Accommodations and Travel

Venue

Pestana Bahia Hotel
Rua Fonte do Boi, 216
Rio Vermelho
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Zip Code: 41940-360

Located on a rocky headland in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood, overlooking the South Atlantic Ocean, the Pestana Bahia is Salvador's leading mainstream hotel. Spacious foyer leads to raised lobby bar where each evening there is live musical entertainment including cool bossa nova and other Brazilian favorites.

Further information on hotel visit »

Housing and Transfer

SPE has named Tatur Turismo as their official tourism agency for housing, ground transportation, and touristic activities. To make your housing, transportation, and tour reservation, please fill this form and send it back to Tatur Turismo no later than October 4 to guarantee the discount rates negotiated with the hotel for the event. After that date no vacancies or rates will be guaranteed.

Tatur Turismo
Contact Person: Angelo Rangel
Phone: +55 71 3114 7900
Email: tatur@tatur.com.br

Visa and Passport Requirements

Attendees are responsible for determining their specific entry requirements into Brazil. If you have not already done so, we urge you to begin the process immediately to ensure enough time prior to the workshop.

Attendees are strongly advised to ensure they fulfill all legal requirements to enter Brazil. Besides a valid passport, an entry visa and invitation letter may also be required. 

We strongly suggest that our international attendees obtain a business visa to make your entry into Brazil easier.

SPE offers an official electronic invitation letter to assist you in the visa process upon registration confirmation. Please contact Bienor Melo at LAC@spe.org for invitation letter requests.

Note: It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to Brazil. This letter does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, nor does it commit SPE to assist you in obtaining a visa. SPE will not pay any expenses incurred by you. We cannot send the letter to the embassy or consulate for you, nor can SPE contact the embassy or consulate on your behalf.
US attendees can visit http://houston.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/ (Houston office) for complete entry requirements. International attendees can contact their local Brazilian Consulate.

Travel Safety Tips

When traveling, as in any major city, take certain precautions whether you are traveling or exploring the city. Here are some general tips to help make the most of your trip:

• Lock up your valuables. Hotels provide safety deposit boxes in their rooms. It’s recommended that jewelry, airline tickets, money, and any important documents be stored in the hotel safe.
• Remember your adapters. Salvador has 110 or 120 Volt 60 cycles alternate current (AC).
• Try not to use mobile telephones in the street and be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep cameras and video recorders out of plain sight. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, carrying any valuables, or large amounts of cash.
• Use credit cards where possible. Your wallet should contain your ID, credit cards, and a minimum amount of cash.
• Withdraw cash from ATMs that are inside banks and commercial centers.
• Notify hotel management as soon as possible in the event of a lost or stolen room key card.
• Travel in a group and plan your itinerary before leaving the hotel to ensure you make your destination smoothly. If you get lost, call a taxi to take you to your destination. Your hotel can recommend a reputable taxi company.
• Keep an eye on your luggage.
• Change currency in Exchange shops or at the hotel’s front desk. Currency in Brazil is the Real (BRL).
• Pack casual spring and summer clothes. Because of warm temperatures ranging from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, they are appropriate for almost every region and occasion.
• Bring a light jacket or sweater because some buildings and restaurants can be a little cool with the air conditioner.
• Tip extra if you want to. Restaurants, taxis and hotel tips are 10–15%. Most restaurants include a 10% tip on their bill.