I'm Executive Platinum on AA again next year

Greetings from the Grand Hyatt Taipei. I flew on AA from DFW to NRT then CX to TPE. With the AA flight I crossed over the 100,000 EQMs threshold. The CX flight was credited to my British Airways account for a few miles as the fare class to too cheap to earn AA miles.

Almost United Premier 1K again!

I'm flying out from DFW to Toronto right now in coach using an award ticket.  At least I will get a free sandwich on this AA flight being an Executive Platinum flying coach (plus complimentary alcohol too if needed).

So I'm Hong Kong bound from Toronto  (via San Francisco) coming up on Thursday on my trip that will cross the 100,000 Premier Qualifying Miles mark.  The bad part is that I'm flying in Coach (Economy Plus Exit row seat) and my friend is flying Business Class via W fare and a Global Premier Upgrade.  Luckily, I have flown in coach during an international flight only a few times during the last 4 years. 

In 2009, (American DFW-LHR-DFW) first time leaving the country by myself.
In 2010, (Cathay Pacific MNL-HKG-KUL) on British Airways award ticket
In 2011, (United DFW-LAX-PVG-SFO-DFW)
In 2012, (Lufthansa LAX-FRA-ZRH and Swiss ZRH-SFO) during the Star MegaDO 4 trip

The positioning flight is on AA (DFW-YYZ) both ways using British Airways Avios + cash supplement.  For the outbound and return evenings, I will be staying overnight both nights at the Toronto Airport Marriott using awards.  My goal is 150,000 Premier Qualifying Miles for 4 extra Regional Premier Upgrades and 2 extra Global Premier Upgrades (total of 8 Regional Premier Upgrades and 8 Global Premier Upgrades).

  

Journey to Top Elite Status on American and United Airlines UPDATE Mar 2013

UA was two DFW-IAH-HNL-SFO-IAH-DFW turn both into BusinessFirst on an international Boeing 767-400 outbound flights cleared with 2 Regional Premier Upgrades (RPUs).  The return was eligible for Complimentary Domestic Upgrades since I used up all my RPUs already.  The other plus is that I got to earn a little bit more miles (116 PQMS each) because of the routing and extra segments that I took but that meant I got into DFW a few hours later as well.   

AA trip was on LAX-DFW-ORD-PVG on AA outbound Business Class cleared with eVIP on a great fare sale at the end of the month for a quick one week fun trip.  I flew on an (7740 WN points) award ticket on Southwest Airlines from DAL-ABQ-LAX for the positioning flight.  Revenue ticket was about $129 on Southwest but I was not interested in earning anymore Southwest Rapid Rewards points at this time.    

	United Airlines	American Airlines
January	Premier Qualifying Miles – 20,970   Premier Qualifying Segments – 20 Redeemable Miles – 41,940	Elite Qualifying Miles – 13,066 Elite Qualifying Segments – 10 Redeemable Miles – 26,132
February	Premier Qualifying Miles – 13,618 *Premier Silver Achieved* Premier Qualifying Segments – 8.5 Redeemable Miles – 27,611	Elite Qualifying Miles – 12,467 *Gold Achieved* Elite Qualifying Segments –  5 Redeemable Miles – 24,934
March	Premier Qualifying Miles –  17,900 *Premier Gold Achieved* Premier Qualifying Segments – 10 Redeemable Miles – 35,800	Elite Qualifying Miles – 9,094 Elite Qualifying Segments – 3 Redeemable Miles – 18,192
Totals to Date	Premier Qualifying Miles – 52,488   Premier Qualifying Segments – 38.5 Redeemable Miles – 105,351	Elite Qualifying Miles – 34,627 Elite Qualifying Segments – 18 Redeemable Miles – 69,254
Remainder Needed	Premier Qualifying Miles – 47,512 Premier Qualifying Segments –  81.5	Elite Qualifying Miles – 65,373 Elite Qualifying Segments – 82

 

Here's the monthly summary of the paths I took:

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Earn up to 300,000 AA miles!

Earn up to 300,000 bonus AA miles by double dipping with 2 promotions! Sign up for both EURAA and AADUS and get 40,000 Bonus AA miles for each round trip on American Airlines to Dussledorf in economy fare class of Y, B or H or Business class J, R, D or I. If you complete 5 Roundtrips during the timeframe, you get an additional 100,000 AAdvantage miles! These promotions overlap from April 11 through May 31, 2013 so be sure to fly between those 2 dates.

