Travel Facts
Here are some important and interesting facts about Brazil and Jericoacoara.
Cost of Living
Generally Brazil is cheap. No need to scrimp on luxury. In Jericoacoara there are services for all budgets.
Money
It is better to have local currency before getting to Jeri. Cash can be exchanged or withdrawn from bank machines at the airport or in Fortaleza. Try to get small bills, since it's sometimes tricky getting change. In Jijoca (last stop before Jericoacoara) there is a cash machine and a back agency.
Currency is the 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 amenities we are often used to. So please pay attention to the following:
Cash Withdrawal
There are NO CASH/ATM MACHINES. You will therefore rely on local currency, credit cards, foreign currency (Euros and US dollars). Try to get Brazilian currency (Reais R$) while at the airport or in Fortaleza where there are Cash Machines/ATMs. Usually, these cash machines aworks until 10 pm.
Currency Exchange
LIMITED CURRENCY EXCHANGE SERVICES. It is possible to exchange money (Euros and US dollars) but the exchange rate it is not as good as you will find in Fortaleza. Jeri does not have an official place to exchange money and it is only possible at some commercial establishments.
Travelers Cheques
It is NOT POSSIBLE TO EXCHANGE TRAVELER'S CHECK. It is only possible to exchange cash (Euros and US dollars).
Tourist Visa
Contact your travel agent or Brazilian consulate to find out if a visa is required. Tourist visas are usually granted for 90 days which point can be renewed for another 90 days.
Best Time To Go
Any time is a good time to visit Jericoacoara. The climate only varies slightly. There is more wind and sunshine between July and February. After February until June the "rainy season" begins which means you experience rain showers and cloud cover that on occasion can last an entire day, but most often clears up.
Local 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 things can book up.
Transfer
From the airport to Jeri takes approximately 4 hours in 4x4 vehicles, or you can take 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 a clinic in Gijoca (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
Climate
Average temperature:
Air 30-34 oC (85-95 oF)
Water 30 oC (85 oF)
In the summer (October to February) you'll barely have a cloudy day and there is a lot more wind, making Jeri a paradise for windsurfers and kite surfers. It also helps to make the temperature feel 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 number
Internet: there are plenty of cybercafes to access internet in Jeri and hotels where you can connect your laptop using wireless connection.
Calendar for Public Holidays
January 1 New Year's Day: big party and fireworks display
Carnaval The five days leading up to Ash Wednesday, usually falls in February. It is more popular in Rio, Salvador, and some of the other big cities.
Good Friday
April 21 Remembrance of Tiradentes
May 1 Labour Day
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
Capital: Brasilia
Head of State: "Lula" Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Form of Government: presidential democracy
Size: 8,511,965 km 2
Population: 186,112,794 (2000)
Religion: catholic
National Passion: Soccer
Tips
Here are some hints for an unforgettable experience in Jericoacoara:
- Make reservations in advance. There are a limited number of places to stay in Jeri and the best places fill up quickly. For more information and to make reservations, consult the “hotels”section of this website.
- Bring a sunblock with a very high SPF, since the sun can be deceiving in Jeri due to the cool ocean breezes; you won’t even know you’re burning.
- Since Jeri doesn’t have any public lighting, a small flashlight can be helpful on those moonless nights.
- Money: come prepared. In Jeri banks and loan offices don’t exist and not all places accept checks or credit cards. Also many people end up staying longer than they had initially planned (and this could happen to you!). Another money tip is to bring a lot of small bills and change because local stores are always running short.
- Remember that you’re going to an Environmental Preservation Area, so be aware. In Jeri you’re not allowed to throw garbage on the beach (or anywhere else that’s not a trash can), drive off marked trails or on the dunes, pollute, collect seashells or rocks, or to hunt.
