Rio de Janeiro essentials

Banks and Exchange
Exchange rates are much higher in the city's many exchange houses called "Casas de Cambio". There are many exchange centers all over Rio , especially along the beaches on Avenida Nossa Senhora in Copacabana and Rua Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema. The only bank that exchanges money is the Banco de Brasil which has an exchange center at Galeao. American Express has a banking center at Av. Atlantica in Copacabana. 24 hour automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout the area and they dispense Reals.

Safety
Rio de Janeiro has a high crime rate. This is mostly related to drug trafficking and is mostly prevalent in the North Zone. Criminal activities include mugging, stray bullets and narcotics trade. The local police are known to be corrupt and unable to control the crime sprees. As the saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them; the poorly paid and ill equipped police get frustrated and violent as a result and accidents are common. Only about 3 percent of Rio crime is ever solved or criminals brought to justice.


Emergency contacts:
For reporting any crime - 2253-1177
Police - 190 or 22312020
Fire = - 193 or 22211234
Female safety - 22330113
Federal Police - 22912142

Consulates
American Embassy - Avenida Presidente Wilson, 147 - Phone - 5521 38232000
Australian Embassy - Av Presidente Wilson, 231, 23rd floor. Phone 5521 38244624
Chinese Consulate - Rua Muniz Barreto, 715-Botafogo. Phone - 5521 25514578
Russian Consulate - Professor Azevedo Marques St. CEP 22450 - Phone 5521 2740097

Drinking
The legal drinking age in Brazil is 18.

Driving
The legal age for driving an automobile in Brazil is 18.

Voltage
Brazil uses 110 or 220V, depending on location or hotel. A universal adapter kit may be necessary if you wish to use any of your personal appliances/cell phones, etc.

Post Office
Main Post office is in Centro at Rua de Marco 64. Phone is 21-2503-8337. There are many post offices in Ipanema, Copacabana,
Leblon, Sao Conrado, Barra da Tijuca etc. stamps are sold in the yellow and blue Correio offices only . Most accept international parcels.

Internet cafes
Located throughout the tourist areas and bookstores near the beaches, they charge an average of R$5 per hour

Telephones
Rio 's city code is 21. The local numbers consist of eight digits (21 is not required for local calls). To call other cities, dial 0, followed by phone company code (21 for Telemar, 23 for Interlig) followed by the city code and local number. The easiest way to make International calls is to call the operator at 000-111. For directory assistance, dial 102.

Shopping
Rio Sul is one of the first shopping centers that was built in Rio in 1980. This mall is situated in Botafogo and offers a magnificent view of SugarLoaf and Corcovado mountains from its location in the South Zone. It has a total of six floors filled with shops of all kinds for the entire family. Shops include everything for children, men and women. Also find inside 26 shops for just decorating the house as well as a gym and numerous restaurants offering almost any delicacy you feel like enjoying that day. The usual lines of women's and men's clothing, unisex clothing, Electronics, Sporting goods, Gifts and Perfumes, things for the home, etc are represented in the various shops lining the mall. Also enjoy movies and other entertainment shows and events at the mall.

Most of the beaches have stalls as well as bigger shops that sell local and other merchandise such as beachwear, surf wear, gems and jewellery, women's and men's clothing, electronics, shoes and handbags, etc . Places to shop are the Forum De Ipanema, Rio Design Center , Shopping Cassino Atlântico, Botafogo Praia Shopping, Shopping de Gávea, Fashion Mall, Barra Shopping and New York City center.