BRAZIL

TRAVEL GUIDE
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
 2018 3

Olá! 4
Introduction 5

Before Traveling 8
Brazil Overview 9
Visa 14
Brazil Travel Advisory and Alerts 14
Flights and Accommodations 15
Health and Immunization 15
Communication 15
Transportation 16
Money 16
Time and Conversions 17

During Your Stay 16

Airport Arrival 17
General Tips 18
Places to Visit 24
Emergency and Local Contacts 29

Keep in Touch 32

FAQ 34
OLÁ!
 2018 5

Introduction
Thank you for deciding to travel to Brazil! Your visit is very important as in-person meetings are
highly valued, and face-to-face interaction is very likely to initiate partnerships and build long-
term relationships. We are excited about your visit and will do all we can to assist with your stay in
Brazil.

We understand that traveling in a foreign country can be daunting without knowing its language
and culture. However, you shouldn’t worry because the Brazil Gateway will guide you.

Ohio State opened Gateway office locations in Shanghai, China (2010), Mumbai, India (2012)
and São Paulo, Brazil (2014). The locations for the Gateways capitalize on the strengths of Ohio
State’s connections across the globe and provide the university with a myriad of opportunities,
including operational support for faculty research/teaching and international partnerships,
a portal for education abroad, a location for international student recruitment, a center for
academic programming, a location for alumni gatherings and a new way to partner with Ohio-
based companies operating in global markets.

The Brazil Gateway builds upon Ohio State’s more than 50 years of partnership and strategic
engagement with Brazil. It focuses on four key areas: students, research, alumni and
partnerships. The Brazil Gateway serves as a mini embassy for Ohio State to foster connections
and facilitate opportunities for students, researchers, alumni and partners.

To best facilitate an enjoyable visit, we offer the following services:

Pre-arrival • Invitation letters

• Visa application guidance
• Itinerary planning
• Site recommendations
• Accommodation recommendations and/or reservations
• Transportation reservations
• Meeting/conference arrangements
• Translation (business cards and materials)
• Airport suggestions
Upon arrival
• Transportation arrangements
• Interpreters recommendations
• Navigation assistance
• Local culture advice
• Connection establishment (setting up meetings and connections
with universities, governments, companies, alumni and students)
• Accompany and support to and during the meetings
• Meeting/event follow up
• Message delivery in Brazil
6 Brazil Travel Guide

Travel Guide
These services exist to aid you in establishing your research collaboration, teaching pedagogy
and travel efficiency. As Brazil Gateway staff, we are eager to meet you and learn your field of
interest. Our team consists of Ohio State alumni who are bilingual and have lived and studied in
both Brazil and the United States. The Brazil Gateway office is located in São Paulo, the largest
city in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its bustling atmosphere and multicultural population,
and is situated in the Moema district, one of the premiere business areas in the city. Our team is
well-connected with our Ohio State Brazil alumni network, universities, corporate, government
and non-profit partners. To best assist you, please let us know your needs in advance so that we
can make the best possible arrangements.

In addition to the services we provide, this Brazil Travel Guide serves as an information toolkit
for you to better understand the travel process, orient yourself in the local culture and obtain
the most out of your trip abroad. It provides guidance on your pre-departure and post-arrival
arrangements. It contains practical information such as selecting appropriate visa type, how to
enjoy a meal with local Brazilians and who to contact when there is an emergency. The guide
also includes answers to the questions we most frequently receive from faculty, staff and students
who we have assisted in the past.

We hope you will find this guide useful for your travel in Brazil, and we welcome your feedback
and suggestions. Email us at brazilgateway@osu.edu or aparecido.1@osu.edu if you have any
questions.

Last, but not least, we would also like to thank many individuals who have visited Brazil. This
guide is inspired by constant interaction with our visitors, either by conversations in a car ride to a
meeting or when exchanging ideas during lunch. The guide has become more comprehensive in
content because all of those who have been part of it. A sincere thanks to you all!

Go Bucks!
Brazil Gateway team
2018 7
BEFORE
YOUR ARRIVAL
 2018 9

Before Traveling

BRAZIL OVERVIEW
Brazil (officially Federative Republic of Brazil) is the world’s fifth largest country and is located in
South America. Although almost all of its neighboring countries speak Spanish, the language in
Brazil is Portuguese. Brazil is different than many of the countries in South America because it
was colonized as a part of Portugal (1500-1822) – also a Portuguese-speaking country.

