Fortaleza

[QUOTE=Bambino]P.J.,

Thanks for the links. But I have one more question: Where the hell is Av. Beira Mar?

I went to the map site (it's incredible), but I zoom all the way in and never find it. It looks like the road along the beach is John Kennedy and Abolicao...[/QUOTE]Its between Av. Abolição and the ocean!

Well, maybe the official name of that avenida is "Kennedy", but this is identically the same as "Av. Beira Mar". Also, that makes sense, as "beira mar" roughly translates to "seashore".

Pyjama

Now I have enough info to get things confirmed.

This board ROCKS!

It will be 4 days, with the option to go back to Rio for 4 more, or hang around in Forta. I guess things will declare themselves.

In Brasil, you ask 10 people a question, and get 10 different answers. Trust me, a notarized copy is a hit or miss with law enforcement. I rec. carrying a passport. It is easy enough to replace.



[QUOTE=Sperto]A notorised copy IS valid for ID. 100% sure. Unnotarised copy isn´t enough.

The cost for a notorised copy is low, less than R$10, and it´s made in 10 minutes. It´s a good thing to always carry with you anywhere in Brazil.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Amerioca]...I rec. carrying a passport. It is easy enough to replace.[/QUOTE]
Thanks God, I don't have experience with this! But how do you "easily" replace a document when your next embassy is 2000 km away and there isn't even a consulate in town?? How do you pass security at the airport without a personal document once you want to get to your embassy??

So if it is hit or miss anyway, I'd try the copy first. Loose it and you still have your official document :-)

Pyjama

If you lose your passport in a city faraway from your nearest consulate/embassy -such as Fortaleza, in my case- you are in deep shit, that’s why I’d rather carry a notarised copy, or even risk getting a fine/bribe for not having my passport on me, than carry it and risk losing it, getting it stolen or wet (invalidated) because an idiot threw accidentally a drink on me in a packed disco.

[QUOTE=Gladiator]If you lose your passport in a city faraway from your nearest consulate/embassy -such as Fortaleza, in my case- you are in deep shit, that’s why I’d rather carry a notarised copy, or even risk getting a fine/bribe for not having my passport on me, than carry it and risk losing it, getting it stolen or wet (invalidated) because an idiot threw accidentally a drink on me in a packed disco.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I understand your points. Certainly, those risks and/or worries mentioned can be incurred at any time, when travelling abroad. However, I prefer to have a passport to show, should asked by the authorites. And, I'm certain that you are aware that several of our forum brothers have been taken-in with notarized copies...in Fortaleza.

I rec. a passport plastic cover if you are concerned about water damage. Most travel shops sell the item. Purchased mine for a few bucks at the local AAA.

[QUOTE=Pyjama]Thanks God, I don't have experience with this! But how do you "easily" replace a document when your next embassy is 2000 km away and there isn't even a consulate in town?? How do you pass security at the airport without a personal document once you want to get to your embassy??

So if it is hit or miss anyway, I'd try the copy first. Loose it and you still have your official document :-)

Pyjama[/QUOTE]

It is the "miss" that I'm concerened about....for myself, and fellow bro's of this forum. There is nothing more "official" than a valid passport from your country, with an actual visa. A b/w or color copy of your passport with a cartorio stamp, simply, does not compare. And considering this is a leading country of fraud, it can give an excuse for a PM or PC to question its validity and/or argue such. In any case, should such occur, it usually leads to a bribe, extortion, and/or worse. I will not give them that oppurtunity.

Trust me, those notaries at the cartorio will notorize anything....with enough money. My experiences come from buying and/or renting property, AND in this process, included notorizing my passport. So, yes, I am all too familiar with the cartorios.

Also, I'm sure most of you have done your homework on Forta. As you know, there are many persons over-staying their visas. And the police are aware of such. In fact, taking in those that are suspect w/notorized copies... So, if you wish to battle on the front-lines with a back-up copy instead of an original, so be it.

Even though your example is going off on a tangent, I will entertain you. Veteran travellers lose their passports, monies, etc...true. And in your example, that would be a FUCKED situation. However, does this person have no means of contacting anyone or anybody, and have no monies? I'm certain that this person likely prepared him/her-self before travelling to this BFE destination. If not, he/she is an idiot...period.

Although I do not wish to cover in great detail on how to prepare for a stranded situation, here are some basic fundamentals before travelling: 1.) Register with embassy, 2.) Emergency numbers, and 3.) Language basics. Of course, not neccessarily in this order.

