Travel Guide

2025 Rio University Travel Guide

Flight Information

Rio de Janeiro has two main airports, and the preferred choice will depend on your international or domestic connections:

  • Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) serves as the main international airport for Rio de Janeiro. The Hotel on Copacabana Beach is about 40 minutes from the main international airport.

  • Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) primarily operates domestic flights. The Hotel on Copacabana Beach is about 20 minutes from the main international airport.

Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Ground Transportation

Airport transfers

It is the responsibility of members and guests to arrange and pay for ground transportation. EO’s hospitality team will coordinate with a local transportation company to provide discounted transfer options between the airport and hotel.

Airport transfers now available for booking

The hospitality team has arranged special discounted rates with a preferred transportation vendor for transfers to and from the airport to the conference venue. You can easily book your transfer by visiting this link. Round-trip options are available as well. Be sure to have your full travel details on hand when booking. Please also remember to make your reservation at least 72 hours before you arrive to secure your transfer

Weather

November in Brazil is the beginning of the warmer summer months, so it gets a bit more humid. However, it is not as hot and humid as during the months December-February, which means the weather is pleasant overall. There might be occasional rainstorms, but they rarely last long.

  • Average temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C).

  • Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat and consider a rain jacket or umbrella for possible showers.

Dress Code

The dress code for the daytime meetings at the hotel is business casual. The meeting rooms are air-conditioned, so a light jacket or layers are suggested for comfort during sessions.

Since rain is a possibility for the month of November, a rain jacket and umbrella are recommended items to pack.

  • Men’s Dress Code GlossaryBusiness casual – Nice slacks, collared shirts Smart casual – Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks or nice jeans, dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt

  • Women’s Dress Code Glossary Business casual – Nice slacks, skirt, blouse Smart casual – Dress, skirt and dressy top, dressy pants outfit, nice jeans and dressy top 

The hotel and other venues will be air-conditioned. We recommend dressing in layers to be comfortable.

About Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Time Zone: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or BRT, Brasilia Standard Time (UTC-3)

Please check www.timeanddate.com to determine what time it is in your home city.

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)

For currency converter tools, please visit Oanda.com or XE.com.

Language

English is the official language of the 2025 EO Rio University. Brazilian Portuguese (Português Brasileiro) is the official language of Brazil (spelled locally as Brasil).

Currency and Payment Information

The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real (code: BRL, sign: R$).

  • Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, R$200 (made of durable polymer material).
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as R$1 denominations
  • To check the current exchange rate for your currency, go to http://www.xe.com/.

Credit and Debit Card Usage

  • Accepted Cards: MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Brazil, while American Express has limited acceptance.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: Credit card issuers may charge one (1) percent to three (3) percent for international purchases. Debit cards typically have lower fees but check with your bank to confirm.
  • Important Note: Not all establishments accept both credit card types. Look for signs indicating accepted cards before making purchases.

Currency Exchange

The Brazilian real (R$) is the only currency legally accepted in Brazil.

  • Exchange foreign currency for reals at authorized institutions upon arrival.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in major airports, on shopping streets, and outside banks.

  • Fee-Free Options: Check with your bank to see if they partner with Brazilian banks for no-fee withdrawals.
  • Travel Notification: Inform your bank of your travel plans before departure to avoid having your card flagged and access restricted.

Do carry a mix of cash and cards to Rio to ensure smooth transactions, as some places may not accept cards.

Electricity and Power Adapters

  • Voltage: Most areas use 127V, but some newer hotels operate at 220V.
  • Frequency: Brazil operates at 60Hz.
  • Outlet Types: Brazil uses type C and type N electrical outlets.
  • Preparation: Bring a combined power plug adapter and voltage converter to accommodate your devices.
  • Check your appliances for compatibility with voltage and frequency differences to avoid damage.

 Check out the following pictures:

Stay Connected

Country Code and Emergency Information

  • The country code for Brazil is +55.
  • The national emergency number in Brazil is 190.

Mobile Phone Connectivity

· Please contact your individual mobile phone service provider for information about international plans.

  • Mobile phones are widely used throughout Brazil. Call your service provider before arriving to determine if you should purchase an international roaming plan.

Wi-Fi Access

  • Wi-Fi is available either under payment or for free in some public places such as coffee shops/ bistros, airports, restaurants, and hotels.
  • The strength and speed of the signal may vary, and you may need to ask for login information.

Entry Requirements and Visas

  • Anyone who is not a Brazilian citizen, needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Brazil.
  • The type of visa and associated visa fee will depend on your nationality and country you are flying from.
  • The Visitor Visa may be granted to visitors who are willing to come to Brazil for a stay of up to 90 days for activities such as tourism and business meetings.
  • For citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States there is the possibility of obtaining an Electronic Visitor Visa, with some simplified requirements, but a visa is still required.
  • Visa processing times may vary, but they are expected to be lengthy. Please do not delay in arranging your visa.

Please carefully check your visa requirements as soon as possible because the process can be lengthy.

For more information, visit VISAS — Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Health

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend that travelers to Brazil get up to date on routine vaccines, as well as some additional ones:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow fever
  • Rabies
  • Chikungunya
  • Polio

You can find more health and safety recommendations for Brazil from the Centers for Disease 

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Dietary Restrictions

Please notify us of any dietary restrictions during registration so that your needs are accommodated at the University.

To edit any dietary restrictions or input new dietary restrictions, go to the event page and click “Modify Registration.” You will be able to edit or enter dietary information and click “Save.”

