Security

The infamous violence in the city generally occurs in remote areas. This means that you don't have to be afraid of walking in the streets nor think that you will be robbed at each corner. Violence in Rio is just the same as any other big city.
During the summertime, the security staff is increased, particularly in the more visited areas. Streets will be clearer and cleaner. Cameras have been installed all over the beach areas to provide additional security.
Below are some additional tips to keep in mind while visiting Rio.
- Never use flashy jewelry or expensive watches. Rio is an excellent place to buy them, not flaunt them.
- Keep important documents in the hotel safe deposit box. A copy of your passport or any other photo id will be enough.
- Do not carry more cash than you need. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and there are many ATM machines everywhere as well. ATMs generally close at 10pm.
- Never go to distant areas, suburbs, or any other place not mentioned in this or any other guide unless a Carioca joins you. Copacabana and Ipanema are the main gay points.
- Avoid the dark areas of the city.
- Just walk naturally. Looking like a victim is the first step to actually becoming one.
- Take your camera everywhere with you, but try not to let it be known you have one.
- At the beach, keep your things (backpack, camera, etc.) with you at all times. If you want to go for a short walk, ask someone who is close by to watch your stuff. It is a common carioca practice.
- When traveling by bus, try to have the exact change and avoid sitting in the back. The average bus ticket is R$1.90.
- Good Night Cinderella is an old trick and is a crime. You're at a bar having a nice chat with a friendly stranger who offers you a drink (or gum). DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED AT BARS OR DISCOS Before you know it, you're helpless and needing to go to bed. It's the effect of the powerful drug you took without knowing. The caring person will take you back to your hotel and rip you off. You will have no clue to what happened when (and if) you wake up the next day. Be careful.
- Don't take strangers you've just met to your hotel room, even if you think you are in love. If you want sex, try to locate a honeymoon hotel. Everyone knows where they are located.
- If the worst happens and you find yourself in a robbery, try to keep calm and don't attempt to fight back. Thieves are generally nervous and can be armed and under the influence of drugs.

- For violence or theft complaints, go to the Tourist Police Station at Rua Humberto de Campos, 315 in Leblon, telephone 3399-7170. The street police will rarely help you properly.

- Watch the kinds of clothes you wear. The grunge look will call less attention.
- Keep away from the favelas unless you are on a special tour.
- Although Rio is a very open and gay city, it is a good idea to avoid kissing in non-gay public places.

Behavior

The weather in Rio varies. Some days are cloudy or rainy, whereas others are hot and sunny. Use the cloudy and rainy days to do your shopping and the sunny days for enjoying the wonderful beaches or visiting the many tourist attractions.
- Be sure to visit a samba rehearsal.
- Try the various juice places in the city. They are healthy, cheap, and typical for a Carioca.
- Beaches are great places to meet people. Between Farme de Amoeda and Teixeira de Melo streets you’ll get to know.

Clothing

During summer, the average temperature in Rio is around 90ºF. Try to use light clothes and a hat or cap, if available.

Transportation

Cab
There are two types of taxi cabs in Rio. The yellow taxis are the regular ones with regular fares. The red and blue taxis are special and have an increase of 40% in the price. We suggest using the special taxis, especially if you are leaving the airport or central bus station in Rio. There are two different meter levels. “Bandeira 2” is used during the month of December and year round from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Average rates for Cabs :
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT / COPACABANA - R$ 65,00
DOMESTIC AIRPORT / COPACABANA- R$ 40,00
MAIN BUS TERMINAL / COPACABANA - R$ 35,00

Special cabs

Coopertramo	2560-2022
Cootramo	2560-5442
Transcoopass	2560-4888

AÇAÍ
Açaí is a typical fruit from the northern part of the country. It is used to prepare natural vitamin and juice drinks together with guaraná or banana. They make a perfect combination and is the equivalent of a meal.

Regional Dishes

Brazil is a country of many regional dishes. Feijoada, vatapá and acarajé are some of the different examples. Due to the various spices used in the preparation, we recommend taking care when trying some of the dishes.

Carnival

Considered the most exciting period of the year, Carnaval is definitely the best time for gay people. In 2007, carnival will be from Feb. 17th to Feb. 20th. There are many street bands where you can find fun every day.

Public Telephones

To make a local or long distance call from a public telephone, you must use a special calling card that can be bought at a newsstand.
. For local calls, just dial the number.
. For long distance calls, dial 0 + operator code + city code + phone number
. For international calls, dial 00 + operator code + country code + city code + phone number
. For collect calls, dial 9090 + phone number

Operator codes in Brazil

Embratel - 21 | Intelig - 23 | Telemar - 31

Currency

Banks

Bank hours in Brazil are from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. ATM machines are generally available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Banco 24 Horas
Barra da Tijuca - Av. das Américas, 4.666 (Barra Shopping)
Botafogo - Shopping Rio Sul
Centro - Av. Rio Branco (Metrô Carioca)
Copacabana - Av. N. S. de Copacabana, 749
Ipanema - Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 151
Leblon - Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 149

Banco do Brasil
Barra - Av. das Américas, 1550
Centro - Rua Senador Dantas, 105
Copacabana - Av. N. S. de Copacabana, 594
Ipanema - Rua Joana Angélica, 124A
Leblon - Av. Bartolomeu Mitre, 438

Citibank
Botafogo - Rua Praia de Botafogo, 300
Centro - Rua da Assembléia, 100
Copacabana - Av. N. S. de Copacabana, 619
Ipanema - Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 459
Leblon - Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1260

HSBC
Barra - Av. Olegário Maciel, 570
Botafogo - Shopping Rio Sul
Centro - Av. Rio Branco, 156
Copacabana - Av. N. S. de Copacabana, 817
Ipanema - Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 608

Tipping

Hotels
Hotels generally include a tip of 10% in the bill.

Restaurants
Restaurants generally include a tip of 10% in the bill.

Luggage Carriers
In hotels and at the airport, the fee is normally R$3 per suitcase.

Voltage

The voltage used in Brazil is 110V or 220V. Please check the outlet and the appliance before using any electric device.