Welcome to Congress ‘25 - Useful Information About Rio de Janeiro

We are delighted to host you for an unforgettable Congress experience in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Below you’ll find essential details and answers to frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your stay in Rio.

GETTING TO BRAZIL

• Visa Requirements:
  Some nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays; others must apply in advance. Check your visa requirements well in advance via the official Brazilian government website: Brazil Visa Information.
• Australian, Canadian and US citizens, please apply for your eVisa here.
• Travel Insurance:
  Strongly recommended for medical coverage, trip changes, or emergencies.
• Vaccination:
  Vaccines may be recommended. Please check the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for up-to-date information on entering Brazil, and your local government re-entry requirements.
   

CONGRESS VENUE

• Location:
   Rio Othon Palace
   Avenida Atlântica, 3264 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
• To book your stay at the Rio Othon Palace Hotel:
  https://www.othon.com.br/en/hotel-copacabana/rio-othon-palace
   
• Registration Desk (Foyer):
   Pick up your registration package and badge here.
   Hours:
  • Monday, December 8: 08:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday, December 9: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday, December 10: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday, December 11: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  •  
• Member Lounges:
   Open daily in the Foyer for networking and informal meetings.
   Bonus: The Othon Palace offers a beach kiosk right on Copacabana and a rooftop coffee area for sunny, scenic meetups.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Conference Center.
• Dress Code: Come as you like! Anything from casual to business casual is perfectly fine. Just keep in mind the temperature difference between the summer heat outside and the air conditioning inside the venue.
   

LUNCH & SOCIAL EVENTS

• Lunches: December 9–11, served at Bossa Café (3rd Floor, Rio Othon Palace)
• WCSFP Opening Event: Monday, December 8th, 7PM at Blue Note.
• Beach Drinks: Use your Caipirinha Voucher on Wednesday, December 10th starting 6 PM at the 'Wave by Othon' beach Kiosk.
• Access: Your Congress badge must be worn at all times — including lunches and official evening events.

TRANSPORTATION

• Closest Airports:
  • Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) – ~25 km / 35 minutes from venue
  • Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) – ~12 km / 20 minutes from venue
     
• Getting to/from the Airport:
   
  • Official Airport Taxis: Prepaid at airport counters; fares are fixed by zone (approx. 25 €).
  • Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber, 99, and Cabify operate widely in Rio.
  • Public Transit: BRT buses connect GIG to the metro system, but may be slower if you have luggage.
     

POST CONGRESS EXCURSIONS

Two optional, self-paid post-Congress excursions are available to WCSFP attendees, organized by C2Rio, a trusted on-site agency:

• Thursday, December 11 – Sugarloaf Sunset Experience (4:30 PM/ Duration 4 hours)
   Right after the Congress program ends, hop on a direct transfer from the hotel to Sugarloaf to enjoy a stunning sunset and 360° panorama, with gastronomy and music at the top. The tour includes skip-the-line access at all cable-car stations, a guide, and round-trip transport from and to Othon Palace.
   Cost: 609 BRL (approx. 95 EUR).

• Friday, December 12 – Christ the Redeemer (11 AM/ / Duration 4 hours)
   Staying longer? On Friday morning after Congress join fellow attendees  on a visit of the Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, atop Corcovado Mountain. Travel by air-conditioned van through the Tijuca Forest with spectacular city views.
   Cost: 328 BRL (approx. 52 EUR).
  
  Please note: the links to sign in are activated up to 48 hours before the respective tour and will expire afterwards.

Follow the links provided for full details and direct sign-up: https://comprar.c2rio.travel/pt/categorias/WCSFP

FAQs RIO de Janeiro

1. What is the weather like in Rio?

Rio in December is warm and sometimes humid.

• Daytime highs: around 28–32°C (82–90°F)
• Evening lows: around 22–23°C (71–73°F)
  Bring light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Avoid staying too long in direct sun.

2. What language is spoken in Rio?

Portuguese is the official language.
English is spoken in most hotels and tourist areas. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can be helpful.

3. What currency is used in Brazil?

Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL).
 Approximate exchange rates (check current rates before travel):

• 1 USD ≈ 5.5 BRL
• 1 EUR ≈ 6.3 BRL

ATMs are widely available. Try to use only ATMs inside shopping malls, bank branches, or hotels.
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted almost everywhere, and many museums, cafés, and shops in the city center are cashless.
Carry a small amount of cash for smaller shops & beach kiosks.

4. What time zone is Rio in?

Rio is in UTC−3. No daylight saving time.

5. What type of power outlets does Brazil use?

Brazil uses Type N plugs.
Voltage is 127/220V, 60Hz.
Check if you need a travel adapter for your devices.

6. What about mobile phones / SIM cards?

We recommend buying a local SIM card (Vivo, TIM, Claro), you can purchase them either at airport kiosks or in local shops. eSIMs are available online (Holafly, Ubigi, Airalo).

7. Is it safe to drink tap water in Rio?

It is recommended to drink bottled water.

8. Do I need vaccinations to travel to Brazil?

Some vaccinations may be recommended.
 Please check the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and your local health authority for the most up-to-date requirements.

9. Any tips to stay healthy in Rio?

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• December is mosquito season. Repellent recommended.
• Use sunscreen regularly.
• Stay hydrated with bottled water.
• Do not leave drinks unattended.

 10. How can I get around in Rio?

• Use ride-hailing apps (Uber, 99, Cabify). Generally the safest and most reliable way to get around. Always check the license plate before getting in the car.
• Prefer official taxis. Use registered yellow taxis or hotel taxis. Avoid flagging taxis on the street late at night. Taxi fares are metered.
• Metro is safe during the day. Good for reaching tourist areas (Ipanema, Copacabana, Centro, Maracanã). Avoid using the metro late at night.
• Buses are cheap but can be crowded and slow. Avoid buses at night.

11. Is Rio safe for visitors?

Rio is safe when you take basic precautions:

• Do not show signs of wealth.
• Do not leave belongings unattended.
• Avoid using your phone openly in crowded areas.
• Travel in groups after dark and use hotel taxis or trusted transport.
• Avoid buses and the metro at night.
• Keep car doors locked at all times.
• Avoid withdrawing large amounts at ATMs
• Carry only a copy of your passport with you, leave your passport at the hotel.
• Avoid remote beaches after sunset.
• Some beaches have strong currents—follow warning flags.
• Be cautious on the streets; aggressive driving is common.
• Be aware that visits to favelas may carry risk, even with guides.
• Copacabana Beach is lively but has pickpockets.
• Keep documents and money in a safe place; carry only what you need.
• Never resist if you are robbed.
   

12. Who can I call in an emergency?

• Police: 190
   
• Medical Emergency: 192
   
• Tourist Police (DEAT): +55 21 2332-2924
   

For official travel advice: travel.gc.ca/destinations/brazil 

WCSFP is grateful for the support of