A few tips for success regarding the Brasilian Consulate General, as it has been mentioned in this thread quite a bit ; I've been dealing with the L.A. Consulate on business matters for years.

1. These are very good people, and very professional. Respect that fact, and that word, if you need to obtain a tourist visa or other legal items, all of which takes time.

2. In Brasil, you cannot do business at any Federal Agency dressed for the beach. It is considered tacky and disrespectful. No shorts, bikinis, or thongs. period. Slacks, and shirt are required.

This psychology continues up in North America, so dress appropriately when visiting the Consulate General, as you are speaking with Federal employees. You can change into your speedos and tie-dyes later when you hit Santos, Bahia, Copacabana, Leme, or Ipanema. Dress for success.

3. You will be in the office a few hours, and parking is very limited to a few coin meters on La Cienega and Wilshire. If this is your first time going to the consulate, it might be wise to utilise the pay parking lots nearby, or the underground parking service for the building. Parking on the residential streets in Beverly Hills requires a permit, and the citations are quick and expensive. Save your money for an accessory up the street on Rodeo Drive.

Running downstairs to add more quarters to the meters might also mean you lose your number in line, which you receive when you enter the visa and legal affairs office. Plan in advance for this.

4. Over a decade or so, I have seen the tired faces of those having driven in from Nevada for a visa, and heard more than a few irate tirades in the office and out in the hall. This will not help your case at all.

Smile, be patient and polite, have all your documents and two photos neatly ready, and ensure that your flight itinerary is printed on letterhead from an airline or travel agency. The same mentality applies when you arrive in Brasil and are processed by Federal Immigration officers.

There is a bank across the street on Wilshire for the money order requirement. If this is beginning to sound difficult at this point, then consider the option of using one of the visa services mentioned above.

5. Expedited last-minute tourist visas are very rare. For the first time traveller to Brasil, a minimum of one month to five weeks is required: One day to deliver your documents and apply, and two to three weeks to return as scheduled, to recover your passport and visa. Be patient; It is well worth it.

When you finally arrive in Brasil, and later discover you enjoy the music, history, geography, food, and certainly the people, you may also decide to purchase a bit of property, or a condo by the beach of your dreams as many do. Buying and owning property in Brasil is perfectly legal for foreigners, and as recent economic conditions have proven a very good investment in the past 12 years.

Remember then if this is the case, that you will be returning again to the same consulate and employees you met the first time for a visa extension, business, or perhaps even a permanent residency visa.

Just like an upgrade to First Class; It pays to be, and have been curteous.