The country is formed by 26 states plus a federal district where the capital, Brasilia, is located.
The Brazil Gateway is situated in the state of São Paulo in the city also named São Paulo, which
is the capital of the state and Brazil’s economic center. Campinas, a city in the state of São Paulo
(less than two hours away from the capital) is also internationally known for its science and
technology centers.

The country is the world’s eighth-largest economy. It is a founding member of the United Nations,
G20, BRICS, Mercosul and others. Brazil has vast biodiversity and beautiful natural sites worth
visiting such as the Amazon forest, Pantanal, Iguazu Falls and all the incredible beaches on the
coastline.

Temperatures are usually very warm in the north and northeast states, such as Amazonas
and Pernambuco. In the southeast region, it rains frequently (it is where São Paulo is located),
whereas it is usually dry in the central-west
region (by the capital, Brasilia). In the south,
where there are states such as Rio Grande do
Sul, it can get cold in the winter and even snow
a little.

More than 48% of the population describe

themselves as “white”; almost 44% as “pardo”
(brown); almost 7% as “black”; 0.58% as Asian;
and 0.28% as Indigenous. When describing
themselves, Brazilians take more into account
phenotypes rather than ancestry (National
Research by Household Sample – PNAD - of
2008). According to the 2000 Demographic
Census, Roman Catholicism is the country’s
predominant faith.

In literature, Machado de Assis, Jorge Amado

and Paulo Coelho are among the most read
internationally. In terms of music, Samba (which
is the predominant music in Carnival festivals)
and Bossa Nova (which is a lyrical fusion
of Samba and Jazz) are famous Brazilian styles. From 1990, four Brazilian movies have been
nominated for the Oscar’s. Soccer (“futebol”) is the most popular sport and the country has won
five World Cups. Volleyball, basketball, auto racing (Formula 1) and martial arts (such as Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira) also draw large crowds.
10 Brazil Travel Guide

OBTAINING A VISA
There are three main ways to get a visa for Brazil:
• eVisa – application online for those who will not stay for more than 90 days in Brazil
• Brazilian Consulate – with jurisdiction over your region, for stays longer than 90 days
• Travel or Visa Service Agencies such as Travisa – for stays longer than 90 days.

More details for each, is below:

E-Visa
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the “Electronic Visitor Visa Program:
eVisa” for regular passport holders of the United States and a few other countries. Applicants
that meet the requirements to process their visa through eVisa, will not have to visit a Brazilian
consulate.

You can apply for the eVisa and obtain it online, www.vfsglobal.com/brazil-evisa, or through
apps for mobile phones or tablets. Provided all required documents are submitted correctly,
visas are normally issued within four to five working days.

Applying through eVisa, is also more cost effective due the elimination of travel costs. In total,
obtaining a visa through eVisa is $44.50 USD (visa fee of $40 USD plus a service fee of $4.24
USD). The visa will be valid for up to two years, for a maximum of 90 days in-country per year.
All major categories are covered: business, tourism, cultural and scientific programs, research
activity, studies, etc.

For more details on necessary documentation, FAQs and accessing the online form, please
visit www.vfsglobal.com/brazil-evisa.

Brazilian Consulate
Ohio State faculty, staff and students wishing to stay over 90 days in Brazil can apply for a
Brazilian visa at the Consulate in Washington D.C. that has jurisdiction to provide services
over the state of Ohio.

On its website, cgwashington.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/visa_general_information.xml, you can

find clear information on the visa type you should get (business, tourism, studies, etc.). The
fees vary according to the type of visa from $160 USD to $290 USD.

After filling the online form available at the website mentioned above, and gathering all
required documentation, applications may be submitted to the consulate in person or by a
travel or visa service agency. The consulate needs at least five business days to process a
visa, mailing time not included.

Any inquiries about your visa type and other details should be sent by email to visa.
cgwashington@itamaraty.gov.br.
 2018 11

Travel or Visa Service Agencies

Travel or visa service agencies can expedite your application. The biggest advantage is that
you won’t have to go to the consulate in person. There are many agencies, but most of Ohio
State travelers to Brazil have used Travisa. Visit travisa.com, for more information and the
necessary forms. You can also call Travisa for specific processing times and visa types.

