GENERAL INFORMATION

Language

Portuguese is the official language all over Brazilian territory, but English and Spanish are usually spoken in touristic areas. A traveler’s dictionary with expressions in the local language might be very useful. The ICHA official language is English.

Time Zone

Brazilian time zone varies within UTC/GMT -2h and -5h according to the region. In the South region, where Florianopolis is located, the standard time zone is the same as Brasilia, official time of the country: UCT/GMT -3h. Daylight saving time is scheduled to start on 16 October at 00:00 am. At that time, the Brazilian official time becomes UCT/GMT -2h.

Climate

Florianópolis experiences a warm humid subtropical climate, falling just short of a true tropical climate. The seasons of the year are distinct, with a well-defined summer and winter, and characteristic weather for autumn and spring. Frost is infrequent, but occurs occasionally in the winter. Due to the proximity of the sea, the relative humidity of the atmosphere is 80% on average. In October, average temperature varies from 16 ºC minimum to 22 ºC maximum.

Letter of Invitation

Invitation letters will be sent upon request. It must be understood that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organizing Committee to provide any financial assistance. For an invitation letter, please send your request via contact form, on this website.

Liability and Insurance

The congress organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to private property of participants. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip.

Currency

Local currency is Real (R$). Exchange rate is variable. In UTC -3 , rate is of US$ 1 to R$ 3.45(updated at 2016-11-14). Dollars and Euros can be easily exchanged in hotels, authorized banks and exchange sites (casas de câmbio). International debit and credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted in most places. Many hotels and restaurants also take Amex and Dinners. Debit cards can be used to withdraw money in local currency at ATMs.

Voltage

Voltage in Brazil is not standardized, and depends on each State or city. In Florianópolis, the standard voltage is 220 V, but in São Paulo, where most international flights arrive at, the standard voltage is 110 V.

Zika epidemics

Florianópolis is not significantly affected by the Zika epidemics. Check http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/ for updates on the situation.”