Currency ExchangeCurrency change agencies are available at the airport and in several touristic and shopping areas. The change agency closest to the airport is located at "Praia Shopping" center. You will need to bring your passport to do the transaction (but since you are supposed to carry your passport with you, this should not be a problem). Electricity adaptersBrazil is a bi-volt country (110V and 220V), and Natal is a 220V area, and it is very easy to find here voltage converters. Frequency is 60Hz. The electric adapters usually accept both round pin and flat blade plugs. For extensive details on electric adapters in Brazil, please have a look here. LanguageThe official language of Brazil is Portuguese. If you speak spanish, you may be able to communicate without too much difficulties with most people. As Natal has received an increasing number of foreign tourists in the last few years from a variety of different countries, more and more people are trained to work with foreign visitors. Hence, some people on restaurants, shops, and taxis speak English. How to get thereAirports: The only major airport in the State of Rio Grande do Norte is Aeroporto Augusto Severo, in Parnamirim, about 18 km from downtown Natal. In 2000, the aiport was completely refurbished, becoming of one the most modern in Brazil today. Natal is not a major hub. There are a few direct flights to Natal from other major Brazilian state capitals but many flights have a connection in Recife or Salvador. In the past few years, Natal also become the destination of an increasing number of direct flights from Europe: regular flights from Lisbon and charter flights from several european countries (Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). The taxi fare from the airport to the hotel Imirá is BR$35,00 while the return fare is BR$32,00. The responsible taxi company is Coopertaxi (phone: +55 84 3643 1183); taxi tickets can be purchased at the company desk, located in the airport. Important information: Direct flights from Europe to Natal have a very high level of occupancy. It is wise to make early reservation in order to guarantee your seat on such flights (at least, you will get cheapest fares). Buses: The main bus station of Natal is Rodoviária de Natal. There are buses to and fro, all major cities in northeast. Distances: João Pessoa: 180 km; Recife: 288 km; Fortaleza: 533 km. Check out these bus companies:
Financial informationThe brazilian currency is the Real (plural: Reais, abbreviation: BRL). At the date of this writing, 1USD = 1,80BRL and 1EUR = 2,54BRL. Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept Visa or Mastercard. You can also change quite easily several foreign currencies (mainly US dollar, Euro, Scandinavian currencies, British pound) to Reais. Prices are cheaper than in Europe or than in North-America, especially in the services industry as the cost of labor is much lower. |
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