Is Brazil Safe?
Brazil has acquired a reputation for being dangerous, but the precautions necessary in its larger cities are the same precautions that must be followed in urban areas all over the world. Carry as little money with you as possible, and don't wear expensive jewelry. Be discreet about displaying expensive cameras. Don't leave valuables strewn about your room. Take taxis, especially at night, and don't exchange money with people you meet on the street.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The real (R) is the basic monetary unit, having replaced the former cruzeiro real in July of 1994. The real is divided into 100 centavos; centavo coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50; real notes are available in denominations of R1, 5, 10, 50, and 100.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Canadian, US & EU citizens: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a onward ticket are required. A visa is required if traveling on business. Japanese citizens: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, a return ticket, and a visa (usually good for stays of up to 90 days) are required.

Vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid are strongly recommended (not required) if you are visiting rural areas or the Amazon jungle. It's always a good idea to update tetanus vaccinations.

How do you get there from here?
All of Rio's international flights (and some domestic ones) use the Galeo International Airport (pronounced "Gah-ley-ow") at Praa Salgado Filho, Ponte Area, Tel. +55 (21) 398-5050. Usually, Setor (Level) A is used for domestic flights and Setor B for international flights. If you are continuing to another part of Brazil, check in on the same level where you arrive. Galeo, located 45 minutes from Copacabana, is a modern multilevel building with a post office, a bank, exchange houses, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Another airport, the Aeroporto Santos Dumont, at Praa Salgado Filho Ponte Area, Tel. +55 (21) 220-7728, is located 20 minutes from the South Zone, on the edge of downtown Rio. A few air-taxi firms and a shuttle serve the airport. The best way to get downtown is to catch a taxi or the cheapest way to travel is by the special air-conditioned airport buses that stop along the beach roads and major hotels. Buses leave every half-hour from 5:20 AM to 11 PM and take about an hour one-way. These buses are usually the easiest way to return to the airport. Remember, you must be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance for international flights.

Do not take a regular city bus to your hotel - robbery is common on city buses.

How do I get around Brazil?
By Taxi: Taxis are the best way of traveling around in Rio. The usual yellow cabs can be hailed all along the South Zone's major avenues and near major attractions and nightclubs. However, Rio's taxi drivers are known for their wild driving and their scams.

By Metro: Rio's subway is a pleasant mode of transportation clean, cheap, and fast. However, there are only two lines: a main line from Botafogo to Saens Pena, and one from Estacio to Engenho da Painha. You can also use special subway-bus tickets that allow you to ride buses to and from Botafogo Station. The subway operates 6 AMö11 PM, except Sundays. Tickets can be bought inside the stations. For subway routes, ask at the Rio Tur information booth for the official guide. The Rio Tur's main office is at Rua da Assembleia 10 (8th and 9th floors) in downtown, Tel. +55 (21) 542-8080, open 9 AM-6 PM weekdays.

By Bus: Rio's buses are boarded from the back, where a cashier collects payment in exact change only. However, first-time visitors should probably not ride these buses, as they are almost always packed and thieves prey on tourists on crowded buses. If you do take a city bus, don't bring valuables and have your change ready before you board. If you feel uncomfortable on a particular bus, get off and take the next one.

What is the weather like?
Temperatures are moderate in Brazil year-round, though some areas experience more seasonal variation than others. Along the coast near Rio de Janeiro, summers (December to February) are extremely hot, humid, and wet, while winters (June to August) are comfortably cooler, averaging temperatures in the 20s C (upper 60s and 70s F). In the northeast, temperatures are similar to those of Rio, but a tropical breeze keeps the humidity down.

Further south, winter temperatures can dip into the lower teens C (50s F), and some areas even see a bit of snow. In the valley of the Amazon, temperatures remain steady all year (between 27 and 32 C/81 and 90F), though humidity is high and rainfall heavy.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
The current is not standard, so it's helpful to carry an adapter if you need to operate small electrical appliances. Be prepared for everything from 110 volts AC to 220 volts AC, 60 Hz. Salvador and Manaus have 127-volt service.

What is the best way to phone home?
It is smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Brazil at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

What major holidays are there in Brazil?
Business holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Epiphany (6 January), Carnival (February or March; dates vary), Easter and Good Friday (March or April; dates vary), Tiradentes Day (21 April), Labor Day (1 May), Ascension Day (May; date varies), Corpus Christi (June; date varies), Independence Day (7 September), Our Lady Aparecida Day (12 October), All Souls' Day (2 November), Proclamation of the Republic Day (15 November), and Christmas Day (25 December).