Is Rio de Janeiro safe?+
Crime in Rio is real, but most visitors leave without incident if they follow a few simple rules. Carry nothing valuable to the beach or on the street, don't pull out your phone on a street corner or at a bus stop, take Uber after dark, don't enter favelas without a licensed guide, and avoid empty beaches after sunset. The tourist neighborhoods of Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana are safe and patrolled during the day.
Do I need a visa for Brazil?+
Most travelers, including EU citizens, don't need a visa for a tourist stay of up to ninety days, though requirements vary by nationality and should be checked before booking. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Yellow fever vaccination isn't required for Rio itself, though it's recommended for trips to the Amazon and some inland states.
When is Carnival in Rio?+
Carnival takes place five days before Ash Wednesday, so in February or early March depending on the date of Easter. The main samba school parades happen on Sunday and Monday at the Sambadrome, with tickets bought months in advance. Street parades called 'blocos' are free and happen all over the city for weeks before Carnival itself. Hotel prices double or triple.
How many days do I need for Rio?+
Three to four days: one for Christ the Redeemer and the beaches, a second for Sugarloaf Mountain, Santa Teresa and Lapa, a third for downtown or Tijuca Forest. A fifth day for a trip to Petrópolis, Ilha Grande or Búzios, which are worth an overnight stay. Rio is often combined with Iguaçu Falls, a two-hour flight away.
Is a favela tour worth it?+
Organized tours into the Rocinha or Santa Marta favelas with a local guide who actually lives there are safe, and the money stays with the community. Don't enter favelas alone or on the invitation of a stranger, and avoid agencies that drive tourists through in open jeeps like a safari. The situation can change day to day; guides know what's accessible on any given day.
Can you swim in the sea in Rio?+
Yes, on the ocean beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Barra, though the waves can be strong and the current dangerous — swim near lifeguard posts and respect red flags. Beaches inside Guanabara Bay, like Botafogo or Flamengo, are polluted. Water quality drops even on ocean beaches after heavy rain.
How do you pay in Brazil?+
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including beach stalls. A bit of cash is handy for beach vendors and the tram. Withdraw from ATMs inside a shopping mall or bank, and during the day. Brazilians pay by instant transfer called Pix, which you can't use without a Brazilian bank account, but no one will refuse a card.
How do I get to the Christ the Redeemer statue?+
The best way is the cog railway, Trem do Corcovado, from Cosme Velho station, reached by Uber; buy a timed ticket online in advance. A second option is the official minibuses from Copacabana and Largo do Machado. You can hike up on a trail from Parque Lage through the forest, but only with a guide, for safety.
