offer a safe-box facility. Wherever you are, you should use this.
• If you are threatened, hand over whatever you are carrying without demur. DO NOT RESIST. Always carry some money to hand
over to a mugger, to avoid dangerous disappointment or disbelief.
• Avoid walking alone on dark streets or deserted areas.
• Do not venture into insalubrious areas “just to get the feel of the place”.
• Drug trafficking and use is a growing problem, with severe penalties in Brazil. Don’t get involved.
5. Health and Medical Care
Most Brazilian cities have a number of health care services available, ranging from modern state-of-the-art facilities to poorly
equipped units. It is a good idea to become familiar with the well regarded health care providers in the city you will be visiting. There
are 24-hour pharmacies on all main shopping streets, and the pharmacists can help with simple health problems. Brazilian doctors
tend to be specialists rather than general physicians.
Health Insurance:
International students should acquire adequate health insurance before coming to Brazil. In case of accidents or illness, usually the
student pays upfront and then claims back from the insurance company host hospitals accept credit cards.
24 hour Pharmacy – Drogaria Pacheco
Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 115 - Copacabana
Tel.(21) 2295-7555, (21) 2295-5103
FGV Health Center:
FGV has a health center with a General Practitioner located on the 15th floor and as an international student you will have access
to this service. The center is open from 8:00 to 22:00 and there is a doctor available from 9:00 to 13:30 pm and from 2:00 to 4:00.
Find out the best and nearest hospital to go to in case of an emergency. If you want to make a routine appointment, request
references for a medical practitioner from a reliable source. You can check with your consulate or your contact at Fundação Getulio
Vargas. Additionally, hotels can usually find appropriate doctors or dentists if you need one.
Private Hospitals in Rio de Janeiro:
• Hospital Samaritano
http://www.hsamaritano.com.br/index.php
Rua Bambina, 98 – Botafogo
Tel: (21) 2537-9722 Fax: (21) 2537-8983
Emergency: (21) 2535-4000
• Clínica de Saúde Pinheiro Machado
http://www.cspm.com.br/site/
Rua Pinheiro Machado, 151 – Laranjeiras
Tel: (21) 2125-4882
• Copa D’Or Hospital
http://www.copador.com.br
Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães, 875 – Copacabana
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Tel: (21) 2545-3600
• Policlínica Botafogo
http://www.policlinicadebotafogo.com.br
Avenida Pasteur, 72 – Botafogo
Tel: (21) 2295-3080
Emergency: (21) 2244-8744
Immunization:
Although the Brazilian government does not require any specific immunizations for adults coming to Brazil, we recommend that you
bring along your immunization record (International Certificates of Vaccination) or some other official statement showing which
vaccinations you have had. The record must show the date of the vaccination and the type of serum used.
6. Telecommunications
Telephone:
You can make local, inter-city and international calls by buying telephone cards at the airport, from bars or newspaper stands.
• To place an international call: 00 31 or 00 21 + country code + area code + telephone number.
• To place a call to other Brazilian cities: 0 31 or 0 21 + area code + telephone number.
GSM cell phones work in Brazil and it roams calls using local carriers, so you can send text messages, pictures and videos, access
the internet and make and receive calls.
If you wish to buy a local cell phone, there are several different cell phone providers throughout Brazil. The companies which
provide national coverage are: Vivo, Tim, Claro and Oi. It is a good idea to check with each one to find about special offers they
may be having that might best suit your needs. Please note that anyone wishing to purchase a cell phone in Brazil will need to have
a CPF, which is a national tax number. (For information on obtaining a CPF, please read the specific chapter about it, within your
Welcome Pack)
Wide Band Internet:
There are two major providers: Virtua and Velox. Virtua is associated with cable TV NET and may offer special deals if you request
both services. Velox is associated with the cellular phone provider Oi and may also have joint offers. Ask!
7. Getting Around in Rio de Janeiro
To and From the Airports:
Unless you are being met, the best option is to take a taxi. It is safest to travel by a pre-paid airport (cooperativa) taxi rather than a
metered common taxi. It is not advisable to use the shared airport limousine minibus services. Most operators will ask for payment
at their desks, situated just outside the exit doors to the terminal, and accept credit cards.