Travisa - Washington, D.C.

4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 250
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: +1-240-437-4144
12 Brazil Travel Guide

TRAVEL ADVISORY AND ALERTS

Travelers can subscribe to receive Travel Advisory and Alerts via email from the U.S. Embassy and
Consulates in Brazil. They will include clear actions U.S. citizens should take before traveling.

To sign up, please, visit the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at STEP.state.gov, and for more
information visit travel.state.gov/travelsafely.

For further general information from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates call 1-888-407-4747 toll-
free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

In-country flights and hotel reservations can be made online or via phone. You may book a hotel
at the official website or via a hotel and flight search directory. The following websites are easy to
use:
• booking.com
• expedia.com

International flights arrive at and leave from the International Airport of Guarulhos (GRU), which
is almost one hour away from the Brazil Gateway office. Domestic flights can also arrive at/leave
from GRU, but the Airport of Congonhas (CGH) is preferred for domestic flights, because it is
closer to hotels and to the Brazil Gateway office (only 15-20 minutes).

The Brazil Gateway team can recommend hotels and neighborhoods depending on the city
you will travel to. Please, reach out to aparecido.1@osu.edu if you want to know about a specific
location.

If you are coming to São Paulo, where the Brazil Gateway is located, we have created a list of
recommendations for hotels, restaurants, stores and malls and cultural places to visit:
go.osu.edu/saopaulo.

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION

The best procedure is to check with your medical provider if you are up-to-date with your regular
vaccinations, then verify at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website if there
are any specific health alerts in the area (state/city) you plan to visit. For more information visit
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/vfr/brazil?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001 and
oia.osu.edu/health-and-safety/traveler-health/pre-departure-health.html. Finally, check with a
doctor if you have special needs.
 2018 13

COMMUNICATIONS
When deciding what cell phone plane to choose before arriving in Brazil, please keep in mind
that:

• You can sign up for an international phone plan from any U.S. calling company. Many have
very affordable or even free international plans available for a short trip.
• You can purchase a SIM card in any mobile store in Brazil if you have an unlocked phone. The
stores will need your passport number to register the SIM card. However, some stores might
require a CPF (Brazil’s equivalent to a social security number), and you will not be able to
purchase the SIM card in that case.
• Brazilians use WhatsApp extensively because text messaging is expensive. If you want to
save money, this is an option for you to reach out to fellow Brazilians.
•
There are four major telephone companies in Brazil, and you will be able to find their storefronts
in most shopping malls. You can buy a SIM card and pre-paid plans from any of them for around
$10-50 BRL. You will need to choose one of these companies and use their code number (listed
below) to make long-distance calls or just use Skype or Google Voice.

Telephone companies and codes

Vivo: 15
Claro: 21
Tim: 41
Oi: 31 or 14

Calling other Brazilian states:

0 + operating company code + city code + number

Calling other countries:

00 + operating company code + country code + city code + number

Options to obtain Internet connections:

• Hotel Wi-Fi is very common in Brazil
• You can get phone data plans from a U.S. carrier
14 Brazil Travel Guide

TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in Brazil includes buses, trains and subways depending on each city you
visit. From city-to-city, buses are common, however, domestic flights are easier because Brazil is
a big country and trips by bus may take long hours. Most tickets can be obtained online or at the
ticket booth close to the station. For getting around when you are in a city, buses are also a great
option and will accept payment in cash.

Taxis are available 24 hours a day, at the airport, at various locations in the cities and also through
apps, such as 99 Taxis. Transportation apps such as Uber and Cabify work well and are a great
and inexpensive option in almost every Brazilian city.

There is a lot to be done on foot depending on the city/neighborhood you are staying. In São
Paulo, for example, if you are near Paulista Avenue, you can walk to restaurants, museums, parks,
etc.

The Brazil Gateway staff can recommend and/or arrange rental car services with or without
private drivers. Contact us at brazilgateway@osu.edu or aparecido.1@osu.edu if you prefer.

