Car Rentals -- Avis (tel. 0800/725-2847 or 092/3652-1579). Localiza (tel. 0800/979-2000 or 092/3652-1176).
Consulates -- United States, virtual presence post only: http://virtual.embaixada-americana.org.br/manaus; Great Britain (Honorary), Rua Poraquê 240, Distrito Industrial (tel. 092/3613-1819).
Currency Exchange -- Banco do Brasil, Rua Guilherme Moreira 315, Centro (tel. 092/3621-5500); Cortês Câmbio, Av. Sete de Setembro 1199, Centro (tel. 092/3622-4222; www.cortez.com.br); or Amazonas Shopping (tel. 092/3642-2525).
Dentist -- Clínica Odontológica Ortomax, Av. Joaquim Nabuco 2285 (tel. 092/3633-3121, or cell 092/9964-5211).
Hospitals -- Pronto Socorro e Hospital dos Acidentados, Av. Joaquim Nabuco 1755, Centro (tel. 092/3663-2200).
Internet Access -- The Tropical Manaus has an Internet cafe open daily from 9am to 10pm; charge is R$18 (US$9/£5) per hour. In Centro, try Amazon Cyber Café, Av. Getulio Vargas 626 (tel. 092/3232-9068). Open Monday through Friday 9am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 1 to 8pm; R$4 (US$2/£1) per hour.
Time Zone -- Manaus is 1 hour behind São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Weather -- It's hot year-round -- hot and muggy and rainy from December through March (86°F-96°F/30°C-36°C) and just plain hot the rest of the year. The wet season (Dec-Mar) is the best time to experience the flooded forest; the river rises and brings boats and canoes up to eye level with the treetops. The dry season (Aug-Nov) is wonderful for exploring the forest and beaches that appear when the water recedes.
