Watch Out!

Unfortunately this page is not about the beautiful sights or the good things about Rio; it’s exactly the opposite.

Rio de Janeiro can be a real paradise of “good deals” or “incredible opportunities” and that’s why we gave the section this name.

We’re tired of “smart” guys taking advantage of tourists and giving the city a bad reputation.

So we made this section with our knowledge to get you out of trouble. Take care, follow the instructions and nothing will happen. The tips are organized in order of what you face first.

At the Airport

Exchange money

Land in the international airport Tom Jobin is entering in a free area of exchange black market. It is so common, taxi drivers, guides and even luggage carriers offers to change money with a better rate not needing to present documents or receipts, just say the word exchange and someone will approach you.

Don’t accept it, ignore them, don’t try to be nice, just pass trough. It is crime and you can get counterfeit money.

Taxi

They are outside the airport parked and the drivers browsing around searching for clients to offer their services in the same way they approached you to exchange money, always nice and smooth talkers.
Don’t accept it; just a ride to the hotel can be very unpleasant.

First a fixed price is proposed, incredibly high and almost everybody refuses and he accepts to go with the taximeter.
In the way to the hotel, with a casual conversation, it will be offered to you a variety of “services” like prostitutes (There’s always a catalog with pictures in the glove department), a strategic pit stop at the slums to get drugs (marijuana and cocaine).

If nothing interests you the ride to the hotel probably will cost ten times more. They use electronic devices to alter the taximeter and alternative routes to increase the price ending up higher than the first price proposed.

Organize the transfer in before you leave home. Check here the best options

Remenber: Not all taxi drivers are like that, you have to pay attention to the ones in the touristic attractions.The official taxis are pale yellow with a blue stripe on the sides

At the tours

Corcovado

The car ways to Corcovado are dominates by, so called, "guides". They intimidate the tourists to use their services. Don't accept it, just say no thanks and pass or take the train.