Fly To Europe. Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles

Participating Airline: American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, OpenSkies Award: Bonus Miles Offer: The More You Fly. The More You Earn. Earn American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles every time you fly round-trip between the U.S., Canada, or Mexico and Europe on First Class, Business Class or select Economy Class fares* on American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia or OpenSkies. Number of Round-Trips Bonus Miles for Round-Trip Travel Each Round-Trip 20,000 bonus miles On Your Fifth Round-Trip 100,000 additional bonus miles You will earn 20,000 bonus miles for each eligible round-trip flown during the offer period. Plus, on your fifth round-trip, you will earn an additional 100,000 bonus miles. There's no limit to how many bonus miles you can earn. With four airlines participating in this promotion, you'll have even more opportunities to earn bonus miles. Offer Dates: March 18, 2013, through May 31, 2013 Promotion Code: EURAA Travel the World with Ease and Comfort Our expanded relationship with British Airways and Iberia offers you more flights to Europe. Fly to more than 400 destinations in over 100 countries with approximately 5,200 daily departures. And, we're working hard to bring you a more modern, connected and comfortable experience. Learn More *Includes First Class and Business Class fares booked in F, A, J, R, D or I; Economy Class fares booked in Y, B or H on American Airlines operated flights; First Class or Club World fares booked in F, A, J, R, C, D or I; World Traveller Plus or full-fare World Traveller booked in W, E, T, Y, B or H on British Airways operated flights; Business Class fares booked in J, C, D, R or I; Economy Class fares booked in Y on Iberia operated flights; OpenSkies Prem Plus (booking classes W, E, T, Z, A), OpenSkies Eco booked in Y, B, H. Terms and Conditions: Registration prior to travel is required. AAdvantage bonus mile offer is valid on American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and OpenSkies operated and/or marketed nonstop flights for round-trip travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe, March 18, 2013, through May 31, 2013. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who are U.S., Canada or Mexico residents and who purchase and fly on eligible published-fare tickets. Flights operated by other codeshare partners are not eligible for this promotion. A round-trip is defined as travel in the same purchased booking class for both the departure and the return transatlantic flight segments. A one-time bonus of 100,000 miles will be awarded after completion of the fifth round-trip. Bonus miles do not count toward elite status qualification or Million Miler status. Members registered for both this promotion and promotion AADUS will receive a single bonus for each eligible round-trip flown to/from Dusseldorf for travel in Business Class or Economy Class fares booked in Y, B or H during the overlapping time period. The two promotions cannot be combined to receive double bonuses for the same trip. However, members who fly on a discounted Economy Class fare ticket, not included in the AAEUR promotion, will be eligible to earn the corresponding 10,000 mile bonus for travel during the AADUS promotion timeframe. Learn more or register for the AADUS promotion. New Nonstop to Dusseldorf. Earn up to 20,000 Bonus Miles Participating Airlines: American Airlines Award: Bonus Miles Offer: Ready to explore a new city and earn bonus miles along the way?  Starting April 11, American Airlines begins nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare and Dusseldorf, Germany.  To celebrate, we’re offering up to 20,000 AAdvantage bonus miles every time you fly a round-trip to our newest destination. Round-Trip Travel to/from Dusseldorf, Germany Class of Service Bonus Miles Business Class and Economy Class fares booked in Y, B or H 20,000 All Other Economy Class fares 10,000 Learn more about our new options to Dusseldorf. And, if your travels take you beyond Dusseldorf, enjoy an easier and more rewarding global travel experience in Europe with more destinations, and smoother connections thanks to our relationships with airberlin, British Airways and Iberia. Offer Dates: April 11, 2013 through July 15, 2013 Promotion Code: AADUS   Terms and Conditions: AAdvantage bonus miles offer is valid on American Airlines marketed and operated nonstop flights between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS) from April 11, 2013, through July 15, 2013. Includes travel on flights marketed by British Airways or Iberia, operated by American Airlines.  Each eligible one-way trip flown will receive half the bonus miles shown in the table above. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on purchased, published Business Class and Economy Class fare tickets booked in the fares shown in the table above. Bonus miles will be awarded based on booking class purchased and will be posted immediately, for each eligible segment flown. Bonus miles will not count toward elite status qualification or Million Miler status. Registration prior to travel is required. Here are some other exciting promotions for new AA routes: Dallas/Fort Worth-Lima. Earn Up To 20,000 Bonus Miles Participating Airlines: American Airlines Award: Bonus Miles Offer: The More You Fly. The More You Earn. Starting April 1, American Airlines begins nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Lima, Peru. To celebrate, we're offering up to 20,000 AAdvantage bonus miles every time you fly a round-trip on our new route. Start planning your trips and book now, because the more you fly, the more bonus miles you will earn! Round-Trip