A taxi (cooperative) from the Tom Jobim International Airport to the city center currently costs about R$ 90.00 and it takes about 40
minutes with regular traffic. Be prepared to pay extra for pieces of luggage carried in the trunk of the car. The Santos Dumont
Domestic Airport is very central, so there are no taxi surcharges to worry about. Simply pay what is on the meter. FGV is
only 5-10 minutes from this airport.
The other option to and from the international airport is the 2018 bus line. It makes stops along the beaches in Zona Sul on its way
to the airport. This bus line runs every 30 minutes and costs about R$ 13.50.
Taxis:
One of the best ways for foreigners to get around Rio is by taxi. Taxis in the city centers are plentiful and you can stop the regular
taxis (taxi comuns - yellow cars) on the streets, find them at the taxi ranks, or book them by phone. Fares are payable in
accordance with the meter, which shows the precise fare to be paid in local currency. When paying, it is customary to round up the
fare to the nearest Real.
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Certain journeys (e.g. from hotel to airport) may be charged on a fixed-price basis. Various “executive taxis” and “radio cars” hang
around top hotels (and charge higher fares), but they rarely provide superior service – ask the hotel for advice.
It is not usual to tip. Beware that because of the heavy traffic, journeys can take much longer than you might think, especially during
the rush hour between 7:30 – 10:00 and 17:00 – 20:00. Do not assume that cabbies will speak English, and do not expect to pay in
anything but in Reais.
Metrô (Subway System):
The subway system in Rio is good, cheap, safe, clean and quick, but it doesn’t cover much of the city, as it is relatively small. The
subway operates from 5:00 to Midnight from Monday to Saturday, and from 7:00 to 23:00 on Sundays and public holidays. You
may buy the tickets at the ticket kiosks inside the stations from 5:00 to 22:00.
Buses:
You can go anywhere by bus within the city, but make sure you know what bus number you need beforehand. Although they are
generally safe during the day, they should be avoided at night. Understanding the city bus routes is easy but a good city map will
help. You can check these sites for more information on the bus lines and their itineraries:
http://www.vadeonibus.com.br/home | http://www.rioonibus.com/guia_de_itinerarios
8. Travelling in Brazil
By Plane:
Due to its continental proportions, it is faster and easier to visit other parts of Brazil by plane, even though air travel here can be
quite expensive. The main national carriers that fly from Rio’s national (Santos Dumont) and International (Tom Jobim) airports are
TAM, GOL and AZUL.
It is important to carry with you some form of identification.
Travel documents accepted for foreign passengers:
• Passport;
• Cédula de Identidade de Estrangeiro – CIE (RNE): For those foreigners who have a permanent residency permit (if the final
document has not yet been issued, the traveler may use the receipt document - protocolo) for a maximum period of 180 days from
the day the request for the document was filed
• Diplomatic or consular ID or similar legal travel document, as per diplomatic agreements.
x
NOTE: In case the travel document has been lost or stolen, a Boletim de Ocorrência – BO (police report), may be
accepted, provided it has been issued within 60 days.
Some of the most popular internal flight times are:
• Rio de Janeiro - Belo Horizonte: 50m
• Rio de Janeiro - Manaus: 5h
• Rio de Janeiro - Brasília: 1h 30m
• Rio de Janeiro - Natal: 3h
• Rio de Janeiro - Campo Grande: 3h 30m
• Rio de Janeiro - Porto Alegre: 2h
• Rio de Janeiro - Curitiba: 1h 30m
• Rio de Janeiro - Recife: 2h 45m
• Rio de Janeiro - Fortaleza: 4h 25m
• Rio de Janeiro - Salvador: 2h
• Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu: 3h
• Rio de Janeiro - São Paulo: 55m
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It is also worth remembering that some scheduled flights from Europe fly first to São Paulo and then on to Rio de Janeiro. When
that is the case, the return flights are the reverse, so visitors looking to fly on to other cities in Brazil or return from them, should
look for connecting flights with São Paulo.
By Bus (Coach):
Despite the distances involved, it is possible to travel from Brazil to another country by bus. The journey to Buenos Aires from Rio
de Janeiro, for example, takes 44 hours and covers some 2,900 km (1,800 mi). Reservations should be made in advance through a
travel agent or at the bus terminal. Immigration formalities take place at the respective borders.
