The desire to explore new destinations may seem limited by a fixed vacation property. To combine the security of ownership with the freedom to travel, the first step is to understand what RCI is and how it works.

This exchange proposal transforms your property into access to the world. Below, we detail how this platform works and the advantages of a new model for planning your trips. You will understand why this system is changing how families enjoy their vacations.

What is RCI?

RCI (Resort Condominiums International) is the world's largest vacation exchange company, connecting thousands of timeshare owners. Founded in 1974, it operates as a network that connects timeshare property owners from different developments.

RCI does not own the hotels but functions as an exchange platform. An affiliated owner can "deposit" their week of use and, in return, "withdraw" a week in one of the more than 4,300 affiliated resorts in about 110 countries.

How does RCI work?

Understanding how RCI works involves an exchange process that assigns a value to your property to be used in other experiences. The flow occurs in three stages.

Choose the affiliated development

The first step is to own property in a development affiliated with RCI. The affiliation attests to a quality standard, as RCI has standards for hospitality and infrastructure.

The quality of your home resort determines the exchange power you will have. Costao Estaleirinho, for example, is an RCI-affiliated development, ensuring owners immediate access to the international network.

Deposit your weeks to earn points

After acquisition, you can "deposit" your weeks of use on the platform. RCI evaluates your week based on factors such as the resort's standard, the unit's size, and the time of year.

This evaluation generates a value in points, which become your travel credit.

For example, if your week is during the high season in Balneário Camboriú, it may be worth more points for exchange.

Exchange your points for new destinations

With points in your account, you explore the catalog of destinations. The platform allows you to search by countries or types of trips. Upon finding your desired resort, you use your points to confirm the reservation and pay an exchange fee to complete the operation.

These three steps define, simply, how RCI works: a cycle of depositing, accumulating, and exchanging. It's an intelligent way to turn your property into experiences around the world.

What are the advantages of being associated with RCI?

Being part of the RCI network opens up a range of possibilities for the traveler.

• Variety of destinations: use your property in Balneário Camboriú one year and stay in Orlando or Cancun the next.
• Quality standard: affiliated resorts meet quality requirements, ensuring a good level of comfort.
• Cost-effectiveness: accommodation in complete apartments at a cost (exchange fee) generally lower than similar hotels.
• Versatility: the points system allows choosing the size of the property, the duration of the stay, and the destination, adapting to different life stages.

Costao Estaleirinho follows the same quality standard that has already made Costao do Santinho a hospitality benchmark.

What are the costs involved in RCI?

Like any exchange system, RCI has some fees that keep the network running. The costs are divided into:

• Your home resort fees: responsibility for the annual maintenance fees of your share.
• RCI membership fee: an annual fee to remain an active member of the network.
• Exchange fee: fee charged for each destination exchange made.

Do RCI points expire?

Yes. Accumulated points are valid for up to two years, which can be extended with an additional fee.

Is it possible to rent or lend the weeks?

This option is linked to your timeshare title. In Costao Estaleirinho, the owner can put their weeks in the rental pool, benefiting from the asset even when they cannot travel.

Within RCI, there is also the option to issue a Guest Certificate, allowing friends or family to use the exchange week on your behalf.

Why is RCI synonymous with security and credibility in your vacation investment?

RCI has established itself as a market leader due to its credibility. Operating since 1974, it has built a global and reliable vacation exchange model.

A resort's affiliation with the network serves as a quality certification, protecting the member in destinations they have not yet visited.

This trust is reinforced by lasting partnerships, such as the relationship that RCI maintains with the Costao brand, through the Costao do Santinho Resort in Florianópolis.

Costao Estaleirinho guarantees vacations around the world with RCI

Now that you understand what RCI is, it becomes clear that investment in Costao Estaleirinho is a gateway to global tourism.

The development connects you to international destinations without giving up the comfort of the Santa Catarina coast.

From the start of sales in August 2024, those who purchase a two-week share in this development — designed with 180 apartments for 2028 — already guarantee access to the RCI network.

Thus, your retreat in Balneário Camboriú becomes an asset for traveling the world. Visit the official website and learn all the details about Costao Estaleirinho.

Summarizing

Where can I travel with RCI?

As a member, you have access to more than 4,300 affiliated hotels and resorts in about 110 countries, including beach, mountain, and major city destinations.

Do I need to use my weeks every year not to lose them?

Not necessarily. The system offers flexibility: you can deposit your points for use within two years, extend this period, or put your weeks into your resort's rental pool.