When it comes to international events, Rio de Janeiro has attained world standards. The city has become an attractive meeting place for international congresses, conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. It is one of the best destinations in South America.


FOOD THAT’S WORTH A TRIP
Food is a treasured part of carioca (resident of Rio de Janeiro) life. First, you need to have a churrascaria experience, which is generally offered as a set menu that includes a selection of side dishes and salads – and char-grilled, all-you-can-eat, meat. Feijoada is stewed beans with crunchy pork cracklings, accompanied by rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour) and orange slices. Rio de Janeiro also offers street and beach food, including salgados (savory snacks), tapiocas, empadas (pastries filled with chicken or cheese) and açaí.

INCREDIBLE PLACES TO VISIT
Rio de Janeiro has spectacular natural beauties and famous charms. You can’t pass up relaxing and people-watching along the shores of Barra, Copacabana or Ipanema, but there’s more to Rio de Janeiro than its beaches.

Sugar Loaf needs no introduction: nothing can prepare you for the spectacular views and the true splendor of Rio’s cityscape as it unfurls below with sweeping vistas of white sand beaches, jungle-clad mountains and crashing waves will take your breath away. Right at the foot of Sugar Loaf mountain, there is Praia Vermelha, a small curve of coarse sand which provides a stunning mountain-and-ocean backdrop and calm waters that are occasionally clean enough for swimming.

The artistic heart of the city can be found up in the jungle-clad hills of Santa Teresa. Be sure to set aside time in your schedule to visit this unique, grand-scale artwork in downtown – Escadaria Selaron (often referred to as the ‘Lapa Steps’) is a long, steep stairwell linking the bohemian neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, covered in brightly-hued and intricately-patterned tiles from across the world.

Also in downtown, there is the Olympic Boulevard: a five-million square meters revitalized space right at the city centre. It has several places to visit, including the Museum of Tomorrow, The Rio Art Museum, the Rio Sea Aquarium, the Valongo Suspended Garden, several Cultural Centers (da Aeronáutica, do Banco do Brasil, dos Correios, Iphan, José Bonifácio, da Marinha, do Ministério da Saúde e Casa França-Brasil) and many other attractions that will make you astounded.

No trip to Rio would be complete without a trip to see “Cristo Redentor”. It stands tall atop Corcovado and it is listed as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. The best way to make the ascent is to ride the funicular railway, enjoying the view.

TRANSPORTATION
Rio de Janeiro has two airports: Santos Dumont (SDU) and Galeão-Antônio Carlos Jobim (GIG). SDU is located 25km from the symposium location and is a national airport. GIG is located 40km from the symposium location and is an international airport serving the Rio de Janeiro region, and has connections with more than 25 scheduled destinations, mostly in North America, Latin America and Europe. Transportation services (taxis, buses, BRT) provide desks at the arrival luggage claim area.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE
International participants can exchange currencies at exchange desks at the International Galeão-Antônio Carlos Jobim airport. Desks are located next to the Luggage claim/international arrival. It is also possible to change money at the hotel or at exchange offices authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil. If you have any questions during the symposium, feel free to ask for information with the organization of the event, for the most reliable way to exchange your money.

POWER SOCKETS
Brazil uses type N power sockets, which is compatible with type C plugs. The standard voltage is 127 / 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The Symposium Organization will not offer power socket adapters during the event.


RIO DE JANEIRO TRAVEL TIPS
Rio de Janeiro is a nice city and it has many attractive features. Rio de Janeiro is safe to visit, but we recommend cautions to the visitor.

Do’s
1. take with you the address of the venue and the hotel where you will be staying.
2. preferably use the transport provided by the official tourism agency or accredited from the airport.
3. put your money, passport and ticket in the safe deposit box of your hotel.
4. take cabs rather than buses.
5. ask your hotel for information. They know most of the answers.
6. wear comfortable clothing.
7. eat light meals and drink water.
8. invite a friend to join you. Avoid walking alone.
9. act like a traveler rather than a tourist.
10. ask policemen for help if you need it.
11. use our emergency number(#190) if you have any problem avoid crushes.
12. have a good time.

Don’ts
1. leave your bag unattended.
2. don’t keep your wallet in the back pocket or in the external pocket of a bag.
3. leave your cell phone or other valuables away from your sight.
4. leave electronic equipment visible when you are on the street.
5. wear flashy jewelry in the street, even if it is fake.
6. make payments with large amounts of money.
7. take more than you need to the beach.
8. walk in unlit areas at night.
9. think it can’t happen to you.