Rio de Janeiro travel guide
Money, safety, parties, beaches, getting around, living in Rio and Portuguese. Practical guides written by locals, updated with real prices and dates.
Plan your tripEverything worth knowing before your first trip to Rio de Janeiro: how many days, neighborhoods, money, safety, transportation and language, with links to each in-depth guide.
Getting aroundHow to get from Rio's airports to Copacabana or Ipanema: Uber (R$80–130), prepaid taxi, executive bus (R$18.85), BRT + subway or a private transfer, with times and safety tips.
Money & paymentsCash or card? Can you use Pix as a tourist? We compare costs, where to exchange money in Copacabana, ATM fees, the DCC trap, tipping and how to avoid the card-machine scam.
Parties & eventsTwo million people in white, fireworks over the sea and free concerts: how to enjoy New Year's Eve 2026/27 in Copacabana stress-free.
Things to doMap and comparison of Rio's beaches, Sept 2026 prices for chairs, umbrellas and caipirinhas, the newer beach rules, water quality and phrases to order like a local.
Where to stayYour neighborhood shapes your whole trip. Compare Rio's 9 most popular areas with scores, a map, approximate hotel prices and a quick quiz.
