Language

Portuguese is the official language spoken throughout Brazil, but English and Spanish are commonly spoken in touristic areas, including Foz do Iguassu.

Time zone

Foz do Iguassu is located within Brazil’s Standard Time Zone and observes the same time as Brasilia: UCT/GMT -3h.

Voltage

Voltage in Brazil is not standardized, and depends on each State or city. In Foz do Iguassu, the standard voltage is 127 V. Please be aware that Brazilian standard electrical outlets are not compatible with most American/european ones and you shall need adaptors to use your appliances. Adaptors are often available in most hotels.

Telephone Calls

The country code for Brazil is 55. City codes vary according to the region. The code for Foz do Iguassu is 45. To make international calls, you need to dial the country code, city code (omitting initial zero, whenever applicable), and then the remaining digits. In order to use cell phones from another country in Brazil, 3G/4G technology are available.

Currency

Local currency is the Brazilian Real (R$). Dollars and Euros can be easily exchanged in hotels, authorized banks, and travel agencies. International credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted in most places. Many hotels also take Amex. Debit cards can be used to withdraw money in local currency at ATMs.

Tips

Almost all bars and restaurants include the tip on the tab, but the payment is optional. If the tip has not been specified, the general rule is paying within 10% and 15% of the total amount. Taxi drivers do not expect any tips.

Taxis and car rental

At major airports, bus stations and in the downtown area, it is possible to find car rental agencies offering services with or without a driver. Tourists who have a foreign driver’s license are authorized to drive in Brazil when staying for less than 180 days.
Taxis apps: 99táxi and Easy Taxi.

Information about tropical diseases

Our Local Organizing Committee is keenly aware of the concerns you may have about the Zika virus and other tropical diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever due to the growing media attention around this subject. Like all tropical countries, Brazil has areas that favor the proliferation of mosquitoes. However, the country’s immense size and geographic variation, different regions vary widely in terms of climate, topography, and vegetation. While dengue fever is more widespread in Brazil, the vast majority of Zika cases and associated fetal microcephaly are reported in the Northern and Northeastern part of the country, thousands of miles from Foz do Iguaçu.

We have contacted the Department of Health in Paraná State, where Foz do Iguaçu is located, and they confirm that no locally contracted cases of the Zika virus or chikungunya have been reported to date. Click here to view their official statement/report (in Portuguese).

Although local cases of dengue have been reported, it’s important to note that the conference will be held during the end of the cooler and drier season in Southern Brazil (late winter time), with nighttime temperatures below the optimum range the proliferation of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The risk of transmission is therefore minimal.

Beginning in December 2016, there has been a growing number of cases of yellow fever in Brazil; however, confirmed cases are confined to the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Espirito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro. These cases have occurred mainly in rural areas, with most being reported from Minas Gerais. Nonetheless, you might consult with your doctor or travel nurse to see if a vaccine is recommended in your case. 

We strongly believe that all delegates will have a safe and enjoyable travel experience to Foz do Iguaçu for the conference. If you plan to visit other regions of the country, we advise that you obtain any relevant information about proper health precautions that may be appropriate.