A Guide to the Summer Games

A Guide to the
Summer Games
Rio, Brazil
Introduction
The 2016 Summer Olympics, officially known as the
Games of the XXXI Olympiad, and commonly known as
Rio 2016, is a major international multi-sport event in the
tradition of the Olympic Games due to take place in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5 to August 21, 2016.
More than 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic
Committees (NOCs), including first time entrants Kosovo
and South Sudan, will take part. With 306 sets of medals,
the games will feature 28 Olympic sports. These sporting
events will take place at 33 venues in the host city and at
5 venues in the cities of São Paulo (Brazil’s largest city),
Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brasília (Brazil’s capital), and
Manaus. It will be the 28th edition of the Summer Games,
which was first organized in 1896. Never before were
Olympic Games held in South America.
Security & Safety
Crime against foreigners most often occurs in tourist
areas, where petty theft and armed robberies are
common. Crimes involving foreigners is most common
in the South Zone, especially along the beachside
sidewalk after sunset in Copacabana, in the Lapa
nightclub district, downtown, and on the jogging route
that borders the Lagoa (Lagoon). The most violent crime
occurs in the city’s poor North Zone, where there is a
high concentration of more violent favelas (shantytowns).
Remain aware of surroundings and belongings at all
times, particularly when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as large amounts of
cash, smart phones, expensive jewelry, or watches. Avoid
Centro at night, and do not walk alone.
Organized crime usually occurs in and around favelas.
These areas should be avoided, as police operations
against drug traffickers in favelas have led to largescale gun battles. Armed assaults on foreigners who
have wandered near favelas have occurred, but are less
common than armed assaults on locals. Victims who
resist their assailant are usually injured and sometimes
killed. In 2008, a Favela Pacification Program (FPP) was
initiated to reestablish the rule
of law in favelas
dominated by
criminal gangs,
and introduce
social services.
Police Pacification
Units (UPP) have
been installed
in more than 35
favelas; since
then, violent crime rates have fallen. Criminal gangs have
fled these favelas to more peripheral areas not often
frequented by tourists. However, there are hundreds of
favelas in Rio de Janeiro, and the majority of them do
not have a dominant police presence or UPPs. Recently,
criminal activity on popular tourist beaches, such as
Copacabana and Ipanema, has increased. Criminal gangs
are known to operate arrastoes, which are large groups of
criminals that target locals and foreigners on the beach en
masse. Do not leave belongings unattended.
The frequency of protests in Rio de Janeiro is increasing,
especially due to the ongoing corruption scandal
investigations and public discontent with government
spending on the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the upcoming
Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Most
demonstrations are peaceful, though they occasionally
become violent. National issues, such as corruption,
government accountability, and minority rights, are
commonly protested. Demonstrations usually occur
in the Centro neighborhood, particularly near Praca
da Candelaria. Local protests are usually carried out
by teachers, students, and transportation workers for
reasons such as wages and working conditions. Police,
bank, transportation, and education strikes are common.
Workers will generally hold demonstrations in areas near
major metro stations (particularly Central and Cinelandia)
and airports. Areas around protests should be avoided in
case clashes occur. During large-scale demonstrations,
expect significant disruptions to transportation. Recently,
large-scale anti-corruption marches have been held on
Avenida Atlantica, which runs along Copacabana and
Ipanema beaches; however, these events tend to occur
on Sundays when the avenue is closed for pedestrian use
only.
Express kidnappings - where criminals abduct victims and
force them to withdraw the maximum-allowable amount
of money from multiple ATMs - are common in Rio de
Janeiro. Foreigners are not usually targeted in for-ransom
kidnappings, though this can occur.
Security services throughout Rio generally lack resources,
funding, and training. Response times can be long,
though the police are known to be more responsive to
foreigners’ concerns. Corruption in police forces is a
concern in Brazil, as is the use of excessive force with
criminals. To report a crime, contact the tourist police
(DEAT - Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turismo), as
they are generally more prompt and helpful to foreigners
than the military police. Tourist police speak English and
are identified by the white band on the left arm of their
uniforms. Contact your local embassy to report serious
crimes.
