Visiting

Business hours

Office hours are usually from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Supermarkets, department stores and shopping centres are generally open from 10.00am to 10.00pm, Monday to Saturday and from 2.00pm to 8.00pm on Sunday.

Banks are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
April 21 – Tiradentes Day
May 1 – Labour Day
July 9 – Civil Holiday (São Paulo State only)
September 7 – Independence Day
October 12 – Our Lady Aparecida
November 2 – All Souls Day
November 15 – Proclamation of the Republic
December 8 – Immaculate Conception (Some rural areas)
December 24 – Christmas Eve (Half day)

Climate

Most of Brazil is tropical country, however, there are significant regional differences. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons in Brazil are at the same time of year as they are in Australia. Weather patterns in São Paulo are similar to those experienced in Sydney and Rio de Janeiro weather is similar to the Gold Coast.

The north, central and northeast regions are mostly hot, with the average temperature range being between 27°C and 32°C all year.

In the southern states, (São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul) winter temperatures average at 14°C.

For weather details in Brazil, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency in Brazil is the Real (R$). Oanda has up-to-date exchange rates. Only bring US currency or travellers cheques as Australian dollars are unable to be exchanged in Brazil.

Banks

Major domestic and international banks operating throughout Brazil include:

• Banco do Brasil
• Banco Itau
• Santander
• HSBC

Time zones and time differences

Brazil is 13 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). There are two main time zones in Brazil. The exceptions are the states Rondonia, Amazonia and Acre, which are 14 hours behind AEST.

To find out the current time in Brasilia, visit the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Brazil's country code is 55.

For calls to Brazil from Australia dial: 0011 + 55 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Brazil to Australia dial: 0021 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (e.g. area codes) please visit the international dialling codes.

Electricity and water

Most cities' power supply (including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) is 110 volts, except in Brasilia - 220 volts. Two-pin plugs are the most common.

It is recommended to drink bottled water.

Links and resources

Visit Brasil

Please note: This list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only. The content is for information and carries no warranty; as such, the addressee must exercise their own discretion in its use. Australia’s anti-bribery laws apply overseas and Austrade will not provide business related services to any party who breaches the law and will report credible evidence of any breach. For further information, please see foreign bribery information and awareness pack.