Rio de Janeiro

It's name alone stirs images of tropic splendor, hedonism and escape. It has taken five hundred years for Rio De Janeiro to transform itself into one of the world's most renowned cities. Life  in Rio revolves around the vast expanse of sandy beaches with which the city has been blessed. Situated on the southeast coast of Brazil, the Cidade Marvilhosa-('marvelous city') is squeezed between the ocean and the mountains. Within this realm live around ten million people in varying degrees of wealth or poverty. The beautiful areas frequented by the wealthy stand in stark contrast and unnerving proximity to the slum areas, or Favelas, which cover the hillsides.

The city is divided into three zones - North, South, and Centro. The downtown area-Centro, is  between the two. Located in north are industrial sites and working-class residences but also the Maracanã Stadium and the Museu Historico Nacional.  South encompasses the Gloria, Catete, Flamengo, Largo do Machado, Laranjeiras and Cosme Vehlo bairros. The Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer statue are found in the Cosme Vehlo neighborhood on the western side.

Rio's citizens are characterized with a passion and enthusiasm for life and they know how to party as best demonstrated at the annual Carnival. The beach, a ritual and a way of life for the Cariocas, is Rio's common denominator. Copacabana  the world's most  famous beach, and runs for in front of one of the most densely populated residential areas on the planet. From the scalloped beach you can see the granite slabs that surround the entrance to the bay. Ipanema is Rio's richest and most chic beach. The beach is not merely a place to absorb the sun's rays. It is an important venue for sports, socializing and even business dealings. It is a people-watcher's paradise. Clothing is minimal; bodies bronzed and beautiful. The city's overriding images of the Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain and stunning white sands ensure that Rio is an essential destination for anyone. Anything goes in Rio. To be in Rio is to be in tune with the ever-changing play of sunlight, the eternal movement of the rushing waves, the incessant beating of candomblé drums, and the ubiquitous rhythm of samba tapped out on the side of a matchbox. Rio has its problems, and they are enormous: a third of the people live in the favelas (shanty towns) that blanket many of the hillsides; the poor have no schools, no doctors, no jobs; drug abuse and violence are endemic; police corruption and brutality are commonplace. Rio's reputation as a violent city has caused a sharp reduction in tourism in the last several years, and there is even a special police unit which patrols areas frequented by gringos in an effort to keep them safe - recent reports suggest they have been pretty successful.

 FIRST GLIMPSE

Your first glimpse of Rio from a Plane is spectacular—a fabulous white shoreline, the azure ocean, the forested mountains, the city's sinuous streets. The view from the top of Corcovado, the 2460ft mountain peak with the statue of Christ the Redeemer at its summit, offers the best way to become geographically familiar with the city. Favelas crowd against the hillsides on both sides of town. Image this You're perched more than 600 meters above one of the most stunning city settings in the world. Rio de Janeiro, lounging sensuously between mountains and ocean, the last glow of a tropical sunset is fading away. the beaches will empty soon and the city's nightclubs are starting to fill with the beat of Samba and Bossa Nova.  Enjoy your view from this overlook, then come on down—the party about to start. Sound exciting. Now What-First things First.  

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A passport and visa are required. Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance. Immigration authorities will not allow entry into Brazil without a valid visa. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent or with a third party, must present written authorization by the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This authorization must be notarized, authenticated by the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate, and translated into Portuguese. For current entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers may contact the Brazilian Embassy at 3009 Whitehaven St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone (202) 238-2700. Internet: http://www.brasilemb.org. Travelers may also contact the Brazilian consulates in Boston, Houston, Miami, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Brazil customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Brazil of items such as firearms, antiquities, tropical plants, medications, and business equipment. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Brazil in Washington or one of Brazil’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.   

CITY STATISTICS

Ethnic mix: 65% white, 25% black, 15% other.

Religion: 75% Catholic, 25% other.
Time zone: GMT - 3 (GMT - 4 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 110 volts or 220 volts; two round-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temp: 30°C (86°F).
Average July temp: 25°C (77°F).
Annual rainfall: 1086mm (42.4 inches).

