Brazil sailing vacation & boat charter practical information

Brazil's climate varies greatly. Most of the northern part of the Brazilian coast is under the influence of northeasterly winds that are strongest in the summer between December and February. During the winter months of March to August the wind blows in a south to southeast direction. It can be challenging and difficult to sail down the coast this time of year. This is why we are starting just south of Rio. In addition an eye must be kept on the weather, as the winds can change direction unexpectedly…

Brazilian summer season is December to May. In these months it is hotter and more humid than in the dry season, with temperatures soaring to 104°F. Due to the often-high humidity it rains almost daily (tropical rain) until the end March. Starting April the weather is dryer, although June through August is considered the dry season.

In April the average temperatures are perfect with a mean average of 77°F a lowest of 68°F at night and a highest of 92°F. Although no precipitations were recorded in Spring 2006, I would recommend to bring a foul weather or rain jackets and a fleece in can of brutal change of weather. Water average temperatures are between 73°F and 75°F degrees in April.

During our trip the moon will be decreasing from a full moon on April 3^rd to the new moon on April 17^th. The sun will rise at about 6 am and will set at 6 pm Brazilian time.

We will have a 3 to 4 ft of tide and we will have to pay attention to currents and winds coming down valleys when anchored.

More information about the weather in Rio and Angra select this link.

Brazil Time Zones

There are 4 time zones in Brazil. The time in most of Brazil tourist areas is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-3). Please note that the time difference with GMT is only 2 hours when DST starts in February for Brazil. This is true of Rio and Angra which are + 3 hours ahead of New York with or without DST assuming that both start DST at the same date, which is of course not the case at the end of February but will be in April. Lost? Remember Rio is 3 hours ahead of New York in April and you will be fine.

Phone, Cell phone and internet.

Land line phone

Within Brazil Dial 00 + operator code + country international code to make an overseas call.

Operator codes:

0014 Brasil Teleco

0015 Telefonica

0021 Embratel

0023 Intelig

0031 Telemar

All operators have different rates normally described from anywhere you call.

If you are in Brazil ringing an international number or a national one in a different area it can be quite tricky, because you will have to dial the operator code as well for each call. Pick up a choice (21, for Embratel) and you can ring any national or international number with it.

For example, if it is an international call, it is 00.xx (operator code) .yy (country code) .zz (area code) and the telephone number.

For a national call, it would be 0. xx (operator code). area code. telephone number.

55 is the International Country (Calling) Code for Brazil.

From the US 01155 + Phone number (with Brazilian area code). If someone is ringing Brazil from abroad they'll have to dial 00 (international dialing code) 55 (country code) the area code and the telephone number. The area code for the area “Sudeste” in Rio or Angra for example is 11.

Telephone number for information is 102 (some operator do speak English if you try a little Portuguese).

Local calling cards are found everywhere, mainly at the newsagent's

Cell phone network

In Brazil the cell phone network is GSM 1800.

The network is data internet/e-mail and voice networks (GPRS and GSM) is available only in cities, for us in Rio and Angra. Cells phones are unpredictable while traveling the smaller islands off Angra dos Reis.

For those who need to get in constant communication with the US, prepaid SIM cards offer the benefits of using your own phone at local rates (that may not be as bad as your US provider’s roaming charges. Simply replace your SIM card with a prepaid Brazil SIM card and you will be set up to make all those Sooo important phone calls and send quick messages across the world, without paying excessively high roaming costs, although you do need an unlocked GSM US tri-band phone (because the US GSM providers – T Mobil and Cingular operate at 1900 Mhz) for that purpose. Check with your provider. You may buy a SIM card for about R$50.00 in brazil or you can get on line at Travellerspoint.

Another solution is to buy a cell phone in Brazil which will allow you at no cost to receive calls. Different solutions are available in Rio and cost varies from R$100.00 to R$250.00 for top level internet-able phones.

The least expensive way are the Brazilian phone cards that can be purchased in Rio and in Angra (more expensive) from R$10 to R$50.00.

There are also public phones located on almost all islands or,

you can let me handle you e-mail (Although I do not check my voice mail because of crazy roaming rates but I have free internet and e-mail service) or

you can use internet cafés and Skype if you have a username. If not get one before you go and open a small account as $5.00 goes a long way with Skype - as we will found some internet access on the islands or wait Rio to give your most important phone calls.

I would recommend a mix of all solutions above. My rate – counted in liters of rum - for special communication favors is rather high...

Water

Water is potable everywhere and there are no water treatment facilities.

