Did you know?
Natal boasts the world's largest cashew tree. Located on the beach at Pirangi do Norte, 24 km from the city, it has a circumference of 500 metres.
Visas
No visa required for
UK citizens.
Getting there
Varig flies to Natal via Rio, TAP Portugal flies via Lisbon) and Thomsonfly operator winter only flights between April-November
Getting around
Driving within Natal is relatively easy, with car hire available and many excellent beaches within 50 km, but parking can be difficult along Natal's main beach area of Ponta Negra. The dunes of Jenipabu can only be visited by buggies driven by authorized drivers – buggies are the most common vehicle you will see in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.
Buses are the cheapest way to get around Natal and often cost well under 50p, but are not the most comfortable mode of transport. Taxis - white cars with a red plate – are plentiful and fares are regulated by the government.
Currency
Real (one real = 100 centavos).
Costs
As a rough guide: pint of beer £1, roll of film £5.50, moderate restaurant meal £10, litre of petrol 50p, four-mile taxi ride £3.50.
Weather
Brazilian summer is December-February so this is when city dwellers flee to the coast and prices go up accordingly. Brits may find the winter temperatures in this north eastern part of the country cooler around June and August. Whenever you go, it's good to know that this coastal area gets a good breeze.
Time difference
Three hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the
UK 00 55 and 84
Voltage
110V, 120V, 60Hz AC
Opening hours
Banks 10am-4pm, shops 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday (city shops and shopping malls stay open longer, and are sometimes open on Sundays).
Health - Before you go
Seek medical advice at least six weeks before travel. Inoculations recommended for diptheria and tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, polio, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid, and yellow fever. Seek advice on malaria medication.
Health - When you are there
Make sure you have adequate health insurance. Low standards of medical care in some areas may make it necessary to travel elsewhere. An embassy, consulate or five-star hotel can usually recommend a good place to seek advice. Make sure you drink plenty of (bottled) water to avoid dehydration.
Warnings
Be careful of street scams and bag snatchers. Use common sense, don't dress expensively or carry valuable cameras or watches. Expect beggars and, whatever you do, don't get mixed up with drugs - Brazilian jails are no fun. Natal does have a red light district but is however the safest state capital in Brazil.
Emergency
Police 190. British embassies in: Brasilia SES, Avenida das Nacoes, Q 801, cj K lote 8. Tel: 225 2710; Rio de Janeiro, Praia do Flamengo 284, 2nd floor, Flamengo. Tel: 553 3223.
Customs
The Brazilians greet each other with a kiss on each cheek - the right one first.
Pets
You are allowed to take pets in with the correct papers, but they won't be allowed back into Britain until they have undergone a six-month quarantine.
Tipping
10% is added to bills.
Tourist office
Brazilian Tourist Office, 32 Green Street,
London W1K 7AT. Tel. 020 7629 6909 or email: tourism@brazil.org.uk