Location:
Florianopolis Island, Brazil

Capital:
Brasilia

Official Language: 
Portuguese. 

Population:  
169+ million.

If sand and sun is your idea of the perfect getaway then Brazil’s Florianopolis Island is ideal.  In addition to its natural beauty, the island features 42 different beaches, each with its own appeal.  Often referred to as “Floripa,” Florianopolis is the capital city of the Santa Catarina state, located in southern Brazil. Aside from its fabulous white sand beaches, dynamic Florianopolis also offers fantastic nightlife and dining.

Passport/Visa
A valid U.S. Passport, as well as a visa is required for American citizens wishing to visit Brazil. For more information on passport/visa information, visit:  http://www.cibt.com. Please note:  your passport should be valid throughout your stay in Brazil.  

Currency
The Brazilian currency is the Real ("hay-ahl”) and Reais ("hay-ice") for the plural. The symbol for the Real is R$.  Bank notes come in denominations of: R$ 1, R$2, R$5, R$ 10, R$20, R$50 and R$100. Coins come in denominations of R$ 0.01, R$ 0.05, R$ 0.10, R$ 0.25, R$ 0.50 and R$ 1.00.  U.S. dollars are easily exchanged at hotels, banks, travel agencies and currency exchange offices. For current exchange rates, visit: www.xe.com.

Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities in Brazil; however, if you are traveling to smaller towns, it is advisable to exchange some money before your trip. Most Brazilian banks offer ATMs; however, some foreign cards may not be accepted. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank for confirmation.  It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems. 

Time
Brazil is three hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Electricity
In most Brazilian cities the current is either 110V or 220V, 60 cycles, except for Salvador and Manaus, which have a current of 127V. Most major hotels have 110V and 220V sockets. To avoid ruining your appliances, it is advisable to consult the hotel before plugging anything into an outlet. The wall sockets in Brazil normally have two round pins, and in many new facilities the sockets will accept both regular U.S.- and Brazilian-types of plugs. Some outlets may require a ground pin. U.S.-Brazilian conversion plugs, suitable for dual-voltage appliances can be purchased at many airports and electrical stores in Brazil.

Water
Bottled water is recommended for drinking. 

Climate
Located in the subtropical coastal region, the city offers a nice climate with the most of the rainfall occurring during the summer (Dec. – Jan.). In this season of the year, the mean temperature is of 77°F. In July, the coldest month, the mean is 62°F. It is common to have short summers between May and August.
 
According to the Ironman Brazil website, over the last years, on the day of the competition, there were moderate winds towards the North. The water temperature was around 24.5°C (76° F), and the air humidity came close to 55 percent.

Communication
The international country code for Brazil is 55 and the city code for Florianopolis is 48.  The hotel offers internet access and they have a computer specially-assigned for guest use. 

Transportation
Renting a car in Brazil is easy; however, driving in Brazil may be a challenge, due to the fact that all road signs are in Portuguese and road conditions may vary considerably.
Rules for driving in Brazil:

Remember these are general rules; speed limits may vary so pay attention to the signs. Most cars, even rental cars, are stick shift, so when you make your reservations be aware that if you need an automatic car you should check availability. Rental car companies include Hertz, Avis, Localiza, and Unidas.

Departure Tax
The airport departure tax in Brazil is currently $36 (USD). It can be paid in U.S. dollars or the equivalent in local currency (Real).

Restaurants
Seafood is the city’s specialty. The oysters, cultivated in the south of the island, can be consumed fresh out of the sea. Florianopolis has many cozy restaurants close to the beaches that offer all types of seafood.  The city also offers more diverse food choices.   

Tipping & Taxes
A 10 percent gratuity will often be included on your restaurant bill.  As always, if your service is exceptional - adding more is accepted.  Below are the suggested tipping guidelines for other areas:

Related Links:
Ironman Brazil – Official Event Site
Brazil Tourism