Before+Leaving+the+Country

//Here is a list of tips to follow before your departure://
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 * 1) **Money.** Make sure you prepare to have readily available at least two types of transaction money, whether it be cash in Dollars or Reals ( Brazil's currency) and/or in credit or debit cards. It is uncommon to use traveler´s checks these days. We recommend you try to exchange some Dollars to Reals before you arrive, since the Exchange Rate at the airport is less than desirable.
 * 1) **Weather**. Rio´s temparature and weather varies widely throughout the year. Over the summer, the temperature could reach up to 115 F. During the winter, the temperature is more around the 60s. We would advise you to look at websites that show you weather forecasts for up to a month, such as weather.com and watch out for any chance of rain.
 * 1) **Electricity**. Most places you will stay in Rio have dual outlets. However, you should bring at least one adaptor just in case. This website: [] will show you the kind of adaptor you will need. Also, keep in mind, some places in Rio have less than 220V.
 * 1) **Time**. There is a two hour difference in Eastern and Rio de Janeiro time. Make sure you remember to tell your Family members of this hour difference just in case they call your host family looking for you. Also, realize that this time difference can still give you some jetlag as you arrive to Rio.
 * 1) **Phone**. Although some people can survive without a mobile phone for a few weeks, there are others who think this is an unimaginable task. If you want to use a cellphone in Brazil, you will have to unlock your phone (or an old phone) in the US before you come. Otherwise, you will find that buying a cellphone here is extremely expensive and not worth your money. Once you have an unlocked phone, you can go to any shopping mall in Brazil and find all the cellphone company stores, such as "Oi", "Claro", and "Tim." Some companies require you to have proof of residency. In this case, you should try the other companies, and hopefully one should let you get a sim card or "chip" without proof of residency. If not, you may want to ask your host family if they can come with you to get a phone and they can use their residency number for you (they may not agree to this). If you aren't able to get a phone, don't worry, there were always fixed phones before mobile phones, and Brazil still uses them a lot!