Posted on Friday, 23 May 2014

On Thursday 12^th June the world's biggest sporting event kicks off in Sao Paulo, Brazil with the men in yellow taking on Croatia. Running straight through to the final on Sunday 13^th July in Rio De Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium, the tournament will see 32 teams from each corner of the globe compete at 12 venues - spread throughout Brazil - to be the team to lift the famous trophy at that historic stadium.

Accompanying those 32 teams will be over 600,000 fans all passionately supporting their team, willing them to the final and glory. With this many travellers however, come major issues with accommodation, transport, as well as space (and where to find it). So having to undertake a business trip during this time can be a daunting feat, with the real possibility of it becoming a tropical nightmare.

However, do not panic and pass up the opportunity to visit this beautiful, captivating and economically booming country. Instead, follow our tips and suggestions for a greater chance of success in making the most out of this wonderful nation.

Flights

Book everything in advance! This will be a recurring theme throughout this article however; I cannot stress how important this is. With return flights from London Heathrow to Rio De Janeiro during the World Cup already costing £1500, it's best to secure your seat as early as possible.

Also, consider flying into another airport and travelling overland to reduce costs – sometimes saving hundreds of pounds. For example, at the time of writing, (flying on the same dates) a return flight from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo costs under £900 (saving £600!). Then catch one of the frequent buses from Sao Paulo to Rio De Janeiro (six hours) from as little as £15.

Visas

If you're a UK citizen you'll be pleased to know that Brazil has a reciprocal visa system (if your home country requires Brazilian nationals to have a visa, you will need one to enter Brazil). This means that, at the time of writing, you do not need a visa to enter Brazil – if you're a UK citizen. However, passports must be valid for at least six months and a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be requested on arrival. Tourists will be admitted for a stay of up to 90 days which is extendable, at the discretion of the Federal Police, for a further 90 days.

It's always worth checking however with you're local Brazilian Embassy the current visa requirements before departing. Business travelers for example, may require a business visa. They're usually valid for 90 days but will require you to submit a letter to the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate - on your company letterhead. The letter should outline your business while in Brazil, as well as your arrival and departure dates, plus your contacts. According to the Brazilian Consulate, the letter must also have your employer state that they accept full financial and moral responsibility for you.

Money

The currency in Brazil is called the real (pronounced “hey-al”) and you will find it written as R$ - it is made up of 100 centavos. They come in note denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 reis (the plural of a real and pronounced “hey-ice”). Euros and US dollars are accepted in banks, currency exchange offices, as well as most top scale hotels.

It's worth bearing in mind that with the World Cup causing an influx of tourists - many of which will hope to exchange their home currency in Brazil - you may find yourself queuing for long periods to exchange your cash. You might also find that you're only given large banknotes due to shortages, as well as being given a less than favourable exchange rate. All that considered, exchanging your money before you depart will save you time and cash.

Another smart use of your time would be to research a pre-paid cash card. These will allow you to ‘load' a debit card with however much you require in several currencies. They can be used in most ATMs and are likely to have a more favourable exchange rate than a bank. These cards can also be ‘reloaded' throughout your trip via online banking.

Other monetary issues to take into consideration are: only Visa cards can be used to withdraw from Banco Bradesco and Banco do Brasil ATMs. While only MasterCard can be used at HSBC, Banco Mercantil and Itaú ATMs. An extremely important fact to take into consideration is that, due to security reasons, almost all ATMs will stop dispensing cash after 8pm.

Credit cards are accepted throughout most of Brazil.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Transport

Getting around Brazil can be easy or difficult depending on the region you're in. A country the size of Brazil has a remarkably solid infrastructure, with superb local transport (outside the rainforests of the Amazon), as well as cheap long distance travel (apart from by plane). Car hire is possible, but not recommended, due to the Brazilian disposition behind the wheel.

Typically, roads in the south of the country tend to be very good, as are coastal highways. However, roads in the Amazonia and the sertão (backlands of the Northeast) can be terrible. With this in mind, it's always worth debating the cost versus time factor before undertaking a journey. For example, a bus journey from Rio De Janeiro to Salvador costs about £80 and takes roughly 22 hours. While a return flight should cost somewhere in the region of £130 and take around 2 hours - in fact, a one way flight can cost as little as £78!

