São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and fifth in the world by population. It is located in the South east of the country and is the most ethnically diverse city of Brazil.

São Paulo's attraction lies in its people and its vibrant cultures. The city possesses significant ethnic minority groups, including substantial Italian, German, Portuguese and Japanese communities.

São Paulo is Brazil's most modern and cosmopolitan city. It offers visitors an array of outstanding cuisines, the finest museums in South America and a surrounding coastline with beautiful beaches.

São Paulo generally enjoys good weather and March to June is Fall with temperatures ranging from 15-28°C.

There are three airports in São Paulo with the main São Paulo International Airport only 30km from the city center.

Airport

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (http://www.infraero.gov.br) is located 25km (18 miles) northeast of São Paulo. The Airport has 2 terminals which are situated close enough together for passengers to access them on foot. The airport can be accessed either via the Ayrton Senna or Presidente Dutra highways.

The airport departure tax in Brazil is currently $36.00 USD. It can be paid in US dollars or the equivalent in local currency (Real).

Business Hours

Banks - Banks are open from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday in most of the country.

Shopping Malls - Most shopping malls are open from Monday to Saturday, 10:00am to 10:00pm. Some malls in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are open on Sundays, from noon to 8:00pm.

Stores - Most stores in Brazil are open 9:00am to 6:30pm on weekdays, and 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays.

Currency and Foreign Exchange

The Brazilian currency is the Real ("hay-ahl"), and Reais ("hay-ice") for the plural. The symbol for the Real is R$. The official exchange rate is published daily in the newspapers.

Bank notes in circulation are the following: R$1, R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50 and R$100. Coins in circulation are the following: R$0.01, R$0.05, R$0.10, R$0.25, R$0.50 and R$1.00

US dollars are easily exchanged at hotels, banks, travel agencies and currency exchange offices. Generally, the exchange rate for traveller's cheques is lower than for cash.

Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities in Brazil, however, if you are travelling to smaller towns, it is advisable to exchange some money before your trip.

Most Brazilian banks offer ATMs, however some foreign cards may not be accepted.

Dress

The first thing to consider when packing for your trip is climate. Brazilians tend to dress casually outside workplace. Most restaurants do not require a tie or sport jacket, however, a few fancy clubs and restaurants do. São Paulo is a cosmopolitan city and locals are more fashion minded than other areas in Brazil.

Electricity

In most Brazilian cities the current is either 110V or 220V, 60 cycles. Most major hotels have 110V and 220V sockets. The wall sockets in Brazil normally have two round pins, and in many new facilities the sockets will accept both regular U.S and Brazilian types of plugs. Some outlets may require a ground pin. U.S.-Brazilian conversion plugs, suitable for dual-voltage appliances, can be purchased at many airports and electrical stores in Brazil.

Health

Food & Water - Most major Brazilian cities have water treatment plants, but you should nevertheless avoid drinking tap water without filtrating it first. Drinking only filtered or mineral water is strongly recommended. Brazilian cuisine differs from region to region. Some people may be more sensitive than others to the strong, spicy seasonings used in many typical dishes.

When eating on the beach, at street kiosks, or in very small restaurants, it is generally best for travellers to eat well cooked foods, thus avoiding uncooked prepared foods (such as salads) that may have been rinsed in unfiltered tap water.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate medical, travel and personal insurance prior to the commencement of travel.

Language

The official language of the Meeting is English.

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Except for the languages spoken by Indian tribes living in remote reservations, Portuguese is the only language of daily life. There are no regional dialects. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America.

Liability Disclaimer

In the event of industrial disruption or other unforseen circumstances, the Organising Committee and ICMS Pty Ltd, accept no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates

Passport and Visa

American, Canadian and Australian citizens require a VISA to visit Brazil. Visitors from other countries will need to check with their consulate to determine if they require a VISA.

All visitors are requested to contact their consulate for up to date information on travelling to Brazil.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in Brazil.

Safety & Security

Dos:

• ask your hotel for safety information about the areas you plan to visit
• leave valuable items, including jewellery, travel documents and most of your money in a safe at your hotel
• travel with others whenever possible, especially at night
• ask police for help if necessary

Don'ts:

• keep valuable items in your back pockets or in the outside pockets of your purse or bag
• wear flashy jewellery or expensive items, such as designer glasses and valuable watches in the streets
• travel unfamiliar or dangerous areas alone
• display your money
• leave things unattended
• carry your camera and other such items in a camera bag or around your neck

Vaccination

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required only if you have travelled within the last 90 days, to any of the following countries: Angola, Bolivia, Benin, Burkina, Cameroon, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, French Guyana, Gabon, Ghana, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sudan or Venezuela).

Yellow fever vaccination is advisable if your destinations in Brazil include any of the following Brazilian states: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Federal District of Brasilia, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and/or Tocantins.

Taxation and Tipping

• Airports: porters may charge as much as $1 per bag
• Taxis: Tipping is not expected, yet many people choose to round up the fare. Drivers in some cities charge for help with baggage.
• Hotels: a $1 tip is a sufficient for chambermaids and bellboys.
• Restaurants: a 10% gratuity will often be included in the bill.
• Sales Taxes: advertised prices on store windows and bills will always include sales taxes.

Taxis

There are a large number of taxicabs in all major cities. Regular taxicabs can be hailed on the streets, and radio taxis can be ordered by phone. Radio taxis are air conditioned, somewhat more expensive and experienced at meeting the needs of international travellers. At the major airports, the designated airport taxi companies have booths at the arrivals area, with fixed rates. Most taxi drivers don't speak English, so it is advisable to have the address you are going to written on a piece of paper to show the taxi driver.