Major Crime Issues
Crime rates in Rio de Janeiro are high but concentrated
in and around the city’s favelas (slums), most of which
are located in the North Zone. Favelas in the South Zone
have been largely pacified by police units operating under
the Favela Pacification Program (FPP), and are now
less prone to criminal activity than in the past. Armed
assaults of foreign tourists do occur, but are less common
than armed assaults on locals. Most victims who resist
their assailant are injured, and sometimes killed. Police
response is generally slow, though an increased presence
in the South Zone - specifically Copacabana, Ipanema,
and Leblon - has helped decrease crime rates significantly
over time.
Resisting robbery significantly increases chances of injury.
If approached by an assailant, surrender all valuables
without hesitation, and do not attempt to pursue the
criminal. Visitors should consider carrying a small amount
of cash separate from their wallets. Most assailants will
quickly take the cash and jewelry, and flee the scene.
Carjackings also occur at stoplights and in traffic jams
throughout Rio; keep bags safely secured in the trunk of
the vehicle, and purses concealed from view. Criminals
also coordinate well-planned, sophisticated home
invasions, mostly on wealthy or prominent locals.
Crime rates in Rio rise during Carnival season due to
the large amount of tourists in the country; the same
could occur during the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic and
Paralympic Games in August, as approximately 500,000
tourists arrive in the city. Many visitors become victims
of petty crime during this time. Passports, personal
belongings, and travel tickets are the most sought-after
items.
Prior to the 2014 World Cup, hosted in Brazil, the
state governor initiated stronger security policies. The
key policy behind improved security was the Favela
Pacification Program (FPP), in which police entered
favelas known to be dominated by criminal gangs, reestablished rule of law, and helped introduce municipal
and social services. The program has seen gangs
effectively pushed out of dozens of favelas around the
city and brought considerable security improvements to
the downtown area and South Zone. Initially following
the policy’s implementation, small armed groups began
brazen daylight robberies of motorists throughout Rio
de Janeiro, including the South Zone, in retaliation for
the program. However, these types of attacks have
dissipated over the past few years. Most criminal gangs
have relocated to more peripheral areas in the far north
and northwestern zones of the city, where few tourists
frequent, to continue their drug operations.
The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be
held in August at various venues throughout the city. The
federal government has issued an integrated security
plan that will involved the cooperation of military and civil
police, the National Guard, and special security forces.
Favelas located near Rio 2016 venues have pacification
forces present. In the lead up to the Games, police have
been carrying out operations in several of these favelas
that still have entrenched drug organizations and violence.
Despite police intervention and UPP presence, these
neighborhoods should be avoided, since violence could
still occur.
Safety Tips
• Leave expensive or expensive looking watches and
jewelry at home. Wear a cheap watch and never have
gold chains or pendants visible.
• Keep your camera deep in a zippered pocket, or
attached in a small pouch to your belt and covered
by your shirt. For more information see our photo and
camera tips page.
• Make copies of your passport and credit cards. When
possible leave passports locked up in the hotel room
safe and take a photocopy out with you.
• If possible, don’t carry large amounts of cash with
you on the street. You might carry small amounts in
a pocket that’s easy to reach, and keep larger bills
deeper in zippered pockets.
• Women: a purse is OK to carry, just make it a cheap
one, and keep most of your cash and cards in a
money belt under your blouse.
• Some people carry a “mugger’s wallet” in their front
pocket, which is a small amount of paper money and
an expired credit card clipped together or held with
a rubber band. The theory is that if you are held up,
the mugger will accept this “wallet”, while your real
wallet is hidden away. Note: we cannot vouch for the
effectiveness of this strategy!
• Avoid walking on the beaches after dark, unless you
are with a large group of people. Tourist robberies
occur with great frequency on the beaches adjacent to
the nightclubs and hotels on Copacabana beach. Also
avoid walking down streets near the smaller Favelas
(shanty towns) that border Ipanema and Copacabana.
• Resist any temptation to bring strangers back to your
room, as after a night of partying you could be robbed
or assaulted. Many of the guys and girls who cozy up
to tourists in nightclubs are actually prostitutes and
some are criminals. Avoid the late night stolen cash,
credit cards, and passport drama!
• Be careful when visiting Lapa, Santa Teresa, and
Centro neighborhoods after dark. Stick to the well lit
and busy restaurant and nightclub areas.
• Don’t ride the city buses later at night, when robberies
may occur. Walk on well lit streets and take taxi cabs
to further away destinations.