Nevertheless, I personally abstain to drink non bottled water – even in bars - or eat anything uncooked or not peeled and washed with local fresh water as a basic and systematic precautionary measure. Indeed I find it more interesting to spend my days on the deck than down below visiting the heads, although it is a matter of personal preference. Believe me I have done it. Sure you’ll get lucky a few times and then you’ll hate yourself for daring challenge my extensive experience in the matter. Never ever drink unboiled water from the boat tanks... Bacteria LOVE them. We will have plenty of bottled and safe water on board.

I would also advise to use sea water when traveling or anchored in “sanitary conditions” – not behind or near other boats - for cooking and fresh products washing purposes – which offers the added benefit of saving fresh water. An other possible precautionary measure is to mix water with rum… If you don not follow these simple measures you may end up with a little “tourista”. Fortunately, Immodium is readily available (know locally as Diarec – I guess it’s more evocative). For more difficult cases Cipro and other antibiotics are sold over the counter in most pharmacies in villages. Just remember we only have 3 heads on board.

We will need also to be vigilant about water consumption, as refilling may be difficult. The Angra and Ilha Grande Yacht clubs are usually pretty welcoming to foreign visitors, with few exception depending on what team was playing recently against the Brazilian soccer team, and if they won or not. For that purpose I will avoid to speak French too much. I will advise the crew to use showers on shore when and where ever possible even if we have to book a cheap hotel room at time, to abstain from fresh water Jacuzzi or baths while on board, and more generally to monitor their water use. Cooking and doing dishes with salt water when at sea or anchored in “sanitary” conditions (not behind other boats!) is perfectly acceptable, as much as is salt water showering at times, pasta cooking, etc. Note that it is somewhat unpleasant for those moments when you really need fresh water to contemplate a dry shower head.

Cruising tax

When chartering in Brazil you will hear about a state tax in cash upon departure of your yacht vacation. The cost is 5% of the charter cost and is already accounted for in the charter cost that you will pay.

Languages

Portuguese (official). A good mix of Spanish or Latin with a zest of French and a genuine accentuation of Ao’s + a big smile will take you a long way.

English is not often well spoken – but I guess you will be used to that with me.

Religion

70% Roman Catholic; Lots of churches…, also a significant proportion who either belong to various cults or practice Evangelical Christianity or Indian animism. Religion is a serious matter in Brazil and all faiths are very much respected, especially Catholicism. Please don't play with that.

Currency and money matters

The currency is Brazil, the Real (R$ or BRL), plural is Reais. It is pronounced like hay-al (plural is hay-ice).

Exchange rate on Feb 20^th 2007 is 100 R$ = $48.10

$100 = R$207.89

Don’t even think paying with dollars...

Banking hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Some HSBC branches open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. But don’t count on it as the lines are long after 4.00 pm when people get off work.

ATM Machines of banks are generally open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm (although it is common for the locks on the doors not to be operational). Note that not all ATM machines accept international credit cards. The machines that do accept international credit cards will have the symbols of the types of international cards it accepts. Cirrus and First cards are pretty common in Rio and Agra. Banks that typically have ATM machines that accept international credit cards are HSBC, Citibank and Banco do Brasil.

Generally, ATM machines that accept international credit cards, banks, change and places that accept credit cards are readily found in large cities, including Rio and Agra. However, when traveling outside the city or to remote areas as we will at times, it will be much more difficult if not impossible to find an ATM machine on the islands, a bank, a change or even a restaurant where you can pay with credit card. So plan ahead.

Withdraw and change at the airport in New York or Rio, if you have the time.

I would advise you to arrive in Brazil with at least a small amount of local currency. In Brazil, foreign currencies can be exchanged in shops with signs showing "Cambio". The exchange rates given for exchanging cash are generally better than those from withdrawing cash from a credit card from an ATM machine (especially with all of the little fees most card companies charge these days).

Remember Cash is king. Change at the airport, in Rio if you can because banks close early. I would advise each crew to change in cash a minimum of $500.00, more if you intend to buy some gifts.

Do not buy travelers checks. They are very difficult to change outside the main cities in Brazil and banks charge whopping fees when they do.

Tipping & Etiquette

Tipping in Brazil is typically not expected nor given. Obviously, if someone provides a typically good or special service, you might consider a bit extra. However, a Brazilian would typically not.

At almost all restaurants and bars, a standard "Serviço" service fee of 10% is included as a line item at the end of the "conta" or bill. It is not expected to surpass this amount. It is always clearly identified. This fee is not obligatory, but it is hardly expected you pay it.

In bars, generally bartenders don’t handle cash. In a bar or a restaurant, you ask the bartender for your bill, and he brings a total (normally with details). You decide how you'll pay and then give the money, check or card. Sometimes in crowded bars, you’ll have an individual control paper or number. Just go to the register to pay when you are done. Cultivating loyalty with one bartender is usually possible by being friendly with him, talking, and smiling...

