March 25th, 2009 
Tushar Mathur 
Business trips are continuing to decline worldwide, a result of today’s economic climate. But Brazil is one country that is still warranting international investment. While its economy (like many others) has contracted severely, the future of Latin America?s largest economy looks a bit brighter, as it’s important agricultural and energy sectors continue to perform somewhat strongly. Brazil’s credit industry is also in much better shape. Its financial institutions have been traditionally subjected to high taxes and government involvement. While this has restricted growth during boom times, it also discouraged banks from making the risky financial decisions that have wrecked havoc among other markets.
Brazil’s status as a trade show hub and the preference of its businessmen to meet partners face-to-face means that companies who choose to invest there will likely have to fly down at least once, and often multiple times. If you find yourself among one of these trips, here are some tips that should hopefully help you out.
Travel
It is very easy to travel to Brazil via air, as most major airlines offer direct service to its major cities. Its two largest metropolitan areas, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, have two airports each and there are also some nonstop flights from the United States and Europe to smaller cities such as Recife, Porto Alegre, and Manaus, although these are less frequent.
Flying is also the best method of transportation if you have to travel from one city to another, although it is also the most expensive. Brazil’s domestic airlines are safe and reliable, and road travel can be dangerous on certain routes. And although the planes are smaller, there should be ample room for your briefcase and luggage!
Travelling within the cities themselves is best done via taxi. This is especially true in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, both of which are cities that are spread out and lack a subway system. Out of any American city, they most closely resemble Los Angeles in terms of city layout and transportation, so it is best to plan and travel relative to location. Renting a car is usually not a good idea, as it not as cost effective as renting a taxi and can lead to too many travelling complications. If you do decide to rent however, it is important to note that nearly all rental cars have manual rather than automatic transmission. And make sure to take out a rental insurance as well- you never be too safe!
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