Travel Between Dallas/Fort Worth and Lima, Peru Class of Service Bonus Miles Earned Business Class and Economy Class fares booked in Y, B or H 20,000 All other Economy Class fares 10,000 Offer Dates: April 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013 Promotion Code: AALIM Travel to Peru with Ease We offer more flights to more locations in Latin America than any other carrier. Fly nonstop to Peru and enjoy a truly modern travel experience from start to finish. Before your flight, stretch out and relax in a relaxing Admirals Club lounge and satisfy your senses with inspired dining, complimentary beverages and personalized service. Terms and Conditions AAdvantage bonus miles offer is valid on American Airlines marketed and operated nonstop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Lima, Peru (LIM) from April 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013. Each eligible one-way trip flown will receive half the bonus miles shown in the table above. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on purchased, published Business Class and Economy Class fare tickets booked in the fares shown in the table above. Bonus miles will be awarded based on booking class purchased and will be posted immediately, for each eligible segment flown. Bonus miles will not count toward elite status qualification or Million Miler status. Registration prior to travel is required. New York to Dublin. Earn up to 20,000 Bonus Miles Participating Airlines: American Airlines Award: Bonus Miles Offer: Ready to discover your very own Ireland? Starting June 12, American Airlines begins nonstop service between New York (JFK) and Dublin, Ireland. To celebrate, we're offering up to 20,000 AAdvantage bonus miles every time you fly a round-trip on our new route. Round-Trip Travel to/from Dublin, Ireland Class of Service Bonus Miles Business Class and Economy Class fares booked in Y, B or H 20,000 All Other Economy Class fares 10,000 Learn more about our new options to Dublin. And, if your travels take you beyond Dublin, enjoy an easier and more rewarding global travel experience in Europe with more destinations, and smoother connections thanks to our enhanced relationships with British Airways and Iberia. Offer Dates: June 12, 2013 through September 15, 2013 Promotion Code: AADUB Modernizing with You in Mind Beginning with our vibrant new look, we're enhancing your travel experience from start to finish. Whether you're in the air or on the ground, enjoy cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art amenities and more ways to stay comfortable and connected throughout your travels.   Terms and Conditions: AAdvantage bonus miles offer is valid on American Airlines marketed and operated nonstop flights between New York (JFK) and Dublin, Ireland (DUB) from June 12, 2013, through September 15, 2013. Includes travel on flights marketed by British Airways or Iberia, operated by American Airlines. Each eligible one-way trip flown will receive half the bonus miles shown in the table above. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on purchased, published Business Class and Economy Class fare tickets booked in the fares shown in the table above. Bonus miles will be awarded based on booking class purchased and will be posted immediately, for each eligible segment flown. Bonus miles will not count toward elite status qualification or Million Miler status. Registration prior to travel is required. Explore South Korea. Earn Up To 50,000 Miles Participating Airline: American Airlines Award: Bonus Miles Exclusive Offer: Did you know that when you fly roundtrip between Dallas/Fort Worth and Seoul, South Korea, you could earn enough miles to claim a variety of travel awards, including a domestic roundtrip Business Class MileSAAver flight award? ROUNDTRIP TRAVEL (Dallas/Fort Worth - Seoul, South Korea) Class of Service Base Miles   Class of Service Bonus Miles   Bonus Miles   Total Miles Earned First (F, A, P) 13,692 + 6,846 + 30,000 = 50,538 Business (J, R, D, I) 13,692 + 3,423 + 30,000 = 47,115 Full Fare Economy (Y, B) 13,692     + 15,000 = 28,692 Discount Economy (H, K, M, L, V, Q, S, O, N, G) 13,692     + 5,000 = 18,692 Total miles earned reflect roundtrip travel and are not inclusive of elite status bonus miles. Start planning your next trip to the bustling city of Seoul. Rich with history and culture, this new destination offers you even more opportunities to earn and redeem miles as you travel the world on our growing global network. Offer Dates: May 9, 2013, through August 15, 2013 Promotion Code: AAICN Modernizing with you in mind: From our vibrant new look to our new and refreshed planes, we're bringing you a truly modern travel experience from start to finish. Whether you're in the air or on the ground, enjoy cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art amenities and more ways to stay comfortable and connected throughout your travels. Learn more about the products and services you can enjoy on our new nonstop from Dallas to Seoul. Terms and Conditions: AAdvantage bonus miles offer is valid on American Airlines marketed and operated nonstop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Seoul, South Korea (ICN) from May 9, 2013, through August 15, 2013. Each eligible one-way trip flown will receive half the bonus miles shown in the table above. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on purchased, published First Class, Business Class and Economy Class fare tickets booked in the fares shown in the table above. Bonus miles will be awarded based on booking class purchased and will be posted immediately, for each eligible segment flown. Bonus miles will not count toward elite status qualification or Million Miler status. Registration prior to travel is required.

