Brazil vs. England
Advice for fans travelling to Brazil for England’s match with Brazil on 2 June 2013.
Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
Date: 2 June 2013
Venue: Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro (Official name: Estadio Journalista Mario Filho)
Kick off time: 16:00 (local time)
As well as this advice, check out our travel advice for Brazil
Passports and visas
- You don’t need a visa to travel to Brazil if you’re staying less than 3 months as a tourist, but your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after entry.
- Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Brazil, so travel insurance is essential, even if you’re only going for one night - it could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties.
- It is necessary to carry Photo ID with you at all times.
Arriving from the airport
-
Only use licensed taxis. The international airport has licensed taxi desks inside the baggage reclaim area where you can pay for your taxi in advance using a credit card or cash inside the airport rather than on the street.
-
There are also licensed yellow taxis (taxi ‘comum’) and a bus service available from the airport to the most popular parts of the city. While cheaper than taxis booked inside the airport, lack of spoken English will make communication more difficult. Yellow taxis can also, on occasion, try charging more or claim that the meter is not working, thus charging a higher rate.
-
Always take a note of the license plate and company that your taxi belongs to (stated on the rear side of the car above the wheel). This will be required if you need to report any incident or need to try and reclaim items that have been left in the vehicle. Taxi drivers need to display their official Photo ID inside the taxi. This is usually displayed on the dashboard or front windscreen. If in any doubt, do not use the taxi.
Getting to the stadium
-
The most convenient form of transport to get to and from the stadium is using the metro. There will be road closures and restrictions in place on the day of the match.
METRO
-
The nearest metro station to the stadium is called ‘Maracana’.
-
The metro system operates Mon-Sat from 05:00 to midnight, Sunday and holidays 07:00 to 23:00. It’s made up of two lines – Line 1 (orange), Line 2 (green).
-
You can purchase a pre-paid card (similar to Oyster in London) to travel. These are available from machines at all stations.
-
Parts of the metro, including where stations are closed or not yet completed, are operated by Subway Bus Lines (Metrô Na Superfície). The pre-paid card includes travel on these bus routes.
-
Costs and metro maps are available from the Metro Rio website (in english)
TAXIS
- Only use licensed taxis. You can pick up a licensed taxi from the many recognised taxi ranks around the city. Due to the road restrictions and closures that will be in place on match day, your journey will take longer than normal and the taxi will not be able to drop you near to the stadium.
-
At the match
- Follow the signs and instructions from staff outside the stadium to reach your designated entry gate.
- Access to the stadium may be slow. There will be ticket checks and body searches prior to entry. To avoid a last minute bottleneck you should get to the stadium early - doors usually open three hours before kickoff.
- In addition to items which would usually be prohibited in the UK, please note the following restrictions at the stadium - large amounts of loose change and lighters may be confiscated and are unlikely to be returned. No bottles and cans are allowed to be brought into the ground. Flags and banners without poles are allowed subject to size. Musical instruments may not be permitted.
- This will be the first international match played at the stadium since its refurbishment (which began in 2010). Please be prepared for last minute changes and unforeseen delays.
Tips
- As in any other large city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, bus stations, around tourist areas or when using public transport. Only carry what you need and leave spare cash and valuables in your hotel safe.
- Avoid dark and empty streets, especially at night. Keep valuables out of sight. If approached, hand over your belongings and avoid confrontation.
- Health care can be very expensive in Brazil. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance for everything you want to do. Remember that sports like hang gliding and surfing may not be covered in your standard policy.
- Brazil has a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will probably be prosecuted. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment for up to 3 years.
- Do not leave your drinks unattended. Also note that spirit portions are much larger in Brazil.
- Drinking tap water is not recommended. Most restaurants and bars use filtered water for ice.
- Take special care not to leave jackets or bags containing wallets or passports unattended in restaurants and bars.
- Keep sight of your credit/debit card at all times. Notify your bank in advance of your trip to avoid your card being blocked.
- Most bank cash machines have a daily limit for cash withdrawals of R$300 (approximately £100) when using an international bank card.
British Consulate address and telephone number
British Consulate-General Rio de Janeiro
Praia do Flamengo, 284 – 2 floor
Rio de Janeiro – 22210-065
Phone: +55 21 2555 9600 (including out of hours assistance)
Website: UK and Brazil
Emergency services numbers
-
Ambulance – 192
-
Fire - 193
-
Police – 190
-
Tourist Police (DEAT) - +55 (21) 2332 2924. Open 24hrs - English spoken. Address: Rua Afrânio de Melo Franco (Corner of Rua Afrânio de Melo Franco and Rua Humberto de Campos)
Further information
‘Like’ our Facebook page South America - British Travellers . This will help you stay in touch with us and give you the latest news and information, including travel advice.