Passport holders from South American and certain European countries, among others, do not require a tourist visa for Brazil. Because of the Games, those from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan are also exempt for stays between 1 June and 18 September. Check to see if you need a visa or consult your country’s diplomatic representation.

Rio’s hotel capacity has practically doubled over the last six years. But, those who prefer an alternative to hotels can count on Rio-style hospitality. AirBnB will have 25,000 options during the Games. See their site for offers. Full packages including accommodation, airport transfers and tickets are another option. Check TAM Viagens for more.

Planning on coming to Rio 2016 in a trailer or motorhome? You will have to park your vehicle in Niterói in greater Rio de Janeiro, where a trailer park has been set up exclusively for camper vans. More information about reservations, operating times and fees is available here.

Public transport is the most efficient way to get around the city. Among the options, there are metro lines, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), the new LRT (Light Rail Transit) and an extensive rail network. All modes are integrated, both in terms of connection points and schedules. Learn more at visit.rio.

Rio 2016 supports sustainable tourism through its partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme’s Green Passport Campaign. Access the website or download the app to find suggestions for trips in Brazil, as well as tips on how to actively collaborate with sustainable development. BE INSPIRED BY THE GREEN PASSPORT

Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain… these are only a few of the attractions in a city that is famous for its warm welcome. In between Olympic events, why not check out the Live Sites schedule, see the sights or emerse yourself in the local culture. DISCOVER RIO

FEDERAL POLICE – 194
MILITARY POLICE – 190
FIRE BRIGADE – 193

POLICE BATTALION FOR TOURIST AREAS (BPTUR) - (21) 2332-7928 / 2332-7937
Address: Rua Figueiredo Magalhães, 550 - Copacabana

SEA RESCUE – (21) 2332-2062 / 2332-2057
Address: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, 2 – Copacabana

TOM JOBIM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (RIOgaleão) – (21) 3398-5050
Address: Av. Vinte de Janeiro, s/nº - Ilha do Governador

SANTOS DUMONT AIRPORT – (21) 3814-7070
Address: Praça Senador Salgado Filho, s/nº - Centro

NOVO RIO BUS TERMINAL 
- (21) 3213-1800
Address: Av. Francisco Bicalho, 1 - Santo Cristo

SPECIAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS FOR TOURIST SUPPORT (DEAT) - (21) 2332-2924, 2334-6802
Address: Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 159 - Leblon
The main station for the tourist police, the DEAT, operates 24 hours per day. Officers speak English, Spanish and other languages. Visitors can report any crime they have experienced and record the loss of documents.

Those intending to watch football tournament matches in any of the five other cities in Brazil will have the opportunity to soak in some of the country’s cultural diversity. Check out the official tourism websites for each of the cities and make the most of your trip:

BELO HORIZONTE
BRASÍLIA
MANAUS
SALVADOR
SÃO PAULO

Police stations and hospitals are open 24 hours a day.
Shops are generally open from 9am to 6pm during the week, with shorter opening times on Saturdays and Sundays. Most malls open at 10am and close at 10pm from Monday to Saturday, opening at 3pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Banks are open for service from 10am to 4pm. ATMs operate until 10pm.
Tourists should always check opening and closing times when planning to use a service.

Free WiFi is available in some public spaces in Rio, provided users register on the network.
At Galeão international airport, passengers who enter their information and log on can access WiFi for one hour for free.
At Santos Dumont domestic airport, the normal free WiFi time of 30 minutes is increased to 75 minutes for those users who take part in a satisfaction survey.
Free, unlimited WiFi is available at the main bus station.

There are about 70 public toilets in strategic locations of Rio de Janeiro, including Copacabana beach.
Some public toilets are accessible by people with an impairment or reduced mobility, including the facility at Praça do Ó, in Barra da Tijuca.

The voltage in Rio de Janeiro is 110V. The sockets in most hotels are also suitable for 220V devices. Hotels can provide adapters for Brazilian sockets.

Do not litter in Rio: you could be hit with a fine ranging from 115 reais to 3,693 reais, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
During the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, inspectors will be especially vigilant in the Deodoro zone and around the Olympic Stadium and Maracanã.
Anyone caught littering will have to use a credit or debit card to pay the fine on the spot or print out the corresponding form and make the payment at any Banco do Brasil branch.

In Brazil it is illegal to smoke in indoor public spaces, even under awnings or marquees.
In Rio, establishments which infringe the smoking ban can be hit with a fine of up to 5,000 reais.

Tipping is not obligatory in hotels in Rio de Janeiro, but tips may be given to porters, doormen and chambermaids to recognise outstanding service. The same rule applies to taxi drivers.
In restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is automatically added to the bill but payment is not mandatory.

People in Rio do not generally drink water straight from the tap, although the state government says tap water is fit for human consumption according to international standards.
Most homes and restaurants will filter or treat tap water before drinking.

Visa is an official sponsor of Rio 2016. Only Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards will be accepted by merchants and by ATMs at the competition venues.
Spectators can buy prepaid cards from Bradesco Visa at kiosks in the venues. The prepaid cards do not incur any fees when used and can be loaded with amounts from 20 reais up to 2,000 reais.  They are valid for one year and can be used in all stores in Brazil which accept Visa.