Fast Facts

Area Codes -- The area code for São Luis is 098.

Banks -- In the centro histórico: Banco do Brasil (tel. 098/3215-4992) on Av. Dom. Pedro II 78, in front of the Palácio dos Leões; also Banco do Brasil in the Reviver at Travessa Boa Ventura 26-B (tel. 098/3232-8507).

Car Rentals -- Avis (tel. 0800/725-2847 or 098/3245-5957; São Luis airport); Localiza (tel. 0800/979-2000 or 098/3245-1566; São Luis airport or Av. Dos Holandeses lotes 7 e 8); Unidas (tel. 0800/121-121 or 098/3217-6190; São Luis airport).

Dentist -- Clínica Odontológica Maranhão, Rua Grande 1164, Centro tel. 098/3232-7144.

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 190 for police, tel. 193 for fire department, tel. 192 for ambulance. The Tourist Police station is on Rua da Estrela 427 in the centro histórico (tel. 098/3214-8682).

Hospitals -- Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Rua do Norte 233, centro histórico (tel. 098/3221-0144 or 098/3232-0248).

Mail -- The main post office is on Praça João Lisboa 290 in the centro histórico. There is another post office in the airport terminal. Both are open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm.

Pharmacies -- Farmácia Gonçalves, Rua das Hortas 379A, centro histórico (tel. 098/3232-1072); Extrafone delivers 24 hours daily (tel. 0800/983-000).

Weather -- São Luis, just below the Equator, has a pleasant, warm climate year-round, with average temperatures of 82°F (28°C). Most rain falls in winter (July-Sept). The most pleasant months are March through June; it's warm but not as hot as in December through February.