Earn up to 200,000 bonus Avios

Your Avios bonus awaits

We’re on a mission to make you the happiest flyer in the world. Yes, you. So to thank you for flying with us, we’ve set aside 75 million bonus Avios in our Happiness Fund for our Executive Club members.
Simply register, then book a qualifying, round-trip, transatlantic flight in any cabin* and fly as an Executive Club member between now and May 31, 2013, for 20,000 bonus Avios on every round-trip. And when you book and fly five round-trips, you can claim an extra 100,000. That’s 200,000 bonus Avios with your name on them!

Register, book and complete travel by May 31, 2013 to claim your share of happy.

Register now

To help you earn the most Avios possible, this generous offer is available on more than just British Airways flights. Thanks to our enhanced relationship, you’ll be able to fly and accumulate bonus Avios on qualifying British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, and OpenSkies transatlantic flights. You’ll have more destinations to visit, even more ways to get there, and above all, more opportunities to earn bonus Avios.

*Terms and conditions apply

Avios bonus for US and Canadian Executive Club members on qualifying, round-trip transatlantic flights operated and marketed by British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia or OpenSkies booked in flexible/non-restricted Economy or higher fares for travel completed by May 31, 2013. Pre-travel registration required.

1. To be eligible for this promotion, British Airways Executive Club members at least 18 years of age who are locally enrolled and residing in the United States or Canada must (i) register for the promotion between March 18, 2013 and May 31, 2013, inclusive, at ba.com; if you are not a current member, you must enroll in Executive Club and register; and (ii) after registering sufficiently in advance of outbound travel, book and then complete qualifying flights by May 31, 2013. British Airways (“BA”) reserves the right to verify the eligibility of members. By taking part in this promotion, members confirm that they accept the terms and conditions of the offer.
2. Existing bookings made prior to the promotional period do not qualify and this offer cannot be applied retroactively.
3. Member must purchase and fly on a full-fare, transatlantic round-trip ticket for travel beginning and ending in the United States or Canada for flights that are operated and marketed by British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia or OpenSkies, in the following booking classes (which are unrestricted or have limited restrictions):
   (i) on British Airways operated flights, includes fares booked in First Class, Club World Business Class, World Traveller Plus Premium Economy or flexible/non-restricted World Traveller Economy Class: F, A, J, C, D, R, I, W, E, T, Y, B or H;
   (ii) on American Airlines operated flights, includes fares booked in First Class, Business Class or flexible/non-restricted Economy Class: F, A, J, R, D, I, Y, B or H;
   (iii) on Iberia operated flights, includes fares booked in Business Class or flexible/non-restricted Economy Class: J, C, D, R, I or Y;
   (iv) on OpenSkies operated flights, includes fares booked in Biz Bed/Business, Prem Plus/Premium Economy and flexible/non-restricted Eco/Economy: J, C, D, R, I, W, E, T, Y, B or H. This promotion does not apply to flights marketed or operated by franchises, including Comair, Iberia Express, and Sun-Air, or any other code share partners or oneworld© Alliance members.
4. It is the member's responsibility to ensure that the booking/selling class of the fare purchased qualifies for this promotion. Please confirm prior to purchase. For bookings on ba.com, simply click on the flight number hyperlink on the "Choose your flights" page and refer to the booking/selling classes listed above in 3. (Discount Economy class fares, including those booked/sold in K, M, L, V, S, N, Q, O, or G fare classes, do not qualify for this offer.)
5. Member can earn 20,000 bonus Avios points for each round-trip purchased and flown as an Executive Club member on a qualifying transatlantic ticket; on the member’s fifth round-trip purchased and flown as an Executive Club member on a qualifying transatlantic ticket, an additional bonus of 100,000 Avios points can be earned.
