We're an elderly couple who have lived in Rio de Janeiro all our lives! So, we know "something" around here 😊😊😊😊😊
Now, we're no professional tourist guides! We'll talk to you about Rio de Janeiro city and some other cool places around as if we were talking to friends.
We'll give tips and suggestions. In case you have doubts or other queries, just get in touch. If we can, we'll help.
We won't give many suggestions for places to eat or drink, as these are not our expertise. In fact, we prefer outdoors activities and these will be most of our tips.
Hope you have fun!
A question people usually ask:
How dangerous is Rio?
If you're talking about the capital city "The" Rio de Janeiro, we have to say, unfortunately it is dangerous! (our authorities have been doing nearly nothing to deal with this violence)
However, that doesn't mean we stay home all the time. We watch our belongings, take extra care in some places (to be frank, almost everywhere!) and totally avoid some others.
There are some apps, like OTT (it means "where there's a gunshot" ) which inform you of places where there's a gunshot going on.
But don't get neurotic, please. We've lived here all our lives and have survived...
One thing I think is good to do is to get informed by reliable people around you: at the hotel or with friends.
Now, when we talk about places around Rio, then things change a lot. Usually the places we're going to be talking about here are far less dangerous than the capital city.
In a "cariocalike" way...
Some tips about cariocas:
- Most of us are not usually very punctual, specially when it comes to parties and other kinds of social interactions. We'll be punctual only in a professional way (for ex. a tour guide will be "somewhat" punctual...)
- You can ride buses in Rio. Although there will be cases of thefts, I can tell you: I've riden buses around here for over 50 years on a daily basis, and I've NEVER been robbed on a bus! For the most famous places, the driver himself will help you with guidance. The bus is nowadays the cheapest transport in Rio.(it's cheaper than the train, mind you).
- You can also ride taxis and Uber, too. There are apps you can download. I suggest you prefer professional drivers to renting a car, for if you don't know the way very well you may enter a community (favela) by mistake, which is really a very dangerous thing to do!
- Carioca summers can be VERY hot! And summer here lasts from the middle of October to the middle of next April. But there will be some cold days in the betweens...so bring a coat.
- Carioca restaurant bills include a 10% tip for the waiter. I suggest you don't complain about it.
- Carioca people, although we've been having a hard time lately due to the bad behaviour of some politicians, is still friendly and helpful.
- But watch your belongings, all the time! (don't get neurotic, just watch)
