Useful Information

Taxi Reservations

Letizia arrival day:  July 24, 2024

Turismo Expo day: July 25, 2024

Letizia & Emily departure: July 26, 2024

Driver: Edson Cosme de Lima | Cel.: + 55 11 98787-1618

Customs

Brazilian Customs and Manners 

Generally speaking, social customs are not vastly different from what you will find in other "western" countries. In theory, social behavior in the United States and Brazil is almost identical. In practice, however, there are some differences. We hope that the following will help you to avoid some embarrassing situations and make your stay pleasant and rewarding. 

Conversation

 Most Brazilians are excellent conversationalists--sharp, quick, and witty. Many people, including taxi drivers and sales people, understand and speak some English, so it is risky to assume that all remarks made in your native tongue will pass unnoticed. The common American sign for "A-OK'', using thumb and index finger has a very vulgar connotation in Brazil and should be avoided. A thumbs up expression is used to signify "A-OK." 

Surnames

 Surnames are rarely used. Though people start on a first name basis, titles of respect - "senhor'' for men and most frequently "senhora " for women --are terms used to be polite to strangers and to show respect to someone of a different age group or social class. 

Greeting and Leave

 Taking It is customary in Brazil to say "Bom Dia" (good morning), "Boa Tarde" (good afternoon), or "Boa Noite" (good night) to everyone, including salespeople, elevator operators, employees, etc. Boa Noite is used after 6:00 p.m. Both men and women shake hands on being introduced, on meeting and on leave taking, no matter how brief the encounter. Women may shake hands but often say hello and good-bye by giving each other a "beijo" -a cheek kiss on each side. Women and men will also greet each other with these twosided kisses once they have known one another for awhile. Brazilian children are taught to kiss or shake hands with adults and will want to greet you in this manner. The "abraço" or embrace, is the national form of greeting that was brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Arabs and thence to Brazil. It is not unusual for two men friends to speak on the street with arms about each other's shoulders. Women give each other a kiss in the air of both cheeks. II is always safe to shake hands but not to offer an " abraço" unless your Brazilian friend initiates it. 

Dining in Brazil 

Breakfast (café da manha) normally consists of coffee and hot milk, bread with butter and jam, fruit or fruit juice. If you are traveling, this is generally included in the price of a hotel room. Lunch (almoço) is usually a full meal and can take from one to two hours. Buffet style, pay by weight restaurants are quite common in São Paulo for lunchtime dining. 32 "Lanche" (snack) is taken around four o'clock and sometimes includes a sandwich or piece of cake with coffee, tea or chocolate. Brazilian teas begin very late, about five o'clock, often last until after seven o'clock and you are expected to stay the entire time. The food is generally elaborate and plentiful. Dinner (jantar) is usually served from 8:30 p.m. on. Restaurants generally do not open until 7:00 p.m. Brazilians don't dine out in the evening until 8 p.m. or later. If you are accustomed to an earlier hour, you may be the only party in the restaurant upon your arrival. It is common for a good restaurant to have a wailing list at 11 :30 p.m., even during the week. "Cafezinho" is an espresso. It is taken after lunch and dinner and many times during the day. Large cups of coffee are served only at breakfast. São Paulo has many wonderful restaurants. By far the best values are the numerous barbecue houses, or "Churrascarias." They offer excellent meals at moderate prices. Also the food court of any shopping mall has great fast food options, varying from McDonalds's to Chinese, Lebanese, Brazilian, and even vegetarian food. Reservations are seldom made at any restaurant but on weekends and long holidays it is better to make reservations for groups. Most restaurants remain open until well after midnight. A service charge of 10% is normally included on restaurant checks. If there is any doubt, ask. It is customary to leave a small additional tip even when the 10% is included. When the service charge is not included, a tip of 10% to 15% is acceptable. When eating in hotels and restaurants, water is not automatically served with the meal. If you want water, you should order bottled water. It comes with carbonation ("com gas") or without ("sem gas"). Ice is generally safe throughout São Paulo, though not in more rural settings outside of the city. Most Brazilians drink beer, and the local beers are quite excellent. Brazilian wines are fair. Imported French wines are prohibitively expensive. Imported Scotch whiskey is also very expensive. Brazilian Scotch is fair to adequate. Local gins, vodkas, rums, liquors, etc. are excellent. Try a "caipirinha" (cachac;a, lemon juice, sugar) or "caipiroska" (vodka, lemon juice, sugar). Both are excellent local drinks, but may be too sweet (one can ask for "pouco açucar"). Also try "guarana," a Brazilian soft drink, too. It is served at every restaurant and bar and you should find it a refreshing and stimulating soft drink. 