Apart from booking your ticket in advance, it's also worth using a local travel agency to book your ticket. They will charge a small fee for doing so; however, this will save you an extra trip to the bus station - as well as any language barrier headaches!

Accommodation

Choices of where to stay in Brazil are usually huge, but with the World Cup in town, these choices have greatly narrowed with some hotels already declaring that they're full. Even so, whether you're looking for a windowless hotel or a jungle retreat, Brazil has it.

Brazil's accommodation can be very reasonable (except in Rio) for the room you get – often much more than you'd get back home. Ranging from £20-£40pn for a midrange hotel, to £10 for a basic double option, you'll find something to match your tastes.

Midrange hotels will often come with a telephone, air conditioning, as well as cable TV.

Internet access is common throughout Brazil with even the cheapest option likely to have wi-fi (sem fio) access around the reception area. Midrange hotels often have internet access in their rooms however; you may have to pay a surcharge.

You will likely be charged a 10% service charge during your stay - this is often for the breakfast buffet. Other meals are rarely included in the price (as well as the price of your room) which means you will have extra expenses for lunch and dinner - a restaurant will often be in the hotel though. It is also very important that you tip the receptionist when checking out!

Food & Drink

Large portions with very agreeable prices, Brazil will have you salivating with choice. With so many different cultures combined in the hotpot that is Brazil, any number of plates are available. And with a decent meal at an upscale restaurant costing around only £10, you will leave with a full stomach (and wallet!)

Although a service charge is included in the bill (usually 10%), tipping is recommended due to the notoriously low wages waiters receive.

Getting Away From The Crowds

‘Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.' - Theodore Isaac Rubin

Here at starttravel.co.uk, we understand better than anyone that travelling for business can be tough and demanding, requiring your complete and undivided attention for a prolonged period. When the moment finally arrives and you're finished for the day - or that you have a couple of days off between meetings - all you probably want to do is dart back to your hotel and put the chain on the door.

However, you're in one of the most exotic countries in the world, with a multitude of places and activities to see and do. And considering that the city or town you're residing in will most likely be bursting with busy and exuberant football fans, following their team through the nail-biting matches of the World Cup, it might be the perfect excuse to take an excursion out of the hustle and bustle of the city – and into real Brazil.

With the world's most bio-diverse region – the Amazon basin – only a short bus ride away from wherever you are in Brazil, you'll never find yourself struggling for ideas over what to do with your spare time. However, don't expect an Attenborough like adventure - or you may well leave disappointed! Instead soak up the tranquillity of trundling down the Amazon River in a boat, while your hammock gently rocks to the docile rhythm of the jungle that encompasses everything with wild greenery for thousands of miles around you.

The Amazon River, Brazil

Greenwinged Macaws

Or if you urgently require peace and tranquillity; a beach and a caipirinha (Brazilian cocktail); as well as sun and a natural wonder; Alter do Chão (just outside Santarém) is the perfect place for you to sprawl in a hammock while the sun sparkles on the lagoon beside.

Caipirinha

Whatever you need, you'll find it in Brazil. Whether you're looking to remind yourself you're alive with some adrenaline fuelled action, or unknot and unwind on a deserted beach, you'll find it. Just visit a local tour operator when you're in Brazil.

The World Cup

It's true that you're (probably) in Brazil on business, however, remember that the World Cup is on and this is your opportunity to witness the biggest sporting spectacle firsthand. It only comes around every four years and this will probably be your one opportunity to see it in a country as passionate about the game as Brazil.

If you're interested in trying to secure tickets for a game, visit FIFAs official website by clicking here.

Travel Insurance

Lastly and most importantly, make sure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance while in Brazil. With cities packed with tourists, some wildlife to be feared, as well as the small but real threat of HIV and dengue fever, having travel insurance will save you from a possible costly headache during your trip.

At starttravel.co.uk, we offer business travel insurance for those taking a work trip. With a starttravel.co.uk business policy you're also covered for non-work related trips too!

Get a quote today from starttravel.co.uk for complete peace of mind during those important trips abroad.

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