6. Members must quote their Executive Club membership number when booking their qualifying flights and again at check-in for each flight flown during the promotional period.
7. The following are not qualifying flights and this promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any offer, promotion, or deal, including, but not limited to: (i) redemption bookings; (ii) travel agent or airline industry discounted fares, Consolidator or Wholesale fares, group discount fares, child/infant fares or senior citizen fares, whether or not booked in one of the qualifying booking classes; (iii) bookings made with vouchers or coupons (e.g. shareholder's discount coupon); or (iv) tickets upgraded from any class.
8. Qualifying flights are subject to availability and capacity control in the booking classes eligible for this promotion at the time of booking. BA does not accept any responsibility in the event that members are unable to book qualifying flights.
9. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for bonus Avios to be credited to your Executive Club account.
10. British Airways is not liable for the reproduction of this offer or indirect access via third party websites of these terms and where such reproduction misstates or omits any of the information or terms and conditions connected with this promotion.
11. Member must pay all applicable taxes, fees, and carrier charges.
12. BA reserves the right to cancel or amend the terms and conditions of this offer, without notice, at any time.
13. Subject to the full terms and conditions of the Executive Club Programme.
14. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
15. Other significant restrictions apply.

© Copyright 2013 British Airways Plc. All rights reserved.

My Experience with Applying for a Brazilian Visa

One of my personal goals was to visit the Southern Hemisphere continents (South America, Australia, and Africa) before I turned the big 30.  A lot of them have Visa requirements for US citizens with Brazil’s being $160 USD and Chile with $150. 

Recently, with so many great airfare sales recent to Brazil and other South American countries, I immediately booked a few to Rio de Janeiro with no afterthought.  I wanted to see it as it prepares for the World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Back in February, American Airlines had a sale of sorts with several US cities to Brazil initially.  By the time I caught wind of it, the same was limited to Orlando, Florida.  I booked mine from Orlando, but routing from New York-JFK on the first one and Dallas-Fort Worth on the second one to maximize miles.  There was a Miami departure available, but it would be less miles.  On the returns, I purposely booked them from Rio de Janeiro to Dallas-Fort Worth.  Since it was my first port of entry into the US, I would have to reclaim baggage there and my trip would stop there.  I plan not continue onto Orlando for the last segment (I would let the airline know after I landed in DFW of course).

 Here are the requirements for applying for the Brazilian Tourist Visa:

1. Apply Online with your information with your closest Brazilian Consulate Website
2. Print out the Confirmation sheet, sign it, and attach a passport sized photo. Visa Application Form: printed receipt page of the visa application form filled out and successfully submitted online duly signed by the passport holder (or parents/legal guardian of a minor) and with the photo attached on the appropriate boxes (one professional 2" x 2" passport photo of the applicant in color. Snapshots, photocopies and computer pictures are not accepted.) 
• Photos must be recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance)
• Front view: taken in full-face view directly facing the camera. Your full face must be visible. Your head must be centered and not tilted. There cannot be any apparel casting shadows on your face or glare on your glasses
• Clear: blurry, underexposed, overexposed and low quality photos are not accepted;
• With a plain white or off-white background;
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open.)

