Fortaleza: A Tropical Paradise on Brazil's Northeastern Coast

• HelloOi
  [oy]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doh/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai?
  [koh-moh vah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng. eh voh-say]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-say fah-lah een-glehz]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now ehn-ten-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee veh ooh kahr-dah-pee-oh, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-nee]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-ooh-day]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-mee ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-mee oom meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doh-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingEu só estou olhando
  [eh-oo soh ehs-toh oh-lyahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-say poh-deh bah-ee-shahr ooh preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [kee oh-rahz sah-ooh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia (10)
  [may-oh dee-ah ee may-ah (10)]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-chee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tem]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhay]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eez]
• 3Três
  [trehz]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-eez]
• 7Sete
  [set-ee]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-jee fee-kah oh/ah...?]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwah-lee oh ehn-deh-reh-soh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-say poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noh mah-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh oh proh-see-moh (oh-nee-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lyeh-chee (pah-rah ....)]

Fortaleza was initially established as a small fort by the Portuguese in 1603, named Fort of São Tiago. This early settlement faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with indigenous groups and colonial powers.

In 1637, the Dutch captured the fort and renamed it Fort Schoonenborch. This period of occupation lasted until 1654, when the Portuguese regained control. The fort was then renamed Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, giving the city its current name.

During the 18th century, Fortaleza began to grow as a regional economic hub. The city expanded around the fort, with new streets, houses, and public buildings reflecting the colonial style of the era. It became a pivotal location for trade and agriculture.

In the early 19th century, Fortaleza played a key role in the independence movement of Ceará state. The city became a center for political activity and intellectual discourse, contributing significantly to Brazil's eventual independence from Portugal in 1822.

Fortaleza was at the forefront of the abolitionist movement in Brazil. In 1884, Ceará became the first province to abolish slavery, four years before the national abolition in 1888. This landmark event is commemorated by the city’s Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture.

The 20th century brought significant modernization to Fortaleza. The city's infrastructure developed rapidly, with new roads, bridges, and public services. Industrialization and urbanization shaped the modern city, transforming it into one of Brazil's major urban centers.

Fortaleza experienced a cultural renaissance in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The city became a vibrant center for arts, music, and cuisine, with numerous festivals celebrating its rich cultural heritage. Landmarks such as the José de Alencar Theater and the Ceará Museum reflect this cultural flourishing.

Fortaleza is served by Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport (FOR), which is located about 11 kilometers from the city center. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, making it accessible from major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or an airport shuttle to reach your destination within the city. Additionally, long-distance buses connect Fortaleza to other major cities in Brazil.

Fortaleza has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and a metro line. Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover extensive routes throughout the city. The metro system is smaller but efficient for specific routes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available. Renting a car is an option, but be aware of heavy traffic during peak hours. Biking is also becoming popular, with several bike lanes and rental services available.

The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Fortaleza, but exercise caution when withdrawing money, especially at night. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in major shopping areas.

While Fortaleza is generally safe for tourists, it's important to remain vigilant. Avoid carrying large sums of money or wearing expensive jewelry. Be cautious in neighborhoods like Praia de Iracema and the area around Dragão do Mar at night, as these areas have higher crime rates. Stick to well-lit and busy streets, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing services. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 190 for police assistance and 192 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in Fortaleza include Hospital Geral de Fortaleza and Hospital São Mateus. Pharmacies are widespread and offer over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local U.S. Consulate can assist American tourists in emergency situations.

Fashion: Do dress casually but modestly. Swimwear is appropriate at the beach but not in public places like streets or restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially in churches. Avoid loud conversations and flash photography. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'Moqueca' and 'Feijoada.' Don't refuse an offer of food or drink, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Fortaleza like a local, visit the Central Market (Mercado Central) for local crafts and foods. Explore the vibrant nightlife at Praia de Iracema, known for its bars and live music. Attend a 'Forró' dance event to experience the local music and dance culture. Enjoy the local beaches like Praia do Futuro, where you can find popular beach bars called 'barracas.' Interact with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture and recommendations.