Currency
The Brazilian currency, the Real, fluctuates widely. At the time of this content was created, the exchange rate was approximately 1.15 reales to the dollar.

Language
Portuguese is Brazil's native language

Water
It is recommended that visitors drink bottled water

Business
Shops and most offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 am. to 6 p.m. and from 9 am to 1pm on Saturday. Banks are open on Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:00pm. Most shopping centers and malls remain open until 10pm.  Many pharmacies and small stores are also open on Sunday. 

Time Zones
There are four time zones in Brazil. 

Electric Current
110 or 120 volts 
 
 

Rail: Rio's two train stations, Estacao Leopldina and Estacao Dom Pedro II, offer service between the downtown area and the suburbs. 

Subway: Rio's subways consists of a major line from Botafogo to Saens Pena, and a branch from Estacio de Sa to Maracana. 

Taxi: Rio has an abundance of yellow metered cabs, which can easily be hailed on the streets. Special taxis are also common at hotels and the airports, and can be booked by phone.

Social Conventions
Handshaking is customary on meeting and taking one’s leave, and normal European courtesies are observed. Frequent offers of coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir from the visitor’s home country will be well received as a gift of appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather. In nightclubs, smart-casual (eg blazer, no tie) is acceptable. For more formal occasions the mode of dress will be indicated on invitations. Smoking is acceptable unless notified otherwise. 
The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, something which should be kept in mind by the visitor.

All kinds of alcoholic drink are manufactured and available and there are no licensing hours or restrictions on drinking. 

• Beer is particularly good and draught beer is called chopp. 

• The local liqueur is cachaça, a type of rum popular with locals, but not so much with visitors. 

• This phenomenally strong spirit is often mixed with sugar, crushed ice and limes to make caipirinha, a refreshing if intoxicating cocktail, and the Brazilian national drink. 

• Southern Brazilian wine is of a high quality. 

• Brazilian coffee is served in espresso-sized cups and is extremely popular.

Some bars have waiters and table service. 

Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent is usual for most services not included on the bill.

Nightlife
The best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Rio, the major clubs do not present their main acts until after midnight, and the daily paper gives current information; small clubs (boites) provide nightly entertainment throughout the city. São Paulo nightlife is more sophisticated, with greater choice; the shows tend to start earlier.