YOUR GUIDE TO BELEM

The Hangar Convention Centre where COP30 will be held this year.

If you’re packing for Belém right now, congratulations, you’re headed straight into the heart of the Amazon, where the air is thick with humidity and hope in equal measure. COP30 is finally here but before the plenary speeches and protests kick off, let’s get you grounded, literally. Here’s what you need to know before landing in Belém for the biggest climate gathering of the year.

Belem is where lush rainforest meets concrete sprawl. It’s hot and humid, but expect torrential downpours in the afternoon. A raincoat or umbrella tucked away in your laptop bag should come in handy. Our guide won’t discuss flights, we expect that you have them squared away by now. So first up, the airport.

Arrivals

Expect long queues, friendly smiles, and Portuguese announcements that may or may not be translated at the Belém International Airport (Val-de-Cans). This is a good time to check that your Google Translate is up to date. Have your visa ready as soon as you deplane. We recommend you print this in case your phone battery dies (a la long queues). Be sure to have your yellow fever vaccination certificate with you, as it might be requested upon arrival.

Money, money, money

The airport may be the most accessible place to exchange or withdraw money, but it might also be the most expensive. Still, having some Brazilian Reais (BRL) in hand is smart, especially if you plan to explore the city between sessions. 1USD = 5.36BRL (as of 4 Nov)

Stay connected

COP is a busy time where information and connection are currencies, so you cannot afford to be out of the loop. The COP venue offers free WiFi, but connectivity can get patchy when the rain rolls in, so having a local Sim card or e-sim may come in handy. Pack a Type N (220V) adapter or two to keep your devices charged.

Transport

Many people use Uber to get around, so if you don’t have a hotel shuttle, Uber is your best bet. But consider paying in cash: there have been reports of drivers not ending your trip at drop off if you do card payments. On the bright side, like any other COP, there will be a 24-hour shuttle system running from 1 – 23 November. Find the interactive map and other details on the official COP site.

What to wear

Besides the discussions and negotiations, COP is also about the walking. From side events to exhibitions, you will want to see it all. So comfortable shoes are a great wardrobe choice. Because of the humidity, light fabrics like linen and cotton are you best bet, but be sure to pack a light jacket for inside the COP venue. As mentioned earlier, bring a raincoat or an umbrella to keep dry should it rain while you’re in commute.

What to eat

Belém’s food scene is a beautiful mashup of rainforest flavors and Afro-Brazilian spice. Try some local cuisine like the Tacacá, Açaí, and Pato no Tucupi. The COP venue will have a cafeteria and many options to choose from, but these can be a little pricey so don’t rely on the venue for your every meal. If you can, visit the local supermarkets and stock up on some ingredients for breakfast and dinner. The tap water is not potable, so drink filtered water from the venue or store-bought bottled water

COP30 Venue

The Hangar Convention Center is the official venue for COP30. It’s located about 20 minutes from central Belém. The complex is divided into two zones, the Blue Zone and the Green Zone. Both zones will have food courts and rest areas, but plenary halls and negotiation rooms will only be found in the Blue Zone.

This Map by Ecco solucoes Ambientais will help you understand Belem better.

Registration

Delegates can collect their badges from 31 October onward. If you are in Belem before the COP officially starts, be sure to fetch your badge as soon as you arrive. The registration queues on the first day are long and winding. They will cause you to miss the opening plenary, even if you wake up “really early”.

Final Checklist

✅ Passport and visa
✅ Yellow fever certificate
✅ Type N Power adapter
✅ Travel insurance
✅ COP30 badge confirmation
✅ Comfortable walking shoes
✅ Light rain gear