in Porto Alegre
For a long time now, Brazil’s natural beauty and Carnival rendered it international fame, attracting thousands of tourists all year long. The number of foreigners visiting the country went from an average of 1.5 million per year in the 1990s to more than 4 million visitors per year from the year 2000, according to Embratur’s (Brazilian Tourism Institute) Statistical Yearbook of 2003. But there is a very special attraction that you only discover when you come here: the Brazilian people. Much beyond the breathtaking scenery, the way these people live surprises everyone with its simplicity, willingness, hope, hospitality and happiness. Studies carried out by Embratur indicate that 75% of the tourists who seek Brazil as their vacation destination do so first of all because of the natural beauty. But once they arrive here, they find such hospitality that they soon become enchanted with the mixture of colors, races and cultures of the people as well.
Rio Grande do Sul Rio Grande do Sul’s people are called “Gauchos”. In Argentina and Uruguay you may also find “gauchos”, but brazilian gauchos differ in some aspects. They were called the wanderers of the Pampas. The indigenous peoples and the intrepid nomads of the 17th and 18th centuries, who the Spanish named Gauchos, were the state’s first inhabitants. Gauchos were known to already vacate the rural zone in the 1600. For many centuries, cow leather was one of most important trade goods between the old world (Europe) and the colonies. To eat, gauchos cooked the cow’s meat, in an open fire, before it turned bad. This habit of gauchos served them a low reputation in the past. But now, it becomes a national passion, “churrasco” (brazilian barbecues). Gauchos belonged to the rural zone. They were familiarized with the complexities of the land and its animals. The word “gaucho” was introduced in 1790, to describe a very rough individual, with heavy manners that would only travel sometimes with a woman, tends as his only luggage, a knife called “facon”, boleadoras and a “lazo” to hunt. In Hunting trips, they would be armed with “boleadoras”, a 3 hard-stone of leather tied to a rope that they would use to stop animals from running away. The Gaucho earned his reputation for defending its territory from Argentineans and Uruguayans. With use of salt and the development of “saladeros” was now possible to do economical use of cattle. The meat turned as valuable as leather. Gauchos were in a good position from all the country experience they had, and soon developed commercial farms. Today, the traditional Gaucho can still be seen in small cities in the rural zone. Overcoming prejudices from other states, our traditions (dances, dealing with the land, gastronomic habits, accent) are defined as one of the many symbols Brazilian’s history. The cultural preservation of local traditions is revered at special places called CTGs (Centers of Gaucho Traditions) all over the state, in other parts of Brazil and even abroad. There, the unique lifestyle of this hospitable and hardworking people is revived.
The Land of Quality of Life The Human Development Index (HDI) of Rio Grande do Sul, calculated at 0.809 by the United Nations, places the State above the 0.800 figure, which characterizes societies with high human development. Rio Grande do Sul presents the best combination between per capita income and distribution of wealth, the highest life expectancy, excellent education indices, as well as the lowest rate of infant mortality in Brazil.
Airports in São Paulo: International: Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo (Guarulhos) Address: Hélio Schmidt, s/nº - Cumbica Guarulhos/SP Telephone: +55 (11) 6445-2945 International: Aeroporto Internacional de Viracopos (Campinas) Address: Rodovia Santos Dumont, Km 66 Campinas - SP Telephone: +55 (19) 3725-5000 National: Aeroporto de Congonhas Address: Address: Av. Washington Luís, s/nº - Campo Belo São Paulo/SP Telephone: +55 (11) 5090-9000
Airport in Porto Alegre
(Rio Grande do Sul's Capital city)
International: Aeroporto Internacional Salgado Filho Address: Av. Severo Dulius, nº 90.010 Porto Alegre/RS Telephone: +55 (51) 358-2000
Porto Alegre's Bus Station (Rodoviária) Working Hours: 24 hours Adress: Largo Vespasiano J. Veppo, nº 70. Information’s Telephone: +55 (51) 3210-0101
Survival Guide / sentences Some basic words in Portuguese Hi: Oi Good morning: Bom dia! Good evening: Boa noite! I am (name): Eu sou... How are you: Como tu estás? What’s up?: E aí? I am fine: Estou bem. Thank you: Obrigado. Welcome: Bem-vindo. Bye: Tchau. See you: Nos vemos! I am hungry: Estou com fome. I am not hungry: Não estou com fome. Congratulations: Parabéns! Let’s eat something: Vamos comer alguma coisa. Let’s drink something: Vamos beber alguma coisa. How much is it? Quanto custa isto? I don’t want: Eu não quero. I want: Eu quero. Coffee: Café. Water: Água. Money: Dinheiro. Bread: Pão. Soda: Refri. Please: Por favor. You are so kind: Você é tão gentil. Would you like some help?: Você precisa de ajuda? Stand up: Levante. Sit down: Sente. Look: Olhe. Very good: Muito bom. Excellent!: Excelente! How old are you?: Quantos anos você tem? How long have you been here?: Há quanto tempo você está aqui? What is him/ her problem?: Qual é o problema dele/dela? How can I go to…?: Como eu posso ir até…? I love you: Eu te amo. I really liked you: Eu gostei muito de você.
