Anyone been to Rio?
Discussion
Fallon,
cannot comment on the current situation but my parents and brother/sister lived in Rio in the early/mid eights. I was out there for a couple of holidays.
At sixteen it was an eye opener to see the police on the streets with machine guns and standing at the side of the road with the stinger devices used to put holes in tyres. Saw my first real dead body lying in the street.
At night, no one stopped for red lights incase they were mugged and we were advised not to wear flashy watches/jewelery(sp).
Having said that they never had any real problems other than when my father was on a municiple bus which was held up. Later found out it was a fairly regular event.
My parents were quite happy to go off on a holiday to the US for a couple of weeks leaving me(18) and my brother(15) to fend for our selves, me driving the "company car" the brazilian version of the Vauxhall Chevette.
If I were you I would not worry, enjoy your holiday.
KJR
cannot comment on the current situation but my parents and brother/sister lived in Rio in the early/mid eights. I was out there for a couple of holidays.
At sixteen it was an eye opener to see the police on the streets with machine guns and standing at the side of the road with the stinger devices used to put holes in tyres. Saw my first real dead body lying in the street.
At night, no one stopped for red lights incase they were mugged and we were advised not to wear flashy watches/jewelery(sp).
Having said that they never had any real problems other than when my father was on a municiple bus which was held up. Later found out it was a fairly regular event.
My parents were quite happy to go off on a holiday to the US for a couple of weeks leaving me(18) and my brother(15) to fend for our selves, me driving the "company car" the brazilian version of the Vauxhall Chevette.
If I were you I would not worry, enjoy your holiday.
KJR
Plotloss said:
Keep yourself to yourself and dont wear very flashy jewellery.
Basic travelling common sense should see you clear.
Its a crazy town. Enjoy it.
Good advice from plotloss. I was there in 97 but not at carnival time. Some places I went looked a bit dodgy, with the staring and the like. I believe it's more dangerous at carnival time.
It seemed fine and friendly along the copacabana.
thanks for the comments chaps.
Incidentally, is Copacabana still one of the better areas to stay? Anyth thoughts on Ipanema also?
any thoughts again much appreciated.
I'll be meeting a friend out there who'll be halfway through a six-month circuit of south america so I won't be completely alone, but some of the things I've read about Rio did have me slightly worried.
Still, probably no more dangerous than any surburban town centre on any given Friday/Saturday night!
Incidentally, is Copacabana still one of the better areas to stay? Anyth thoughts on Ipanema also?
any thoughts again much appreciated.
I'll be meeting a friend out there who'll be halfway through a six-month circuit of south america so I won't be completely alone, but some of the things I've read about Rio did have me slightly worried.
Still, probably no more dangerous than any surburban town centre on any given Friday/Saturday night!
I was in Forteleza in the NE a few years back and even my Brazilian hosts warned me not to leave my hotel in Rio when I got there unless I left all jewellery, cameras etc in my room.
Needless to say I got drunk, ignored any advice and had a great time. I did stick to the Copacabana and Ipanema (sp) beach areas though.
I would say, yes it can be very dodgy. Friends of mine were mugged, but take sensible precautions, ie not flashing gold or a full wallet. Keep in a group if poss. Do not go off with any ladies,too many are very good looking guys. And do not go off wandering away from the tourist trail.
Having said that I thought the place was fantastic, and the people I met were great.
Just take care and have a good time.
Tony (Lady T's ) butler
Whoops, just looked at your profile and you are a lady so ignore my lady boy comments. Sorry. Now you know why I am just the Butler.
>> Edited by lady topaz on Thursday 7th April 17:52
Needless to say I got drunk, ignored any advice and had a great time. I did stick to the Copacabana and Ipanema (sp) beach areas though.
I would say, yes it can be very dodgy. Friends of mine were mugged, but take sensible precautions, ie not flashing gold or a full wallet. Keep in a group if poss. Do not go off with any ladies,too many are very good looking guys. And do not go off wandering away from the tourist trail.
