Flights to Brazil can be obtained at big discounts. Check the flight links below to see what is available from both the USA and Europe When the new super jumbo A380 starts flying it may be that ticket prices will reduce even more, although we have no knowledge that they are to be used on routes to Brazil just yet. A lot, but not all flights from Europe to Rio De Janeiro ( and some from the States ) go via Sao Paulo where there is normally a 1 to 1.5 hour stop over. On some flights you have to get off the plane, luggage stays onboard but take your hand luggage. You then board again approximately 15 minutes prior to take off. The flight from Sao Paulo to Rio is short - no more than 1 hour gate to gate but going via Sao Paulo adds a total of around 2 to 2.5 hours to your trip. So a direct flight to Rio is obviously more desirable.

Visitors from the USA will need a visitors visa. This is easy and quite quick to obtain. Your travel agent will be able to advise you or check out the links to Brazilian consulates below. Most European citizens do not require a visa, again check with your travel agent.Everybody will have to fill out a landing card and a customs declaration prior to arrival. These are issued onboard the plane. Since the introduction of photographing and fingerprinting visitors to the United States Brazil has introduced the same for US citizens in a tit for tat move. Now that they are using the same equipment for photographing & finger printing as in the USA it is quick and causes little inconvenience ( at start up it was like having a mug shot at your local police dept!).

The full name of Rio's airport is   Aeroporto Internacional do Rio de Janeiro/Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim and the airport code is - GIG ( make sure that's on your luggage tag and not GRU otherwise your bags will be getting off in Sao Paulo! ). Both Rio and Sao Paulos airport are of a reasonable standard and have good amenities.

 

 

Duty Free

You can bring US$500 worth of duty free items into Brazil. In the luggage reclaim area there is a reasonably well stocked Duty free shop. Good for Perfume, Whisky, Cigars etc. If you smoke, Cigarettes are cheap in Brazil so no need to buy in this shop. When purchasing you will need to show your flight ticket or boarding card and you have to pay in US$ or with a credit card. Note that all prices listed are in US Dollars. Perfume is very expensive in Brazil so if you are coming to meet a girlfriend then it is a good idea to buy some perfume here as it is half the price. Within this $500 limit there are some restrictions. They are mainly in place for Brazilian residents and probably will not concern you. They include a maximum of 24 bottles of alcohol, 10 cosmetic items,20 cartons of foreign manufactured cigarettes, 25 cigars, 3 watches, toys or electronics items.
When passing through customs you have to hit a button which will light up green or red. If green you go straight through. If Red they will inspect your luggage. This is not a random unit although it is meant to appear that way. A customs officer standing nearby has a small device in his hand and can make it turn red if he is suspicious of you. However most "Gringos" get to pass straight through. They are mainly concerned with catching wealthy Brazilians who have been on shopping sprees overseas. Be prepared for long queues passing through the customs area. Two or three International flights tend to arrive around the same time and immigration and customs cannot easily cope at such times.

Transport from the Airport

As you leave the Customs area you will see 3 or 4 taxi booths with good natured Brazilian girls in them who will probably be waving and calling you. These are radio cabs and are the best bet for a hassle free trip to your hotel/apartment. You can pay the girl with dollars/Reals/Credit cards. There are fixed prices to the various areas of Rio, approximately R$60 (24 dollars) to Copacabana for instance. She will issue you a receipt and a porter will take you to the taxi. All these Taxis are air conditioned. The drivers will speak some English.

The regular taxis are cheaper (these are Yellow with a blue stripe down the sides), and can be found out front in the same area as the radio cabs. Most of them are OK but you will get the occasional one who will try and rip you off. If you do take one, insist he turn the meter on ( Say "Hell oje" and they should understand ) otherwise he may grab a price out of the air if he doesn't switch it on. And then turning on the meter isn't always a guarantee as some of them seem to have a "turbo" device fitted to it which makes it clock up very fast indeed. No. Stick with the radio cabs.

The girls in the taxi booths will also change dollars to Reals. The rate they give will not be as good as in town so only change as little as you need immediately.

Finally there is the bus. They have air conditioned buses going to Central Rio, Copacabana and Barra. They only cost a few dollars ( but you have to pay in reals). They are found outside on the lower level ( departure area) so take an elevator down from the foyer of the arrivals area. They run quite regularly, every 30 minutes or so.


For Basic Information on Rios' International airport click here GIG1 or here GIG2     Need a visa quickly: Brazil Visa Application:  Fast and reliable Brazil visa application service. Or Brazil Business Visa Requirements: Brazil Tourist Visa Requirements with On-line Brazil Visa application forms. Apply for visa to visit Brazil