Numbers 1: um 2: dois 3: três 4: quatro 5: cinco 6: seis 7: sete 8: oito 9: nove 10: dez 11: onze 12: doze 13: treze 14: catorze 15: quinze 16: dezesseis 17: dezessete 18: dezoito 19: dezenove 20: vinte 30: trinta 40: quarenta 50: cinquenta 60: sessenta 70: setenta 80: oitenta 90: noventa 100: cem 200: duzentos 1000: mil 10000: dez mil 100000: cem mil 1000000: um milhão
What time does it OPEN / CLOSE? DAYS
SCHEDULE
Banks
Monday - Friday Saturday and Sunday
10:00 AM until 3:00 PM Closed
Stores
Monday - Saturday Sunday
8:30-12:00 AM / 1:30-5:30 PM Closed
Monday - Sunday
10:00 AM until 10:00 PM
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Shopping
AIESEC Office
Financial Information The currency is Real (R$). The salary you will earn will be enough for you to cover basic expenses here if you be a MT or TT traineeship. However you must know you will be paid only after the first month of work. We suggest that you bring US$ 500 (US$1,00 was worth approximately R$ 1,85 in dec/11) for your first month’s expenses and National Foreigner’s Registration (RNE) fee. You can bring U.S. dollars or travelers checks and exchange them in Porto Alegre’s airport. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but you should also carry some money with you. VISA is the most popular credit card, and you can easily use it at Banco do Brasil, our main bank.
Our Bills
Our Coins
...and t he New Bills!
Communication Telephony
lic or private). m any telephone (pub fro ne do be n ca lls ca Local . To call from the country code (55) d ad to ry ssa ce ne t It’s no that costs ed a telephone card ne u yo hs ot bo e on teleph encies, n get them at mail ag ca u Yo . 00 5, R$ nd call, arou make a local phone to r de or In s. nd sta ok coffee shops or bo the number. you just have to dial
To make national long distance calls, you should dial: 0 + telephone company code + area code (DDD) + telephone number. Example: to call Porto Alegre (51), using Brasil Telecom’s code you’ll dial:
0 + 14 + 51 + telephone number To make international calls, you should dial: 00 + telephone company code + country code (DDI) + city code + telephone number. Example: to call New York (212) in the U.S. (1), using Embratel’s code, you’ll dial:
00 + 21 + 1 + 212 + telephone number To make collect calls for farther cities
90 + Telephone company code + city code + telephone number To make local collect calls
9090 + telephone number
umbers Useful Telephone N PHONE AIESEC Porto Alegre
051 3308-3684
LCP Cícero Machado
051 9243-9895
VP ICX Cícero Ferreira
051 8152-5359
++ +
More information about phone calls and pre-paid phone cards you can find at
www.embratel.com.br
ADDRESS Washington Luís, 855, room 16 - Porto Alegre
Health and Medical Service ify the Trainee If you need a doctor, just not get to a hospital Service Team. If you need to from the LC, in a hurry and there is no one for help then you can call 192 and ask ly ask you (ambulance).They will probab you have to your name and address, so emergency! keep that in mind incase of
Emergency and Transportation
PHONE
Police
190
Emergency (ambulance)
192
Federal Police
194
Taxi Service Porto Alegre
51 3223-1122
Taxi Service Caxias do Sul
54 3037-3232
Internet Access
There’s a few internet cafe’s (lan house) throughout the city. Most trainees will also have access to the internet at their workplace and maybe at the host.
Meals
RESTAURANTS
AVERAGE PRICE: R$ 8,00 a la minuta R$ 50,00 all-you-can-eat churrasco
ADDRESS Tudo Pelo Social Na Brasa
PHONE
João Alfredo, 448
51 3226-4405
Ramiro Barcelos, 389
51 3225-2205
Meals
SNAKS
Cavanhas Pampa Burger
AVERAGE PRICE: R$ 9,00 X-Calabresa R$ 15,00 Premium Burger
ADDRESS
PHONE
Lima e Silva, 274
51 3719-6324
Venâncio Aires, 57
51 3221-5775
AVERAGE PRICE: R$ 5,00 a Temaki (big sushi cone)
ASIAN FOOD ADDRESS
PHONE
Mr Chao
Cel. Genuino, 171
51 3084-1771
Japesca
Siqueira Campos, 1204
51 3012-7776
Protásio Alves, 616
51 3330-8609
Al-Nur
Food Items, Bus, Happy Hour (Average Prices)
At the Supermarket
Transportation
Bread (1kg)
R$ 5,98
Soft Drink (can)
R$ 1,10
BUS Ticket
Mineral water (bottle)
R$ 0,80
R$ 2,70
Juice (1L)
R$ 2,70
Filled Cookies
R$ 1,58
Snack (un.)
