Fast Facts

Banks & Currency Exchange -- Air Brazil Turismo, SHS, Q. 1, Bl. A, loja 33/4 -- in the National Hotel (tel. 061/3321-2304). The Banco de Brasil (tel. 061/3424-3000) on the second floor of the Conjunto Nacional and in Brasilia Airport (tel. 061/3365-1183) both have 24-hour ATMs.

Car Rental -- Avis (tel. 061/3365-2344); Localiza (tel. 061/3365-1288); and Unidas (tel. 061/3364-2955).

Dentist -- For dental emergencies contact Instituto Brasiliense de Odontologia, SCLS406, Bl. A, loja 35, Asa Sul (tel. 061/3244-5095).

Embassies -- Australia, SES, Q. 801, conj. K, lote 7 (tel. 061/3226-3111; www.brazil.embassy.gov.au). Canada, SES Av. das Nações, Q. 803, lote 16 (tel. 061/3424-5400; www.canada.org.br). United States, SES Av. das Nações, Q. 801, lote 3 (tel. 061/3312-7000; www.embaixada-americana.org.br). Great Britain, SES Av. das Nações, Q. 801, lote 8 (tel. 061/3229-2300; www.uk.org.br).

Emergencies -- For police and emergencies dial tel. 190; for fire brigade and ambulance dial tel. 193.

Hospitals -- All hospitals are in the Hospital section (SHLS and SHLN). Hospital Santa Lucia, SHLS, Q. 76, conj. C (tel. 061/3445-0000; www.santalucia.com.br).

Internet Access -- Cyber Point, bottom floor of the Conjunto Nacional mall (tel. 061/3036-14955; R$6 (US$3/£1.60) per hour. Open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 10pm; Sunday noon to 6pm.

Pharmacies -- Try Drogaria Distrital, Shopping Conjunto Nacional, ground floor (tel. 061/3328-0405).

Weather -- Brasilia is hot. Oddly enough, it is hotter in the winter than in the summer. In the summer (Dec-Mar), cooling rains fall almost daily. In the winter, it can be dry as a bone for several weeks while temperatures climb to 95°F (35°C) or higher.