Common taxis (yellow in Rio de Janeiro) run on a taxi meter. Typically, if the total for the trip comes to say R$12.20 (i.e. a bit above R$12.00), people pay the amount round to the next whole number (in this case R$13.00) so that no one has to deal with coins. No other tip is required or expected. To/From the airport, a taxi may apply a R$3 per case charge on top of the fare. This happens occasionally and, supposedly, they have a right to ask for it. However, if they apply this charge, they should definitely transfer your luggage out of the car for you. There are also special or radio taxis. These typically quote prices for a trip and do not use a taxi meter. A tip should not be given in this case as you are already paying a higher price for these taxis. No tipping in "collectivos" sort of bus system with all kind of interesting vehicles.

For most hotels, the only tip would be for the bell hop if they transfer all of your luggage to/from the room. In this case a small tip (R$5 to R$10) is appreciated.

Electricity

110 or 220V 60HzHz. Yes it depends. Hotels provide converters

Electric Plugs. It depends again...

European plug with two circular metal pins

or American-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades above a circular grounding pin or Japanese-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades.

I’ll bring a converter and an inverter on board. Therefore your US and European electric equipment will work on board. Bring your chargers if you want them to last more than few hours. Rechargeable batteries are a must, although you’ll find generic battery styles everywhere.

Emergencies

To call an ambulance dial 192

To call police dial 190

VHF channel 16

There is a 24 h small medical center, Doctors, Dentists and a pharmacy in Angra. They sell over the counter antibiotics and other useful at times medications. Internet café and telephones, police are available.

Small medical center, pharmacy, internet café, telephones and police on Ilha Grande in Abraao. Tel: (24) 3361-5884

Full medical and health facilities, top level hospitals in Rio.

Check with your medical insurance if you are covered in Brazil. If you are take your insurance card with you or any claim form that you may need.

If you are not covered, you may purchase medical insurance for Brazil covering up to $500,000.00 of medical emergency expenses, luggage and trip cancellation insurance, medical, dental and pharmacy for a little more than $56.00 for 2 weeks at worldnomads. It’s well worth it.

In Rio you will also find US Consulate:

American Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro Avenida Presidente Wilson, 147 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Telephone: (0XX 21) 3823-2000 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For emergencies outside office hours or during weekends and holidays, the U.S. Marine on duty can be reached by calling the Consulate General (3823-2000). If he cannot resolve your problem, he will ask the Duty Officer to contact you.

For more information please refer to the US Consulate in Rio.

For more info about emergencies please refer to the American Embassy in Brazil and to the US State Department.

Visa – IMPORTANT

It feels as if visa and passport requirements change daily! And they do. I’ve seen visa for US citizens visiting Brazil be valid for 10 years, 5 years, 3 months etc, one day no need for visa and a week later you need one… Seriously, Brazil practices the so-called "reciprocity" policy in terms of visa requirements.

So, as the US requires visas for Brazilians visiting the US, so does the opposite. The most accurate and up to date information always comes from the embassy. What I know as of Feb. 20^th 2007 is that the US requires now Brazilian citizen to enter the US even for tourism purposes. Therefore Brazil requires US, Canadian and Mexican citizens to get a visa to enter Brazil.

Most European citizens do not need a visa for Brazil.

To check for the latest updates and know if you need a visa check out the link to the Brazilian Embassy for requirements by country.

Wherever you are you need to request your visa – if you need one – at the Consulate of your jurisdiction. In most cases you have to go in person with your passport to get your visa. The process takes 2 to 5 days depending on the Consulate and the period (carnival is busy).

For New Yorkers check out with the Brazilian Consulate in New York:

1185 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue), 21st Floor New York, NY 10036 Phone: (917) 777-7777 Fax: (212) 827-0225 or by Email.

The NYC consulate is open to non-Brazilian citizens from 10:00h to 12:00h and 14:30h to 16:00h for service requests and submission of documents including Visa applications.

For more info, please refer to the Brazilian Embassy :

Vaccinations

We are no traveling in areas known as unsanitary or dangerous, nor classified by the WHO or the CDC as being endemic for any specific disease.

Vaccinations are therefore not necessary although they may be advisable for yellow fever (transmittable via mosquitoes) if you have the time and the energy. General basic personal precautionary measures such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and insect repellents containing DEET are enough to prevent mosquito bites which anyway I repeat are not carrying of yellow fever in our areas of travel.

For further prevention information, see the CDC web site for health related travel information.

Travel information and guides

Brazil's Tourism Ministry is called EMBRATUR. You can get a lot of information about the country from its website.

Travel guides:

'Lonely Planet Brazil' Editor: Lonely Planet

'Rio de Janeiro' Editor: Lonely Planet

'South Brazil - Philips Guide' Editor: Publifolha

'Frommer's Brazil' Editor: Frommer's

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