Know some portuguese before you go
by sakuyaini
Actually, know as much portuguese as you can before you go (specially if you are not going on arranged packages or tours - like me!). It will help a lot. As soon as you get to the airport, it will already help you to negotiate cab fares. I miss walking along the beach, lost in time, listening to brazilian music in my cd player, watching people, stopping to sip agua de coco (or ice cold skol!), the humid air, the sea breeze, people laying out in the sun ... everything about Brazil ... Que Saudades !
Exchanging money
by racheljapi
The currency used in Brazil is the Real (R$) and it is made up of one hundred centavos. Notes come in denominations of R$1, R$5, R$10, R$50 and R$100 and the coins in use are 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, and 50c and R$1.
When changing cash or travellers cheques you will usually find the best exchange rates in a ‘Casa de Cambio’. The other option is to use any of the major banks but in the larger cities only the head offices offer an exchange facility. It is also worth noting that the foreign exchange departments often close at 1pm, although some do remain open until 2pm or 3pm. Certain branches will only change a minimum of US$100 while others impose a fee of $20 no matter how large or small the amount being changed. Therefore, it is worth looking around before exchanging any foreign cash. US dollars are the most convenient currency to change.
Credit cards and bank cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, once they show the Cirrus symbol and credit card logos.
I personally used only my ATM card with the visa symbol. While I couldn't use it at every location, it worked well enough. (Before going to smaller cities, make sure you have enough cash to get around and a little cushion)
Liquor me Up, BAby!!
by wrldtravler
Start Drinking months in advance, so as to improve your capacity. Or else you'll be lying next to Tyler..
(might I add this is early afternoon) The alcohol is decently priced. There's a great supermarket on Ave. N.S. Copacabana a few blocks down towards Ipanema. The beers are mainly watery, but Antarctica is the best of the lot. I'd stick with Cachaca though. Vodka is readily available though some of the brands where quite alien to me.
Favelas
by blaird
As you visit Rio, you will undoubtedly see huge developments of poorly built houses, one on top of another in some pretty interesting locations. These are favelas or slums. Unfortunately, favelas are growing in Rio and they are filled with the poor that can be loosely categorized in one of two ways: struggling to survive on poor to no wages or working in illegal endevors. The first group is the vast majority within the favelas, I am told, but the second group has much of the power. Due to this, favelas can be extremely dangerous and I do not recommend wandering in.
I hear there are tours through favelas, but i have no desire to tour these streets, as you can see them from afar much more safely. Nearly every day I passed Cidade de Deus (famous from the movie) or Rio das Pedras. I am told Rio das Pedras is a "safe" favela, as they do not want drug dealers living or dealing in their walls. Cidade de Deus is another story.
You may also see Rocinha on you drives through Rio, this is the largest favela in the city, the sheer size is truly amazing...built up the side of a mountain and back down the other side.
Padaria
by racheljapi
Found on every two to three blocks, Padarias are an important part to every day life here in Rio. The bread is made fresh every few hours (or maybe even more) and can be purchased for 30 cents a piece. That is nothing and the bread is amazing. Listen when you come in, if the fresh bread isn't out already it might be on it's way.
Eat this bread alone or add meat and/or cheese. I enjoy it with Catupiry. It's a cheese spread. A must try!
Sign in with Facebook
And television was there interviewing pretty girls
Oscar Niemeyers museum of Contemporary Art.
View over Rio
Caipirinha in Santa Teresa
