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Don't get service from non-official tour guides
Tour guides must have special courses and identification. Even then there are many people offering this kind of service on the streets, even near official tourist information centers.

Don't take chances
Even being considered a very safe city, it is not a good idea to be late at night with valuable things walking around on your own. It is also good to avoid accepting drinks from strangers at nightclubs and bars. You can have a huge headache the day after when you realize you were robbed.

Do exchange money only at official offices
There are many people exchanging currency on the streets, specially in the central areas. Most of the times it is ok doing that, but you can have better rates at exchange offices. The best option is at Banco do Brasil. you never know what you can get on the streets.

Don't be ashamed for not leaving tips
Most restaurants already charge 10% service, and it is not that common for people leaving tips. In some places service fee is even optional. However, if the service is really good, why not leaving some tip?

Do visit Campeche Beach
According to the author of "the Little Prince", Antoine de St Exupery, Campeche is the most beautiful beach in the world. Campeche returned the favour by naming the most important street in the village "Little Prince Avenue".

Do rent a scooter while you are in Florianopolis
In the summertime, there is a lot of traffic. Scooters are very easy to drive and you can be anywhere in no time. Visit http://www.locomotos.com.br/ing/index.html or call 55-(48) 3232-1717 and talk to Guga, who speaks English very well. The rental office is in Lagoa.

Do If you are new to the city a good idea is to stay at the city center
For newcomers, a good idea is to stay in the city center so you can get the most of the many beaches. Taking buses from downtown is easier and you won't get lost

Do spend a safe carnival in the island
During carnival festivities in Brazil, Florianópolis is a good chance to have lots of fun without worrying too much. One of the good places to go is to Avenida Osmar Cunha where thousands of people get peacefully together the whole afternoon on carnival Saturdays.

Do use Tourist Bus Passes
They cost 10 Reais and are rechargeable. You can purchase them from any bus terminal. More information available on this site.

Do note that Gay and Lesbian night life is better on weekends
Different from other big cities like São Paulo, Florianópolis doesn't have a busy nightlife on weekdays for gays and lesbians.  Fridays to Sundays are very busy though. Check for some local websites, such as www.aquirola.com.br, for addresses of good places to go.

Do get the bus schedules
Not all the buses run all night long, so it is a good idea to take a good look at the buses running schedules. You can even get full information on the internet (http://www.pmf.sc.gov.br/?link=horario_onibus ), or at the central bus station. Some buses run all night long to interesting places like Lagoa da Conceição and the central area where you have a busy night life. Go for it!

Don't miss the time
In Brazil some regions adopt the summer saving time. It goes from November to February every year. Florianópolis is in one of the regions that does that. So, don't forget to set your watch not to miss any important time such as the one to take the bus or the airplane.

Do Stay near the beach to avoid traffic
If you are in the city for summertime, try to be closer to the beach. Depending on where you are going you can have huge traffic jams. If you stay in the central area, and want to go to the beach try to leave early.

Do eat at cheap restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants in the city that serve good food. You have many choices specially for lunch where you can pay by the kilo. You can have nice tasty meals paying little money, specially downtown.

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Do take the executive bus service
If you are coming from or to the airport, take the executive bus service. It is a bit more expensive than regular buses (R$ 4.5), but faster and more comfortable. They are easily identified because they are small yellow buses. They also run to different neighborhoods, and the best means of public transportation during the busy summer days.

Do try acai (pronounced assai) - a kind of smoothie
Try it anywhere on Praia Mole, for only 3 Reais. Very cool.

Don't go downtown by car on a cloudy day
When in summer, if you get a cloudy day, avoid going downtown by car. Traffic gets really heavy, and it's difficult to park.

Do buy good craftsworks at Casa da Alfandega
If you want to buy souvenirs to take to your friends and family a good choice is Casa da Alfandega. The small store has typical crafts from the city at reasonable prices

Do stay longer than only 2-3 days
Even during low season the city has many places to see. If you like the nature, this is a good place. So, try to take some extra days to see the most you can.