Useful information

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Useful information

The official language in Brazil – and in Salvador – is Portuguese.

Schedule

The official time in Salvador is the same one used by the federal capital, Brasília, three hours less than the Greenwich Meridian (GMT-3). You should pay attention to the daylight saving time (DST) periods. In some regions of Brazil, it can vary for 1h less.

Bank Information / Currency

Brazil’s official currency – and Salvador’s – is the Real (R$).

Banks operate from Monday to Friday – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (they close on public holidays).

Tour guides

Salvador has 400 professional Tour Guides registered with CADASTUR / MTur. Hire Tour Guides registered and accredited by the State of Bahia Tourist Guide Union, so you can enjoy your tour knowing the true history of Salvador, on the day, time and period you choose, according to the tourist points of interest.

Administrative Hours

Offices usually run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is usually no expedient during the holidays.

Climate and Clothing

Salvador is a typical tropical city, warm and humid, with an average temperature of 25 °C (77 °F). The weather in Salvador demands light and comfortable clothes.

HISTORY OF CLIMATE DATA OF SALVADOR

Weather Table, Salvador

There is a difference of 211 mm between the precipitation of the driest month and the wettest month. Average temperatures vary 3.5 °C during the year.

Source: http://pt.climate-data.org/location/854/

Potable water

It is not advisable to drink tap water. Always prefer mineral water sold in supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores and the like.

Electricity

The voltage of Salvador is 110 volts. When requested, most hotels provide transformers to visitors who have different voltage devices, such as 220 volts.

The current Brazilian electrical outlet standard is 3 (three) pins.

Health and Medical Assistance

Emergency Mobile Assistance Service (SAMU) – Phone: 192

Foreign visitors must acquire medical care with international coverage, prior to travel, in their country of origin.

Visa and Passport

Visitors from countries belonging to Mercosul must have only some identification. For tourists and visitors from other countries, it is necessary to have a passport valid for at least 6 (six) months.

For more information on the need for entry visas for Brazil, contact the nearest Brazilian Consulate, or your country’s Embassy, or visit, www.mre.gov.br.

Salvador has about 3,300 public buses and the subway. In addition to the public transportation system, Salvador offers tourists other private transportation services made by special buses with guides and bilingual drivers.

Collective Buses

Bus lines run through the entire city and are the cheapest means of transportation.

Taxi

A fast transportation system, with great comfort. Salvador has a fleet of approximately 7,000 taxis, which circulate throughout the day in the city, serving the local population and tourists. The price is reasonable and the cars are comfortable (Source: Union of Taxi drivers of Bahia).

Subway

Inaugurated recently, Salvador subway connects the Historic Center to the Airport, passing through several neighborhoods of Salvador, and has connections with the bus lines.

Restrictions on Smokers

In Salvador, legislation is strict and smoking is not allowed indoors.

Tips

Giving tips in Salvador is optional. The amount generally applied is 10% of the bill’s total.

Safety

• If you need police assistance, look for the Tourist Protection Office (DELTUR) and the Military Police – CIA of Tourist Police, with offices located in the city’s Historical Center. These agencies have qualified people capable of dealing with any threat to the tourist’s safety;

• Do not exchange currency with unknown people. Go directly to the bank branches or exchange offices;

• Avoid wearing jewelry and carry lots of money with you;

• It is not advisable to keep your passport with you at all times, especially if you go to the beach. In case of loss, notify the police immediately;

• Only use taxis services from accredited companies.

• Only hire Tour guides accredited by CADASTUR MTur.

More tourist information

SECULT – Municipal Department of Culture and Tourism
Ministry of Tourism

MINISTRY OF TOURISM