Having said that I thought the place was fantastic, and the people I met were great.
Just take care and have a good time.
Tony (Lady T's ) butler
Whoops, just looked at your profile and you are a lady so ignore my lady boy comments. Sorry. Now you know why I am just the Butler.
>> Edited by lady topaz on Thursday 7th April 17:52
My wife and I went there a few years ago.
Didn't rate it to be quite honest. It was dirty, the flavellas were not nice and we didn't feel very safe. Others in our party ( we were all sales managers on a freebie from Legal and General)were relieved of valuables.
Didn't like kids with no legs on skateboards begging.
Most of the rezzers were horrible.
Anyway, that was mid 90's so it might be a bit better now, but there are better places in the world to go to.
Try Singapore.
Didn't rate it to be quite honest. It was dirty, the flavellas were not nice and we didn't feel very safe. Others in our party ( we were all sales managers on a freebie from Legal and General)were relieved of valuables.
Didn't like kids with no legs on skateboards begging.
Most of the rezzers were horrible.
Anyway, that was mid 90's so it might be a bit better now, but there are better places in the world to go to.
Try Singapore.
andygo said:
My wife and I went there a few years ago.
Didn't rate it to be quite honest. It was dirty, the flavellas were not nice and we didn't feel very safe. Others in our party ( we were all sales managers on a freebie from Legal and General)were relieved of valuables.
Didn't like kids with no legs on skateboards begging.
Most of the rezzers were horrible.
Anyway, that was mid 90's so it might be a bit better now, but there are better places in the world to go to.
Try Singapore.
Sorry mate but Singapore doesn't have amazing women on the beach with bikinis so small, that your eyes pop out of your head every few seconds!
I've been mugged in Rio.... so what..... people get mugged in all cities in the world.
FAVELAS are not nice, but then it's a 3rd world country. Unfortunately for your visit they didn't build new houses for them all just so you could pretend you were in a rich country.
Hi
Parents lived in Rio for a while, also I have spent quite some time there on business. Beautiful place. Problem is that the mega rich and the destitute people are squashed close together between mountains and sea. The dangerous parts and the safe parts are also very close together. Sometimes you hear gunfire at night and see a few dead bodies in the morning near the favelas after a gang turf war. If you wander into the wrong area, you could be in trouble. Generally take v little cash and no watch or jewellery on the street. Take a 'false wallet' with some cash and old, expired credit cards to hand over if necessary. Uncle was relieved of his watch on Copacabana beach, it happens. Colleague had a gun stuck through his window in traffic jam and had to hand over his fake rolex (actually in Sao Paulo, but similar). They were only after a quick few bucks, but must have been a bit scary. Do not under any circumstances venture into a favela (shanty town)as that is where the local bad guys hang out. Ipanema is a nice safe neighbourhood, much more upmarket than Copacabana. Nicer beach too. I wandered about by myself in the city, much to consternation of local colleagues who thought I was mad. Most of the city within a block of the beach is OK. If you carry yourself with a bit of confidence you should be OK. Act like a victim and you will be more vulnerable. Never been there for Carnival, but parents have and actually took part in it, costumes and everything, no problems. Spectacular city, don't miss Garota de Ipanema bar, cable car up Sugar Loaf and spot the miniature monkeys in the trees on cliff path along base of Sugar Loaf. Don't expect to queque for anything, Brazilians don't understand the concept. Pushing in everywhere is part of the local culture. The food is wonderful and the Caipirinha cocktails are delicious and deadly. Have fun!
