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Q: Where is Fortaleza, Brazil?

A: Fortaleza is located in North East Brazil and is the seaside capital of the State of Ceará. A modern city with endless sunshine (three thousand hours of sun per year) and a constant ocean breeze making for a true paradise. The city has many attractions and a vibrant nightlife with bars, restaurants, and shows. A city that is always alive and is known for having the "wildest Monday nights in the world."

The Praia of Iracema (Iracema's beach), one of the first urban nucleuses of the city, holds most of the bars and restaurants. There, the Ponte dos Ingleses (English's Bridge), the old docks, are located and used to watch the sunset and spot dolphins. The warm waters of Fortaleza's urbanized beaches offer every comfort to the tourist. The scenery is complemented by the jangadas, the small and rustic rafts used by many of Ceará's fishermen, which provide the “fruits of the sea” used in creating the best dishes for Ceará's cuisine.

The Praia do Futuro (Beach of the Future) is the meeting place for sunbathers, with a large number of typical beachside restaurants using the traditional carnauba straw in its construction. The local population calls them "Barracas de Praia." Thursday nights, the beach becomes the biggest sensation in the capital's nightlife, with live music, forró and an endless supply of crab to dine on. With strong winds the Praia do Futuro is an excellent place for nautical sports.

Fortaleza hosts world competitions of surfing and windsurfing. A few kilometers away from the city are some well-known beaches as Prainha, Iguape and Porto das Dunas. At the latter there are two large water parks.

For those who like shopping, Fortaleza is also a paradise. The art crafts can be found at the local markets. Clothes, shoes, purses and bikinis made by the skilled hands of Cearense are sold at Rua Monsenhor Tabosa, an immense open-space shopping mall. At downtown, the tourist can find museums, historical public squares and the Theatre José de Alencar, considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil.

Fortaleza's history began 275 years ago, when the Dutch constructed the Fort Shoonenborch in 1649. Later, the Portuguese expelled the Dutch and renamed it to Fort of Nossa Senhora da Assunção. Around the fort, which even today is in perfect conservation state, a small village grew into the fifth largest city in Brazil with 2.1 million people.

 

Q: Fortaleza Airport

A: Pinto Martins International Airport is one of the newest and most modern airports in Brazil. It has the capacity to receive 2.5 million passengers per year. The airport has seven boarding gates with "finger" systems. The patio can receive up to 19 airplanes simultaneously. The airport is approximately a 15 minute taxi ride to the city center.

Address: Avenida Senador Carlos Jereissati, 2000 - Pici - Fortaleza (CE) - CEP: 60.741-900 Telephone: 85 477 1200.

 

Q: Business Hours

A: Most offices and stores are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Stores are also open on Saturday from 9am to 1pm while most of the large shopping centers open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Banks are open from Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 4:30pm.

 

Q: Climate

A: Fortaleza has a warm and dry tropical climate with an average annual temperature in July and August is 27oC (80F). The relative air humidity is 77%, with an annual precipitation average of 1.378,3 millimeters (mm).

 

Q: Clothing

A: Appropriately enough for a city where the beach and warm weather play such an important role, casual dress dominates in Fortaleza, although during working hours men will not feel out of place in a suit and tie and women in smart dresses or a suit. Few of Fortaleza's night spots require formal attire. For men, slacks and a sport shirt are sufficient; for women, casual attire is fine. Women may appreciate having a shawl or cardigan in hand for the more heavily air-conditioned buildings, while a light sweater is all that is necessary for winter nights. It is suggested travelers bring a light rain jacket.

 

Q: Communications

A: Fortaleza has an excellent telecommunications system. Direct dial and collect calls can be placed from any telephone. Pay phones are located throughout the city and operate with telephone cards. Portable cellular telephones are available to visitors for a small rental charge. The International Direct Dial (IDD) code for Brazil is 55 and the city code for Fortaleza 85.

 

Q: Cultural

A: Getting to know Fortaleza is to take a ride through its history. This modern city has many landmarks from its past, either in museums, churches, forts, public squares, stations, at the Farol do Mucuripe, theatre and historical buildings. Downtown includes attractions such as the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, built in the same spot that the city was originated, and the Palácio da Luz (Palace of Light), a beautiful construction from end of the eighteenth century classic style, which was the center of the state government.