As stated earlier, I do have notarized copies of my passport.
Some have been given to close Brasilian friends in case of emergency and legal purposes, if needed. Also, in my travels, I have stuffed them in my suitcases, bags, etc. However, none go with me to the front-lines of mongering...I bring my passport.

Valeu.

[QUOTE=Amerioca]However, none go with me to the front-lines of mongering...I bring my passport. [/QUOTE]
Always carrying a passport with me that doesn´t sound very convenient. Imagine if you go to the beach, a streetcarnival or go for partying. A notorised copy you can just fold together and put it in your wallet. If you loose it you´ll just get a new one in no time.

Getting a new passport is both expensive and a waste of time.

If I would carry my passport with me at all time I would need to worry about losing it. The Police could decide to keep your passport and force you to pay a bribe to get it back in return (they tried it once with me in SA).

Just a thought

I scanned my passport, credit cards, drivers liscense, birth cirtificate and some other info and e-mailed it to myself on yahoo. The files can be downloaded and viewed from anywhere including your embassy or consulate if need be.

My guess is that if the cops are honest, the nororized copy including the entry visa and your hotel key fob may do it.

If the cops are dishonest, grabbing your passport and holding it for ransom would suck.

Good maners and patience are always a good idea when dealing with the PD

[QUOTE=Sperto]Always carrying a passport with me that doesn´t sound very convenient. Imagine if you go to the beach, a streetcarnival or go for partying. A notorised copy you can just fold together and put it in your wallet. If you loose it you´ll just get a new one in no time.

Getting a new passport is both expensive and a waste of time.

If I would carry my passport with me at all time I would need to worry about losing it. The Police could decide to keep your passport and force you to pay a bribe to get it back in return (they tried it once with me in SA).[/QUOTE]


Convenience is subjective. My US Passport is thin, and slightly bigger than an avg. billfold. I usually carry it in a hidden pocket of my shorts or pants, and no other items are in the same compartment.

I do not worry about losing my passport, no more than losing my wallet, keys, etc. Certainly, there are corrupt cops which request a gratuity irregardless of what papers presented, however, it happens. When such occurs, I usually state names of persons whom I personally know in the PM or PC. Most times, I say, "Tudo bem, we will resolve this RIGHT NOW, let me call Colonel XXXXXX. And he will not be happy about calling so late."

Yeah, around this time, several years ago, the policia had a blitz going at Help. They went in, separated the guys from the girls, and started checking documents. Pulling gringos out with notarized copies and without any ID for further questioning. Guys with PASSPORTS were OK. OGlobo was there too. Same year Fiscal(in front of Othon) got arrested....BTW, I was with him when it happened....insane shit!@

So, did you pay in SA?

[QUOTE=Pluto2]Just a thought

I scanned my passport, credit cards, drivers liscense, birth cirtificate and some other info and e-mailed it to myself on yahoo. The files can be downloaded and viewed from anywhere including your embassy or consulate if need be.

My guess is that if the cops are honest, the nororized copy including the entry visa and your hotel key fob may do it.

If the cops are dishonest, grabbing your passport and holding it for ransom would suck.

Good maners and patience are always a good idea when dealing with the PD[/QUOTE]

Definately, ransom does suck. If the cops are dishonest, NO documents would satisfy them. Again, my argument; more efficient and productive to show a passport vs. notarized copy under normal conditions of an id check.
That is, making the cops job easier. Lowering your contact and/or interaction time with cop.

[QUOTE=Amerioca]So, did you pay in SA?[/QUOTE]
No, I didn´t pay.

In Brazil the Police asked me for ID maybe twice the last 15 years (except at the airport). I never really had any bad encounters with the police (I never mess with drugs or minors).

I prefer to let my contacts with the police be in a horizontal position in a bed. I think the female PM in Brazil are so sexy, specially in Bahia.

[QUOTE=Sperto]I think the female PM in Brazil are so sexy, specially in Bahia.[/QUOTE]

Ai mano, I know what you are talking about. Valeu!

In Fortaleza for few days. If anyone would like to catch up for a drink PM me.

Got to say not overwhelmed yet.

Went to Zipi Bar, Cafe and Mambo last night. The 6 or so girls I talked to all wanted R150 (funny how they all said the same price). When I said R50 they laughed :-)

This was not just at the start of the night. I guess I could have got them down to R100 if I was lucky but I doubt it.

I was only talking to the prettier girls but not stunners in my book.

I think the place is very busy. Lots and lots of dumb guys on holiday paying anything the girls ask so the grils ask Rio prices.

I guess the trick is to only come in low season?