• If you are held up or are the victim of a purse snatcher
or pickpocket, cooperate and don’t give chase. Many
thieves in Rio de Janeiro carry knives or guns and are
quick to use them when challenged.
• Don’t take valuables to the beach. In addition to
reading these Rio de Janeiro safety tips, visit our Rio
de Janeiro Beach Tips page.
• Dress down whenever possible if you are walking on
the street at night. Don’t make it a fashion show while
on your Rio de Janeiro vacation.
In the event of a fire:
• Set off the fire alarm immediately (if there is one
nearby)
• Inform people who are in danger
• Inform any member of Games staff or a police officer
• Leave the area through the nearest emergency exit
and exit the building
Evacuation
If evacuation is necessary you may be notified in the
following ways:
• The fire alarm
• The venue’s information system (scoreboards, loud
speakers etc)
• In person by a member of Games staff
• Be informed by the emergency services (the police,
the Ministry of Emergency Situations, or others).
Evacuation procedure:
• Do not panic, do not run, help other people to stay
calm
• Walk quickly to the nearest emergency exit
• Do not use lifts or escalators
• If possible, help others, especially people with
disabilities
• Follow all instructions from the management, the
emergency services and staff helping with the
evacuation
• Go to the designated assembly point.
In the event of a crush or panic:
• Choose the safest place, as far as possible from the
middle of the crowd, the stands, rubbish bins, boxes,
unattended bags, glass windows and barriers
• Take off your tie, scarf and other items which could
cause strangulation
• Let go of anything in your hands, bend your arms and
fasten all buttons on your clothes
• Do not grab onto trees, columns or barriers, try to stay
on your feet
• If you fall, roll into a ball on your side, keep your
legs in and try to get up in the direction the crowd is
moving
• Avoid people acting aggressively, do not get involved
in confrontations
• Try to get out of the crowd
• If you discover any incident or situation which puts
human health or lives at risk, immediately leave the
danger zone
• Inform any nearby member of Games staff or a police
officer and follow their instructions
Tourist police
Corner of Rua Afrânio de Melo Franco and Rua Humberto
de Campos, Leblon
Phone: +55 (21) 2332-4924
Emergency Services
Brazil has a reliable, professional and experienced
emergency services network. Through the 192 and
193 telephone services, two integrated and centrally
coordinated operations provide a 24-hour response to
medical emergencies ensuring a rapid and professional
response.
The 193 number accesses the Emergency Rescue
Group (GSE) under the command of the Rio Fire Corps,
providing first response medical services in rescue and
trauma situations, including search and rescue situations,
sea rescue and all incidents involving dangerous or
hazardous material. GSE routinely provides pre-hospital
care and transfer at all major events held in Rio.
The 192 service accesses the Urgent Mobile Attention
Service (SAMU), the ambulance service with responsibility
for prehospital care in the domestic setting and transfers
between home
and hospital or
between hospitals.
Collectively, GSE
and AMU are
resourced by
1,500 healthcare
professionals
highly trained in
emergency rescue
and pre-hospital
care with a full
complement of well-equipped response vehicles, including
treatment and transfer ambulances, paramedic motor
bikes and helicopters.
First Aid Services
An on-site medical response team will be in place at all
Olympic and Paralympic venues to provide first response
and medical transfer. A minimum of two ambulance units
will be stationed at each competition venue. Ambulances
will also be positioned in many non-competition venues
including the Olympic and Paralympic village, training
sites, IBC/MPC and the Games Family hotels. Onsite response teams will be supported by dedicated
temporary medical stations providing more complex
clinical intervention. The medical stations will be staffed
by qualified medical and nursing staff. Staff in athlete care
areas will have comprehensive knowledge of the rules
and medical situations associated with the sport. While
the Olympic and Paralympic Village Polyclinic will also
follow this model, it will provide a more comprehensive
level of service including diagnostic, consulting and sports
medicine specialties. Roving first aid teams will support
venues with large geographic areas, high numbers of
spectators or unusually sharp crowd peaks. The roving
teams will comprise medical and nursing students working
under the supervision of qualified health professionals
in accordance with the regulations set by each regional
health Council. Current first aid qualifications will be
mandatory, and additional first aid training will be
conducted prior to the game.