Nationally, there is an extensive internal bus service linking all the main Brazilian cities. While this is an inexpensive way to view the
country, distances can be considerable.
Distance by road from Rio de Janeiro to some of the main Brazilian cities:
• Belém: 3,240 km – 2,014 mi
• Natal: 2,680 km – 1,709 mi
• Belo Horizonte: 442 km – 275 mi
• Porto Alegre: 1,555 km – 963,1 mi
• Brasília: 1,140 km – 711 mi
• Recife: 2,460 km – 1,529 mi
• Curitiba: 835 km – 520 mi
• Salvador: 1,726 km – 1,051 mi
• Fortaleza: 2,900 km - 1,771 mi
• Santarém: 3,856 km – 2,404 mi
• Foz do Iguaçu: 1,500 km – 932 mi
• Santos: 500 km – 311 mi
• João Pessoa: 2,575 km – 1,600 mi
• São Paulo: 429 km – 266 mi
• Manaus: 4,410 km – 2,741 mi
• Vitória: 525 km – 319 mi
By comparison, London is 664 km (413 mi) from Edinburgh and 325 km (202 mi) from Manchester. Brazil has over one million
miles of roads.
9. General Information
Tipping:
Waiters’ tips are usually included in the bill (it is shown as “service charge”, usually of 10%). When not included in the bill,
recommended tips range from 10% to 15%. It is also customary to tip other attendants such as doormen, car park valets,
supermarket hands etc. A tip of R$ 2.00 is fine.
Electricity:
In Rio the voltage is 110 volts (220 volts in some hotels, check first) AC at 60 cycles. The electrical outlets system now consists of
three round plugs, however, previously they were two flat or round pins. Both systems may be found on appliances and wall
sockets. Most hotels have dual voltage sockets for electric shavers. If you are taking a laptop computer, the telephone jack is of the
American type. Check before you plug.
Clothing:
For meetings, exhibitions, cocktail parties, a suit (matching outfit for women) is normal, especially in business circles. On other
occasions clothing is relaxed. The seasons in Brazil are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern states,
winters can be cold, cardigans and blazers are suitable; better still, warm layers to wear with light clothes. It can be hot any time of
the year, though in major cities most people stick to business attire where required, despite a degree of discomfort.
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Climate:
Annual average in Rio is 16ºC-25ºC. During Winter 5ºC-20ºC and Summer 30ºC-35ºC. The weather is very hot and humid in the
summer (November-February), and during this season, you should expect summer thunderstorms, which can leave some streets
knee high in water. Winter (June-September) is mild, with occasional colder days, but a light sweater is usually enough.
Business Hours in Brazil:
• Banks: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00
• Government Offices: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00
• Business and Industry: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00
• High Street Shops: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00
• Shopping Malls: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00; Sunday from 15:00 to 21:00
• Pharmacies: Sunday to Saturday from 8:00 to 10:00
Water:
Tap water is not to be drunk in Brazil. The safest is to drink mineral water. There is no need, however, to use mineral water for
personal wash and tooth brushing. It is highly advisable, however, to disinfect fresh produce before consumption: wash thoroughly
and soak for 10 minutes in water with a few drops of vinegar or chlorine for salads (e.g. “clor-in”).
Drinks:
The standard aperitif is caipirinha, made of fresh lime juice, sugar, sugarcane spirit (cachaça) and ice (be warned - a normal-sized
caipirinha contains alcohol equivalent in strength to about two US doubles!). Local beer is mostly of lager-type, and of good quality.
Try chopp (local draft beer) and guaraná (local soft drink, made from a fruit originally from the Amazon). Local wine is improving,
especially the ones from the south. In restaurants, some coffee shops, snack bars and bars you should try natural and fresh tropical
fruit juices. Coconut milk (água de coco) is very reasonable, refreshing (particularly good for curing those hangovers!). There are
some juices mixed with milk that are called vitaminas, they’re made with an infinity of mixtures of fruits such as mangoes, acerolas,
pineapples, bananas, oranges and guavas. There is also an alcoholic drink called batida, a typically Brazilian drink mixed with ice
cubes, fruit, sugar, milk or condensed milk and cachaça.
