Fast Facts

American Express-- Inside the Via Scala Shopping, Av. Beira Mar 3960 (tel. 085/3452-5400); open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.

Car Rental-- Localiza (tel. 085/3477-5050); Avis (tel. 085/3477-1303); Unidas (tel. 085/3477-1400); and Hertz (tel. 085/3477-5055).

Currency Exchange-- Banco do Brasil, Av. Barão do Rio Branco 1515, Centro (tel. 085/3254-3266), which also has an ATM. Another Banco do Brasil in Praia de Iracema at Av. da Abolição 2311, Meireles (tel. 085/3242-8834).

Hospitals-- Hospital Batista Memorial, Rua Prof. Dias da Rocha 1530, Aldeota (tel. 085/3261-2999).

Internet Access-- The post office on Av. Beira Mar 4452 (tel. 085/3248-7519) doubles as an Internet cafe. The charge is R$7.50 (US$3) per hour.

Weather-- Fortaleza has a pleasant sunny climate year-round, dry and tropical with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C); a cooling ocean breeze often takes the edge off the heat.