There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Rio de Janeiro each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1 : New Year's Day (national holiday)To celebrate the transition to the new year, revellers gather on the Copacabana beach. Several million people all dressed in white enjoying a lavish midnight fireworks display.
February 24-28 2017: Carnival (local event)World famous event, the unmissable Carnival of Rio is “the” celebration of Brazilian people. For three days and nights, Rio de Janeiro, its inhabitants and tourists from all over the world all live to the unbridled rhythms of samba and costumed parades.
May 1 : Labour Day (national holiday) May 22 : Corpus Christi (national holiday)This springtime commemoration of the Holy Eucharist was introduced by the Portuguese. This is an all-day affair in Rio de Janeiro, with processions of children dressed in white and streets covered in sawdust, leaves, dried flowers, coffee grounds and chalk.
September 7 : Independence Day (national holiday)Brazil's independence in 1822 is celebrated in Rio with a huge military parade. There are also concerts and shows, street parties, dances and a fireworks display late in the evening.
November 2: All Souls' Day (Dia de Finados, national holiday)On this day, families gather to pay tribute to the departed and decorate their tombs at the cemetery.
December 2 : National Samba Day (celebrated nationwide)This day celebrating Brazil's most popular dance form also marks the official start of the summer holidays. As in other cities across the country, it is celebrated in Rio with numerous samba performances, concerts and revellers dancing in the streets.
December 25 : Christmas (national holiday)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23/73 | 30/86 | 130/5.1 | Good period to go
|
| February | 23/73 | 30/86 | 120/4.7 | Good period to go
|
| March | 23/73 | 29/84 | 130/5.1 | Good period to go
|
| April | 22/72 | 28/82 | 100/3.9 | Not the best period to go |
| May | 20/68 | 26/79 | 70/2.8 | Not the best period to go |
| June | 19/66 | 25/77 | 50/2.0 | Not the best period to go |
| July | 18/64 | 25/77 | 40/1.6 | Not the best period to go |
| August | 19/66 | 25/77 | 40/1.6 | Not the best period to go |
| September | 19/66 | 25/77 | 60/2.4 | Not the best period to go |
| October | 20/68 | 26/79 | 80/3.1 | Not the best period to go |
| November | 21/70 | 27/81 | 90/3.5 | Not the best period to go |
| December | 22/72 | 29/84 | 130/5.1 | Good period to go
|
Rio de Janeiro's Galeão Airport is located about 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the city centre.
It is relatively easy to get around Rio de Janeiro, although distances between points of interest are sometimes considerable.
Rio's Metro is convenient and inexpensive, ideal for exploring the city. There are two lines, covering a total of 40 kilometres (25 miles), one serving Rio's northern districts, the other serving destinations in the southern part of the city. Trains run from 5 a.m. to midnight Monday to Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday and holidays. The one-way fare for all destinations is BRL 4.30.
Buses are inexpensive and use exclusive lanes thus ensuring relatively smooth progress through the city's streets. There are no tickets and payment is made directly to the driver when boarding. A single trip costs BRL 3.60.
Note: In areas less frequented by tourists, bus stops may be hard to find. The best solution is to flag down the bus as it approaches your position.
Taxis are plentiful in Rio and fares are not very high, but it is important to remember that distances between destinations can be considerable in the city. Official taxis are yellow with a blue stripe. The meter starts with the minimum charge of BRL 5.40, then adding BRL 2.30 per kilometer (Monday to Sunday, from 6 am to 9 pm).
Note: Fares tend to rise around Carnival time.
Upon your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay
Prefeitura da Cidade do Rio de JaneiroOffers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
The official website of the national tourist board provides a wealth of information on Rio de Janeiro.
The currency used in Brazil is the Real (BRL).
1 CHF = 5,69 BRL
1 BRL = 0,18 CHF
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. Rio de Janeiro counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home.
As a general rule, foreign nationals must apply for visas before travelling to Brazil. However, Brazil has entered into visa exemption agreements with a number of countries.
To find out if you will need a visa for travel to Brazil, visit the consular section of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.portalconsular.itamaraty.gov.br/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Rio de Janeiro, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few basic Brazilian Portuguese phrases that will make your stay in Rio de Janeiro a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Bom dia (morning) / Boa tarde (afternoon)
Good evening: Boa noite
Goodbye: Adeus
Yes: Sim
No: Não
No, thank you: Não, obrigado(a)
Thank you very much: Muito obrigado(a)
Please: Por favor
I don't understand: Eu não entendo
Could you repeat ?: Você pode repetir
What time is it ?: Que horas são ?
Sorry: Com licença
Excuse me:
Airport: Aeroporto
Train station: Estação
Taxi: Táxi
Hotel: Hotel
Hospital: Hospital
Bank: Banco
Telephone: Telefone
I'm (…): Eu sou (…)
I'm looking for (…): Eu procuro (…)
How much is (…)?: Quanto custa (…)?
Do you have (…)?: Você tem (…)?
Where can I find (…)?: Onde é que há (…)?
Where can I buy (…)?: Onde posso comprar (…)?
I'd like (…): Queria (…)
Tipping
In Rio de Janeiro as in the rest of Brazil, a 10 percent service charge is included in the bill at bars and restaurants. However, it is customary to leave a little extra tip if you are particularly pleased with the service.