Food:
The country has a rich regionalized cuisine. Each region has its festive food, but the feijoada, from Rio de Janeiro, is considered by
many the most typical Brazilian dish. It consists of a big casserole of black beans with a thick juice cooked together with salty,
fresh, and smoked meat (usually pork). In Rio de Janeiro and any other major capital in Brazil you can get the cuisine of almost
everywhere in the world, good quality food at reasonable prices, because of the diversity of the immigration: Italian, Chinese,
Japanese, French, etc. Other dishes worth trying in Brazil are Muqueca (stewed fish) and Rodízio or Churrasco (barbecued meat
and poultry).
Social Etiquette:
Brazilians are generally friendly and relaxed. Shake hands every time you meet or take leave of a Brazilian (even if you have met
the person previously the same day). Among women, it is normal to exchange kisses on the cheek (but not a rule). Back-slapping
(men) and hugging (women) between friends and acquaintances is commonplace.
Visitors should keep appointments at the stated hour until they are aware of the situation locally. In Rio punctuality is generally
expected, but in other states this may be more flexible. A ten-minute delay is acceptable. Due to heavy traffic that can occur at any
hour in the city, people are usually understanding of delays, but a phone call is expected.
Final Considerations:
Whether you are going to the beach, sight-seeing or partying late into the night, we would recommend that you carry copies of
important documents (such as passports) and leave the originals in a safe place, refrain from carrying large amounts of cash and
leave valuables such as jewelry and cameras out of sight.
A careful observation of local clothing customs is worth making and copying – wearing a full set of clothes to the beach is equivalent
to putting up a giant neon sign with the words “I’m a tourist, mug me!” Try to blend in and avoid inappropriate places at inappropriate
times.
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Rio de
Janeiro
(general notes)
RIO DE JANEIRO
Population (96% urban and 4% rural)
State: 16,010,419 inhabitants
City: 6,320,446 inhabitants *
Area State: 43,696.1 Km²
City: 1,200.279 Km² *
(*) Not including the greater metropolitan area
Capital: Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, one of the biggest economic and cultural centers of South America, is located in the heart of the Southeast Region,
where 60% of Brazilian GDP in concentrated. Rio de Janeiro is well known for the beauty of its beaches and of its peaks, ridges,
and hills - all partly covered by tropical forests. The city is a centre of leisure for domestic and foreign tourists, and people wearing
bathing suits can be seen walking along the beaches or travelling on the city’s buses. Perhaps at no time is the city’s festive
reputation better displayed than during the annual pre-Lenten Carnival, which enlivens the city night and day with music, singing,
parties, balls, and street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing to samba rhythms.
Forty per cent of the state’s population are concentrated in the capital and spread over more than one hundred and fifty districts.
Some of these are of the traditional kind such as Santa Teresa, which is reached by crossing an ancient aqueduct known as Arcos
da Lapa. Other neighborhoods include the chic Leblon and modern urban centers such as Barra da Tijuca.
Rio is…
… the former capital of Brazil. Rio was the capital from 1822 until 1960, when the national capital was moved to Brasília. For
almost two and a half centuries, from 1716 to 1960, the city of Rio de Janeiro was the capital of firstly the Colony, then the Empire,
and then finally the Brazilian Republic. Following this, Rio lost its political status but not its charm or the title of Cidade Maravilhosa
(Marvelous City). Many see it as the capital of culture and the social scene, although São Paulo would hotly dispute these claims. It
is still the main gateway for incoming foreign visitors and is without doubt the tourist capital of Brazil.
… set on a strip of Brazil’s Atlantic coast, close to the Tropic of Capricorn, where the shoreline is oriented east–west, the city facing
south. The city was founded on an inlet of this stretch of the coast, Baía de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay), the entrance to which is
marked by a point of land called Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf).
… home to 90 km of beaches, the Parque Nacional da Floresta da Tijuca (Tijuca National Park) – the biggest urban forest in the
world with 3,200ha of Atlantic Rainforest – and lots of other state parks, beaches and lagoons. Rio de Janeiro boasts one of the 7
Wonders of the Modern World: the Statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), standing 30 meters (98ft) tall and
overlooking the city, is one of the tallest statues in the world.
