VISAS:
It may be necessary for you to obtain a visa before entering the country.  You should check with your travel agent or your local Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.  As the issuance of a visa might take some time, you should do this at the earliest opportunity.

Should you need an official invitation to support any visa application, please contact the Executive Office in London at the earliest opportunity.

CHOSEN HOTELS:

INSURANCE:
It is important that you have adequate insurance cover in respect of both health and travel logistics before you leave home.

HEALTH:
You must check, at an early date, with your local Doctor as to whether you will need any vaccinations or inoculations before travelling.  Given the current situation in Brazil, it is important that you get a Yellow Fever vaccination (see http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBrazil.aspx).
There are modern international multi-lingual hospitals in Rio.  Medical treatment is available in both Paraty and Iguassu, but not to the standard of Rio.

ON ARRIVAL:
The international airport in Rio de Janeiro is Galleo (GIG).  It is not a modern airport and is located some 30 kms (20 miles) from the tour hotel.  The best way to get to the hotel from the airport  is by taxi; this will cost approximately R$72 (US$45) and will take between 45 minutes and one hour depending on traffic and the time of day.  It is important that you only use the authorised taxis; booths to book these are located after Customs clearance and before exit to the public arrivals area; credit cards are accepted.  It is important that you do not accept rides from persons approaching you.

CURRENCY:
The current rates of exchange (February 2008) are as follows :

On arrival at Rio Airport, a bank (Banco do Brazil) is located after luggage collection, but before Customs clearance.  It is not open all the time and if it is closed, there is another bank (Banco Safra) located in front of the taxi booths after exiting the sliding doors from Customs clearance.  Other exchange centres are located in the city close to the tour hotel. The rates of exchange are better from the banks rather than from hotels. 

LANGUAGE:
The language in Brazil is Portuguese.

When using taxis, you should be aware that most taxi drivers do not speak English, even those at the airport. If you are travelling from your hotel to another location by taxi, make sure that you get the hotel’s concierge to inform the driver of where you want to go to; also remember to get the hotel’s name and address in writing for the return journey. 

TIPPING:
Restaurants automatically include a 10% tip in their bills.  For taxis, just round up the fare to the next whole number.

TEMPERATURES:
At the end of September the approximate temperature ranges are as follows:

It will be humid in Rio and cooler inland; there might be some possibility of some light rain inland.

ELECTRICS:
Brazil has an electrical supply of 110v; plug sockets are 2 round pin style; an adaptor will be necessary for other types of plugs.

REGISTRATION:
Personal badges will be provided at the Welcome dinner on September 19 in the Sofitel Hotel, Rio de Janeiro.

Download the Registration Form

DRESS CODE:
A totally relaxed approach should be taken, bearing in mind the temperatures noted
previously.

ATTENDEES:
You will find listings of everyone registering for the Pre-Congress Tour by accessing the
“Attendees List ” tab on the menu of this website.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

Cities:	Rio de Janeiro: Paraty: Iguassu:	www.rio.rj.gov.br (English pages in Turismo box links) www.paraty.com.br www.fozdoiguacu.pr.gov.br
Hotels:	Rio de Janeiro: Paraty: Iguassu:	www.sofitel.com.br www.portotel.com.br www.bourbon.com.br

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