TOP TIPS
GET READY TO EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT RHYTHM OF RIO!
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP WELL
Olá! We hope you are as excited as we are for the 2024 OK Conference in Rio de Janeiro. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Rio promises an unforgettable experience.
Here are some top tips in preparation for your trip. Get ready to soak up the sun, samba, and let’s embark on our journey together as we step towards excellence in carnival style!
Packing Tips for Carry-On Luggage:
- Documents: Your flight ticket (or have an electronic copy), passport, and travel insurance.
- Clothing: Pack one set of clothing as a backup.
- Toiletries: Include essential items, ensuring all liquids are in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a ziplock bag.
- Medication: Pack your prescribed medications along with their prescriptions.
- Chargers: Don’t forget chargers for your mobile phone and electronic devices.
- Valuables: Keep all valuables in your carry-on luggage.
Packing Tips:
- Light Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing as the weather is warm but not as hot as in the peak summer.
- Light Jacket: A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Comfortable Shoes: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and flip -flops for the beach.
- Sunscreen, Hat & Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the strong sun with high – SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimwear for the beaches and pools.
Helpful Tips:
- Water: It is safe to use tap water to brush your teeth, but do not consume tap water.
- Travel Adapter: Brazil uses type N power outlets and 127/220V, so bring a suitable adapter.
- Backpack: A backpack to carry all essentials for sightseeing.
- E-sim: Instead of purchasing a SIM card in Brazil, you can purchase an eSIM from Airalo ahead of your trip.
Other important tips:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages when entering Brazil.
- Visa: No visa is required for SA and Namibian passport holders. Eswantini passport holders do require a visa.
- Currency: The currency is the Brazilian Real. All major credit cards are accepted, and cash can be withdrawn from ATMs. It might be wise to carry some USD as a backup.
Yellow fever: All travellers will require a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, this is compulsory.
Yellow Fever Vaccination:
- All travellers will require a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Yellow fever vaccinations are available at all travel clinics. Some doctors also offer this service. Please check with your healthcare provider.
- Vaccinations must be administered at least 10 days before departure.
- Travelers must carry their yellow fever vaccination certificate with them
- If you have already been vaccinated, you do not need to be vaccinated again as long as you have your yellow fever certificate. This certificate is essential for travel.
Dress code:
Dress comfortably for the duration of the trip, but please keep the dress code in mind for the following events:
- Conference: Casual
- Welcome and farewell dinner: Smart casual
- Franchisee of the Year Awards: Formal suit & tie | Evening dress
The cavalheiros (gentlemen) should wear a suit and tie in any color, while damas (ladies) can choose an evening gown, an elegant cocktail dress, or a formal suit.
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Weather Tips:
- Spring Season: October is spring in Rio, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. The weather is generally pleasant with occasional rain showers.
- Stay Hydrated: The weather can be warm, so drink plenty of water.
Cultural Tips:
- Greetings: Brazilians are warm and friendly. A common greeting is a kiss on each cheek or a handshake.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants, but it’s polite to leave a bit extra if service was good.
Useful Portuguese Phrases:
- Hello/Hi: Olá/Oi
- Good morning: Bom dia
- Good afternoon: Boa tarde
- Good evening/night: Boa noite
- Thank you: Obrigado (if you are male) / Obrigada (if you are female)
- Please: Por favor
- Excuse me/Sorry: Desculpe