rio de janeiro

Rio's climate is tropical, with an average annual temperature range of 20° to 28° C (68° to 82° F). Summer is from December to March. During this season, there may be long periods of heavy rain, and temperatures can reach as high as 40° C (104° F). Winter, which is from June to September, is drier, and the average temperature is around 20° C (68° F).

Most expatriates coming to Rio will arrive via the Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) - 20 km (13 miles) from downtown. The other major airport in Rio is Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), which has domestic flights only.

Employees on expatriate assignments longer than two years receive assistance from a relocation company and can live in either the South Zone or Barra da Tijuca. The decision as to where to live is usually based on personal needs, lifestyle preferences, proximity to work, schools, shopping and commercial areas. The length of commuting time to the office varies significantly by location and route - and should therefore be considered when housing is selected.

• South Zone (Lagoa, Ipanema, Leblon, Jardim, Botanico and Urca): Only apartments are available in the South Zone - houses are not an option. Currently, there are more expatriates living in the South Zone than in Barra da Tijuca. However, because of the limited availability of apartments in the South Zone, more recent arrivals tend to live in Barra. Apartments in this area are typically older, smaller in size, and do not include access to amenities like a pool, sauna and sports courts. The South Zone is walking distance to commercial areas. 

• West Zone (Barra da Tijuca): Both houses and apartments are available in Barra da Tijuca. Though the commute to the Chevron office is significantly longer (approximately one hour and a half) - this should be taken into consideration as the level of exposure to traffic conditions is much higher, especially due to the fact that expatriates are expected to drive - some expatriates choose to live in Barra da Tijuca because it has a greater market availability of apartments and houses than the South Zone. Apartments and homes in this area are typically newer, larger in size, and include access to more amenities, such as a pool, sauna and sports courts. Barra da Tijuca is not within walking distance to commercial areas. For most residents, a vehicle is required to travel locally around Barra.

Prior to lease agreement, Chevron routinely conducts detailed security and maintenance inspections for any prospective housing unit in both Barra da Tijuca and South Zone. Due to the age and quality of units, identifying an acceptable apartment in the South Zone may require a several month search, during which employees live in interim housing. Acceptable housing is more readily available in Barra, and so interim living stays are generally shorter for those deciding to live in this area. Contracts are standard and are negotiated by the relocation company with the assistance of the Chevron Brazil Legal department. Typically, lease agreements are for 30 - 48 months and can be renewed based on negotiations with the landlord. Chevron pays all costs related to the rental of housing in Rio (for example, rent and city tax), up to certain limits as established in the local expatriate policies.

After the lease agreement is signed by the employee, the landlord and a Chevron director, the Chevron Security department installs security equipment in all housing.

Expatriates on resident assignments bring or purchase their own furniture. Furniture rental is available as an interim solution until the household goods arrive. An allowance to rent furniture is provided and outlined in the local expatriate policies.

Pets are usually allowed in most long-term housing.

Employees on rotational assignments in Rio de Janeiro typically do not require housing facilities when they are on rotation as they are offshore. However, when housing is necessary, rotational employees are housed in serviced (furnished) apartments, similar to the temporary employees mentioned above.

Expatriates on resident assignments receive the assistance of a relocation company to set up home telephone, Internet and cable. Electricity, water and gas are usually already connected and the relocation company will transfer the bills to the employee's name.

All utilities are provided in the serviced apartments available to expatriates on temporary assignments.

Electrical outlets are 110V and 60Hz frequency and use 3-round-pin-type plugs.

Employees receive a company-provided mobile phone upon arrival to Rio de Janeiro. Several plan options and phones for family members are also available. Details are outlined in the local expatriate policies.

Bilingual dental services are available in the Rio de Janeiro area. Expatriates must pay for dental services out-of-pocket and then claim reimbursement from their international medical plan provider.

There are several drugstores throughout the city where employees can find prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Some expatriates hire household help on a daily or scheduled basis. The most common way of finding household help is through word of mouth from other expatriates or employees. Chevron and the relocation company do not provide recommendations, so expatriates usually get referrals from other employees. It is very important to interview and check references.

To assist expatriates with domestic-help issues, Brazil HR and Legal have developed instructions and templates which are available in Chevron's intranet, including receipt templates, hiring and termination paperwork, and social security contribution calculations.

Employees on expatriate assignment in Rio de Janeiro must open a local bank account to receive reimbursements and to pay utility bills. Expatriate Coordination can provide bank account manager's contacts for further details related to bank procedures.

As in all Chevron locations, safety and security in Rio de Janeiro is taken very seriously. Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city with many tourist attractions, but it has a very high level of street crime. Expatriates and their families should always maintain awareness of the environment and practice common sense at all times. For example, avoid wearing expensive or imitation jewelry and watches. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash. Pick pocketing and bag snatching are common in the main beach areas and in the central downtown business district around Largo da Carioca. For security reasons, expatriates and their families must use their company-provided car at all times, even for short distances. Avoid walking on the streets after dark, as they become more dangerous.

All visitors are required to attend a security briefing. Newly arrived expatriates and their families are given a thorough overview on security including company guidelines, necessary precautions, as well as other important topics applicable to the location. Also, to keep employees and families safe while living and working in Rio de Janeiro, Chevron provides bilingual emergency response service 24/7, through the company's Security department.

More information on security policies and announcements are posted and maintained on the Chevron Global Security page on the Chevron intranet.

Employees have access to the Chevron mail room, located on the 30th floor. Most employees use the Chevron office's mail room services for their postal needs, both domestic and international. Chevron pouch mail service is available to the United States with regular frequency.

A variety of food, clothing, furniture and household items is available in Rio de Janeiro.

The following are popular shopping malls and stores:

Barra Shopping / New York City Center
Shopping Leblon
Rio Design
Rio Sul
Casa Shopping

Additionally, international chains have stores in the city, such as Wal-Mart, Makro and Leroy Merlin (similar to Home Depot). Street shopping, with local vendors and small markets, is also common in areas like Ipanema.

People in Rio de Janeiro love the outdoors. Jogging or biking by the beaches or lakes is very common. Lots of people also play sports at the beach, like volleyball.

Football (that is, American soccer) is the most popular sport, and people tend to gather in informal groups to play. Golf is limited to the golf clubs, which are usually expensive to join. Baseball is not common in Brazil.

Many people join gyms and health clubs, such as:

• Body Tech
• Estação do Corpo
• Companhia Athletica 

Local expatriate counselors can assist expatriates with the policies and procedures for importing pets to Rio de Janeiro. The employee should also consult the local expatriate policies on the Chevron intranet.

Note: Because of the limited availability of serviced apartments that accept pets, expatriates on temporary assignments (less than two years) must contact the local expatriate counselor to make arrangements before beginning their assignment.

Rio de Janeiro is a casual city. Business attire is rarely seen outside of work hours or around the beachfront walkways. Casual dress is recommended outside of the office and will draw less attention.

While at work, business casual dress (no jacket and tie) is recommended. Jeans may be worn on Fridays.

There is a Chevron spouse community in Rio. Also, the local expatriate counselor can put expatriates in contact with community leaders before the family arrives, so that they can exchange information on a more personal level.