R$ 1,68
Pasta (500gr)
R$ 1,90
Cup nuddle (un.)
R$ 0,70
Ham (150gr)
R$ 3,45
Cheese (150gr)
R$ 2,83
Condoms (3un.)
R$ 2,70
Beer (can)
R$ 1,30
Milk (1L)
R$ 1,79
Meat (1kg)
R$ 13,00
Happy Hours DVD rental Movie ticket Party ticket
R$ 5,00 R$ 10,00 R$ 20,00
Social and Hygienic Habits in Brazil activities without informing. - Possibility of not attending social
- Flexible time for social activities. One hour late for a party is normal.
- “Ficar” - Kissing a guy or a girl you just meet in the dancing club is normal and accept able for Brazilian cult ure.
- Kisses (A long passionate Kiss in public is acceptable.)
rs t allowed to kiss othe no e ar ou (y ip sh on ti - Romance Rela s relationship. after entering a seriou e after they meet. m ti t or sh ry ve a s ip rious relationsh Some people start se ” for some time. am ic “f st ju le op pe Some
Brazilian Habits fter each meal. s. ·Brush and floss a or social activitie y rt a p to g in o g efore ·Usually, shower b shower a day ·Take at least one
Brazilian Culture t a warm ·Talkative (easy to star to have conversation, and easy lots of acquaintances TIP: shave your beard & cut your hair (UNLESS IF your culture does not allow it)
At hotels, take off all your luggage from the vehicle. Don’t leave objects at eyes ight.
Don’t carry too much money or valuable items. Exchange your money in specialized houses of (cambio). Here you can use a credit card almost anywhere, a safer choice for purchases. Emergency: call 190
d t on public places an le al w ur yo g in en op Avoid your money. buses and counting
Safety Tips
Avoid standing alone in deserted streets, especially at night. In case of stolen or loss documents, go to the Police Department, provide the second “way” of the documents, in case you find them, warn the Police Department where you registered you r loss.
Hosting Guide KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL HOSTING PERIOD (tips for hosts and trainees) * Open mind You will like some things about each other, and you will dislike others. Don’t judge, experience it!
* Flexibility You will encounter many differences when you compare your cultures and life style. Flexibility and tolerance will help you to understand and appreciate these differences and accept them as part of the exchange experience. Again, don’t judge, just experience!
* Communication The key to any successful hosting period is communication. It is not only an opportunity, but a responsibility. If you both communicate honestly and sensitively, the time you’re going to spend together is going to be much better. You must be willing to communicate in all ways as possible, using facial expressions and gestures if it may help. It’s good to have a Portuguese x English dictionary around. Making all efforts to communicate as better as possible will not only improve your fluency in other idiom but also make the living together period much better for everybody.
* Courtesy and appreciation The most valuable compensation you are all going to have after this period together is the relationship developed. Small gestures will go a long way toward making people feel that you are grateful and appreciative of their efforts.
* Involvement Expect to make a genuine effort to establish a deep relationship. You can all sit down and talk about some programs that you can make together in order to have some fun, and also talk about cultural differences, dreams, fears, expectations, etc., intense moments that will turn this period into a magical experience for everybody.
Trainee
* Adjust to your host family’s life style
Your host family has invited you into their home because they want to share what they have and they have an interest in learning about a foreign culture. You will be staying with a Brazilian family who may or may not have the same background as you. You will have to accept and adjust to their standard of living. Most families in Brazil do not have maids, cooks or other servants. You are expected to adapt to the family, not vice versa. Keep your expectations at realistic levels and avoid demands on your host family. Don’t forget: host families are volunteers, and their most important reward is going to be the relationship they will develop with you.
* Host family regulations Each host family has rules and regulations which help the living together period to function effectively. It is imperative that each trainee makes every effort possible to understand what his/her family expects. Each trainee must be respectful of his/her host family and the rules that govern the household. Perhaps you have never been expected to help with some duties at home, but be aware that in your new home if everyone is expected to share household responsibilities willingly and automatically, you will be expected to also. There are some issues that must be discussed so both parts are completely aware of what can be done and what cannot. Here are some important topics for discussion: visits from friends, going out with friends, traveling, smoking inside the house, schedule to internet access and TV, cleaning the house, and whatever the host family thinks it’s necessary to be discussed.
