Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Rio de Janeiro

• Never take valuables to the beach — even sunglasses and phones attract snatch theft.

• Learn 'quanto custa?' (how much?) and confirm all Uber trips before boarding.

• Tipping 10% is typically included on restaurant bills (couvert + serviço).

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 190.

• Tourist beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) safe daylight with awareness.

• Never wear jewellery, expensive watches or carry phones openly.

• Use Uber (never street taxis at night); never enter favela without licensed guide.

• Lapa nightlife safe in groups; solo travel avoid after midnight.

• Emergency 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire).

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. Since April 2025, US + Canadian + Australian citizens need Brazilian eVisa (US$80) via vfsglobal.com/brazil-evisa. UK, EU, Japanese, Argentine, Chilean + Mercosur nationals enter visa-free for 90 days. Passport valid 6+ months. Yellow fever vaccine strongly recommended (not mandatory).

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Rio de Janeiro. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.