Emergency Services
Emergency service units will work under the standard
operating procedures set out in the Fire Corps manual.
The manual has been developed using the experience
gained from supporting a wide range of major events in
Rio. The existing ambulance dispatch services will be
responsible for the deployment of Games ambulances,
with strong coordination among each venue Medical
Manager, the central Ambulance Dispatch Center and the
Games-wide Medical Command Center. The disciplined
recording of all activity by operational teams and a wellmaintained medical encounters database will ensure all
medical issues are captured.
Hospitals
As the second largest city in Brazil and the country’s
former capital, Rio is also home to several research
facilities as well as various medical centers and hospitals.
Some hospitals even offer special sections for their
international patients with English speaking staff. We
have compiled a list of some top-notch hospitals in Rio de
Janeiro:
Hospital Copa D’or is internationally accredited and
abides by international standards. With its new equipment,
well-trained medical staff, and high quality services in
the field of surgery, post-operative care, and diagnostics,
this hospital is quite popular among expats. Hospital
Copa D’or is located on Rua Figueiredo Magalhães in
Copacabana.
Hospital Samaritano is another one of Rio’s private,
modern hospitals which offer state-of-the-art treatments
and technologies. While the hospital offers all kinds
of medical services, it is well-known for its reputable
cardiology department with its excellent coronary unit
and cardiac surgery center. You can find the Hospital
Samaritano on Rua Bambina in Botafogo.
Hospital Sao Jose was founded by the Santa Catarina
Congregation and has been providing medical care
ever since 1923. Located on Rua Macedo Sobrinho in
Humaitá, the large hospital offers services in all medical
branches. In addition, the hospital has a big emergency
department with a cardiac ward. Many expats visit this
hospital for its international patient section and its English
speaking staff.
Prohibited Goods
Certain goods are not allowed to enter Brazil regardless of
the country they are coming from. These include:
•
•
•
•
•
Narcotic drugs such as heroin, cocaine and cannabis
Toy replica firearms
Counterfeited and pirated goods
Cigarettes or similar
Child pornography material
Any attempt to enter Brazil with such goods may be
subject to criminal prosecution.
Restricted Goods
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tobacco
Jewelery
Seeds
Alcohol
Artwork
Insects, snails, bacteria and fungus
Flowers, plants or any parts of them
Pets (dogs and cats)
Poultry and wild birds
Exotic species,
ornamental fish,
birds and bees
Semen, embryos,
veterinarian
(serum, vaccines)
and biological
products
Soil
Untreated wood
Agrochemicals
Biological material for scientific research, among
others
Entry/Exit Requirements
Items
Comments
Passport
Required and must be valid for six
months beyond intended stay
Visa
Travelers can obtain specific
information about visas and other entryexit requirements at IATA Travel Centre
(www.iatatravelcentre.com/home.htm).
Brazil requires most visitors to obtain a
tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. This
visa must be obtained prior to travel at
a Brazilian embassy or consulate.
Business travelers are required to
obtain a visa in advance from the
nearest consulate.
Additional
1) Proof of onward/return travel,
Requirements including tickets
2) For business travelers, a letter from
an employer or sponsoring company on
official letterhead
Be sure to leave at least two blank pages in the passport
for the visa. If there is not ample room, authorities will
decline the visa application. The Brazilian government
currently charges most visitors a reciprocity fee for visas.
US citizens must pay USD 160 plus possible additional
fees to obtain a tourist or business visa.
Health
Recommended immunizations for travel to
Brazil.
Up-to-date routine immunizations, including tetanus,
diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella,
varicella (chickenpox), and influenza, are important for
all international
travelers,
regardless of
destination. For
those age 65
and older and
persons with
chronic medical
conditions,
pneumococcal
vaccine is also
important.
You can protect yourself from other diseases by making
sure to avoid insect bites, especially mosquito bites, and
by being careful to make prudent food and beverage
choices.
Country-Specific Immunizations
Immunizations Comments
Hepatitis A
Two-dose series recommended
for all travelers to Brazil. The
prevalence of Hepatitis A is high.
Hepatitis B
Vaccine recommended for
all unvaccinated people. The
prevalence of Hepatitis B in Brazil is
high, especially in northern areas.
Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B also available
in a combined vaccine.