* Courtesy If you’re going to be late, call to let someone know. If you want to make a long distance call, ask permission and observe any rules the family has made. If you want to invite a guest, check with your family to see if it’s going to be convenient for them. “Please” and “thank you” are the most important words you will use during your stay.
* Culture shock Culture shock is to be expected in some form during the program. You may experience the following: panic, disinterest, nervousness, impatience and criticism. It’s important for you to know that brazilian people are very kind, so you can expect that your host family will probably make every effort so you can feel at home. So, if you experience any of these feelings, talk things over with the host family, they will certainly help you to feel better.
* Personal expenses You’re going to be responsible for covering personal expenses such as entertainment, clothing, toiletries, eating out, travel, etc., so, you’re required to have at your disposal an amount of money to cover all that.
* Obeying the laws While in Brazil, you’re required to obey all the governmental laws covering immigration status requirements, state and local laws, as well as the rules preestablished between you and the company you’re working for, host family and AIESEC.
* Work You’re here to have an internship experience at your interest area, and there’s a company counting on you, so, it is your obligation to attend work regularly and make all the necessary effort to accomplish what your job description demands. Your host family is aware of that and when necessary will talk to you about it so you can keep your obligations in mind.
Daily Life If you open it, close it. If you turn it on, turn it off. If you unlock it, lock it up. If you break it, admit it and have it fixed or replaced. If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone and ask someone.
If it is broken, don’t try to fix it; ask someone who can.
If you want to borrow it, ask permission.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it. If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you move it, put it back. If it will brighten someone’s day, say it. If you hurt someone’s feelings be the first to say:
“I’m sorry, let’s talk things out.” If someone hurts your feelings, say: “Let’s talk things out.”
Legalization Procedures HOW TO GET YOUR RNE (NATIONAL FOREIGNER REGISTER) Enter the Federal Police website (www.dpf.gov.br) and search for GRU – FUNAPOL forms; At the screen, a form will be opened, and then you must enter personal information and select which fees will be paid; At the item “código da receita STN”, choose the following codes: 140082, which costs R$35,88; 140120, which costs R$69,02; Go to a bank and pay both fees; since you’re already at the bank, request a CPF, and pay the R$4,50 fee that they will charge for that; don’t forget to keep the receipt, because you’ll need it when you ask for your CPF; Now you must go to the Federal Police to get your RNE! They work from 8h – 11:30 and from 14:00 – 17:30. Telephone number is 3235-9004 and the address is Av. Ipiranga, 1365. * when you fill in the form for RNE at the Federal Police, you must write everything in portuguese; * and where the commercial address is requested, you must write AIESEC address. What do you need when you are at the Federal Police? * request of VISA made on Brazil’s Consulate in your country and also an authentic copy of it; * two color pictures 3x4, white background – no earrings, hair on the face, etc.; * receipts proving that you paid for the two fees mentioned above; * original passport and authentic copy of it (just the filled sheets); * yours and AIESEC address in Porto Alegre. - When you get the RNE you are legal in Brazil! You must always carry this document with you, because it guarantees that you’re legal in the country. It will probably take 3 months until you receive the RNE card at the address that you wrote on the forms.
How to get your CPF
(Needed to open a bank account)
You must have a piece of paper that they gave you when you went to the Federal Police to get your RNE; original passport and R$ 4,50 fee receipt, that you already paid at Banco do Brasil; To get your CPF, you must go to Receita Federal, from 08:00 – 11:30. Telephone number is 3228-8902 and the address is Loureiro da Silva, 445. You have to get your CPF, and if you want someone else to pick it up for you, must write an authorization.
t How to open a bank accoun You’re going to ask for an account with the characteristics below: * Saving account (poupança); * VISA ELECTRON card (it is an automatic debit card); no checking; * You must be at the agency with all documents requested and sign the papers. How to proceed: - You need your passport (copies can be made at the agency); - Prove that your CPF is legal ( the original takes about 90 days to be ready, so, o must take a receipt that can be printed at the internet). Obs.: How to print this receipt: with your CPF number in hands go to www.receita.fazenda.gov.br, click at “Cadastro de CPF”, and then “CPF”, and then enter “Consulta a situação cadastral de pessoa física”. Now, you just have to put the number and print it (must say “SITUAÇÃO REGULAR”); - You also need a document that proves permanent residency of your host (water/telephone/energy/credit card bills); - The host (which name is written on the bills listed above) must write down a statement saying that you live with him/her at that address. This document needs a date, signature, ID number, place that issued the ID, and CPF number. The signature must be recognized at a registry office. - Take at least R$50,00, because the amount of Money required varies from place to place, and they may ask you for a initial deposit; - To open a saving account you must have done your CPF 48 hours ago; - When you open your saving account, someone from AIESEC MST be with you. Don’t forget to write down your account’s number and variation at AIESEC files.