MONEY ABROAD
Credit and debit cards are usually accepted in most places in Brazil. However, it is useful to carry
some cash with you in the local currency. There are ATMs around the cities as well, usually in
supermarkets and shopping malls. Brazilian currency is called Real (BRL) with the symbol “R$”. As
of January 10, 2018, the exchange rate was USD 1 = BRL 3,24, which means that with $1 you can
buy three times more than a Brazilian with one real. That’s a great advantage at restaurants and
stores!

Keep in mind that your credit card may incur international usage fees. Make sure to check with
your bank before traveling.

Some banks in Brazil include:

Banco do Brasil
Itaú
HSBC
Citibank
Santander
 2018 15

TIME AND CONVERSIONS

There are four time zones in Brazil due to its continental size. UTC-2 (east islands), UTC-3
(Brasilia, the capital of the country, thus considered the official time), UTC-4 (Amazon region)
and UTC-5 (northwest states). Considering the official time zone, UTC-3, there is a one-hour
difference ahead of the time in Ohio, except for daylight saving time when there is a 2-3-hour
difference depending on the month.

Military time is often used so do not be surprised when you are scheduled for a meeting at 15:30
(3:30 p.m.).

Other differences include measurement in length, weight, space, voltage and temperature.
For example, Brazil uses meters/kilometers as a measure of length; kilograms, for weight; and
Celsius, for temperature. You may download conversion apps on your tablets.

Bring an adapter if your device only supports U.S. sockets. Brazilian voltage can be 110V or 220V
depending on the city.

“ We had a highly productive visit to Brazil. With

the excellent contacts of our Ohio State Brazil
Gateway, we connected with several top Brazilian
business schools, as Fisher seeks collaborations in
its globalization efforts. We were also introduced to
prominent Brazilian firms, many of whom we also
engaged with in a stimulating discussion at a finance
forum organized by Visagio. Finally, we were delighted
to renew ties with many Buckeyes at a reception at the

”
Ohio State Gateway and to celebrate the remarkable
loyalty of our alumni the world over!

Professor Anil Makhija, Dean of the Fisher College of Business

16 Brazil Travel Guide

DURING
YOUR STAY
 2018 17

While in Brazil

AIRPORT ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival in Brazil, you will go through immigration and customs procedures, just as in
other countries. To save time, you may be given some forms to complete on board the plane
before landing.

Immigration and Customs

First, you will show the officer your passport with a valid Brazilian visa if your final destination
is Brazil. After collecting your luggage, you will pass through customs. There are two
channels: if you have nothing to declare and if you have something to declare. If you have
brought with you, items listed on the Customs Luggage Declaration Form such as computers,
cameras, video cameras, gold and silver, printed or recorded materials or anything else that
you will not take with you when you leave Brazil, you must declare it in the Customs Luggage
Declaration Form.

Leaving the airport

After passing through customs, proceed to the exit where you will see a booth to order a taxi
where you can share your destination address and they will calculate a fixed fee. If you leave
the taxis area and order a taxi yourself, the fee won’t be fixed. You can also call for an Uber/99
Taxi/Cabify to pick you up, in which case you will have to pay attention to the signs, because
in some airports (such as Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo) there is a specific place to meet app
drivers. Prices from app drivers will be cheaper than regular taxis.

If you contact us ahead of time, we can arrange a private driver with a name sign to wait for
you in the arrival area. Some hotels also provide this service.
18 Brazil Travel Guide

GENERAL TIPS
Now that you are physically in Brazil, let us introduce you to important cultural tips so you can
present yourself as a well-informed visitor.

Eating

There are not many cultural differences when it comes to enjoying a meal in Brazil. However,
lunch time is taken very seriously as a necessary and healthy break from work. Rarely, if
ever, will Brazilians eat lunch in front of their computers, so expect to be invited for lunch at a
restaurant by fellow Brazilians.

Don’t be surprise if lunch takes longer than you are used to, especially if it is your first lunch
together. Having a nicer lunch than usual and taking time to have a conversation is one the
ways Brazilians welcome visitors.

The drinking age in Brazil is 18 years old.

Making burp sounds or blowing your nose during meals is considered impolite.

