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Natal Useful Information



Natal is not only known for its natural beauty, and its history is proof of this. The city has already been fought over by the French, Dutch and Portuguese, and during the Dutch Occupation period it was known as New Amsterdam. Furthermore, it played an important role in the Allies' victory in World War II because of its geographical proximity to both Africa and Europe. It is currently an important tourist spot.

The city, nowadays known as the Bride of the Sun, did not get this name by chance: the sun shines for around 300 days a year and it is perfect both for those that enjoy fun and for those that just want to rest, because it offers attractions that fit the tastes of all its visitors.

Natal Tourist Information Guid can be accessed in here (natal.info)

Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothes in your luggage, and enjoy all the wonders that Natal has to offer.

Oficial Languague
The oficial languague is Portuguese.

Currency
In Brazil, the currency is Real. Access this link for currency conversions.

Exchange
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers’ cheques and currency can be changed at exchange bureau (in the International airport and nearby the conference venue, access here [PT-BR only] to find out an exchange bureau in Natal), and possibly at hotel receptions (it depends on Hotel's local policies).

Climate
The average maximum daily temperature and average minimum temperature in the Natal area in October are 32ºC (high) and 22ºC (low). Generally, climate in Natal is not an issue since it is located by the Atlantic ocean, therefore always windy which alleviates the heat.
 
Time Zone
The time zone in Natal is GMT-3.
 
Electric Current
Natal's electric supply is 220 volts/60 Hz, supporting the pin socket types A, B and J (see figures below). Take into account that Brazilian stadard pin socket type is only used in Brazil, where the plugs have two or three round pins and sockets three holes of 4 mm (10 amps, for general electric / electronic devices) or 4.8 mm (20 amps, used for electric showers). Although the standard Brazil pin socket type has been standardized, many hotel still use the old ones, A and B in the case.

     
 
Accessbility



Travels are made in operation since May 31st, 2014, the International Airport Governador Aluízio Alves in São Gonçalo do Amarante, is the first in Brazil managed 100% by the private sector, the Inframérica Consortium.

With capacity for 6 million passengers / year, the new airport has 42 thousand square meters and will have, over the 28 year concession, a total investment of R$ 650 million, reaching a capacity of 11 million passengers per year, the expected demand until 2038.

More information about the International Airport Governador Aluízio Alves in São Gonçalo do Amarante can be accessed here

Public Transportation
Natal has no Metro (underground). Tourists usually rent cars, take buses or get taxis for transportation. For the transportation between airport and hotel/conference venue, we recommend using the taxi service (rate of R$ 100,00). There are airport shuttle to Natal (rates of R$ 36,00), which are offered by tourism aggency staff in the lobby of the airport (after picking up the bags). Hotels usually offer transport booking service to the airport, which must be confirmed in the reception.
 
Taxis
Natal is served by 1,100 taxis 24h. An estimated taxi fare calculation can be made here

Taxi companies phone list:
Super Taxi Natal: +55 84 3606-0096
Cooptax-Cooperativa dos Proprietários de Táxis de Natal: +55 84 3205-4455 / 3605-1327
Rádio Táxi Relâmpago: +55 84 3223-5444
Natal Táxi: +55 84 3213-6800
Cidade Táxi-24 H: +55 84 3223-6488

Health Requirements
With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic, at the present there are no special health requirements.

Medical Care
Clinics and hospitals provide 24 hrs emergency service.
The national service mobile emergency phone number is 192.
 
Gratification
The gratification is optional. Bars and restaurants usually charge 10% in taxis directly in the bill.
 
Pharmacy
There are a lot of pharmacies nearby the conference venue and hotels, opened daily from 08:00h to 21:00h. There is a 24h pharmacy in Ponta Negra, see here

Smoking
The Brazilian law, in accordance with Regulations in force in the majority of European Countries and the USA, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas. (Some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).
 


 
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