Rio Travel Hints

Rio Hints

Or Brain Farts if you like! These are just a collection, in no particular order of importance, of things you need to know about being in Rio. These will be updated, enhanced, modified, changed, deleted or whatever is required as time passes; Feel free to add your own perspectives or experiences;

• Look both ways and over your shoulder when you cross streets. The pedestrian does not have the right of way in Rio.

• Taxis use #1 on their meter during the days. #2 after 9:00PM and on weekends/holidays and for the entire month of December.

• You can save money by buying your Help ticket before midnight but you must also enter before midnight for it to be valid. You also have to wear long pants. Jeans are fine.

• Colors on Help drink tickets change every night (except water). You can exchange your old tickets in the kitchen for new tickets if you have leftovers.

• The metro is a simple, inexpensive and safe way to get to and from the downtown area to Copa. Onibus's are even less expensive but you need to know which route to take and they are notorious for robberies. For the newbie, stick to taxis, unless you are with a veteran.

• Do not flash cash. Keep it low and under the table if you are giving to another person at the table. Also a good idea to keep big cash in one pocket (preferably buttoned or secured with Velcro) and small cash in another

• Put your laptop in a backpack instead of its' regular computer case. Better yet, leave it in your room. Carry your camera in a plastic supermarket bag.

• Leave your expensive jewelry at home.

• You will only need about half the clothes you think you will need. Casual is better with a few evening "appropriate" outfits for the more upscale places.

• Children and other beggars. It is tough to pass them by. They look hungry, starved to be exact! Some are. Others are doing quite well. Mothers with babies suckling their breasts, children without shoes in ragged shorts and shirts, performing all kinds of juggling, gymnastic, musical and other money making stunts. A recent study showed that many of these people are making between R$600-R$1,000 per month. Clearly almost three times what the average minimum wage earner is making (McDonalds employees make R$.75 centavos per hour ...about $.20 per hour US). Many times their parents use the money for drugs or they have to pay off the local police to let them keep their "turf". If you really want to help, ask for a doggie bag for your left over food (and there is usually a lot left over because portions are huge). The really needy, hungry people will catch your attention quickly and be extremely pleased for the meal. Avoid giving them money, even small change.

• Shit flingers-yes, they do exist and they are excellent at what they do. It is not really shit they are flinging but rather a mixture of shoe polish and some other ingredient that gives it the consistency of vasoline. You will probably never see the guy fling it and will only be aware you have been targeted when a guy with a little shoe shine box runs up to you pointing at your feet and yelling, "shit on shoe". You can have them clean it, shine your shoes and pay the R$5 fee or merely get a napkin and wipe it off. The best way to avoid the shit flingers is to wear sandals. Do not get angry and react violently. If they were able to hit your shoe with "shit" while you were walking in full stride, imagine what they could do with a rock aimed at the back of your head. Just rack it up to your Rio experience and put it on your merit badge sash of Rio survival.

• "hey friend"-when you hear it, be aware whoever said it is not your friend!

• How to get rid of touts and beggars: 1) Shake your finger at them as if you were telling a child no; flick your hand as if you were shooing away a fly; tell them nao obrigado or nao quiero; ignore them till they go away, buy something from them or give them money (but be prepared to be swarmed within the next block); keep walking, talking, reading, eating or whatever. If you never want to be bothered by the same person again, waste 10-30 minutes of their time looking at what they are selling, then buy nothing....with a smile! Next time they see you they will avoid you like the plague. Remember, they are just trying to make a living but sometimes sending a message can be fun.

• DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER-Yes, screaming at you! Why would you want to waste 2-3 days of your trip staying close to a commode when bottled water is so cheap and readily available? If you do get the Rio cruds, a prominent physician that frequents Rio suggests a regime of Cipro 500Mg and white wine. The wine helps to kill the bacteria and the Cipro does its' thing as well. Avoid Immodium or any other stoppers. Just keeps the bacteria inside your stomach. Get it out quickly. As for the wine, a local regular recommends Miolo Reserva. (I am sure any brand would do but this is his favorite and it is readily available at most stores and is inexpensive.)