Electricity/Voltage
Voltage in Brazil is not fixed. The electric current in Rio is 110 or 120 volts. Travel adapters are required for certain electric devices. Many hotels and large apartment blocks, however, do have 220 volts outlets.
Climate
June, July and August are the winter months in Rio. Temperatures can drop to 70 F and the wind and rain can really bring a chill to the air. The locals call this period ‘veranico’ meaning mini-summer. Visitors should plan on bringing a light jacket for evenings yet remember your bathing suit for the sunny days.
Currency
The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (BRL). Exchange rates are available in every daily newspaper, followed by the U.S. dollar exchange rate used in international business transactions. Cash, especially in U.S. dollars, can be exchanged in almost every bank, currency exchange houses and hotels. See this useful currency conversion tool.
Banks
Banks are open from Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 16:00. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Timezone
Rio de Janeiro is currently 3 hours behind UTC/GMT.
Useful Numbers
Ambulance: 192
Fire Department: 193
Military Police: 190
Civil Police: 197
Taxi
The less expensive option for transport is the yellow taxi. However, make sure that the driver turns on the meter and doesn’t quote an extravagant price. Typically, a trip (with normal traffic) from the airport to Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema & Leblon) will cost approximately R$60 to R$80 on a yellow taxi meter. A trip to Barra da Tijuca will cost around R$ 150 but depending on the exact destination. In heavier traffic, this will go a bit higher. Radio taxis waiting on the street will quote a price depending on the destination. This price will be considerably higher than a yellow taxi and possibly higher yet in high tourism periods.