11- USEFUL INFORMATION

11.1: Travelling to Brazil


There are several airlines flying to Brazil from the UK and France. The average travel time can vary from 11hours (from London without connection) to 20hours (if connection).
The low season starts on the 1st April. Prices may vary but you should be able to find a ticket return for around £600 (to Sao paulo Guarulhos).

Here are the details of some airlines:
TAM: http://www.tam.com.br/
TAP Portugal: http://www.flytap.com/
KLM: http://www.klm.com/
Air France: http://www.airfrance.fr/
Iberia: http://www.iberia.com/
British airways:www.ba.com

To find cheaper deals have a look on
http://www.ebookers.com/
http://www.govoyages.com/
http://www.expedia.com/
http://www.opodo.com/


Alternatively, we could try to get cheaper fares by making groups and all buying our tickets via the same agency.

the website of Sao Paulo international airport (Guarulhos) is http://www.aeroportosdobrasil.com.br/

11.2: VISAS:

No visa is required for citizen from the EU who wishes to travel to brazil as a tourist.
You will be given an arrival form on the plane that you will need to complete prior to pass the immigration gates.

11.3: Health checks:

Ensure your immunisations are up to date: (Diphteria, poliomyelitis, tetanos).
Immunisation against the yellow fever and malaria are advisable although it is not mandatory.

Do not drink water from tap as it is either poluted or heavily treated.

11.4: Currency:

The currency is the Real with a variable exchange rate
£1=R$3.5
€1=R$2.68

Banks are normally open 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday.

11.5:Emergency numbers:

Ambulance 192
Police 190
Fire brigade 193
French ambassy in Sao Paulo: 11-3171 1599 / 11-30688813

11.6: Car rental:


The cost for a basic car for a week is approximately 600 reals (without AC but insurance included). The fares vary depending on the type of vehicle and the company. Some have daily fares (no limited distance) and others have a kilometric fare.
All accept international bank cards. you can rent a car from all major airports.
An international driving licence is recommended but not mandatory.

If you wish to rent a car with driver, the cost would be over 350reals for a single trip Guarulhos airport to ilhabela (up to 4 people in the car) or over 600 reals for a minvan (12 to 15 people).

It is possible to rent bicycles once on the island but prices seem excessively expensive (50 reals per day).

The main rental companies are
Hertz:11-325 89229
http://www.hertz.com/

Avis: 11-325 6868
http://www.avis.com/

Localiza: 31-3247 762 or 08009792000
http://www.localiza.com.br/

Unidas: 0800-121 121
http://www.unidas.com.br/

Fares may vary but those companies should accept all international bank cards.