BELO HORIZONTE
The first planned capital city in Brazil, Belo Horizonte will be 112 years old in December, 2009. Its vocation for business tourism attracts an ever growing number of visitors, generating new business and investments. Recognized as a center of excellence in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and computation, the city hosts important domestic and international events, and offer a top-notch hotel infrastructure.
Famous for its many bars and restaurants, as well as for the unique Minas-style cuisine, Belo Horizonte also boasts a variety of tourist attractions: The lake and the Architectonic Complex of Pampulha, Liberdade Square and Palace, recently restored, the busy and multi-colored Savassi region, shopping malls, and the popular Arts & Crafts Fair of Avenida Afonso Pena, among others.
DISTANCES FROM BELO HORIZONTE
Brasília 741 km
Rio de Janeiro 446 km
Vitória 525 km
São Paulo 586 km
Porto Alegre 1709 km
Ouro Preto 98 Km
Tiradentes 207 Km
Salvador 1355 Km
CURRENCY
The official currency of Brazil is the Real (R$)
CHECKS
Payments by check require approval from the management of the establishment.
CREDIT CARDS
Most commercial establishments accept the following credit cards: Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Diners.
TAXES
In Brazil, taxes are already included in the prices of products.
TIPPING
Some restaurants automatically include the tip (an additional 10% over the bill amount), as do hotels.
Other restaurants do not include the tip in the bill (normally, this is stated on the menu), and in these cases, it is customary to leave a 10% tip.
It is also customary to tip the baggage handler (who carries the baggage from the taxi to the front desk and takes the baggage to the room).
BANK HOURS
Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
HEALTH
Some types of medication, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-fever and analgesic medications can be ordered over the phone. For controlled medication, antibiotics, antidepressants and other types of medication, a doctor’s prescription is necessary.
CIGARETTES
The Brazilian Civil Code prohibits minors under the age of 18 from smoking. Most closed establishments in Belo Horizonte offer smoking areas.
If there is no designated smoking area, tourists are advised to check with management before smoking. Smoking on public transport, in theaters and shows is strictly forbidden.
VOLTAGE
In Belo Horizonte, voltage can be either 127 or 220 Volts.
Before using any electrical appliance, you should first check the voltage in the outlets (127 or 220) and on the appliance.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Directory Assistance 102
Police: 190
Emergency Hospitals: 192
Tancredo Neves (Confins - CNF) International Airport: 3689-2702
Pampulha (PLU) Airport: 3490-2001
Bus Station: 3271-3000
MOBILE TELEPHONE
In Brazil, two types of technology are used for cell phones, GSM and TDMA.
International Calls to Belo Horizonte: 00 + 55 + 31 + telephone number
International Calls from Belo Horizonte: 00 + Operator Code + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number
International Collect Calls: 0800 7032111
Calls to International Cell Phones: 00 + Operator Code + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number
Brazilian Country Code: 55
Belo Horizonte Area Code: 31
Operator Codes:
31 – Telemar
21 – Embratel
23 – Intelig
41 – Tim
TAXIS
COOMOTÁXI - Telephone: 55 (31) 3419-2020 – 08000 392020
COOPERTRAMO - Telephone: 55 (31) 3454-5757
CONSULAR BODY
Rua Marques de Marica, 377 – Santo Antônio - Telephone: 3342-1510
www.corpoconsular.com.br
SHOPPING MALLS
BH SHOPPING
Rodovia BR 356, km 447. Belvedere - Telephone: 55 (31) 40034135
DIAMOND MALL
Av. Olegário Maciel, 1600. Lourdes. Telephone: 55 (31) 4003-4136
PÁTIO SAVASSI
Av. do Contorno, 6061. Savassi. Telephone: 55 (31) 3263-8500
MINAS SHOPPING
Av. Cristiano Machado, 4000. União – Telephone: 55 (31) 3429-3545
PONTEIO LAR SHOPPING MALL
Highway BR 356, 2500. Santa Lúcia – Telephone: 55 (31) 3503-2500
24-HOUR PHARMACIES
DROGARIA ARAÚJO
Telephone: 55 (31) 3270-5000
DROGARIA NOVA
Telephone: 55 (31) 3296-6969
THEATERS
TEATRO ALTEROSA
Av. Assis Chateaubriand, 499. Floresta.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3237-6611
PALÁCIO DAS ARTES
Av. Afonso Pena, 1537. Centro.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3237-7399
SESIMINAS
Rua Padre Marinho, 60. Santa Efigênia.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3241-7132
MOVIE THEATERS
ESPAÇO USIMINAS BELAS ARTES LIBERDADE
Rua Gonçalves Dias, 1581. Lourdes.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3213-5594
CINEPLEX – BH SHOPPING
Highway BR. 356 km 447. Belvedere.
Telephone: 55 (31) 4005-1414
CINEMARK – PÁTIO SAVASSI
Rua Av. do Contorno, 6061. Savassi.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3288-3205
DIAMOND MALL
Av. Olegário Maciel, 1600. Lourdes.
Telephone: 55 (31) 4005-1414
HOSPITALS
MATERDEI
Rua Gonçalves Dias, 2700. Santo Agostinho.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3339-9000
FELICIO ROCHO
Av.Contorno, 9530. Prado.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3335-7000
LIFE CENTER
Av. Contorno, 4747. Serra.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3280-4000
PRONTO SOCORRO JOÃO XXIII
Av. Alfredo Balena, 400. Santa Efigênia.
Telephone: 55 (31) 3239-9200
24-HOUR BANK MACHINES
Av. Afonso Pena, 785. 785 and 1500.
Av. Amazonas, 340 and 527.
Rua Espírito Santo, 1023.
TOURISM IN BRAZIL
Information on tourist cities in Brazil, suggestions on how to arrive and where to stay, and other information.
www.embratur.gov.br
TOURISM IN MINAS GERAIS
Useful information on tourism in Minas Gerais.
www.descubraminas.com.br/home/default.asp
TOURISM IN BELO HORIZONTE
www.belotur.com.br/ing
ESTRADA REAL
Sites with useful adventure tourism suggestions (like hiking, rafting, mountain climbing, canyoning), and information on historical colonial cities, where to stay, gastronomy, art, museums.
http://www.estradareal.org.br
DOMESTIC AIRLINES
TAM – www.tam.com.br
GOL – www.voegol.com.br
TRIP LINHAS AÉREAS – www.voetrip.com.br
OCEANAIR - www.oceanair.com.br
|