Typhoid
Vaccine recommended for all
unvaccinated people; it is especially
important for persons visiting smaller
cities, villages, and rural areas, and
for those staying with friends or
relatives.
Rabies
If you might be exposed to wild
animals or infected domestic
animals. Pre-exposure: three-dose
series. Post-exposure treatment still
required for animal bite or contact.
Children are at higher risk than
adults
Health Considerations when Traveling in Brazil
Disease
How Transmitted
Comments
Traveler’s
Diarrhea
Commonly caused by bacteria. Can
also be caused by parasites and
viruses.
The most common illness in travelers. Contaminated food
and water pose the greatest risk. An antibiotic can be
prescribed to be used in case diarrhea develops, or in some
cases as prophylaxis against traveler’s diarrhea.
Typhoid Fever
Transmitted by contaminated milk,
water, and food.
Food can be infected directly by water that is used in washing
and preparation and by human carriers. Raw shellfish from
contaminated waters are likely to be infected. The disease
causes fever, malaise, and acute gastrointestinal symptoms
- constipation, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain. Vaccination
is only 50-80 percent effective so it is important to carefully
select what you eat and drink. Symptoms develop within
three weeks of exposure. Seek prompt medical attention.
Untreated, typhoid may be fatal in 12-30 percent of cases.
Cholera
Transmitted directly through food
or water contaminated with fecal
material from an infected person.
Causes acute gastrointestinal infection. However, cholera is
generally rare in Brazil, and typically occurs only in the state
of Pernambuco.
Hepatitis A
The causative virus is commonly
transmitted through food, water, or
milk contaminated by fecal material.
Known as infectious hepatitis, an acute inflammation of the
liver. The prevalence of Hepatitis A in Brazil is high. Hepatitis
A is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in
travelers. The case fatality rate exceeds 2 percent among
those over 40 years of age and may be 4 percent for those
aged 60 years or more.
Hepatitis B and D Hepatitis B and D are transmitted
through sexual activity or exposure
to blood products. Hepatitis D is also
frequently acquired during childhood
through mechanisms not fully
understood.
The prevalence of Hepatitis B is high in northern Brazil,
and intermediate in the remainder of the country. Hepatitis
D is common in northern Brazil. Co-infection is associated
with a high risk (up to 20 percent) of fulminant hepatitis and
death. Immunization against Hepatitis B will also protect
against Hepatitis D infection; Hepatitis D infection requires
simultaneous Hepatitis B infection.
Malaria
Through mosquito bites.
A preventable infection characterized by high fevers and
chills. Can cause rapid death through shock and multiple
organ failure if not treated promptly. Risk is present yearround; most prevalent in the Amazon Basin. Other areas of
risk include the states of Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Rondonia,
Roraima, and Tocantins, as well as parts of the states of
Maranhao (western part), Mato Grosso (northern part), and
Para (except Belem City). There is also transmission in urban
areas, including Boa Vista, Macapa, Manaus, Maraba, Porto
Velho, and Santarem
Dengue Fever
Through mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes active in daylight hours in both urban and rural
areas. Risk of dengue exists countrywide and throughout
the year, but incidence tends to be greatest in the east and
elevated areas November-June.
Rabies
Through contact or the bite of an
infected animal
Officials report 20-30 cases each year in Brazil. Most cases
are acquired from dogs, bats, or cats in rural areas, but
over the past 20 years, approximately 60 cases have been
reported from both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Most
infections since 2004 have occurred in Para and Maranhao
and have involved vampire bats.
Disease
How Transmitted
Comments
Yellow Fever
Through mosquito bites.
An acute viral infection that ranges from mild to severe; may
be fatal. Areas at highest risk include rural areas of Acre,
Amapa, Amazonas, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Motto
Grosso do Sul, Para, Rondonia, Roraima, and Tocantins,
and certain areas of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Parana, Piaui, Rio
Grande do Sul, Sao Paulo, and Santa Catarina; the area
infected with yellow fever continues to expand eastward and
could potentially involve urban areas. Travelers to the Iguazu
Falls are at risk for yellow fever. Travelers should monitor
alerts prior to travel.
Chagas Disease
Through the reduviid (also known as
cone nose bug or kissing bug).
