As in the rest of Brazil, the predominant language is Portuguese. Despite this, due to internationalization, tourism, study opportunities, and the business market, it is quite commonplace to meet local citizens who speak other languages, as well as to meet tourists from other countries speaking a similar language to yours. There is also the possibility of taking Portuguese courses to improve the understanding of the everyday communication and learn the language of the country. 

Brasília offers its visitors a complete and well diversified tourist experience. The Brazilian capital has options aimed at those looking for programs focused on culture, nature, politics, and economy.  

The so-called civic tourism is traditional in the region, and for those visiting Brasília for the first time, it is worth visiting the Esplanada dos Ministérios, the Palácio do Planalto and Alvorada, the Praça dos Três Poderes and the National Congress. These are spaces that build Brazilian politics and help to understand and learn more about the country.  

In the cultural area, the Brasília Memorial Museum and the Indigenous Peoples Memorial cannot be missed. To take advantage of the natural beauty that Brasília offers, visit the National Park, which preserves the local biome and displays an exuberant nature.  

If you want to dive in the region's waterfalls, the Chapada Imperial Ecological Reserve is the ideal destination. The classic Lake Paranoá, with its 48 km² of extension, allows a breathtaking and panoramic view of Braslia. 
 

In order to carry out academic and research activities, foreigners arriving in Brazil must carry the necessary visas obtained from the consular service of the Brazilian Government in their country of origin. Visas must be requested in advance. 

Upon arrival in Brazil, foreigners must complete their National Migrant Registry (RNM) at the Federal Police within 90 days. They will then receive the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM), which will be the identity document for the foreigner during their stay in the country, guaranteeing their temporary stay. Your FGV School will provide the necessary guidance to perform this registration process. 

Shall there be a non-compliance regarding this deadline, foreigners will receive fines. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the registration and regularization of the foreigner's situation be carried out within the deadline. For questions, contact the International Relations Coordination of the destination School at FGV. 

More information can be found at this link.

The Brazilian currency is called "Real". The circulating bank notes are currently of BRL 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 2. Coins, on the other hand, are called cents. Currently circulating coins are of 5, 10, 25, 50 cents. There is also a BRL 1 coin, which is the coin with the highest value. In Brazil, do expect great variations when it comes to exchange rates. Check the Real exchange rates through the Currency Converter of Brazil’s Central Bank. 
 

The capital of Brazil has one of the highest costs of living in the country. Expenses with individual meals range from R$750 to R$950 per month, according to each person's standard of living.  

Transport expenses can reach up to R$ 400 per month, considering the subway and buses. Living in a one-bedroom apartment in Brasília will cost you between R$ 1400 and R$ 2000, depending on the characteristics of the property chosen. 

Fundação Getúlio Vargas does not offer its own housing for students, professors, and researchers. We recommend renting a space close to FGV, to make your daily life easier. You can search for places to rent on websites like OLX, Zap Imóveis and Quinto Andar, or even walking around the city in search of deals. Always remember to check the origin of the rental advertisement and avoid paying before visiting the actual space or signing the contract. For those who so prefer, there is the possibility of opting for coliving or Airbnb services. 

In the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sâo Paulo, FGV has a partnership with Uliving, making it easier for foreign students and researchers to find housing near schools. 
 

Brazil relies on a public health network named Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS), which offers free care to everyone, including foreigners. Even so, it is necessary to hire a health insurance to better deal with unforeseen events and have full coverage at any time during your stay in Brazil. It is possible to hire this service from travel agencies in your country of origin. 

In Brasília, a single day can have characteristics pertaining to the four seasons of the year. The sky in Brazil's capital can be blue and sunny, only to become cloudy and rainy soon afterwards, even when temperatures are still high. In a short period of time, it is always possible for the weather to change and suddenly become cold. Therefore, it is essential to have sunglasses, an umbrella, a cap and sunscreen at hand. The rainy period usually falls between the months of October and April. The dry season is from May to September. During this period, the relative humidity is low, reaching less than 30%. This index, much lower than the ideal, can cause discomfort. Therefore, always carry a bottle of water to hydrate yourself and, if possible, have an air humidifier at home. 

The standard voltage is 220v. Since 2012, Brazil has adopted a new type of electrical outlet with three pins. To avoid problems when charging your electronic devices, bring or purchase an adapter when you arrive in the country. 

It is recommended to get the Yellow Fever and COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Brazil.