You will notice that eating rice and beans (almost) every day during lunch and dinner is
common. Pizzas, burgers and hotdogs are considered weekend/happy hour meals. For
snacks, you can find fruits, real fruit juices and “salgados” in any market, bar and even street
vendors.

“Salgados” are part of the Brazilian culture and you should try at least once! They are mostly
fried pastries such as the famous “coxinha” (fried chicken pastry) or “pastel” (fried pastry
filled with cheese, or meat or both). “Pao de queijo” is also a great option for snacks, it a type
of cheese bread (originally from the state of Minas Gerais, so if you are going there, take
advantage of it!). If you are looking for something healthier you can try “tapioca” which is a
wrap made with yucca flour and you can have any filling you like. For sweets, be sure to try
“brigadeiros,” a very rich dessert with chocolate and condensed milk.

Brazilian steak houses are a nice place to go, even if you are vegetarian or vegan, because
these places usually have huge salad bars with great variety. Steakhouses are a bit
expensive, but they are all-you-can-eat restaurants. You can start by choosing items from the
salad bar, but do not overdo it at the salad bar if you like meat, because when you go back
to your table waiters will start passing by your table offering an array of meats. If you feel
like you want to try the meat being offered, the waiter will slice a piece of it for you and you
should get it with a tong and place it on your plate. Waiters will only stop offering you meat if
you turn a sign on your table to the color red. If you want to try it in Columbus, there are two
Brazilian steakhouses: Rodizio and Texas de Brazil.

Because Brazil is a melting pot of cultures and people who have immigrated or were brought
here during colonization from Portugal (1500-1822), you will certainly find many different
international food places, especially Japanese and Italian.
 2018 19

Coxinha Pão de queijo Brigadeiro

Greetings and forms of address

In Brazil, handshakes and kind salutations are considered respectful. Don’t be scared if someone
gives you a hug or a quick kiss near your cheek, especially if you have spent some time talking
with that person.

A form of address is to some extent a reflection of the social climate. In Brazil, usage is pretty
similar to what you would use in the United States.

Dos and don’ts

• Do start a conversation by asking “How are you?” or “Tudo bom” in Portuguese.

• Do not be mistaken: Portuguese is the language spoken in Brazil. Yes, it is similar to Spanish,
but do not mistake Spanish as the country’s language, it will be considered rude. If you want
to be introduced to Portuguese before coming to Brazil, there are many places you can go to
at Ohio State. You can visit the Center for Latin American Studies and get some information or
look for classes in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. There is even an online class
available – youtu.be/BFTxP6_LukY. Schirlei Silveira (silveira.10@osu.edu) is the coordinator.
• Do try out your Portuguese skills. Brazilians consider it very polite and appreciate when
foreigners make an effort to speak at least some words in Portuguese. It may facilitate
connections and relationships.
• Don’t feel obligated to tip for services. Tipping is not a cultural norm in Brazil, because a
service fee will automatically be included in your bill at establishments.
• Don’t walk around the streets with electronic devices such as cellphones too exposed,
and always keep an eye on your bags and other belongings. These items are extremely
expensive in Brazil and there may be pickpockets around.
• Do NOT flush toilet paper into the toilet. There will be a trash can next to the toilet to dispose
of toilet paper.
• Don’t respond to beggars. For your safety, simply look away.
• Do give preference to bottled water or water fountains/filters.
20 Brazil Travel Guide

PLACES TO VISIT
When you travel to Brazil, please be mindful that the country is big and diverse. There are many
differences in the climate and local traditions. Researching your destinations in advance is a good
idea.

The Ohio State Brazil Gateway is located in São Paulo, the largest city in the Southern
Hemisphere known for its bustling atmosphere and multicultural population. São Paulo is the
state’s capital and holds the largest economy in Latin America. The gateway’s office is situated in
the Moema district, one of the premiere business areas in the city.

It is near Ibirapuera Park, the third biggest park in the city, that has three lakes, museums and
many activities.

If you stop by the office, we can share nearby places of interest as well as the destinations you
might like to visit.