1. Schedule an appointment on the consulate website for an interview.
2. Buy a money order from the USP Postal Service (payable with cash or debit card).
3. Print out your flight itinerary for inspection.
4. Show up at the Consulate Office 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time and wait to be called.
5. The visa will be a sticker applied to your passport (must have at least 2 blank adjoining pages in passport) afterwards and is valid for multiple entries for 10 years
6. Applicant's Passport: original, valid for at least another 6 months on submission date, with at least two blank visa pages. The Consulate reserves the right not to accept soiled, damaged or defaced passports. Amendments and Endorsements pages are for the sole use of issuing country authorities and visas will not be placed on those pages 
7. If the visa application will not be submitted in person: Provide Proof of jurisdiction: notarized copy of driver’s license, utility bills, copy of lease, bank statements and in some cases school documents are all acceptable documents as proof of jurisdiction.
8. If the applicant will not be applying with a US passport: Provide Proof of Legal Residency: notarized copy of visa, permanent resident card or US passport or US birth certificate. 

Special Notes:

1. The Visa must be applied online and ahead of time. They will not take walk-ins.
2. The Visa must be applied in person by the individual or their representative, it cannot be mailed in to be processed.
• If the representative is not a mother, father, child, sibling, or spouse, a $20 fee will apply.   
• You can use a passport visa service but they will take your passport for it to be processed.
3. The clerk may process your application earlier if they have time at their discretion.
4. Some consulates may require to see other details:
1.  Hotel booking
2. Bank statement
3. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you visited certain African or South Asian countries recently
5. You must only go to your consulate that is in charge of your jurisdiction.
6. It will be issued same day. It can also be denied at the Consulate’s discretion
7. If the passport expires before the Visa does, bring the valid visa (in old passport) with new Passport for entry until the Visa expires.

 Here is the Brazilian Consulate in Houston Website

TIPS FOR TRAVELERS

CLIMATE:

Because of its geographical location, seasons in Brazil are in the reverse period of the year compared to the United States (spring - September 22 to December 21; summer - December 22 to March 21; autumn - March 22 to June 21; winter - June 22 to September 21). Plateau cities such as São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Brasília have mild climates averaging 66ºF. Coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador have tropical climates with warm temperatures offset by the constant sea breeze; the average temperature is in the eighties. While most of the country experiences no significant seasonal variation because it lies within the tropics, in the Southern region temperatures during winter can drop below freezing. Temperatures in the Amazon region ranges in the mid-seventies, while rainfalls total more than 118 inches a year.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT:

Voltage is not standard throughout the country. Most cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Manaus, Salvador, use 110/127V electricity. Brasília, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Recife, and São Luis use 220V electricity.

CURRENCY:

The Brazilian monetary unit is the Real (R$) (pronounced Rey owl). Official exchange rate is published daily in newspapers. Cash and traveler's checks are easily exchanged at hotel cashiers, banks, and travel agencies. Most hotels and shops accept foreign currency and international credit cards.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES:

Metric system is used throughout the country. Temperature is measured on Celsius scale.

LANGUAGE:

Portuguese is the national language.

RENTAL CARS AND TAXIS:

Chauffeured or self-driven rental cars are available at all major airports and in most large cities. Taxis are plentiful in most cities throughout Brazil. Regular metered taxis can be hailed on the street. The taximeter will show the exact fare to be paid (fares are indicated in Brazilian currency: R$ - Real). Radio dispatched taxis can be called by telephone. Taxi drivers do not expected to be tipped, although the common practice is to tell the driver to "keep the change".

BUSINESS HOURS:

Most shops in Brazil open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Shopping centers stay open as late as 10:00 p.m., including on Saturdays. Banks open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Mondays through Fridays in most parts of the country, with slight regional variations.

HOLIDAYS:

Holidays observed in Brazil: January 1 - New Year February 15-16 - Carnival April 2 - Good Friday May 1 - Labor Day June 3 - Corpus Christi September 7 - Brazil's National Day October 12 - Our Lady Aparecida's Day (Brazil Patron Saint's Day) November 2 - All Souls Day November 15 - Proclamation of the Republic December 24 - Christmas Eve December 25 - Christmas Day December 31 - New Year's Eve

TIPPING:

Most restaurants and bars include a 10% service charge on the bill. It is customary to leave a bit extra for good service. When not included on the bill, 10-15% is the general tipping rule.

TIME ZONE:

Brazil encompasses four time zones. Over 50 percent of the country, including all major cities, are three hours behind GMT (Greenwich Meridian Time).
Brazil adopts daylight-saving time. Clocks are set forward in October and back to standard time in March or April.