Local
O 7ºo Global Forum will take place at the Cidade das Artes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cidade das Artes is located in Barra da Tijuca, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Barra da Tijuca is well known for its restaurants, beaches, pubs and shopping areas.
ATTIRE FOR THE FORUM
The dress code for the 7o Global Forum is business casual, traditional dress, or cultural attire. The conference venue has many outdoor spaces to enjoy during our breaks, but keep in mind that it is hot in Rio in October so plan accordingly. Layers are a good option during the day and as it cools in the evening.
CLIMATE
October is the middle of the Spring season in Rio de Janeiro, which runs from September to November. The weather is comfortable, with warm days, cool nights, and only occasional rainfalls. The average temperatures in October range from 20 - 26°C (68-80°F). The temperatures can vary considerably in the day and evening, so sweaters, jackets, or others clothing layers are recommended.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of the 7o Global Forum. All abstracts, presentations, and posters will be in English. Some remarks during the opening and closing sessions may be in Portuguese. English translation services will be available for remarks made in Portuguese, and Portuguese translation will be available for certain sessions. The mobile application and attendee website will be primarily in English, with certain sections and information available in Portuguese.
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Some English is spoken in the main cities; however, Spanish is more commonly understood.
CURRENCY
The official currency in Brazil is the Real (BRL, symbol R$, plural Reais). Bank notes are issued in denominations of R$2, R$5, R$10, R$20, R$50, R$100. 100 centavos = 1 real; coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50. Websites such as Oanda and XE provide up-to-date currency exchange information.
Credit cards such as Visa, American Express and MasterCard are accepted in the majority of hotels, large restaurants and shopping centers.
Currency exchange counters are available in the airport arrivals area. ATM machines are available at the airport, at the Grand Hyatt and the Windsor Oceanico, and at most banks and major shopping centers. Exchange currency only at authorized currency changers or banks.
FOOD AND WATER
It is recommended to only drink bottled water; however, it is generally safe to brush your teeth with tap water in reputable hotels. It is highly recommended to eat food from well-known restaurants and cafes and avoid food from street vendors. Food should be cooked and served hot; avoid room temperature or raw foods. Dairy products should be pasteurized.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Please contate-nos regarding accessibility information and any special needs or services that you may require to participate in the Global Forum, or indicate any special needs or requirements on your registration form. We will make our best effort to accommodate your needs. It would be helpful if you let us know at least three weeks before the conference of special needs you may have.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES
We recommend that you consult a travel physician at least six weeks prior to departure to ensure that you have all recommended vaccinations and medications. It is also advisable to purchase travel insurance that will cover medical expenses during the period of your stay.
Please note that yellow fever is present in Brazil. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Brazil, but proof of vaccination may be required upon returning to your home country. Please check your country’s requirements regarding vaccination and proof of vaccination when traveling to and from a country with yellow fever.
Other insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya, are present in Rio de Janeiro. It is advisable to use insect repellant during the day and evening and wear long sleeves and long pants or skirts.
Emergency care is widely available in Rio de Janeiro. The nearest hospital to the conference venue is Hospital Municipal Lourenço Jorge, located 5 km distance (8 mins) from the Cidade das Artes.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
As with other major cities, visitors to Rio de Janeiro should take precautions for their safety and security:
- Only carry a minimum amount of cash and other items. Avoid placing wallets, cell phones, or other valuables in rear pockets; consider carrying cash and valuables in a concealed belt pouch. If you have a bag or purse, carry it in front of you.
- Avoid wearing conspicuous jewellery when out in the city
- Lock valuables, documents, and passports in the hotel safe
- Do not venture into the city alone, and only go into designated safe areas (the organizers and hotel reception/concierge can assist with identifying these areas. Do not attempt to go into the local favelas.
- Visit only recommended and well-known places, and avoid going out alone
- Only open your hotel door to staff or people you know
Emergency numbers:
Police: 190
Medical Emergency (SAMU): 192
TIME ZONE
The time zone in Rio de Janeiro is Brasília Time (BRT), which is 3 hours behind UTC.
WIFI
Wifi is complimentary for all guests staying at the conference-designated hotels and will be available at the conference venue for all participants
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Rio is generally 127 volts (occasionally 220 volts), 60Hz. The typical outlet is a Type N, with holes for 3 pins. Be sure to confirm that your devices are compatible with this voltage and bring an adapter that will work in these outlets.
SMOKING
The Global Forum is a non-smoking event. Smoking will only be permitted outside the Global Forum venue. Smoking in enclosed public areas and public transportation is not permitted.
TIPPING
There is no obligation to tip in Brazil, however, leaving a small tip is customary. Gratuities may be offered at your discretion based on your satisfaction with the service provided. If you do wish to tip for a service, some general guidelines are:
- Most restaurants will include a 10% service fee on the final bill; there is no need to leave an additional tip unless you feel the service exceeds expectations. If no service is included ("Serviço não incluído"), you can choose to leave a gratuity of 10%
- Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is customary to round up the final fare. An additional $R5-10 is customary if they assist with your luggage
- Hotel porters and bellhops can be tipped R$5-10 per bag
- Airport porters can be tipped R$5-10 per bagR$5 per day is customary for housekeeping
If you plan to tip for services, please arrange to have small bills in local currency.
GETTING AROUND RIO DE JANEIRO
Shuttle buses will transfer participants between the conference-designated hotels and the conference venue.
The organizers will be happy to assist you with ground transportation around Rio de Janeiro. Information about taxis and other transportation services will be available at the registration and information desks. Uber is also available. It is recommended to use taxis, Ubers, or other private transportation services and to avoid traveling by Metro or foot.
DINING OPTIONS
There are numerous dining options at the designated hotels and in Barra da Tijuca, and around Rio. Information on dining options will be available on the mobile app and at the information desk, and the conference organizers will be glad to assist you in identifying appropriate dining options.
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