Tips and facts
Here are some important and interesting facts about Brazil and Jericoacoara.
Money
It is better to have local currency before getting to Jeri. Cash can be exchanged or withdrawn from ATM machines at the airport or in Fortaleza. Try to get small denominations, since sometimes it can be tricky getting change. In Jijoca (last stop before Jericoacoara) there is an ATM machine and a bank agency. There is also a Post Office branch in Jericoacoara that acts as a Postal Bank to Bradesco´s account holders, with a daily limit for withdrawal.
Currency
Real R$ (pronounced "heh-al"), plural is reais ("heh-eyes") and centavos. http://www.convertit.com/Go/ConvertIt/Currency/. Jericoacoara is a simple village which means it does not have some of the facilities we are often used to. So please pay attention to the following:
Cash Withdrawal
There are NO ATM´s. Therefore you will rely on cash, credit cards, and foreign currency (Euros and US dollars). Try to get Brazilian currency (Reais R$) while at the airport or in Fortaleza where there are ATMs. Usually, these cash machines work until 10 pm.
Currency Exchange
It is possible to exchange money (Euros and US dollars) but the exchange rate is not as good as you will find in Fortaleza.
Travelers Cheques
It is NOT POSSIBLE TO EXCHANGE TRAVELER'S CHECK in Jeri. It is only possible to exchange cash (Euros and US dollars).
Tourist Visa
Contact your travel agent or the Brazilian consulate to find out if a visa is required. Tourist visas are usually granted for 90 days and may be renewed for more 90 days.
Best Time To Go
Any time is a good time to visit Jericoacoara. The weather only varies slightly. There is more wind and sunshine between July and February. After February until June the "rainy season" begins, which means you will experience rain showers and cloud cover that, occasionally, can last an entire day, but most often clears up.
National Holidays from December - February. This is when Brazilians (particularly from the south) take their vacations and go to the Northern beaches. At this time it is wise to book ahead since accomodation options can fill up and run out of vacancies.
Transfer
From the airport to Jeri takes approximately 4 hours in 4x4 vehicles, or you can take the bus, which takes approximately 6 hours.
Rental cars
Renting a car is not necessary and not advised since the road is difficult to drive in and you need a driver that knows well the road to make it through the sand and dunes.
Health
There is NO HOSPITAL IN JERI, only a limited health center. There is one small medical center in Jijoca (1 hour by car) which offers limited service and the closest hospital is in Sobral, which is 3 hours by car. It is important to BRING YOUR MEDICINE since the small pharmacy in Jeri has a limited stock of medications.
Electricity
220V
Weights & Measurements
Metric system
Average temperature:
Air 27-35 oC (80-95 oF)
Water 27 oC (80 oF)
In the summer (October to February) you'll barely have a cloudy day and there is a lot of wind, making Jeri a paradise for windsurfers and kite surfers. The wind also helps to make the temperature feels a little less hot.
In the winter (March to July) is the rainy season, which means that you will have some days that are cloud filled resulting in moderate to heavy pouring rains, which often ends within one hour or less.
Telephone
International dialing code +55 88 and the number you want to call.
Internet
There are plenty of cybercafes to access the internet in Jeri and hotels where you can connect your laptop or smartphone using wireless connection.
Calendar for Public Holidays
January 1º, New Year's Day: big party and fireworks display
Feb/28 to mar/5, Carnaval: seven days leading up to Ash Wednesday, usually falls in February. It is more popular in Rio, Salvador, and some of the other big cities.
April 18, Esther
April 21, Celebration of Tiradentes
May 1º, Labour Day
June 19, Corpus Christi
September 7, Independence Day
October 12, Nossa Senhora Aparecida
November 2, Dia dos Finados (the Day of the Dead)
November 15, Proclamation of the Republic
December 25, Christmas Day
Official Language
Portuguese
