Getting around the city in Brazil: what actually matters to know
Real experience of people from chats on «Getting around the city» in Brazil — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
In major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro, both traditional taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) are commonly used. Uber provides better digital records for disputes, while local taxi drivers may have better knowledge of complex street layouts. For faster transit in heavy traffic, Uber Moto is a viable and cheaper option.
For transportation in Rio de Janeiro, '99 Taxi' is a recommended app for city travel. For intercity travel, 'Localiza' is the preferred car rental company.
In Brazil, ride-hailing apps Uber and 99 are the standard for transport. Both support credit card and cash payments. It is recommended to carry small denominations of cash as drivers may not always have change.
Curitiba, Brazil, is considered a safe city for tourists. Unlike some other Brazilian cities, it is generally safe to be out after 4 PM. This fact distinguishes Curitiba as a city where safety allows for greater freedom of movement.
Recommended areas for tourists in São Paulo: Avenida Paulista (safe, central). Areas to avoid or approach with caution: Capão Redondo, Campo Limpo, Jardim Ângela, Parelheiros. Key landmarks: Ibirapuera Park, Villa Lobos Park, MASP museum, GaleryRock (shopping mall for alternative culture). For transit, use Uber or '99' apps.
Self-defense items like pepper spray are strictly regulated in Brazil and may lead to legal issues. Avoid carrying defensive weapons. Basic safety protocol: avoid desolate areas, use Uber/99 for transport, keep expensive items hidden, and maintain high situational awareness. Local transport (taxis vs. Uber) is debated, but Uber is generally considered safer and easier to dispute regarding overcharging.
Safety tips for Rio de Janeiro: 1. Do not use your phone near car windows; snatch-and-grab thefts by motorcyclists are common. 2. Avoid buses at night. 3. Use taxi apps (Uber/99) for transport. 4. Areas like Paulista in São Paulo are safer for evening walking compared to the center of Rio.
Safety tips for Brazil: 1. Avoid using phones or valuables in public to prevent theft. 2. Do not walk alone after 18:00; use ride-sharing apps or taxis. 3. Research safe areas in advance. 4. Hiring a local guide or having a trusted local contact significantly improves safety and navigation.
In Copacabana, currency exchange services are readily available. For transportation, it is recommended to use ride-sharing applications such as Uber or 99 (formerly 99Taxis) for convenient and safe travel.
In Brazil, the experience with ride-sharing services like Uber is generally more reliable than in Egypt regarding direct price scams or persistent haggling. Uber drivers typically do not attempt to overcharge, especially when paying by card. However, it is crucial to ensure the driver ends the trip in the app to avoid potential phantom debts. Conventional street taxis are riskier and prone to significantly overcharging foreigners. The primary safety concern in Brazil shifts from financial scams to personal property theft; tourists should be vigilant with belongings, avoid displaying phones openly, and steer clear of dark or deserted areas, especially at night.
When traveling to Brazil, it's recommended to have Brazilian Reais or US Dollars. Russian 'Mir' cards are not accepted in Brazil, nor are Russian cards generally accepted in countries like Kazakhstan. While credit/debit cards are widely used, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller purchases or in places where cards might not be accepted. Exchanging currency at the airport often yields unfavorable rates; local exchange bureaus ('cambio') may offer better rates but operate primarily on weekdays. Uber is noted as a cost-effective option for transportation compared to other services, which can be as expensive as in Moscow or higher.
The areas between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches in Rio de Janeiro are generally considered safe for residents and tourists. While favelas are often located nearby on higher ground, direct interaction with them is not typical in these tourist zones. For enhanced safety, especially after dark (e.g., after 9 PM), it is advisable to stay within the first few blocks (lines) from the beach where there is more activity and lighting. Be aware of your surroundings, but the level of street harassment from homeless individuals in these areas is often perceived as less aggressive than in some other major cities.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro: 1. Avoid using smartphones in public; use secure lanyards or store devices in bags. 2. Prefer Uber over the metro at night for safety and cost-efficiency. 3. High-crime areas are localized; the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) is generally safer but requires standard vigilance. 4. Avoid walking in deserted areas or wearing expensive jewelry.
The user discusses living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Key neighborhoods mentioned include Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, all noted as being within walking distance or easily accessible by ride-sharing services (Uber, 99). The areas around the lagoon (Lagoa) are described as good neighborhoods, close to the Botanical Garden and Botafogo shopping centers. Wildlife sightings, specifically capybaras and egrets, are highlighted as attractions. There's a humorous exchange about the exact number of capybaras in Lagoa, with one user claiming there are only two (both male) and another suggesting there might have been more in the past.