Portuguese for Travelers: Rio Phrasebook

Outside hotels, tours and tourist restaurants, English isn't widely spoken in Rio—but a handful of Portuguese words go a long way, and cariocas love it when you try. Below you'll find the phrases you'll use every day (tap to hear them), the sounds that trip English speakers up, carioca slang and a quick quiz.

Tip for US travelers: sort your e-Visa (US$80.90) first, then practice these on the plane.

Not much. Hotels, tours and South Zone restaurants usually have English speakers; beach kiosks, corner bars, buses and taxis rarely do. Younger cariocas tend to speak some. Uber helps a lot because you don't need to explain directions, and most restaurant menus can be translated with your phone camera.

• Download Portuguese for offline use in Google Translate.
• Keep your hotel address saved in your phone.
• Pointing, smiling and a “por favor” work wonders.