International participants

VISITING Brazil

Visas and Passport Requirements
You will need a current passport to enter Brazil. Depending on which country you are coming from, a visa may or may not be required. Nationals from some countries need neither a tourist visa nor a business visa to enter Brazil. The list of exempted countries may change without prior notice and it’s important to check with the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate whose jurisdiction you live in whether your country is really exempted.

Brazil Travel Requirements for Children


Unless your child is a national of a country exempted from the need for a Brazil tourist visa, you will need to apply for a visa for him or her much in the same way you will apply for yours. The same documents will need to be presented and applicable fees are the same as for an adult.


Driving

  • Driving in the Brazil is on the right-hand side of the road.
  • The use of seat belts is required by law.
  • A driver's license and automobile casualty insurance are required by law.
  • Most expressways are "limited access," which means that you may only enter and exit at designated points.
  • The speed limit on most expressways is 65/70 miles per hour (mph), or 112 km/hr. Speed limits for in-town driving are generally 30 mph (48 km/hr) or 45 mph (72 km/hr). Speed limit signs are posted on most roads, but are given in Km per hour only. Pay close attention to posted limits or you could be ticketed for speeding.

Tipping Practices
Tipping is not a standard practice in the Brazil for most services. As a general rule, tip approximately 10% for restaurants is included in the bill. If you receive assistance at the airport or hotel with your luggage, tip $1-2 USD.

Electrical Information
The electrical current in the Brazil is 120/220 AC. Vitoria is 120 AC

Dress
Vitoria tends to be very informal but there are few places that require formal attire. Dress in the classroom tends to be business casual or country-club casual. We invite you to dress for your own comfort. The temperature in the classrooms is electronically controlled, but since individual "comfort levels" vary, it's a good idea to bring a sweater or jacket with you. Be sure to take the weather into consideration when packing.

Weather

AVERAGE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OVER THE YEAR
Average min and max temperatures in Vitoria, Brazil   Copyright © 2015 www.weather-and-climate.com

Click for the latest Vitoria Aeroporto weather forecast.


Click for the latest Vitoria Aeroporto weather forecast.

Click for the latest Vitoria Aeroporto weather forecast.

Cultural Notes
Most people, men and women, greet each other with a handshake. Introductions usually include both first and last name. You will find most Brazilians friendly and helpful.  Please feel free to ask for directions or assistance. It is not uncommon for strangers to ask one another for directions to a specific location. However, we do not recommend accepting rides from strangers. Always exercise common sense and caution when walking alone at night in the city or around campus.

Alcohol
The legal drinking age in Brazil is 18 years of age.

Smoking
Because of the public health issues surrounding second-hand smoke, smoking is not curtailed in most public buildings and restaurants. In Vitoria smoking is not permitted in public buildings and restaurants.
  • Most larger restaurants will have designated smoking areas, but smaller ones may not.

Meals
Lunch is the largest meal of the day. Generally dinners are plentiful and Brazilians in general dine after 7:00 PM,

Hours
  • General business hours in Vitoria are usually 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Most stores are open between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with department stores at malls open until 10:00 p.m.
  • Restaurants are generally open pass midnight, but call ahead to confirm their hours.
  • Bars and pubs are open until 2:00 a.m.

Religious Services
Vitoria  has a wide variety of places of worship for many different faith traditions. Please ask at your hotel front desk for a list of local options.