IT'S A CELEBRATION
Got Questions About Rio?
How to Get Around in Rio?
Uber is widely available and very affordable — often even cheaper than public transport.
During rush hours, the subway is your best option: it’s safe, reliable, and avoids traffic.
Buses are more of an adventure — drivers can be reckless, and safety is lower, especially at night. It's best to avoid buses after dark. The subway and Uber are both fine at night.
Rio has many bike lanes, but where there aren’t any, it’s actually safer to ride on the sidewalk — and yes, the police don’t mind. Cycling next to cars or buses is risky, as drivers often don’t respect cyclists.
Is Rio Safe?
Rio has a reputation for crime, but if you follow a few simple guidelines, you'll likely leave with nothing but great memories.
Most robberies happen when there's an easy opportunity — so the key is to avoid attracting attention.
* Keep your belongings close to your body and out of sight.
* Avoid wearing valuables like gold jewelry, luxury watches, or anything that looks expensive.
* Don’t flash your wallet or cash, and avoid using your phone carelessly on the street — especially iPhones or high-end models, which are easy targets.
In wealthier neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea, and Lagoa, you’ll generally feel safe, but it’s still wise to avoid walking alone at night. Restaurants in these areas are usually well-patrolled — many even pay extra for police presence.
At the beach, if you want to go for a swim, leave your things with a family that looks trustworthy (for example, parents with kids).
Avoid the city center at night, and only visit favelas with an official guide or tour.
You don’t need to dress fancy in Rio — light, comfortable clothes are perfect for both day and night.
And finally: if you're ever approached or threatened, don’t resist. Give them what they ask — your safety is more important than anything else.
Payments in Rio
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere — even in the subway, where you can simply tap your card at the gate.
At the beach, it’s good to carry some cash, especially if you want to negotiate prices with vendors.
Brazil also uses a popular instant payment system called PIX — similar to PayPal, but you need a Brazilian bank account to use it.
It’s recommended to exchange money inside shopping malls, as they offer better security.
You can find currency exchange offices at Shopping Leblon and Shopping da Gávea, for example. Links to the currency exchange shops: Leblon; Gávea
How Expensive is Rio?
* An Airbnb for two people near Ipanema Beach costs around €90 per night, within walking distance to the sand.
* A fine dinner — including red meat, fish, drinks, and dessert — averages around €35 per person.
* A typical meal at a casual restaurant costs between €10 and €15.
* A great affordable option is eating at “comida a quilo” (self-service restaurants where you pay by the weight of your plate) — very common and popular in Brazil.