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Why Nova?
From the moment we launched in 1997, Nova Car Hire set out to be the best car rental broker on the market. To ensure we maintain that standard, we work constantly to make our website as user-friendly as possible, so that you can book cheap, reliable car rental worldwide without any hassle. We leverage the buying power of over 1.5 million customers to secure substantial volume discounts that we deliver directly to you. Our relentless pursuit of the best prices and service means you can rely on great value car hire at more than 26,000 international locations.
Airport Location
Rio de Janeiro/Galeao-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, popularly referred to by its original name Galeao International Airport, is Rio de Janeiro's primary airport. The largest airport in Brazil, it is situated 20 km (12 mi) north of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Picking Up Your Car
Rental car hire companies operate counters in terminals 1 and 2 at the GIG Galeao International Airport. Remember that your car will have an automatic transmission, and you must drive on the right. If you are heading to downtown Rio de Janeiro, the traffic can be rather hectic, and one-way roads can make matters confusing.
For excursions outside Rio de Janeiro, car hire is the perfect option, as the main beaches with their associated waterfront attractions are all just a short drive from the city. For travel across Brazil, major highways are prefixed with the letters "BR", and minor roads around the state of Rio de Janeiro are denoted "RJ".
Customer Service
At Nova Car Hire, we pride ourselves on the superb level of service we provide for our car rental customers. We have delivered car-hire bookings to more than 1.5 million happy customers since 1997, so we know a thing or two about stress-free, convenient car rental. You can book your car hire online or by phone through one of our efficient customer service staff. Either way, we will make the process as easy as possible.
Currency
Brazil's currency is the Real (pronounced ray-all), plural "Reais" (pronounced ray-eyes), and is denoted as R$. Cash and travelers cheques, particularly in U.S. dollars, can be exchanged in most banks, bureaux de change, and hotels. All major credit cards are accepted, and some stores accept foreign currency.
Temperature
Rio's tropical climate is often marked by lengthy periods of heavy rain from December to March and summer temperatures that can top 40 °C (104 °F) inland. Such heat waves are rarely sustained, however, and although temperatures regularly exceed 27 °C (81 °F), coastal breezes provide a moderating influence away from the city.
Rio de Janeiro's geographic position means cold fronts from Antarctica can prompt frequent weather changes, including heavy summer showers that can cause disastrous floods and landslides. Most rain falls in mountainous regions, however.
Events
Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's festival capitals, maintaining an electric energy all year. The city's most exciting and exotic bars and nightclubs are in Copacabana and Ipanema, but you have endless miles of Atlantic beaches, granite mountains, a lagoon, and even a jungle to enjoy, if these don't appeal.
Rio Carnaval
Undoubtedly Rio de Janeiro's most famous festival of the year, Rio Carnaval is an exuberant extravaganza of parades, music, costumes, and dancing that attracts millions of people from around the world to revel in the excitement. Held every year before the traditional Catholic Lenten fast begins in February or March, the Rio Carnaval is the world's biggest carnival, bringing two million people to the streets every day for a massive samba celebration.
Victory Day
Victory Day, or the "homage to the Unknown Soldier", is a countrywide commemoration of the Allied triumph in World War II, but the biggest and most famous ceremonies are held in Rio de Janeiro. Staged every May, commemorations and services include marches, presidential speeches, and feasts that offer a great insight into the culture and national pride of Brazil.
New Year in Rio
Where better to go for the biggest party of the year than the world's party capital - Rio de Janeiro? Brazilians are the international experts on partying, and New Year's Eve in Rio, or Reveillon, is one of the biggest events of the year. Join the throngs on Copacabana Beach for music stages, fireworks, dancing, and a December 31st you will never forget.