The primary risk of transmission is through consumption of
fruit juices prepared in unhygienic settings. Outbreaks occur
when the feces of reduviid bugs contaminate fruit drinks, such
as sugar cane, acai, and bacaba palm juices. Food-related
outbreaks have occurred in the states of Para, Amazonas,
Amapa, and Santa Catarina.
Brazilian Spotted
Fever
Through tick bites. Capybaras, which Flu-like illness with possible rash. Also known as Rocky
are aquatic rodents, often carry the
Mountain Spotted Fever, febre maculosa brasileira, or Sao
ticks.
Paulo typhus. Reported most frequently in the states of Sao
Paulo and Minas Gerais, but is also present in Bahia, Goias,
Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and
Espirito Santo states.
Leismaniasis
Through the bite of a sand fly.
Adventure travelers, trekkers, naturalists, and people who
spend time in rural areas from dusk to dawn are at the
greatest risk. Two types of leishmaniasis - cutaneous and
visceral - are present in Brazil. The incidence of visceral
leishmaniasis is increasing. Leishmaniasis is most common
in the north, northeastern, and central-west regions. In 2008,
authorities reported an increase in visceral leishmaniasis
infections in Brasilia Federal District and Rondonopolis, Mato
Grasso State. Dogs are frequent carriers of the disease.
Meningococcal
Disease
Through inhalation of an infected
droplet or direct mouth-to-mouth
contact.
Infections occur worldwide associated with poor and
overcrowded areas; increased risk in urban areas May-June.
Tuberculosis
Through the air by coughing and
sneezing.
Highly endemic; Brazil is one of the WHO high-burden
countries for TB. Travelers planning an extended stay should
have pre-departure PPD skin test. Whenever possible, avoid
crowded public spaces and mass transportation.
Schistosomiasis
A parasitic infection spread by freeswimming larvae that penetrate the
skin.
Found only in fresh water. Avoid swimming and wading
except in well-chlorinated swimming pools. Many cases have
been reported from Bahia and Minas Gerais states, but the
disease is widely present in both rural and urban areas of
many states.
Hantavirus
Through ingestion or inhalation of
infected rodent droppings.
Symptoms resemble influenza but can rapidly progress to
severe respiratory failure. With Brasilia, areas of risk are in
south and southeastern Brazil: Parana, Sao Paulo, Minas
Gerais, and Santa Catarina.
Onchocerciasis
Through the bites of black flies.
Black flies are found near rapidly flowing rivers and streams
and bite primarily in the daytime. Only present in northern
states of Amazonas and Roraima. Map of affected area can
be seen here: http://www.who.int/wer/2005/wer8030.pdf.
Symptoms including skin nodules and inflammation, swollen
glands, and loss of vision can occur months to years after
exposure. Treatment may require years of medication for cure
Food and Water Quality
Most of Brazil’s urban areas have access to water
treatment and distribution services. However, system
defects, power outages, and water shortages may
contaminate tap water. Drinking water in rural areas is
more frequently
contaminated
with potentially
dangerous
pathogens and
chemicals.
Officials
recommend
drinking only
bottled or purified
water to reduce
the risk of
traveler’s diarrhea
or gastrointestinal
illness.
To avoid the
risk of general
foodborne illness,
travelers should
follow routine food
hygiene practices.
Ensure that
food is properly
handled and prepared. Wash raw produce before eating.
Consider avoiding raw meat dishes and unpasteurized
dairy products, which frequently harbor bacterial and
parasitic pathogens. Consider avoiding street vendors and
unregulated food establishments, which often have substandard hygiene standards.
Air Quality
According to WHO statistics, the average annual
concentration of particulate air pollution in Brazil
exceeds recommended thresholds. Air pollution is
considerably higher in urban areas, especially in Rio
de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Individuals with asthma or
chronic cardiorespiratory conditions should consult with
a healthcare provider prior to travel and carry sufficient
medications. On days when air quality is particularly poor,
affected individuals should take personal precautions to
reduce respiratory stress.
Transportation
Air Travel
Antonio Carlos Jobim/Galeao International Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro’s Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport
(GIG) is located about 20 km (13 miles) north of the city.
The airport may also be identified as Galeao International.
Transportation
Rental car agencies, taxis, buses and shuttles are
available at the airport to transport passengers downtown.
