Language of Brazil is Portugese, Not a great deal of English spoken (except in hotels & tour agencies). Spanish will help you a bit.
This is the Southern Hemisphere so seasons are reversed. High Summer is January/February
High summer is very humid. Most pleasant weather is in Spring and Autumn, still warm, less humidity and deeper shadows make Rio even more beautiful, but the weather can be very changeable and unpredictable at all times of the year. Wetest period is November to April. Temperatures range from 40C + in summer( hot hot hot ) to as low as 16C in winter (chilly).
Time in Rio De Janeiro is GMT/UTC minus 3 hours ( clocks change 1 hour in summer).
Generally speaking Brazilians are very open and friendly people.
They have little or no sexual hang-ups. Sex is a pleasure to be enjoyed and where does guilt come into it!
The Country is predominantly Roman Catholic which makes the previous statement somewhat suprising.
There is a lot of poverty in Brazil. Many of the people you come in to contact with are earning very little money. Consequently you will sometimes find people trying to short change you.
Voltage is 110, 60Hz
Currency is the Real - 1real coins & 1 real note, 2,5,10,20,50 & 100 real notes
Public phones operate using pre-paid cards. These can be bought from Newstsands and Newsagents and Lottery shops.
Cell phones: Systems in use are CDMA and GSM. Which means both European and American cell phones will work in Rio.If you have any doubts check with your provider.
Driving - On the Right hand side. They do not drive defensively, it can be a little worrying until you get used to it. At night you are allowed to pass through red lights when it is clear. The problems occur at dawn as there is no fixed time as to when this right stops.
Don't walk on the beaches of Rio at night - a favourite haunt of muggers ( see the Security page for more info. )
Taxis - Regular taxis are yellow with blue stripe along the side. Whenever possible pick them from a taxi rank - these are run by co-operatives and tend to be more honest and drive a little safer.
There are good hospitals and Doctors in Rio but it isn't cheap. We recommend you obtain ">
Travel Insurance before you come