Leah & DanLeah & Dan
Traveling in Rio (plz read)Traveling in Rio (plz read)
Passport/Visa (read this!!)Passport/Visa (read this!!)
this is a biggie - super important!
-Passport Requirements: To travel to Brazil, you'll need a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of your visit (i.e., December 2025). US passports are valid for 10 years. -Passport Application/Renewal: If you don't have a passport but plan to attend, we suggest starting the application / renewal process ASAP. Passport processing times are slow and it can take around 6 months to get your passport (the processing website is not correct). PLEASE apply/renew your passport by November 2024. -Visa Info: As of April 2024, US citizens need a tourist visa for Brazil. They're good for 90 days. We're happy to share more information on applying for a visa and what you need to have, know, and do as we learn more about this change and we get closer to the date. Need a visa: USA, Ghana, Canada, Australia; Do NOT need a visa: UK, European Union, Ecuador, Chile
MoneyMoney
what to know
-Currency Exchange: We tend to use the 1 USD : 5 BRL exchange rate as a consistent rate, but check closer to arriving. -Payment Options: Mastercard and Visa credit/debit cards are widely accepted (NOT AMEX). We also suggest having some cash (in reais) in case you run into issues with your credit card. [Depending on your CC, you may get a better exchange rate when paying with card, so we usually use card for most things.] Remember to tell your bank about your trip to Brazil. If you need to withdraw cash, we've found Bradesco or Banco do Brasil ATMs to be best. Remember to bring an ATM card. (Leah and Dan almost always forget this) -Currency Rounding: There are no pennies in Brazilian currency, so prices are usually rounded to the nearest 5 centavos. When paying cash, you may not get exact change.
SafetySafety
what to know
Rio is a very large, vibrant city! Please take sensible precautions during your stay!! -PICKPOCKETING/THEFT: Like many big cities around the world (e.g., Paris, Barcelona), be smart about your safety and your belongings! Avoid unnecessary risks and please be mindful of your things, esp. jewelry, watches and electronics -DRINKING: Have fun, party, drink but don't lose your sense of awareness -JEWELRY/WATCHES: We don't suggest using valuable or nice jewelry/watches (think: gold, gems) while walking around or going out at night. Remove engagement rings, etc. The less attention your things draw to you, the better! -BAGS: Keep your bag or purse in front of you and try options with multiple steps to open/close, such as a zipper with a locked flap covering it. If you carry your phone, make sure that it's secure in your bag and hard to easily reach -BEACH: Don't leave valuables unattended at the beach. All beaches are public and have many people. Leave valuables (phones, wallets) with someone you know if you don't take them with you -PASSPORT: You don't need your passport while walking around. Use your state ID for identification. Have a copy of your passport (just in case) and keep your real passport in a safe place where you know where it is (e.g., hotel safe) If you have any questions, please ask us! We want you have a good time and to feel safe
TransportationTransportation
what to know
-Taxis/Ubers: both are pretty accessible and relatively cheap. Some taxis may prefer cash, but many also take card - check that they accept card before you get in though. Ubers tend to be cheaper than taxis (except during rush hour). Uber needs to be connected to a credit card (not Venmo). -Subway and Walking: The subway is clean and safe option. Most places you'll likely visit should be on Linha 1 (Orange), with signs are in Portuguese and English. Pink subway cars are designated for women only. Walking is also a good option, especially if you're going short distances or along the beach. If you're ever concerned about walking or are unsure of where you are, take a car.
Restaurants / Going OutRestaurants / Going Out
what to know
-Tipping: At restaurants, a 10% tip (servicio) is often added to the bill, and it's expected even if not included. At bars and clubs, tip is not required but appreciated. -Card Machines: When paying, you either pay at the front or your server will bring you a handheld machine. Don't let someone walk away with your credit card -Going out at night: Bring cash for cover charges and carry your ID. LET'S TALK MORE ABOUT GOING OUT... -Have fun, dance, enjoy your time in Rio! It's a fun place! But, we kindly ask that you remember to STAY ALERT to yourself, your surrounding, and personal things (e.g., phone, wallet). We don't want any of our guests to get lost, loose anything or have something stolen, etc.!!!! -Similarly, we encourage everyone to explore all that Rio has to offer from the tourist sites to the chopps and cachaça at night, but (for our sanity) PLEASE have a pack mentality and ALWAYS be out with and stay with 1+ other person! We trust you all, but for our peace of mind please NEVER EVER wander off or leave the people you're with or disappear (even to the bathroom) without telling someone and don't leaving anyone behind! Plan what to do if you do if you get separated and stick to it. WE LOVE YOU ALL SO PLEASE TALK TO EACH OTHER and talk about where you are and are going.
Water and IceWater and Ice
what to know
We wouldn't drink the tap water straight from your sink, but it's totally fine to use to brush your teeth, wash fruit, etc. All water and ice that’s served to you while you’re out will be made with filtered water. Even ice cubes are made with filtered water, so you should never have to worry about being unable to drink water or ice. Water isn't automatically given at a restaurant. We suggest going to a grocery store and buying large bottles of water and carrying those with you so you have enough water.
Outlets & International DataOutlets & International Data
what to know
ELECTRICAL -Converters: We recommend at least one electrical plug converter per person. Potable battery packs/chargers are also recommended. You can find all of your electrical needs (converters, dual voltage devices) on Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, etc. -Devices: American hair driers, hair straighteners, curling irons, or electric razors will not work due to voltage difference. Consider getting a DUAL VOLTAGE device if you'd like to bring any of these devices. PHONE DATA We recommend getting international data so you can access maps, text/WhatsApp, and Uber no matter where you are. You can get this through your phone carrier or through Airalo, which allows you to buy phone data using an e-SIM for relatively cheap. Try to set this up before leaving the US (or your home country).