A transfer service arranged through your destination hotel
is the most reliable form of transportation.
If pre-arranged transport is not an option, taxis are
available at the airport. Travelers are advised to go to the
counters that sell prepaid taxi vouchers. The airport taxis
serve Rio de Janeiro city center and the South Zone,
where most of the hotels are located. The booths are in
the foyer outside the baggage pickup area. Car rental
agencies can also be found in the main terminal.
Security
Carjackings occur occasionally on the Yellow Line
highway (Linha Amarela), which connects the Red Line
highway (Linha Vermelha) with Barra da Tijuca and
passes through several favelas along the route. Attacks
on the Red Line highway do occur but more often are
focused on locals, not tourist vehicles or taxis.
Be aware of scams in the airport. There have been
reports of English speaking, official-looking men who pose
as police officers. In some cases they will coax a foreigner
outside with the intent to rob him/her. It is more likely
that these scams will take place outside due to higher
security inside. Therefore, it is often helpful to determine
the validity of such persons before interacting with them or
going outside with them. These episodes are not frequent,
however, and most travelers have no problem leaving the
airport to obtain transportation to their destinations via
taxi, rental car, bus, or shuttle van transfer.
In the event of crime at the airport, the police and tourist
police have been known to be quite helpful in managing
the situation. Both police forces are readily available at
the airport.
Ground Transportation
The safest form of transportation when visiting Rio de
Janeiro is a hired driver or radio-taxi arranged for in
advance through a car service or hotel concierge. Driving
can be dangerous within the city and on the highway
system and should be avoided if possible.
Bus
There are hundreds of inexpensive bus lines running
throughout Rio de Janeiro. However, navigating the
different routes and options is complex. Limited guidance
and resource is provided to help visitors use the system
efficiently. Air-conditioned blue buses are available at a
premium. They travel along routes between Centro, Barra
da Tijuca, Galeao International Airport (GIG), Santos
Dumont Airport (SDU), and Zona Sul. Generally, public
buses should not be used because they are normally
overcrowded during rush hour and are frequently targeted
by pickpockets and armed assailants. Other forms of
transportation, such as the metro, are recommended.
Metro
The metro system is limited, though safe and efficient.
Two lines operate from 0500-0001 Monday-Saturday,
and 0700-2300 Sundays and holidays. The main
station is Central, located in the Centro neighborhood.
Line L1 extends from the neighborhood of Pavuna to
Botafogo, while line L2 extends from Tijuca to Ipanema.
to sunset at 6.00pm.
Summer
Summer runs from December through the first half of
March. Daylight saving time goes from October through
February. The hottest months are December and January
when temperatures can get well over 104ºF (40ºC).
There is also quite a bit of rain during the summer with
showers almost every afternoon. Many of the locals take
their vacations during this time especially from Christmas
through to the Carnival. The beaches can be quite
crowded and prices do increase. Also businesses are
closed from just before Christmas through the beginning
of January. Along with the Carnival, New Years Eve is
another holiday that draws large crowds.
Communications & Technology
Making phone calls
Interchanges with regional railways are located at Central,
Sao Cristovao, and Triajem stations. Transfers to bus can
be made at Estacio, Largo do Machado, Nova America,
Saens Pena, and Sao Francisco Xavier stations. Visitors
can purchase single tickets, prepaid Metro and Metrobus
cards at ticket boxes in any metro station. Connection
to Metrobuses can be made at Botafogo and General
Osorio stations. Metrobuses service the neighborhoods of
Botafogo, Gavea, Humaita, Jardim Botanico, Lagoa, and
Leblon.
Taxis
Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are yellow with blue stripes.
Legitimate taxis will have a company logo and phone
number on the side of the vehicle, and a red license plate.
Make sure the taxi has a working meter before getting in.
Taxi drivers’ IDs should be displayed in the vehicle as well
as tariff rates on the passenger window. Hail taxis on the
street or arrange them through a hotel. Radio-dispatched
taxis are generally safer and can be ordered over the
phone, though they charge higher rates.
Climate
The temperature in Rio de Janeiro is really quite moderate
all year round. So, in truth, there is really no bad time of
year to visit this city, it’s just that some times of year are
better than others. In Rio, the summer season (end of
December – end of March) is hot and winters (end of June
– end of September) are mild. On average, the warmest
month is February and the coolest months are July/
August. The wettest months tend to be January, February,
March and April.