… the second most important industrial area of Brazil after São Paulo. Large shipyards and an electronics-computer sector have
been added to the older industries of metallurgy, engineering, wearing apparel and footwear, textiles, non-metallic mineral
products, food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and printing and publishing. The state’s economy revolves around
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its industrial base and tourism. Of particular significance are the industries concerned with metallurgy, steel, chemicals, foodstuffs
and mechanics. Also of vital importance are publishing and graphics, paper and cellulose production, mineral extraction and
petroleum derivatives. The state’s GDP accounts for 11.2% of the national GDP.
… the largest producer of Oil & Gas in Brazil – 82% of national production; and 40% of natural gas production. The joining
together of the old capital and the state of Rio de Janeiro created a significant economic force. The new state has become Brazil’s
largest producer of oil. This oil-field was discovered in 1974 and using Brazilian-made deep-water exploration technology,
production from the Campos basin has reached the level of 52,600 m3 (330,000 barrels) a day, accounting for 70% of Brazil’s total
oil output.
… one of the main worldwide destinations for business events – 9th in the ranking in 2001, according to International
Congress and Convention Association-ICCA. Rio de Janeiro will be one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the host
city of the 2016 Olympics.
… a cultural hub in Latin America. In the downtown area, the golden age of the city has left a legacy in the form of numerous
public buildings, such as the Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre), the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of
Fine Arts), and the CCBB – Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil (former headquarters of the Bank of Brazil) which nowadays is a
dynamic cultural center. The Palácio do Itamaraty (Itamaraty Palace), once seat of the republican government, is a well preserved
building. Also worth a visit are the Ministério de Relações Exteriores, the former Foreign Office, the Museu de História Nacional
(National History Museum), the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) and the Museu Nacional da Quinta da Boa Vista
(National Museum of Quinta da Boa Vista), which is the former imperial residence. There are also beautiful examples of religious
architecture, such as the Igreja da Candelária (Our Lady of Candlemas) and the Mosteiro de São Bento (Saint Benedict
Monastery). Both the Museu de Arte Moderna – MAM (Museum of Modern Art) and Museu de Arte Contemporânea – MAC
(Museum of Contemporary Art) in Niterói (across the bay from Rio) display excellent exhibitions, both Brazilian and international.
There are also excellent venues for classical music concerts; these include the Municipal Theater and the Sala Cecília Meireles.
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Tourist Information – Riotur
http://www0.rio.rj.gov.br/riotur/en/
• Alô Rio Call Center
(A tourist information service which operates in English and Portuguese)
Tel: (21) 2542-8080, 2542-8004, 0800-285.0555
Email: [email protected]
• Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão)
Terminal 1
International Arrival Hall
Tel: (21) 3398-2245
Domestic Arrival Hall
Tel: (21) 3398-2246
Daily from 6:00 to Midnight
• Novo Rio Bus Terminal – Arrival Area
Tel: (21) 2263-4857, (21)3212-1800 Ext 397
Daily from 8:00 to 20:00
• Tourist Information Center
Av. Princesa Isabel, 183 – Copacabana
Tel: (21) 2541-7522, 2542-8004, 2542-8080
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00
• City of Rio de Janeiro Tourism Authority
Praça Pio X, 119 - 9º andar – Centro
Cep: 20.040-020 – Rio de Janeiro/RJ
Tel: (21) 2271-7000
Email: [email protected]
Shopping
Wise buys:
You can buy almost anything in Rio. Shops tend to close on Saturday afternoons, but the large, air-conditioned shopping malls are
often open until later and on Sunday afternoons. Ipanema and Leblon districts have interesting shops. Brazil national soccer kits
are also available, in all sizes, at airport stores and in malls.
N.B. Haggling in Brazil is not a normal practice except perhaps in some street
markets.
The most obvious souvenirs are Amerindian art and trinkets, along with gems and polished stones. These are available in speciaity
stores and on Sundays at the pleasant open-air market Feira Hippie (Hippie Fair), in Praça General Osório, Ipanema. This market
is open on Sundays from 9am to 5pm and offers handicrafts, jewelry, leather goods and clothes.