If you suffer from severe food allergies, we encourage you to visit this website and consider purchasing food and travel-translation cards to effectively communicate your needs while traveling.

Flight Information

Rio de Janeiro has two main airports, and the preferred choice will depend on your international or domestic connections:

  • Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) serves as the main international airport for Rio de Janeiro. The Hotel on Copacabana Beach is about 40 minutes from the main international airport.
  • Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) primarily operates domestic flights. The Hotel on Copacabana Beach is about 20 minutes from the main international airport.

Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Ground Transportation

More information coming soon.

Airport transfers

It is the responsibility of members and guests to arrange and pay for ground transportation. EO’s hospitality team will coordinate with a local transportation company to provide discounted transfer options between the airport and hotel.

Details on reserving transfers will be available closer to the event. Please check back for regular updates.

Weather

November in Brazil is the beginning of the warmer summer months, so it gets a bit more humid. However, it is not as hot and humid as during the months December-February, which means the weather is pleasant overall. There might be occasional rainstorms, but they rarely last long.

  • Average temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C).
  • Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat and consider a rain jacket or umbrella for possible showers.

Dress Code

The dress code for the daytime meetings at the hotel is business casual. The meeting rooms are air-conditioned, so a light jacket or layers are suggested for comfort during sessions.

Since rain is a possibility for the month of November, a rain jacket and umbrella are recommended items to pack.

  • Men’s Dress Code GlossaryBusiness casual – Nice slacks, collared shirts Smart casual – Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks or nice jeans, dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
  • Women’s Dress Code Glossary Business casual – Nice slacks, skirt, blouse Smart casual – Dress, skirt and dressy top, dressy pants outfit, nice jeans and dressy top 

The hotel and other venues will be air-conditioned. We recommend dressing in layers to be comfortable.

About Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Time Zone: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or BRT, Brasilia Standard Time (UTC-3)

Please check www.timeanddate.com to determine what time it is in your home city.

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL)

For currency converter tools, please visit Oanda.com or XE.com.

Language

English is the official language of the 2025 EO Rio University. Brazilian Portuguese (Português Brasileiro) is the official language of Brazil (spelled locally as Brasil).

Currency and Payment Information

The official currency of Brazil is the Brazilian real (code: BRL, sign: R$).

  • Banknotes: R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100, R$200 (made of durable polymer material).
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as R$1 denominations
  • To check the current exchange rate for your currency, go to http://www.xe.com/.

Credit and Debit Card Usage

  • Accepted Cards: MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Brazil, while American Express has limited acceptance.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: Credit card issuers may charge one (1) percent to three (3) percent for international purchases. Debit cards typically have lower fees but check with your bank to confirm.
  • Important Note: Not all establishments accept both credit card types. Look for signs indicating accepted cards before making purchases.

Currency Exchange

The Brazilian real (R$) is the only currency legally accepted in Brazil.

  • Exchange foreign currency for reals at authorized institutions upon arrival.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in major airports, on shopping streets, and outside banks.

  • Fee-Free Options: Check with your bank to see if they partner with Brazilian banks for no-fee withdrawals.
  • Travel Notification: Inform your bank of your travel plans before departure to avoid having your card flagged and access restricted.

Do carry a mix of cash and cards to Rio to ensure smooth transactions, as some places may not accept cards.

Electricity and Power Adapters

  • Voltage: Most areas use 127V, but some newer hotels operate at 220V.
  • Frequency: Brazil operates at 60Hz.
  • Outlet Types: Brazil uses type C and type N electrical outlets.
  • Preparation: Bring a combined power plug adapter and voltage converter to accommodate your devices.
  • Check your appliances for compatibility with voltage and frequency differences to avoid damage.

 Check out the following pictures:

Stay Connected

Country Code and Emergency Information

  • The country code for Brazil is +55.
  • The national emergency number in Brazil is 190.

Mobile Phone Connectivity

· Please contact your individual mobile phone service provider for information about international plans.

  • Mobile phones are widely used throughout Brazil. Call your service provider before arriving to determine if you should purchase an international roaming plan.

Wi-Fi Access

  • Wi-Fi is available either under payment or for free in some public places such as coffee shops/ bistros, airports, restaurants, and hotels.
  • The strength and speed of the signal may vary, and you may need to ask for login information.

Entry Requirements and Visas

  • Anyone who is not a Brazilian citizen, needs a valid visa to enter and spend time in Brazil.
  • The type of visa and associated visa fee will depend on your nationality and country you are flying from.
  • The Visitor Visa may be granted to visitors who are willing to come to Brazil for a stay of up to 90 days for activities such as tourism and business meetings.
  • For citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States there is the possibility of obtaining an Electronic Visitor Visa, with some simplified requirements, but a visa is still required.
  • Visa processing times may vary, but they are expected to be lengthy. Please do not delay in arranging your visa.

Please carefully check your visa requirements as soon as possible because the process can be lengthy.

For more information, visit VISAS — Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Health

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend that travelers to Brazil get up to date on routine vaccines, as well as some additional ones:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow fever
  • Rabies
  • Chikungunya
  • Polio

You can find more health and safety recommendations for Brazil from the Centers for Disease 

Dietary Restrictions

Please notify us of any dietary restrictions during registration so that your needs are accommodated at the University.

To edit any dietary restrictions or input new dietary restrictions, go to the event page and click “Modify Registration.” You will be able to edit or enter dietary information and click “Save.”

If you suffer from severe food allergies, we encourage you to visit this website and consider purchasing food and travel-translation cards to effectively communicate your needs while traveling.