Ultra-Local Guide to Rio de Janeiro 🇧🇷

💰 Payment Digital payments are widely used in Brazil. If you have a Mastercard or Visa, most stores (even older or simpler ones) accept card payments. When paying, you’ll be asked whether you’re using debit (débito) or credit (crédito). It’s advisable to carry some cash, but there’s no need to exchange too much local currency. ⛰️ Scenic Viewpoints Rio has plenty of stunning viewpoints: Morro Dois Irmãos: The hiking trail starts in the Vidigal favela (a relatively peaceful and safe favela). Make sure to bring enough water — the climb takes about 40 minutes to an hour. Sugarloaf Mountain: Take the cable car to the top — tickets cost around $25 per person. ‼️ Safety Brazil’s security situation deters many tourists. High unemployment, wealth inequality, and political instability have led to large favela communities gathering on the hills around cities. 1️⃣ Only visit crowded areas during the day and at night. Use Uber to get from A to B — it’s very convenient and similarly priced to taxis back home. 2️⃣ Avoid the beach at night — it’s full of youths looking to snatch and run. Daytime is generally fine. 3️⃣ Do not show off any jewelry, necklaces, or even your phone. 4️⃣ Stay in the Leblon neighborhood — Rio’s upscale area is very safe, with lovely street-side bars and cafés. 🍽️ Food While Brazilian barbecue (Churrasco) is world-famous, other local dishes can be… challenging. Even Brazilian barbecue now mostly uses Argentinian meat. National dishes like Feijoada (black bean stew with pork) or Farofa/Coxinha (fried snacks) might not suit everyone’s taste. #Rio de Janeiro #Brazil#travel#trip# Morro Dois Irmão#travel guide