National Holidays

All post offices, banks, and schools are closed on:

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Political demonstrations occur sporadically in urban areas and may cause temporary disruption to public transportation. There is no evidence that U.S. citizens might be targeted during such events. However, citizens traveling or residing in Brazil are advised to take common sense precautions and avoid any large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. When these events do occur, additional advice may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate . The incidence of crime against tourists tends to be greater in areas surrounding hotels, discotheques, bars, nightclubs and other similar establishments that cater to tourist, especially at dusk and during the evening hours. Incidents of theft on city buses are frequent and such transportation should be avoided. Rio has established specialized tourist police units to patrol areas frequented by tourists. All incidents should be reported to the tourist police.  At airports, hotel lobbies, bus stations, and other public places there is much pickpocketing, and the theft of carry-on luggage, briefcases, and laptop computers. Travelers should closely protect these items. Travelers should "dress down" when outside and avoid carrying valuables, especially any jewelry or expensive watches. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

AIRPORTS

Approximate flight times to Rio de Janeiro: From London is 11 hours; from New York is 10 hours; from Chicago is 12 hours; from Los Angeles is 14 hours; from Miami is 7 hours and from Sydney is 20 hours.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Brazil's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873 or visit the FAA’s Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.

Aeroporto Internacional do Rio de Janeiro/Galeão Antonio Carlos Jobim (International Airport) (GIG)

Rio's airport, located on Governor's Island in Guanabara Bay, is the major international gateway to Brazil. Situated 13 miles) north of Rio, it provides easy access to the city by road. The International Airport Departure Tax is US$36 and is payable on departure - in either R$ or US$ (not a combination of the two).
Tel: (021) 3398 4106 or (0800) 999 099.
 

Aeroporto Santos Dumont (Domestic Airport) (SDU)

Tel: (021) 814 7070 or (0800) 244 646, information. Fax: (021) 533 2218.
Situated in the city, the airport is the base for Rio-São Paulo shuttle flights, air taxis and private planes only.

GETTING AROUND

From the Airport

The most hassle-free way to travel to Rio is on the bus or by taxi. Empresa Real (tel: (021) 290 5665 or 270 7041) have air-conditioned frescao buses that drive into the city as well as along the seafront stopping off at the hotels. The service operates every half-hour 0520-2300. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete and costs R$4. It is possible to pre-pay for a taxi at the airport and this is advised - the going rate to Centro is R$30. Otherwise, Travelers should ensure that the meter is activated after being cleared of the last fare.

Public Transport

The best way to see the surroundings and get around Rio safely is to take a taxi as public transport is fairly limited. The Metro is clean, comfortable and efficient. It is probably Rio's safest form of public transport, but it is rather limited in the area it covers. There are two lines in operation Monday-Saturday 0600-2300. Line 1 runs from Copacabana Station to Sãens Pena Station, while Line 2 runs from Estacio Station terminating at Pavuna Station. Information is available by telephone (tel: (021) 483 5357). Metro tickets cost R$1.20 per journey and can only be purchased at the station. Visitors are advised to keep their wits about them when emerging from stations into an unfamiliar surrounding.

Buses

Buses are also relatively cheap and safe, although caution must be taken during rush hours and at night when pickpockets prey. Tickets cost R$1 per journey and are purchased from the conductor, who sits next to the turnstile at the back of the bus.

Driving in the City

With so many confusing one-way streets in the city, driving is a daunting experience and there is little to recommend it as an option. Seatbelts should be worn and extreme caution employed. Doors should always be kept locked. Traffic is a law unto itself and parking is difficult and practically impossible. For visitors making a day trip to Rio by car the best option is to park in a secure car park, leaving your car with an attendant.

Taxis

Yellow taxis with a blue stripe can be hailed on the streets while white radio cabs, with a red and yellow stripe, are ordered by telephone. Other than pre-paid taxis from the aiport, taxis are metered. The flag indicates the tariff and usually reads '1'. However, the tariff will be '2' after 2200, on Sundays, holidays and throughout December. Fares during these times will be about 30% higher. Taxis are fairly priced, although late at night drivers can quote fixed prices as much as three times in excess of the normal fare.

Limousines

Cars supplied with a driver and English-speaking guide are provided by Turismo Classico Travel (tel: (021) 287 3390). Dina Car Rental (tel: (021) 9994 2377) and Rio Limousine Service (tel: (021) 9974 9838) both provide luxury cars and limousines with a chauffeur at a cost of R$1500 for four hours.

Rental Car Agencies

Some major companies in Rio include: Avis, Avenida Princesa Isabel 150, Copacabana (tel: (021) 542 3392); Hertz, Avenida Princesa Isabel 334B (tel: (021) 275 7440); Localiza, Avenida Princesa Isabel 214 (tel: (021) 275 3340; Budget, Avenida Princesa Isabel 350 (tel: (021) 295 0040). Drivers must be at least 23 years old, depending on company policy. Prices vary according to the model of the car and whether it has air conditioning or not and generally begin at R$89 per day for the most basic choice. It is possible to negotiate discounts over things such as length of use or method of payment. Insurance is required and a credit card is essential as companies are reluctant to accept Travellers Cheques or US Dollars.