Time Zone: São Paulo is currently 1 hour ahead of Washington, DC (12 PM São Paulo = 11 AM DC)

Telephone: +55 is the international code for Brazil

Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL) | 1 USD = 5,20 BRL

Dress Code:
Lunch: Smart Casual, comfortable shoes (Ney will dress Polo DC Black)

Pride: Black T-shirt DC Rainbow Logo and WP Logo

LGBT Turismo Expo: Black T-shirt DC Rainbow Logo and WP Logo

Useful Phrases:
Bom dia: Good morning & good afternoon

Boa noite: Good evening
Obrigada: Thank you
A conta, por favor: Can I have the bill, please

Preciso de um recibo: I need a receipt, please

Você tem um cartão: Can I have your business card?
Quanto custa: How much does it cost?

Safety 

We are happy to provide you the following safety suggestions and tips. As any trip away from home, it makes good sense to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you use common sense and good safety practices to ensure that your stay will be safe and pleasant. We recommend extra caution with your phones. 

At the Airport:

Do not leave your luggage unattended. • Please use of official transportation services, taxis and buses. • If someone randomly offers you a cab/bus, decline immediately. 

At the Hotel: 

• Store any valuable items in the safe. • Lock the doors in your room, and do not open the door without checking first. • Do not leave purses, wallets, or room keys unattended. • Keep valuables items out of sight when at public areas. • Do not draw attention to yourself by handling cash, jewelry, mobile phones, etc. • Report suspicious people or attitudes to hotel security and front desk. 

On the Streets:

 • Beware of pickpockets. Carry your wallet and cash in your front pocket. • Do not answer your mobile while walking on the streets. If necessary, stop in a safe place and talk briefly. • Never go out with your passport, prefer a photo ID. • If possible, use credit cards for major purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. • At night, try to walk in groups and ask for a map or directions to your destination before leaving the airport or hotel. • If you get lost, stop at the nearest service station or well-lit public place. 

Transportation:

 • In major cities like São Paulo, you can rely on good apps to call a cab. We recommend Taxis and Uber. 

Currency 

Exchange Rate Average Currency Exchange Rate: 1USD = BRL 5,20 as of July 2024

Security Briefing 

REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICE AMERICAN CONSULATE SÃO PAULO 

Sao Paulo is a high-crime megalopolis. Thefts and armed robberies are common and pose a significant threat to visitors in the city. Individuals perceived as foreigners are attractive targets for criminals. • If confronted, Do Not Resist. • Assume most criminals are armed and operating in groups. Your life and well-being are far more valuable than your personal possessions. • Avoid large gatherings, to include protests and demonstrations. Political pro/anti-government demonstrations are very common in Brazil. • Keep a low profile. Avoid ostentatious clothing and jewelry. • Be aware of your surroundings, your present location, and your destination. • Limit your potential losses. Only carry what you need (i.e. credit cards and identification) and do not openly display valuable items in public, specifically your phone. • Avoid traveling alone. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Tell friends or colleagues where you are going and when you intend to return. • Always carry a charged cell phone. Avoid openly using your phone while walking around. • Navigate the internet wisely. Cyber thieves are always looking for vulnerabilities. Always monitor your bank and credit card statements closely. • Uber and taxis are considered safe and reliable. Avoid using a cell phone within the vehicle with the windows down. U.S. Consulate Sao Paulo recommends you register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This enables the U.S. Consulate to notify you about any critical events that may affect you during your time in Sao Paulo. Register at: https://step.state.gov. 30 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

 US Consulate São Paulo: 5511-3250-5000 

Post One: 5511-3250-5373 

Military Police (24 hrs Emergency Police hotline): 190 

Civil Police (24 hrs Emergency Police hotline): 5090-9038/9041 

SAMU (Ambulance Services): 192 

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