Brazil is also home to H. Stern, an international jeweler, which has boutiques in Ipanema and in most shopping malls.
The Saara Street Market is a neighborhood that borders the City center (financial district). Saara was originally a warren of
shopping streets dominated by Arab merchants, who were later joined by Jewish traders and then a host of others, all of whom
created the unique low-budget shopping experience of today.
Other interesting markets to visit in Rio include the Feira dos Nordestinos in São Cristovão, the largest market selling food, clothing
and other items from Brazil’s northeast region. Forró music is played extensively on weekends.
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Shopping Malls:
• Rio Sul
The largest and main shopping centre in the south zone of the city, it is four stories high and has a food court with a good
assortment of restaurants.
Rua Lauro Muller, 116 – Botafogo
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 22:00 and on Sundays from 15:00 to21:00
• Botafogo Praia Shopping
With arguably the best view of Baía da Guanabara and the Pão de Açúcar, it is eight stories high, with very good infrastructure and
restaurants.
Praia de Botafogo, 400 – Botafogo
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 22:00 and on Sundays from 15:00 to 21:00
• Shopping Leblon
It’s a new shopping center, with very good infrastructure, many sophisticated stores, good restaurants and cafes.
Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290
Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00 and on Sundays from 15:00 to 21:00
Nightlife and Entertainment
If you are coming from a country with tight drinking regulations, note that the concept of brown bagging is completely alien to
Brazilians (and laughable, if you try to explain it). Even simple street bars, known as botequins or pés-sujos, are licensed - and you
do not have to hide what you are drinking! Beer, shots of cachaça and caipirinhas are available everywhere, even at the beach.
Rio de Janeiro has a musical soul. The Marvellous City can rightfully claim to be the birthplace of both Samba and Bossa Nova! Of
course there’s plenty of room for other Brazilian, Latin, and international music as well. From mega-shows and events like Rock in
Rio, to intimate cafes and lounges with live music, to free presentations at beaches and parks, you will certainly find something
interesting to see.
Clubs and Bars:
• Rio Scenarium: This Antique Shop/Bar/Nightclub, since its inauguration in 2001, has been one of the most visited musical
venues in Rio. Attended by Rio’s musicians, writers, journalists and opinion leaders, its musical programs include genres such as
classical, instrumental, chorinho, gafieira, forró and samba.
http://www.rioscenarium.com.br/
Rua do Lavradio, 20 – Lapa
Tel: (21) 3147-9005, 3147-9000
• Bar Lagoa: Draft beer with thick frankfurters/wieners and potato salad is the most sought-after dish of this restaurant, which is
located by the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon). This bar has a very pleasant atmosphere.
http://www.barlagoa.com.br/
Av. Epitácio Pessoa, 1674 – Lagoa
Tel: (21) 2523-1135, 2287-1112
• Bar Informal: As the name says this bar, with 13 different locations in Rio, is very informal, but offers nice nibbles and a special
dish called carioquinha, which is made out of meat with cheese and aipim (manioc/cassava).
http://www.botequiminformal.com.br/
Praia de botafogo, 400 - 8º piso/loja 810 – Botafogo
Tel: (21) 3171-6442
• Manoel & Juaquim Bar e Botequim: With 11 locations here in Rio, it offers Portuguese food and an assortment of nibbles,
pizzas, etc… The portions are big and the price is reasonable.
http://www.manoelejuaquim.com.br/
Av. Atlântica, 1936 – Copacabana
Tel: (21) 2236-6768
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• Carioca da Gema: Live Brazilian music in one of the coolest districts in Rio.
http://barcariocadagema.com.br/bar.htm
Rua Mem de Sá, 79 – Lapa
Tel: (21) 2221-0043
• Teatro Odisséia: Live concerts, featuring rock and alternative music.
http://beta.matrizonline.com.br/teatroodisseia/
Rua Mem de Sá, 66 – Lapa
Tel: (21) 2224-6367, 2266-1014
Eating out in Rio
Rio has a wide variety of restaurants and if you want to try typical carioca food, you should try going to a churrascaria (barbecue
restaurants), which is often on an all-you-can-eat basis, in which you are served limitless amounts of beef, chicken, pork and
sausages for a fixed price. For those who may not be up to eating so much meat, these restaurants always have a very extensive
buffet, with a variety of starters, seafood and salads. Be forewarned that drinks are not included in the fixed price! Feijoada is
another typical dish in Rio and it consists of black beans with different types of pork meat, usually accompanied by rice and farofa
(manioc flower). Since the weather is hot in Rio, salads and light food is also available in most restaurants. Seafood is largely
available and appreciated in most restaurants and there are a great number of excellent Japanese restaurants in Rio.