Ohio State Brazil Gateway

Avenida Ibirapuera, 2120, room 164, Moema, São Paulo – SP, 04028-001, Brasil

Here are some places you can

visit in São Paulo:

• Ibirapuera Park (the third

biggest park)
• Paulista Avenue (symbol of
the economic and political
power of São Paulo)
• Batman Alley (popular tourist
destination because of the
dense concentration of graffiti
that line the streets)

And here are some other places

in Brazil:

• Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana,

Christ the Redeemer, Lapa
Steps...)
• Pantanal
• Porto Alegre (the most
beautiful street in the world)
• Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto)

If you are interested in reading more about traveling in Brazil, you may ask us or visit Brazil-
related tourist sites, such as www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil or www.roughguides.com/destinations/
south-america/brazil.
 2018 21

Ibirapuera Park: An urban park in São Paulo. It comprises 158 hectares.

Batman Alley: The nickname for the area is attributed to a graffito of the DC Comics
character Batman which was painted on one of the walls in the 1980s.
22 Brazil Travel Guide

Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a large seaside city in Brazil, which is famous for its Copacabana and Ipanema
beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for the Sugarloaf Mountain. In
February, its Carnaval festival, features parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers,
and is considered the world’s largest.

Christ the Redeemer: An Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, created
by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva
Costa, in collaboration with the French engineer Albert Caquot.

Copacabana Beach
 2018 23

Pantanal

Pantanal: A natural region encompassing the world’s largest tropical wetland area.

Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto: A colonial town in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains of eastern Brazil. It’s
known for its baroque architecture, including bridges, fountains and squares and its
steep, winding cobbled streets.
24 Brazil Travel Guide

EMERGENCY AND
LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION
When an accident occurs, no matter if you know the language or not, always call or shout for
help. It is better to rely on the people around you for immediate help. Take pictures of the
accident or find a way to record the situation.

For medical assistance or emergency, there are two options: private and public services. If you
look for a private hospital/doctor, you will have to pay for the visit and exams. In case you have
your international health insurance, you can be reimbursed according to the company’s policy.
If you go to a public hospital (Pronto Socorro), you will have to wait a bit longer in line to see a
doctor, but the service is free for foreigners as well.

You can also reach out to Ohio State from Brazil for emergencies through the Ohio State 24/7
International Emergency Phone Line: +1-614-292-6677. (Can accept collect calls from abroad). For
more information on the support the Office of International Affairs can provide for emergencies
abroad, please, check oia.osu.edu/health-and-safety/emergencies-abroad.html.

Phone Directory

Police 190

Traffic Accidents 191

Ambulance 192

Fire Alarm 193

If no one around you can help (very unlikely to happen) or you would like to confirm or ask for
advice, our Gateway staff is always available to help you. We can be reached Monday - Friday,
9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and will respond to your requests as soon as possible.

Brazil Gateway Office and Staff Contact

Brazil Gateway Office Avenida Ibirapuera, 2120, room 164, Moema, São Paulo – SP,
04028-001, Brasil

Luke Barbara barbara.2@osu.edu | Brazil +55-11-96072-8680 | USA +1-614-859-

Director 5853

Jane K. Aparecido aparecido.1@osu.edu | Brazil +55-11-97466-1123 | USA +1-614-302-

Academic Relations and Alumni 0253
Community Manager
 2018 25

U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES

The U.S. Consulates in Brazil also provides emergency contact information.

Emergency assistance is available at the American Citizen Services Unit. In case of an

emergency involving an American citizen, such as an emergency with an American minor child,
a hospitalization, death or arrest, you may call 61-3312-7000 during normal business hours or
61-3312-7400 outside of office hours. For questions regarding applying for a new U.S. passport,
obtaining notary service, or any other non-emergency services, please review the U.S. Consulate
website for detailed information: https://br.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services

United States Embassies and Consulates in Brazil:

U.S. Embassy Brasilia

SES - Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
70403-900 - Brasília, DF
Phone: 61- 3312-7000
After-Hours Emergencies: 61-3312-7400
E-mail: BrasiliaACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Recife

Rua Goncalves Maia, 163
Bairro Boa Vista Recife, PE - 50.070-060
Phone: 81-3416-3050
After-Hours Emergencies: 81-99916-9470 or 81-3416-3060
Email: RecifeACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro

Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 Castelo
Rio de Janeiro, RJ — 20030-020
Entrance at Rua Santa Luzia
Phone: 21-3823-2000
After-Hours Emergencies: 21-3823-2029
Email: acsrio@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General São Paulo