Parents lived in Rio for a while, also I have spent quite some time there on business. Beautiful place. Problem is that the mega rich and the destitute people are squashed close together between mountains and sea. The dangerous parts and the safe parts are also very close together. Sometimes you hear gunfire at night and see a few dead bodies in the morning near the favelas after a gang turf war. If you wander into the wrong area, you could be in trouble. Generally take v little cash and no watch or jewellery on the street. Take a 'false wallet' with some cash and old, expired credit cards to hand over if necessary. Uncle was relieved of his watch on Copacabana beach, it happens. Colleague had a gun stuck through his window in traffic jam and had to hand over his fake rolex (actually in Sao Paulo, but similar). They were only after a quick few bucks, but must have been a bit scary. Do not under any circumstances venture into a favela (shanty town)as that is where the local bad guys hang out. Ipanema is a nice safe neighbourhood, much more upmarket than Copacabana. Nicer beach too. I wandered about by myself in the city, much to consternation of local colleagues who thought I was mad. Most of the city within a block of the beach is OK. If you carry yourself with a bit of confidence you should be OK. Act like a victim and you will be more vulnerable. Never been there for Carnival, but parents have and actually took part in it, costumes and everything, no problems. Spectacular city, don't miss Garota de Ipanema bar, cable car up Sugar Loaf and spot the miniature monkeys in the trees on cliff path along base of Sugar Loaf. Don't expect to queque for anything, Brazilians don't understand the concept. Pushing in everywhere is part of the local culture. The food is wonderful and the Caipirinha cocktails are delicious and deadly. Have fun!
Just resurrecting this thread as I've got to sort my life out and get my hotel booked in Rio for carnival next year.
I'm trying to decide between staying in Ipanema or finding a hotel farther inland.
A pal of mine is doing a six-month circuit of South America and will be in Rio for carnival too. He's staying at a hotel that, I believe, is in the financial district (centro 530 for anyone who knows Rio well) - it's near the cathedral?
I'm visiting Rio with my sister and our plan is to hook up with my pal and his tour group, but my first concern is being in an area that's relatively safe for two women travelling alone.
I suspect Ipanema will be the best option, but once again, any comments gratefully received and hopefully I'll get the hotel booking nailed today!
Thanks!
I'm trying to decide between staying in Ipanema or finding a hotel farther inland.
A pal of mine is doing a six-month circuit of South America and will be in Rio for carnival too. He's staying at a hotel that, I believe, is in the financial district (centro 530 for anyone who knows Rio well) - it's near the cathedral?
I'm visiting Rio with my sister and our plan is to hook up with my pal and his tour group, but my first concern is being in an area that's relatively safe for two women travelling alone.
I suspect Ipanema will be the best option, but once again, any comments gratefully received and hopefully I'll get the hotel booking nailed today!
Thanks!
Fallon,
A bit late in seeing this, however, I lived in Rio for three years recently and can assure you it is a fantastic place. Yes, you need to be sensible (not take out large sums of money, don't wear expensive jewellery etc), but the same applies anywhere. The key is to relax, blend in as much as possible and not stand out as a tourist.
Do not stay in Centro, you can very quickly get yourself into trouble at night, Ipanema or Leblon are your best bets. Copacabana is OK, but much more of a tourist trap and attracts more petty crime than elsewhere - even on the beach!.
I don't have the time just now to go into great detail, but if you want to drop me a line I will be happy to answer any of your questions. Also, if you want to give me an idea of budget, I'll recommend some hotels.
Bob
A bit late in seeing this, however, I lived in Rio for three years recently and can assure you it is a fantastic place. Yes, you need to be sensible (not take out large sums of money, don't wear expensive jewellery etc), but the same applies anywhere. The key is to relax, blend in as much as possible and not stand out as a tourist.
Do not stay in Centro, you can very quickly get yourself into trouble at night, Ipanema or Leblon are your best bets. Copacabana is OK, but much more of a tourist trap and attracts more petty crime than elsewhere - even on the beach!.
I don't have the time just now to go into great detail, but if you want to drop me a line I will be happy to answer any of your questions. Also, if you want to give me an idea of budget, I'll recommend some hotels.
Bob
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff