1 – PROGRAM YOUR TRAVELING

Make a precise road map of places you want to visit each day of travel. This will set the best place to stay. Thus, avoid large displacements and save time. Rio’s  most interesting  are in the south, it is worth staying there.

2 – CARE TO CATCH TAXI

To avoid problems, always try to get the directions in hands with the best way to reach your destination and ask the driver to follow it. Look on the internet for the them.

Only in airports or bus stations, there will be counters for taxi reservations, with fixed prices ​for the fare in Rio. These are the best and safest taxis.

And remember: Any other type of taxi will charge you the fare displayed on the meter. Most of them are eletronic and easy to read. See more info/tips in the post public/taxi transport.

3 – ON THE BEACHES

Overall some hotels waterfront offer beach chairs for guests, if it is not the case of your hotel,  you can rent chairs and umbrellas on the beach but look for price lists in tents on the beach, they must be fixed. Don’t pay more than necessary.

Take only the necessary with you: – sunscreen, towel, hat, sunglasses. As little as possible in cash. Avoid carrying large bags, professional cameras and jewelry.

Never leave your valuables unattended in the sand.

4 – CAUTION WITH RIO SUN

Never forget that we are a tropical country and the sun, especially between 10: 00h and 3: 00h, does not forgive. Even if cloudy wear sunscreen, otherwise you run the risk of spending the rest of the trip enjoying the pain of a sunburn. Remember, if you have fair skin, it will take up to two or three days of sun exposure for you to tan. If you stay too long in the sun, you will turn as red as a lobster and will spend several uncomfortable nights.

5 – SAFETY

I think you recognize a tourist when you see one walking in your town, right? Here is the same. So mingle with the locals and try to look the same.

Nothing ostentatious. Don’t go out wearing jewelry, large bags with brand name, camera around the neck (put the camera in common inconspicuous bags). Avoid carrying the phone in hand.

Use common, relaxed clothes. Sandals with black socks, no way! Cariocas love wearing sandals, even at night. wear snickers with white socks.

No bright color T-shirts of famous football teams, prefer discrete shirts.

If possible leave the passport in the hotel safe, especially if going to  the beach. If not, carry it  in small purses close to the body, never in pockets. Do not carry a large amount of money (R$ 200.00 maximum). Always carry loose change (small bills) not to get confused with the change and not to draw attention.

6 – RIO AT NIGHT

As everywhere in the world, is safest to attend the busiest places and avoid deserted ones. RIO Center zone is a good place but during the day. At night the streets are deserted and dangerous. The exception is the Lapa. With its bars, restaurants and even street stalls, Lapa offers guaranteed fun,with its cultural aspect is for those who just want to eat, drink and chat, as well as those who want to dance and enjoy Brazilian music.

7 – HOLIDAYS AND SEASON

Everywhere in the world is alike. In high season everything is more expensive, busiest and long lines  in almost all the places we go. It’s no different here. So look at this  timetable,  and find out when the schools breaks are as well as themajor holidays in 2016, here in Rio de Janeiro.

Okay, if you come for the End of the Year Party or Carnival, the solution is to plan ahead and try to book restaurants and major attractions that you want to visit early. It’s the only way to avoid wasting time waiting on big long lines.

The winter in Rio is great, little rain, pleasant temperatures and little tourism for all the sights.

If you can, avoid the high season period and enjoy, more calmly, everything that Rio has to offer.

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