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Tips From Porto Alegre
Chimarrão: It's a typical
drink in Rio Grande do Sul that tastes like tea. Chimarrão is served in
a 'cuia', which is made from the shell of a native plant of the region,
the 'porongo'. Inside the 'cuia' is placed ground erva-mate leaves, and
a steel straw called the 'bomba'. After the erva-mate is put inside the
cuia, hot water is poured inside to make the chimarrão.The drink is
served very hot and drank through the 'bomba'.
 Churrasco:
The traditional Gaucho barbecue, is a generic name for various cuts of
meat made from cattle or sheep. These meats are flavored with thick salt
and cooked on charcoal fire. Initially eaten on farms, it has spread
throughout the country to become the main menu in specialized
restaurants - the churrascarias.
 When
you enter a house and don't see anyone around clap your hands,
try to get someone's attention, but don't enter the house. This rule is
definitely for the countryside, but used in the cities too. It is just
good manners not to intrude.
 Enjoy
the place and talk to the people. Portoalegrenses are
really friendly people. Even though they do not speak your language,
they will try to communicate!
More information can be found on
www.virtualtourist.com
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In downtown Porto Alegre you
will find lots of pickpockets, so be aware! In other areas of the city,
too.... Don't walk around giving visual signs that you are a tourist....
If natives are not difficult victims, imagine tourists!!!! Also, it is
not a good idea to walk around at night. Take a taxi, as it does not
cost too much, and it is safer! If you have any emergency problems while
in Porto Alegre call the emergency number 190 from any
phone.
Bring a lot of energy and a pair of good legs as Porto
Alegre has many hills even in the central areas.
You used to be able to buy almost anything you wish in
the pharmacies without a prescription, but nowadays the Health Ministry
got more hard on this issue and many times they will ask you for a
medical prescription, finally!! Still, be aware of what you're
buying, bring someone with you from the area that can read
Portuguese.
Besides English...
German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and Japanese are commonly understood
and spoken.
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