Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) LAPT Rio

Minimum age: 18

Tax regulation in Brazil
• Please click Brazilian Tax Regulation for information on the Brazilian withholding of income tax on tournament winnings.

Visas for Brazil
• Please click visas for details but please note that North Americans need a visa to enter Brazil and this can take up to 10 working days.

VENUE:

Intercontinental Hotel
Av. Prefeito Mendes De Morais 222 - São Conrado
Rio de Janeiro, 22610-095 Brazil
Tel: +55 21 33232200

The Intercontinental Hotel is located in one of Rio's most prestigious neighbourhoods, close to great nightclubs and restaurants and stunning beaches. São Conrado Fashion Mall is within walking distance, and it's just a short drive to Ipanema and Copa Cabana Beaches, the Rio Planetarium, and Barra da Tijuca. The nearby Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain is a must-see.

ABOUT RIO DE JANEIRO/BRAZIL

Thanks to its stunning scenery, miles of golden beaches and extravagant annual carnival, Rio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known as the 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the 'Marvellous City', Rio is synonymous with the smash-hit song 'The Girl from Ipanema', as well as major attractions such as the giant Christ the Redeemer statue of Jesus on top of Corcovado mountain, and the beautiful Pão de Acar (Sugar Loaf) mountain with its celebrated cable-car ride and breath-taking views.

Rio was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese as a fortification against French privateers and was the capital of Brazil for two centuries (1763-1960). Now tourists flock there to enjoy its spectacular natural setting, vibrant music, carnival atmosphere, great food, and plentiful historic attractions.

HOW TO GET THERE:

There are flights to Rio's international airport (Galeão - Antonñio Carlos Jobim International Airport) from many US cities including Los Angeles, Washington, Houston, Miami and Atlanta. From other major cities, you might need to change at either Miami or São Paulo. There are direct flights from most South American capitals and, for Europeans, direct flights from Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Madrid, London and Paris.

FROM THE AIRPORT TO HOTEL:

The easiest and quickest way to get to the Intercontinental Hotel from Rio airport is by taxi (23 miles). It takes about 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The cheapest taxis are the yellow cabs - expect to pay around 80 Reais; the more expensive blue and red cabs, or a hotel transfer service, will cost you up to 135 Reais.

When you get into any taxi, always check the taximeter has been started and cleared of previous charges. Taxi drivers will often agree to give you a tour for a mutually-agreed price; this is often far cheaper than an organised tour.

USEFUL INFO:

Currency: Reais

Language: Portuguese

Time zone: There are four time zones in Brazil, but Rio de Janeiro is UTC-3, i.e. three hours behind the UK, four hours behind Central Europe and two hours ahead of New York.

Exchange rate: 1 euro = 2.5 Brazil Reais approx.; $1 = 1.7 Brazil Reais approx.

Dialling code: The international dialling code for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is +55 21.

Visas: Visas are required for North Americans, Australians, and some Latin Americans. This can take up to 10 working days. UK citizens and citizens from most EU countries do not need a visa, but everyone entering Brazil must have passport and valid return ticket. Please consult your travel agent for full details.

Tourist Information: the official Rio de Janeiro tourism website - www.braziltourism.org.

Brazilian Withholding Income Tax on Poker Winnings

According to the Brazilian Income tax regulation there is a 30% withholding income tax due on any cash winnings on any tournaments held in Brazil. The withholding income tax is due regardless of whether the winner is a Brazilian or a foreign national and regardless of the country of residence of the foreign national. Nevertheless the Brazilian withholding income tax can be recognized as a tax credit in the country where the foreign national has its residence.

Brazil has double taxation treaties with several countries which guarantee the tax credit in the foreign country.

With respect to Canadian residents, article 22 of the double taxation treaty (Brazilian Decree 92.318 of January 23rd., 1986) assures that the tax paid in Brazil will be recognized by the Canadian tax authorities as a tax credit.

With respect to the United States of America, even though there is no double taxation treaty signed, Brazil has entered into a Reciprocity Agreement with the US Government, which also assures that the tax withhold in Brazil will be acknowledge as a tax credit by the US tax authorities.

In both cases, the tax receipt shall be certified by the corresponding consulates in order to be accepted by the foreign tax authorities.