17th International Congress of Arachnology - BRAZIL 2007
Below we provide some summarized tips about Brazil, and add links to official
Brazilian agencies and to foreign agencies that refer to Brazil and traveling
to Brazil.
General information about Brazil can be found at the site of the Brazilian Official
Tourism Agency, called EMBRATUR, at http://www.braziltour.com/site/en/home/index.php.
We suggest to specifically consult the links “Tips and Support”
and “FAQ”.
You may find useful also to consult:
http://www.southtravels.com/america/brazil/traveltips.html
http://bupa.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Brazil/Basics
1. Language
2. Health issues
3. Climate
4. Voltage
5. Heating – Shower, Bathtubs and Ovens
6. About the place where the Congress will be held
7. VISA
1. Language >> back to top <<
Brazilian people speak Portuguese.
It is difficult to find “on the streets” someone that understands and speaks other languages. Some people might understand a little bit of Spanish, because it is a similar language, and a few will understand and speak English.
In addition, one “problem” here is that Brazilian people are generally friendly, and some might “seem” to understand you even if they don’t and give non-accurate information just to be helpful (even though they are actually not being helpful at all).
2. Health issues >>
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Diseases: Because it is a tropical country, Brazil has several tropical human diseases, but they are generally restricted to the northern parts of the country, and to the larger cities (especially at surrounding areas where the health system is not so appropriate).
In the state of São Paulo, where the Congress will be held, these diseases are rare (or inexistent) and controlled. Some cases of dengue are still being recorded.
Water and food: In general, one can trust water and food from restaurants and
fast food facilities. However we are aware that some foreign people may get
upset just because they are not “used” to our water. You may ask
for bottled mineral water, which is common everywhere.
By the way, the city where the Congress will be held is located in the so called “Water Circuit”, which is a hilly area where most of the bottled mineral water from São Paulo State is produced.
A tip: take a look at the general appearance of the food and health aspects of the facility before you buy something. This is what we do!
You may find useful also to consult: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm
3. Climate >>
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July and August (when the Congress will be held) are the “top”
of winter in Brazil, which is the coolest and driest season.
The climate in the State of São Paulo is subtropical – the Tropic
of Capricorn crosses the city of São Paulo.
During winter the temperature ranges between 20-25°C during the day and
10-15°C at night, and it is not uncommon that the temperature reach 4-5°C
or even lower during a cold front. Nevertheless, we have been getting unexpected
high temperatures (between 25-30?C) for a few days.
One “problem” in Brazil is that, since it is considered to be a
tropical country, our buildings are not prepared for low temperatures –
we do not have central heating and insulating systems in the houses.
Therefore, bring your coat!
4. Voltage >>
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Electric frequency is 60Hz and voltage is 110V or 220V. In most cities, you will find most places with many 110V outlets and a few 220V outlets scattered around; but in some cities the voltage is only 220V. Don’t forget to bring plug adapters.
5. Heating – Shower, Bathtubs and Ovens >>
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It is common to find electric devices to heat water in showers, although large hotels have central gas heaters; and ovens and cooking devices generally use butane.
6. About the place where the Congress will be held >>
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The Congress will be held at the Colina Verde Hotel, located at the city of São Pedro (site only in Portuguese, but you may have a “general view” of the city), which is located at the State of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, about 180 km from the capital, São Paulo.
The city is included in the so called “Water
Circuit”, which is a hilly area where most of the bottled mineral water
from São Paulo State is produced. You may also find water (to drink and
to bath) for specific treatments (rheumatism, diabetes, allergy, colitis, etc.),
sauna facilities and so on. This is also an area where you may find typical
handicrafts.
7. VISA >> back to top <<
Citizens of the following countries DO NOT need a visa to travel to Brazil for tourism purposes. If your nationality is not listed, we can help - click "Tourist Visa" below for instructions.
Andorra- Argentina - Austria - Bahamas - Barbados - Belgium - Bermuda -Bolivia
- Bulgaria - Chile- Colombia - Costa Rica - Czech Republic - Denmark - Ecuador-
Finland - France -Germany - Great Britain - Greece - Hungary - Iceland -Ireland
- Italy - Israel - Liechtenstein - Luxembourg - Malaysia - Malta - Monaco -
Morocco - Namibia - Netherlands - New Zealand - Norway - Paraguay - Peru -Philippines
- Poland - Portugal - San Marino - Slovenia - South Africa - South Korea - Spain
- Surinam - Sweden - Switzerland - Thailand - Trinidad & Tobago - Tunis
- Turkey - Uruguay - Vatican
http://www.braziltour.com/site/en/home/index.php
(general info)
http://www.passportsandvisas.com/visas/brazil.asp (VISA)
http://www.southtravels.com/america/brazil/traveltips.html (general info)
http://bupa.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Brazil/Basics (general info)