The average daylight hours in Rio de Janeiro at Games
time (August and September) are from sunrise at 6.00am
For calls within Greater Rio de Janeiro, dial the number
directly. For long distance domestic calls first dial 021,
then the city code, followed by the actual phone number.
To call São Paulo, for example, you would dial 021-11****-****.
To make international phone calls, start with 0021,
followed by the country code, area code, and phone
number. To call the United Kingdom, for example, you
would dial 0021-44-*******.
If you are calling Rio de Janeiro from abroad, you have
to dial the country code 55, the city code for Rio, 21, and
phone number. If you are in New York, for instance, you
would dial +55-21-****-****.
SIM cards
In September 2012, the Brazilian Ministry of
Communications and the National Telecommunications
Agency declared that foreign tourists were able to
purchase and activate SIM cards in Brazil using only their
passport. However, some mobile phone companies will
not let allow you to purchase and activate a local SIM card
without a ‘CPF’ (a Brazilian tax registration number for
residents in Brazil). You should currently be able to buy a
SIM card from telecommunications company TIM using
your passport.
Internet access
Most hotels and youth hostels provide internet access.
Central Fone (Avenida Rio Branco 156, Centro) is a good
spot for internet and international phone calls. Cyber
Point (Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana 445,
Copacabana) also provides internet access.
Electricity in Brazil is not standardized.
Rio and Sao Paulo supply electricity at 110-120 AC, 60 Hz
Manaus and Salvador supply at 127 AC, 60 Hz
Recife and Brasilia supply at 220 AC, 50 Hz
Some remote areas of the country use direct current (DC).
Never plug an appliance rated for alternating current (AC)
into a DC outlet.
Brazil uses North American plugs with two flat blades, with
and without ground, and two-pronged continental plugs
with small-diameter round prongs.
continental style plug
flat-blade plug with grounding pin
flat-blade plug
Banking & Currency
Currency
Name/Code
Brazilian Real (BRL).
Bank
Availability
Banks are open 1000-1600 on weekdays.
Currency
Convertibility
Currency can be exchanged at banks
and casas de cambio (exchange
bureaus). Some hotels may provide
foreign currency exchange services,
but rates are not as favorable. It
is not recommended to exchange
money at airports.
Credit Card
Acceptance
Most major credit cards are accepted
in Brazil, such as Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, and Diner’s Club.
Some shops and restaurants in
remote towns may not accept credit
cards.
ATM
Availability
ATMs are found throughout Brazil,
though many ATMs close or have
limited withdrawals after 2200. Visa
cards are usually accepted by Banco
do Brasil, Banco Santander, and
Itau ATMs, whe?reas MasterCard
and American Express work best in
Banco Bradesco and Banco 4 Horas
ATMs.
Traveler’s
Checks
Traveler’s checks are not widely
accepted, though they are accepted
by some major hotels. The banks that
do change traveler’s checks usually
charge high fees.
Wire Services
Wire transfer services are available in
Brazil in major cities and most towns.
Sales Tax/VAT
Brazil has federal (ICMS) and state
(IPI) value added taxes. Together the
standard value-added tax (VAT) rate
is 17 percent, though rates vary by
state. There are no refunds.
Tipping
It is customary to round to the
nearest BRL on taxi fares, and to tip
doormen and hotel maids BRL 5.
Restaurants usually add a 10 percent
service charge, no extra tip is necessary. It is expected to tip parking lot
attendants BRL 1-2.
Please make sure to download the Assist America App
from the Apple App store or Google Play before you travel!
SCAN HERE
• One-touch call to our 24/7 Emergency Operations Center
• Up-to-the-minute travel alerts
• Pre-trip information, such as country-specific visa requirements, immunization regulations, security advisories, and
•
•
•
•
•
more
Coverage Indicator (let’s members know when they are eligible for Assist America services)
Global embassy locator
U.S. pharmacy locator
Information about all our member services.
Information about student services for our Scholastic Emergency Services Members
This guide is intended for use by existing Assist America members. Sources include, but are not limited to: iJET,
Wikipedia, Braziltravelinformation.com, Travelchannel.com, ipanema.com, Tripadvisor.com, Rio 2016.com.