Rio de Janeiro What to Pack

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Be aware that the sun is very strong, women, remember to wear a slip under that sundress.
Pack your sunglasses or a hat, and don't forget to bring a bathing suit and flip flops.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Sun screen and moisturizers are readily available.

Photo Equipment: Do not leave your valuables unattended. There are reports of theft from the beaches. If you intend to swim, leave your camera at the hotel.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Specially if you choose the high season period which starts from December to February, just dress casual and you will feel alright. Rio can be very hot in the Summer so it might be a good idea if you think about bringing light clothes, but you can separate a very light jacket just in case it rains or if you need to go to any place in the mountains, it can be a little cold up there!

IN THE PHOTO, ME AND MY ENGLISH FRIENDS CLARE AND IAIN IN IPANEMA BEACH

SEPTEMBER 2007

Luggage and bags: Do not take anything expensive and travel light

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Again, nothing expensive is needed, old tennis shoes, T-Shirts etc... Anything new or expensive/nice loking will make you more of a target for petty theft

Photo Equipment: Don't flash these items around, agai you could find yourself a target

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Slip free sandals/flip flops because the sidewalks can be slippery when wet. As for clothes, pretty much anything goes...wear whatever you want but it's best to pack light weight clothing. The dress code is pretty casual, even at night clubs and stuff so you don't have to dress up.

Miscellaneous: Tap water is safe to drink in most places so instead of buying bottled which adds up in expense and environmental costs, bring along a re-usable plastic water bottle.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you're planning on visiting the beach, women's attire is the less worn the better. Although I was advised that everyone would be wearing dental floss bikinins, we saw very few but most every woman on the beach had on a bikini. Men's beach attire was a little more varied, everything from speedos to the longer length swim trunks.

Even in the nicest restaurant we ate at (Marius), we were not uncomfortable in slacks.

If you are planning on doing any hiking, bring along a pair of tennis shoes, even my good walking sandals wouldn't have been comfortable on our hike in the Tijuca Forest

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Sunscreen is a must

Our mid range hotel had minimal toiletries, just shampoo and soap so bring along the rest

Photo Equipment: Quite a lot of things I read suggested bringing disposable cameras instead of more expensive equipment but except for the football match, I carried my digital camera in my pocket. You might bring a disposable if you are planning on visiting the beach and going for a swim.

Miscellaneous: I was able to plug my camera recharger straight into the outlet, our hotel took straight and round plugs.

Luggage and bags: Bring as little as possible because you will buy a lot...bring an extra empty duffle bag to fill it with your loot.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: casual beach clothing. you can buy a lot of cute things here with light fabrics, for cheap prices. some shirts, tank tops, skirts. A pair of jeans for night if you want or if you are going to the movie theater (they use enough AC to freeze your coke) and a light sweater or scarf. When sleeping use the AC otherwise you wake up feeling dead. But you should sleep in long sleeve shirt at least and maybe pants or else you will get a cold that lasts several days.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Sunscreen...it is too expensive here it costs on average 30 Real or $15 usually more. You can get anything at a pharmacy...usually without a prescription if you just describe your symtoms to the pharmacist. Also bring aloe vera for those first few days when you get a sunburn...it costs $10 here or 20 Real

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: You rent umbrellas and chairs on the beach. You just find a spot on the beach you like and a vendor will set up whatever you want for you. dont bring a towl to the beach, buy a sarong to cover your chair or lay on the sand. A towel is heavy, takes a lot of space and you dont need to dry off, the air is so hot you dry quickly.

Miscellaneous: Bring some food stapels if you must...peanut butter is 20 real here...thats is like $10. Everything else they have here...I do miss Trader Joes, and just all the options our HUGE grocery stores offer in America.

Luggage and bags: Bring one bag and a small carry-on

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Tennis Shoes
Flip Flops
Tea Shirts
two short sleeves for hanging out.
Light jacket/poncho in case of rain
Shades

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Bring your Suntan lotion and your bug repellent.. You will need it.

Photo Equipment: If you are with a group of 5 or more guys you can take pictures and video. Otherswise get a disposable.

Luggage and bags: You will have to buy an extra one, becaue the prices here are so cheap that for sure you will buy more clothes!;)

Miscellaneous: So many souvenirs that you will take back home, this is my friend Pierre in his first visit to Rio, and guess what he is coming back again!;)

November 2004