Rua Henri Dunant, 500,
Chácara Santo Antonio,
São Paulo, SP — 04709-110
Phone: 11-3250-5000
After-Hours Emergencies: 11-3250-5373
Email: SaoPauloACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Porto Alegre

Avenida Assis Brasil, 1889
Passo d’Areia
91.350-110
Porto Alegre – RS
Phone: 51-3345-6000
After-Hours Emergencies: 51-3345-6000
Email: PortoalegreACS@state.gov
RECONNECT
WITH BRAZIL
 2018 27

Keep in Touch
If you are leaving the country, we’d like to stay in touch with you. If you wish to be on the
newsletter distribution list for Ohio State-Brazil related news, post your Brazil trip and research
progress or keep in touch with colleagues and friends in Brazil, please do not hesitate to contact
us. We also post opportunities such as fellowships, internships and grant opportunities, regularly,
so stay tuned.

Website: oia.osu.edu/Brazil
Subscribe to our newsletter: go.osu.edu/BrazilGatewayNewsletterSignUp

Social Networks: /OhioStateBrazil

Facebook: facebook.com/OhioStateBrazil
Twitter: twitter.com/OhioStateBrazil
Instagram: instagram.com/OhioStateBrazil
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/3700363

If you want to connect with departments, organizations and groups related to Brazil both on
campus or in Columbus, take a look at a list we have provided in our website: oia.osu.edu/brazil/
resources.html.

Thank you for taking time to read this guide and we hope for many opportunities to reconnect
and see you again in the near future.

Go Bucks!
FAQ
 2018 29

Questions
The Brazil Gateway opened in 2014 and we have received many great questions from faculty,
students and staff from all departments of Ohio State. We are happy to share them and welcome
your thoughts and ideas so we can better serve our future Ohio State visitors!

FAQ
With the great service you provide, do you charge a service fee?
The Brazil Gateway does not charge fees for providing service to Ohio State colleges and
departments. Upon request, the Brazil Gateway office can prepay expenses during your visit
in Brazil and then bill back to your department or office after the completion of your trip. The
service will enable your department to reimburse the expenses in USD to the Global Gateway
office on campus. Please email the Brazil Gateway if you have any further questions.

What do I need to pack for the trip?

• Bring any prescription medication you might need
• Medical history (blood type, allergies, known medical conditions, etc.) will be helpful if you
need to see a doctor in Brazil
• Bring a copy of your international travel insurance policy and an emergency contact
number
• Take an international adapter plug for your computer cords, phone charger, hair dryer and
electric shaver

This is my first international flight; how should I prepare?

• Check the weather and time zone of your destination city before your trip
• Keep all necessary documents with you and do not put them in your checked luggage
(passport, visa, airline tickets)
• If it is the first time you will take a flight for more than 10 hours, be prepared. It is tedious
and tiring. Drink a lot of water and try to walk up the aisle every hour.

How safe is it to cross the street?

Always pay attention when you walk across the road, even when the lights are green as cars
will still turn right and not necessarily yield the right of way to the pedestrians.
30 Brazil Travel Guide

“ “I got a chance to deeply explore this amazing country

and experienced the local culture. I do really love this
country, and thanks for everyone who showed me
kindness and helped me out whenever I needed help. I

”
really appreciate everything I had there.

Cindy Lin, undergrad student at Ohio State and president of AIESEC

on campus .

How can I get around if I cannot speak or read Portuguese?

In bigger cities where bilingual signs are available, it is not hard to navigate. It is usually not
hard to find people who speak basic English, especially younger generations. If you stay in a
hotel, be sure to ask for a local map, in both languages. If you are staying in an apartment or
local residence, you may ask someone to write a note in Portuguese with the destination’s
directions. People usually understand if you are having trouble with the language, but you will
be amazed how well you can get by without knowing the language.

What if I get food poisoning or get sick?

Food poisoning is preventable if you give preference to bottled water and avoid food from
street vendors. You may also bring some medicine for your travel, e.g. Tylenol or Imodium.
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BRAZIL GATEWAY
Avenida Ibirapuera, 2120, room 164, Moema, São Paulo – SP, 04028-001, Brasil