 

Q: Electric Current

A: The electric current in Fortaleza is 110 or 120 volts, 60 cycles, alternating current. Many hotels and large apartment blocks do, however, have some 220 volt outlets.

 

Q: Medical Services

A: Fortaleza and Brazil have a number of internationally respected hospitals, clinics and doctors, but treatment is expensive so visitors are strongly advised to take out medical trip insurance before traveling to Brazil. This insurance is available from our USA office.

 

Q: Hotels

A: Andetur has a selection of hotels available at a negotiated discount rate for our clients, and this suggested list of hotels in Fortaleza will be posted as soon as it is available.

 

Q: Taxis

A: Fortaleza has an extensive taxi fleet which be hailed in the streets, as well as a series of special taxis operated by licensed companies which can be found at the airports, hotels or booked by phone. From the international airport and the main shopping centers most of the special taxis work on a fixed fare determined by area which is paid in advance at the company's counter above which the fare price must be displayed.

Our office also has a list of known and trusted taxi operators that we can recommend.

 

Q: Tipping

A: Hotels: hotels generally include any service charge on the bill. Restaurants: tips are discretionary but are often found on the final bills as a "suggestion", not required. In Brazil the norm remains 10 per cent.

Taxis: tips are not expected by taxi drivers although most passengers will round the fare up if satisfied with the service. Airport and hotel porters: the Real equivalent of US$1.00 per suitcase.

 

Q: What can I do to ensure my personal safety?

A: Like most large cities tourists are reminded to consider their personal safety before departing for the destination and to plan accordingly while visiting. In Fortaleza the police provide comprehensive patrolling of the city for the protection of tourists and are properly trained and equipped to attend to cases involving tourists. The police patrol the popular tourist areas including the beaches and the vicinity of the hotels.

Divisão de Apoio ao Turista - Rua Silva Paulet, 505 - Aldeota

Telephone: 261.3769 and 455.8112

Useful security tips:

• If possible avoid leaving your hotel wearing jewelry or carrying expensive photo or video cameras.
• Hotels offer safety deposit boxes in their rooms. It is recommended that jewelry, air tickets, documents and money are kept in them. Carry only what is necessary for your daily use with you. Carry certified copies of your passport and visa.
• Preferentially leave the hotel in small groups.
• Please feel free to ask for directions at the front desk of the hotel or from someone belonging to the agency.
• It is suggested that taxis from one of the several taxi cooperatives be used, or at least one that seems new. Our agency representative, or your hotel can assist you with phone numbers or suggestions.
• Avoid carrying too much cash, as many shops and stores in Fortaleza accept credit cards.

Q: What Language is Spoken in Fortaleza, Brazil?

A: The official language spoken is Portuguese.

 

Q: Do I need vaccinations to visit Fortaleza, Brazil?

A: It is also recommended to check if you need Yellow Fever vaccination. This is recommended for people visiting certain parts of Brazil - in particular the States of Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Pará, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Roraima, Rondonia and Tocantins.

 

Q: Are there direct flights to Fortaleza from the United States?

A: Yes, beginning June 1, 2006 TAM Airlines is operating a new daily service from Miami, USA to Fortaleza, via Manaus, Brazil.

 

Tam Meridionais Airlines to Fortaleza via Manaus and Belem, from Miami Intl MIA. This new frequency started on June 1st, 2006. Daily departure at 8:30pm from Miami. On top of this Daily Flights from NYC = Kennedy Airport And By Daily Flights from Miami International Connections to all points in Brazil with No hassles Tam is the number one Airline in Brazil now and we are holding all the contracts with them We are very excited about this new service and look forward booking your flights. Service will be in Airbus 320 Business and Economy class of service. Brazil is there forever flying with Tam Meridionais Brazilian International Airlines.

 

Q: What is the currency?

A: The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (R$). There are coins of one, five, ten, twenty-five, fifty cents, and one Real and there are bills of one, two, five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred Reais. The exchange rate available to visitors is published daily in the newspaper along with the commercial dollar rate of the day used in official international business transactions. Cash and traveler checks, especially US Dollars, can be exchanged at most banks or exchange houses as well as the major hotels. All major credit cards are accepted in Brazil and some stores even accept foreign currency.