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Going downtown from the airport -

If you don’t have a transfer from the airport to the hotel, you will have to use a cab or the airport bus. It is really hard to get an Uber from the airport. The app doesn’t work properly and they don’t have a place to stop. So pay a bit more and opt for the yellow taxis. If you prefer, you can chose one of the cabs from the ‘cooperativas’ (green or blue). It is a bit more expensive, but you pay a fixed price for the ride and you are 100% sure the driver will choose the fastest way to your hotel.

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Going downtown from the airport -

Both airports in Rio have very comfortable buses to take you to the city. They are safe and way cheaper than the cabs, but they take way longer to get there. If you are not in a hurry, it’s a good way to take a first look at the city. Pay attention because they have two different routes: one through Zona Sul and another that goes straight to Barra da Tijuca.

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Walking around -

Walking around in Rio is not dangerous. You just need to be more alert than in other places you may be used to. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Cariocas are very gentle and ready to help, but always be suspicious if someone wants to "hold your bag" or "help you with your mobile." And never, ever, give personal or bank information to people you don't know.

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Walking around -

Don’t walk around with your passport. Take a photocopy of it and keep the original one in the hotel’s safe.

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Walking around -

Don’t dress up as a tourist. Of course everyone will likely see you are a foreigner, but at least make them believe you are a foreigner used to the city. Learn a few words, use flip flops. Try to blend in.

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Walking around -

Do not use jewelry when walking on the streets of Rio. Even if it’s fake. Long earrings, necklaces, watches, and anything else that can be pulled by someone, leave at the hotel. If it’s expensive, keep it in the safe as well.

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Walking around -

Don’t go showing off your expensive camera. Keep it in a bag. If you want to photograph something, take it out and put it right back in your bag afterwords. Same goes for mobiles. Don’t walk around with your mobile in your hands. Use it and put it back in your pocket. Walking and texting is not an option in Rio.

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Walking around -

If you are in a crowded place, whether it's downtown or just somewhere with a lot of people passing by, put your backpack in front of you rather than on your back. If it’s a purse, keep it in front of your lap.

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Walking around -

Don’t carry around a lot of money. Credit cards are accepted in most shops in Brazil. If you do have to take a lot of money, put some in your wallet and hide the rest in a safe place, like in a pouch under your pants.

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Walking around -

If you are going to a carnival parade or to a very crowded concert, don’t take a bag. Do as the locals do: wear shorts with front pockets and keep everything you need in those. If you need a bit more space, you can use a fanny pack.

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Going to the beach -

Immediately upon putting your feet in the sand, some guys will come up to you and offer you a chair or an umbrella to rent. Always bargain for it! Always! Everyone can see you are a tourist, so they'll try to take advantage of you. If you don't have strong sunscreen on, then the umbrella will most definitely be a necessity. 

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Going to the beach -

While sitting at the beach, always leave your belongings somewhere you can see them, never behind you. If you have a chair, tie the strap of your bag to the chair.

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Going to the beach -

In Brazil, the vendors come to you to offer food, drinks, and all kinds of products. Don’t buy the first one you see, and try to bargain a bit. Nowadays, many of these vendors even accept credit cards. So no need to take much money to the beach. 

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Going to the beach -

If you are by yourself and want to go for a walk or a dive, put your stuff near a family and ask them to watch it. Never leave your things unattended anywhere.

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At the restaurant -

Keep your bag on the chair beside you, on the floor, between your legs, or on your lap. If it’s one of those restaurants with tables outside, watch your stuff at all times. 

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At the restaurant -

Don’t leave your phone or wallet on the table. Always put it in your bag or pocket.

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Moving around -

Opt to use the Uber app or a taxi app rather then picking up a cab randomly on the street. If that’s not possible, ask the manager of the restaurant or the hotel to call one for you. If there is no other option and you have to grab a cab on the street, choose one that has the name of the association written in the blue line or on the door. If you are not sure about the way, check on Google maps first and ask the driver for an estimate value before you enter the taxi.

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Moving around -

Taking a bus is not very difficult in Rio. If you decide to go that route, separate the money to pay for it before you enter the bus, and always take good care of your belongings. Drivers from buses lines that pass by Corcovado and Pao de Açucar are used to tourists and usually will yell to inform you that you have arrived at your destination.

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Moving around -

Renting a car is only a good option if your intention is to drive to nearby cities, if you have some especially large things to carry, or if you are staying very far from Zona Sul. Parking on the street in Rio is a daily challenge, parking lots are expensive, drivers go really fast and don’t stop for pedestrians. But if you insist... read the next slides.

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Driving in Rio -

Driving in Rio is not easy, and you have to always be very careful. The first rule is to always keep the windows closed, especially when you stop at traffic lights. People will come to talk to you, ask for money, or offer you products. Say "no" without opening the window. 

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Driving in Rio -

Do not enter small, dark streets, even if the GPS tells you to. Check the way ahead and follow the street signs. 

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Driving in Rio -

When driving at night, pay a lot of attention. It is very common for people not to stop at red lights after 11 pm as theft is common. So if the light is green for you, make sure there is no one coming from the other side. On the other hand, if you are driving after 11 pm and there is a red light, slow down, stop for a bit, check that no other car is crossing the intersection, and then keep going. Don’t stay there until the light turns green. However if traffic doesn't permit you to go through the light, keep the car in drive, don't put it in neutral. Watch the other drivers around you and do as they are doing. 

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At clubs -

Rio has an amazing night life and the locals are really nice and fun to hang out with. However there are some rules to follow when going out to the clubs. First rule: take your money or cards in your pocket or in a fanny bag, and never leave them unattended. 

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Making friends -

Rio is the perfect place to make new friends. Brazilians are nice, fun, and love to show foreigners around. But don’t just enter the car or go to the house of some nice person you've just met at the beach. Remember what your mom used to say: do not trust strangers. If someone invites you to a party, or a club, meet them there and make sure the place exists and is in a safe neighborhood before you go.

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Favelas -

As interesting as it may sound, DO NOT go to a favela by yourself or with someone you just met. Only go if it’s with a Brazilian friend that has been there before and knows their way around.

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Using dating apps -

If you decide to use dating apps in Brazil, make sure the first date with your match is at a public place. Get some information about him or her that you can check online. If you are going to a more private place, make sure someone else (like a friend) knows where it is.

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Ask for help -

If you don’t know if going out at night near the hotel is safe or what bus you should take to go to Corcovado, ask the locals. Talk to the receptionist of the hotel, the manager of a restaurant, the vendor at the store. Most Brazilians are glad to help and will give you tons of hints on how to be safe and also have a great time in Rio. 

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Just come! -

Rio is one of the most beautiful places on earth and probably one of the most friendly cities. You need an extra dose of care to walk around here, but it doesn’t mean you should avoid it. On the contrary! If you follow these pieces of advice, you will probably visit the city more than once. So, come, have fun, and spread the news!

See also: Rio de Janeiro's Hollywood moments

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