Top 5 Tips for First Time American Travelers to Rio De Janeiro

1. GET A MAP FROM THE HOTEL ON THE FIRST DAY YOU ARRIVE. This will help you get your bearings in Rio and know what is immediately near your hotel. If you are in Copacabana or Ipanema you will probably do a great deal of walking. It is easy to get turned around but if you have the hotel map you will know the streets and landmarks around your hotel and hopefully be able to get back without looking incredibly lost.

2. FIND A CONVENIENCE STORE TO BUY BOTTLED WATER BUT BUY YOUR CAIPIRINHAS AND JUICE DRINKS FROM THE BEACH BARS Rio is hot, even in the winter and you will probably find yourself drinking tons of water. Save a little money by finding a convenience store where you can buy bottles of water instead of buying from the hotel or beach bars. You can easily go broke buying bottled water otherwise! I found bottled water for 2 Real (approximately one dollar) in a convenience store directly behind the Luxor Regente Hotel. The beach bars were charging 4 Real for a much smaller bottle. But don't miss out on the Brazillian traditional Caipirinha or a fresh squeezed juice offered by the many beach bars. There is nothing better than getting a passion fruit or mango "suco" fresh squeezed before your eyes when you are relaxing in the heat. Many of the cheapest and best Caipirinhas will be found along the beach at any of the beach bars. During a recent trip my best Caipirinha was at the beach bar across from the Sofitel on Copacabana.

3. SHOP THE NIGHT MARKETS ON COPACABANA FOR YOUR SOUVENIRS. Every evening vendors set up a market in the middle of Av. Atlantica in Copacabana. If you need gifts to take home but want to spread your funds wait until dusk and then get the coconut shelled earrings or Brazil mug for your best friend or co-workers. The prices are better than we found in most stores for souvenirs.

4. USE THE HOTEL FRONT DESK FOR YOUR CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND FIND THE HSBC ATM. So you need to change Dollars to Reals! Don't head to your nearest bank or currency exchange. Most hotel front desks will exchange bank notes (sorry no coins) to the local currency without a fee. You will save money and get an even exchange based on the daily rate. If you need more money try to find an HSBC ATM if you can not read or understand Portuguese. The HSBC ATM's have an English option and accept most Plus and Cirrus bank cards.

5. FIND A "KILO" OR "QUILO" RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH AND SPLURGE AT DINNER. Most likely your breakfasts will be included so find a "kilo" or restaurant that you pay by the weight of your food for your lunches. You will be able to sample a variety of Brazilian dishes and other cuisines very inexpensively. You can have as little or as much as you like and can typically be full for less than 20 Real. You will also find things you know from home so it is a great place for people that are not feeling adventurous or for those unable to speak or read the language. Unlike in many other dining establishments you don't have to read a Portuguese menu to order but can choose from the variety of food before your eyes. A great choice when traveling with groups with a mix of dietary needs and requirements! Since you have now spent so little at lunch you can try the many churrascarias or barbeque houses or splurge at other restaurants throughout Rio for dinner!

Learn more about traveling to Brazil at www.escapetogether.com/Brazil or on the Escape Together Travel Advice and Information Blog at www.escapetogether.com/blog

Recommended WebSites and Travel Services

Before You Go | Online Shopping Center: Amazon.com

• View Travel Guidebooks on Places To See in Rio de Janeiro
• Find Travel Accessories You Need at Amazon's Travel Center (Luggage, Travel DVD's, Camera, Books, Portable Electronics, etc)

Hotels, Condos, B&B's | Hotel Booking Service: Hotels.com

Outdoor Adventure Travel | Adventure Travel Service: GAP Adventures

Rio de Janeiro Tours | Online Tour Operator: Viator.com

• Find and book Rio de Janeiro tours and activities on Viator.com. Book ahead to save time and money!

Holiday Alternatives | Other Services

• Home Swapping Service: HomeExchange.com "You stay in my home while I stay in yours"

Author's Note: Escape Together is your source for planning unique travel with friends and family. Whether you are organizing a weekend getaway with friends, a romantic weekend trip with a significant other or a large family reunion, Escape Together offers you a one-stop shop of information, advice, and travel! Visit us on the web at www.escapetogether.com

Comments (0)

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

Add Comment