Brazil / View cities

Brazil doesn't just excel at soccer. In fact the country's higher education star is quickly rising. 

• Public and private institutions alike are known for their exceptional quality of facilities and faculty as well as a comprehensive range of course offerings and commitment to social inclusion.
• As part of the country's focus on enhancing its academic reputation, Brazil is in active pursuit of internationalization. The Brazilian Exchange Bureau promotes the country's education programs to foreign students and foreign exchange companies.
• There's a push to draw high-quality faculty and students from across the globe, and more institutions abroad are entering into strategic partnerships with Brazil in both exchange programs and research collaborations.
• Brazil is considered an emerging power within the global economy -- joining such stars as India and China. Studying here positions international students for success with multinational corporations which view Brazilian universities as excellent recruiting grounds for employees.
• According to an American survey, Brazilians are the most friendly and welcoming people in the world. Enough to come to the country and share unique experiences.

• The currency in Brazil is the Real (R$) which comes in denominations of 2,5,10,20,50,100 R$ notes. Coins come in 1,5,10,25,50¢ and 1 R$.
• Brazil's largest banks are: Bank Bradesco Financiamentos, Caixa Econômica Federal, HSBC, Bank J Safra S/A, Bank Itaú, Bank PanAmericano S/A, Bank Santander, Bank do Brasil, Citibank.
• HSBC banks are usually a safe bet, and perhaps the most reliable for foreign travellers in Brazil. Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and Santander are also useful although you may need to try more than one. Other banks such as Itau and Caixa are not at present.
• ATM's are definitely the best bet, but they have Brazilian quirks too. Firstly, foreign cards are only accepted in the machines marked 24 Hours, which should have a sign or sticker containing all the symbols for Visa, Mastercard, Amex and others somewhere on the front. 
• Another important point for Brazil is that the ATM's do not dispense more than R100 after 10pm . This is a rule designed to discourage overnight kidnappings! Just because your favorite cash machine is marked "24 Hours", it doesn't mean that you have access to all your funds 24 hours a day.

Sample Price Guide:

• Accommodation per month: 843.52 R$
• Average food prices per month: 427.93 R$
• Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar: 18.00 R$
• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: 16.00 R$
• Small bottle of water: 2.29 R$
• Small bottle of beer: 6.83 R$ or 3.52 R$           
• Cappuccino (Regular): 4.40 R$
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): 3.24 R$
• Liter of milk: 2.57 R$
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): 4.23 R$
• Movie ticket: 20.00 R$      
• One-way Ticket (Local Transport): 2.90 R$