Restaurants:
• Casa da Feijoada: Plentiful and delicious dishes, such as the caldinho de feijão (a cocktail made of black bean broth) and tutu à
mineira (re-fried beans in the Minas Gerais style), as well as the traditional feijoada (black bean stew with pieces of pork meat and
chorizo). This dish is a blend of African and Portuguese cookery and its official day is Saturday. Why Saturday, you may ask. After
all, after enjoying this delicious dish, and a good caipirinha, you can have the entire Sundayto rest!
Rua Prudente de Morais, 10 Loja B – Ipanema
Tel: (21) 2247-2778
• Mariu’s: Located in Leme Beach, it’s decorated with original antique pieces, prospected from old-fashioned coffee farmhouses
located in Brazil’s countryside. The restaurant offers typical Brazilian cuisine, and the meat served comes from a program known as
Green and Ecology Friendly Cattle which has its development monitored by electronic chips.
http://www.marius.com.br
Av. Atlântica, 290 – Leme
Tel: (21) 2104 9000
• Porcão Rio’s: Very good churrascaria with three locations in Rio (Flamengo, Ipanema and Barra). The restaurant in Flamengo
has a breath-taking view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain as backdrop.
http://www.porcao.com.br
Av.Infante Dom Henrique S/N – Aterro do Flamengo
Tel: (21) 3461-9020
• Da Bambrini: Small Italian restaurant, but with an excellent menu, inspired in the Mediterranean cuisine. Best dishes are the
farfalle ao cogumelo fresco e alcachofra (farfalle with fresh mushrooms and artichokes), espaguete com lagostins (spaghetti with
langoustines), parpadelle com lagosta (parpadelle with lobster) and ossobuco de vitela (veal ossobuco).
http://www.dabrambini.com.br/
Av. Atlântica, 514 - Loja B – Leme
Tel: (21) 2275-4346, 2542-8357
Places to Visit
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
The giant statue of Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado Mountain and offers visitors a 360º panoramic view of the city, one
of the most stunning views in the world. The statue can be reached either by road or monorail.
Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf)
This giant rock, one of Rio’s most famous landmarks, stands sentinel at the entry of Guanabara Bay and offers visitors yet another
stunning aerial view of Rio. It is reached by cable car from Urca (Praia Vermelha) and helicopter rides are also available from the
lower mountain. The rock can also be climbed by the more professional.
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Jardim Botânico (The Botanical Gardens)
A beautiful park located next to the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas that holds an array of plant life found throughout Brazil and around
the world – an ideal place to visit.
Estádio do Maracanã (Maracanã Stadium)
For soccer lovers, this is a must. Brazil’s, and one of the world’s most important soccer venues, plays host to national side games,
championship finals and games between some of Rio’s most important teams, as well as hosting concerts and other large events
(currently closed for renovations).
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon)
This giant lagoon is encircled by some of Rio’s most exclusive neighborhoods and is the setting for a number of attractions,
including sports and kiosks offering food and even live music, and is a nice place to simply stroll around.
Museu da Quinta da Boa Vista (Quinta da Boa Vista Museum)
This former Royal palace located in São Cristovão now houses a museum with a range of different items on show, many collected
by the last Emperor, including fossils, insects, mummies and furniture. Nearby, the Zoológico (the Zoo), is worth a visit, as is the
Museu Militar (Military Museum) and the Casa da Marquesa de Santos (the Emperor’s mistress’s house), beautifully restored to its
former glory with fine furnishings and décor and an excellent tea room. Classical music concerts are often held in its gardens.
