Area
8,547,404 sq. km. (3,300,171 sq. miles)
Location
South America
Population
188 million (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 22 per sq. km.
Capital City
Brasilia with a total population of 2.3 million (as per estimates of 2004).
Language
Portuguese is the official and most popular language of Brazil. The language is spoken with different dialects in different States. English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian are also popular in tourist areas. The indigenous areas have four linguistic roots: Gê, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib.
Electricity
Brasilia and Recife, AC 220 volts; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, AC 127 volts and 220 volts in big hotels. Two-pin type plugs are commonly used. The travellers have the convenience of 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors in most hotels.
Currency
Real/Reais (BRL; Symbol R$). 1R$ = 100 Centavos.
Notes prevalent = R$ 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100
Coins prevalent = R$ 1; Centavos 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at all banks, travel agencies, authorised hotels, and cambios. US Dollars is the most popular and wisely accepted currency. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also conveniently situated.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and tourist agencies. The US travellers’ cheques for US Banknotes may not be exchangeable but they attract 15% discount while paying bills at hotels or restaurants in foreign currency or travellers’ cheques. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Banks in Brazil normally function from Monday to Friday from 1000-1600.