FAQs | Dicas

Question

How do I RSVP to the events?

Answer

Please enter your information on the RSVP tab on this site. We will not be mailing out physical invitations, but you can pick up a physical "Save the Date" at our engagement party.

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP to the engagement party by April 11, 2024. Please RSVP to the wedding by August 1st, 2024.

Question

What if I can only go to the engagement party, but not the wedding? Or vice versa.

Answer

It is absolutely fine if you’re only able to make one event. We ask that you please let us know of your plans as soon as possible. We appreciate the courtesy in advance!

Question

What should I expect for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Once you arrive at the venue, you will be greeted by some delicious welcome drinks and apps. Feel free to take some photos, have some refreshments, and take in the magnificent view. The ceremony will be around 30-45 minutes. It will be outside. After the ceremony, there will be more food and drinks available while Sophia, Victor, and their families take photos. We will go inside to the reception afterwards, where there will be a buffet dinner, open bar, music, and dancing. We'll provide the dancing shoes ;) Right before we leave, we'll have some incredible late-night snacks and a surprise, so be sure to stick around!

Question

Do I need an e-Visa to enter Brazil?

Answer

You do not need a Visa to enter Brazil! REGARDLESS OF VISA REQUIREMENTS, YOUR PASSPORT NEEDS TO BE VALID FOR 186 DAYS AFTER ARRIVAL SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY! Passports that need to be updated might take 2+ months to be issued or renewed.

Question

How many days in advance should I arrive in Brazil?

Answer

There are both overnight flights and day flights into Rio de Janeiro. We would recommend that you arrive at least two full days before the wedding to rest and relax (e.g. you fly from the US on Wednesday night, arrive on Thursday morning and you have Friday to rest before the wedding on Saturday). At this time of year, there will only be a one-hour time difference from the east coast.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?

Answer

Yes, we will be providing shuttles leaving from the Grand Hyatt starting at 2 PM. For all other transportation, you can use Uber - the same app as you'd use in the USA.

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

We do not have a formal registry, but we do have a honeymoon fund (linked on this site).

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Please only RSVP for yourself and any other people indicated on your invitation.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Of course! Please contact Victor or Sophia ASAP.

Question

Why can't I select my meal when RSVPing?

Answer

There will be appetizers, drinks, and a buffet style meal served at both the engagement party and the wedding, so you will not select one specific entree. We promise we'll have something for everyone!

Question

Will my phone work in Brazil?

Answer

Yes. We recommend that you notify your carrier at least 3 weeks in advance of the trip. Most carriers offer a TravelPass or International Plans. Based on how long you’re staying, you can choose the plan that’s right for you (less than 10 days makes sense for a TravelPass). We also recommend that you download WhatsApp for messaging while you’re in Brazil.

Question

What should I know about Rio de Janeiro?

Answer

It is an absolutely gorgeous city with much history. We highly recommend that you do a bit of sightseeing while you're here. Some great areas to visit are Ipanema, Leblon, Leme, Barra da Tijuca, and Copacabana. It has beautiful weather all year round (75-90 degrees Fahrenheit) so you'll be able to break out the shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits. As with any large city, there are better areas and there are less great areas. Please be aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing flashy clothing or jewelry in touristy areas. Stay away from favelas, Rocinha, and the north zone (Zona Norte). If you have any doubts, just ask us!

Question

What should I know about Barra da Tijuca?

Answer

Barra da Tijuca, more commonly referred to as "Barra" is one of Rio's safer and more affluent neighborhoods. You'll find beautiful white beaches, lakes and rivers in this area. It's a bit farther away from the touristy areas in downtown Rio or Copacabana, so you'll find truer Carioca (Rio locals) nightlife, shopping, and restaurants.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

We will be hosting welcome drinks at Pesqueiro Beach Bar (across the street from the hotel, at Avenida Lúcio Costa, Ilha 25, Praia da Reserva, RJ) on Friday from 2-5PM to say hi to everyone before the big day. We'll be paying for all the drinks but if you'd like food, please include that in your own budget. Only informally. Sophia and Victor will most likely be found at one of the beach kiosks/bars in front of the Grand Hyatt on the days leading up to and after the wedding. They have great beach snacks, meals, drinks, and live music. If you'd like to join us, bring your bathing suit and come on by! Contact Sophia and Victor for details and exact timings.

Question

What kind of adapter should I buy?

Answer

We recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V6G7ZDQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share or search "TESSAN Brazil Power Adapter Travel Plug, 3 in 1 USA Outlet Adapter with 2 USB Charging Ports and US Grounded Input for USA to Brazil, Type N" on Amazon

Question

Should I bring cash? If so, how much?

Answer

This is mostly dependent on what you are going to do, how long you're going to stay, and how many excursions you've pre-booked and paid for. If you are coming for 4-5 days, have pre-booked most of your excursions, and want to have some money to buy gifts and snacks from street vendors, we would recommend getting at least R$200-R$300 (which is about $50 USD) beforehand from your bank. It will go a long way. To give you perspective, a bottle of water is usually R$5 or less than $1 USD. Most things can be paid for with card (make sure you notify your credit card company, most banks' apps have a travel option, so your card is unlocked during the trip!)

Question

What kind of food should I try before I leave Brazil?

Answer

Brazilian food is super unique and rarer in the US, so we highly recommend trying out the following Brazilian staples: - pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) - açaí (the Brazilian way is different - read: better - than what you get in the US!) - sucos (fresh fruit juices: if you order juice in Brazil, it'll always be freshly squeezed) - pastel (like an empanada, but deep fried and square, and filled with Brazilian flavors) - feijoada + farofa (feijoada itself is a heavier dish with a bean stew, rice, a breadcrumb-like topping made with crispy onions, and stewed garlic collard greens; always comes with fresh orange and a "vinaigrete" or tomato salad) - a Brazilian breakfast (complete with pão frances, queijo Prato, queijo minhas, papaya called mamão, and different bolos, or cakes, made especially for breakfast to be had with Brazilian coffee or tea) - brigadeiro (a Brazilian chocolate truffle, made with sweetened condensed milk and a variety of chocolate and non-chocolate flavors)

Question

How far is the venue from the hotels?

Answer

The trip to the venue via shuttle will take anywhere from 25-50 minutes depending on traffic.

Question

What is the exchange rate? How do I check it?

Answer

The exchange rate fluctuates, so you can always check it to figure out the best time to exchange dollars (or other currencies) for reals. It's been hovering around 4-5 Brazilian Reals to $1 USD. We use xe.com!

Question

Do a lot of people speak English?

Answer

In the city center, tourist sites, and at your hotels, you'll find a lot of staff who will be bi or trilingual. At beach kiosks, restaurants, malls, and boutique shops, you usually won't find too many people who speak English, so we recommend downloading Duolingo or other language learning apps to pick up a few words or phrases before you go. Google Translate has a GREAT talk to text function that can easily be used while out and about (e.g. you speak English into the app, it will speak your same sentence aloud in Portuguese).