Museu Histórico Nacional (National Historical Museum)
This museum, located in the financial district (Centro) offers visitors a wealth of information and attractions related to Brazil’s
history, from carriages, weaponry and uniforms to paintings, furniture and personal items. Important battles, the conditions slaves
had to undergo and immigration from Europe are all told in fascinating detail and the museum also offers visiting exhibitions. There
is also a very large collection of old coinage from the Americas.
Museu Naval (Naval Museum)
In addition to paintings, naval equipment and models and historical information also includes a real submarine (which can be
visited), a naval helicopter and boat trips over to the Ilha Fiscal, which has a lovely Victorian era palace where the last ball was held
before the Republic was proclaimed.
Centro (Center – the financial district)
This district is full of old churches, including the Igreja do Carmo and the Mosteiro de São Bento. The CCBB - Centro Cultural
Banco do Brasil is also worth visiting for its cultural events and exhibitions, as is the Casa França-Brasil, around the corner. For
those keen on a sense of the old Rio, tea at the Confeitaria Colombo is a must. Also worth visiting is the Paço Imperial, formerly a
palace for the Royal Family, where Princess Isabel signed the Lei Aurea (the law that freed the slaves in Brazil).
Arco do Teles, Lapa and Santa Teresa
Neighborhoods on the edge of the Centro, full of old Rio charm and architecture, these are the places to visit for some nightlife fun
at their many restaurants, bars and dance halls. The Bondinho tram goes up to Santa Teresa and is worth traveling on.
Cidade do Samba (Samba City)
This is a new purpose-built complex that is home to some of Rio’s famous Samba Schools, located in the port district (Rua
Rivadávia Corrêa, 60 – Gamboa) and open to visitors from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00 (check first).
The Beaches
Rio is best known for its sand, sea and surf and the best beaches include Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and São
Conrado, with Barra and Recreio a little further away. Even further but really worth visiting are Joá, Prainha and Grumari that are
reachable by car. Advice: travel light, leave passports, expensive cameras and other valuables in the hotel safe or at home.
The Mountains and Forests
Rio is surrounded by jungle-clad forests and there are many interesting treks to be had, through Horto and the Tijuca forest, where
many old coffee plantation ruins can still be found, and idyllic waterfalls bathed in. Mountains like the Pão de Açúcar and Pedra da
Gávea can be climbed by the experienced. A word of caution: care should be taken at all times, and guides are recommended.
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Hang Gliding
Hang glide from the Pedra Bonita, a 510m high giant granite rock overlooking São Conrado and land on the beach, enjoying the
stunning views as you descend.
Niteroi
Niteroi is a very large city located on the other side of the Bay of Guanabara from Rio, which can be reached by bus or by ferry
from Praça Quinze. One of the city’s highlights, aside from its view of Rio, is its Modern Art Museum, built by renowned architect,
Oscar Niemeyer, and resembling a flying saucer.
Petrópolis
This is a city an hour or so outside Rio (by car or bus) and some 800m up in the surrounding mountains that is worthwhile visiting
for its historical significance and natural beauty. It was built by the Imperial family as a summer residence and was later colonized
by German immigrants. Important attractions include the Palácio Quitandinha (Quitandinha Palace), a formerly an Art Decco style
Casino Hotel visited by the rich and famous; the Portuguese royal family’s original summer home: Museu Palácio Imperial
(Imperial Palace museum) with décor, royal jewelry and clothing, carriages and even a steam train; and the Cathedral, the
Imperial Tombs, and the house of Santos Dumont (inventor of the airplane and wrist watch). Buses direct from Menezes Cortes
(in the Centro) or the Rodoviaria Novo Rio (main Rio bus terminal).
To find out more on Rio
Websites in English:
http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt - Riotur (all about Rio)
www.mct.gov.br - Ministry of Science and Technology
www.brazilinfo.com - All about Brazil
www.ibge.gov.br - Statistical, geographic and environmental information
www.brasil.gov.br - Brazilian government, with links to agencies, tourist and historic information
http://riotimesonline.com - News company covering Rio and Brazil
www.ipanema.com
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Rio in
Figures
(Source: FIRJAN)
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Brazil in
Figures
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Praia de Botafogo, 190 - 4º e 5º andares
22250-900 | Rio de Janeiro
+55 (21) 3799-5650