Destination

Rio de Janeiro’s climate is subtropical, with average temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 42°C (108°F) year-round. Winter, from June to September, is the coolest and driest season, with minimum temperatures around 20°C (68°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night.

Attire in Rio de Janeiro is generally casual and relaxed, although during work hours, men tend to wear suits and ties and women wear more elegant clothing. During the day, light and comfortable clothing is ideal due to the warm climate. In the evening, especially in more upscale restaurants, it’s common to dress a little more formally, but still light and elegant. A light sweater is sufficient for winter evenings.

The official currency in Rio de Janeiro is the Brazilian Real (R$ / BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, though it’s useful to carry a small amount of cash for taxis, kiosks, street vendors, or small businesses. ATMs are available throughout the city, but it’s best to use machines located inside banks, malls, or hotels for safety. Currency exchange services can be found at airports, banks, and authorized exchange offices.

The official language of Rio de Janeiro, and all of Brazil, is Portuguese. While English and Spanish may be spoken in hotels, airports, and major tourist areas, they are less common in local neighborhoods. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases can greatly enhance your experience and interactions. Many signs in tourist zones are bilingual (Portuguese/English), especially in museums, cultural centers, and transportation hubs.

Recommended Transportation Options

• Ride apps (Uber, 99, Cabify): Most convenient and widely used.
• Metro: Clean and efficient; best for moving between Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon.
• Taxis: Available everywhere.

Bike rentals: Tembici bikes along the beach for short rides.

Walking

Rio is walkable in neighborhoods like Leblon, Ipanema, Jardim Botânico, Lagoa, Copacabana, and Botafogo.

• Sidewalks vary in width and quality.
• Use crosswalks when possible; cars do not always yield.
• At night, most locals prefer taxis or ride apps over long walks.

Rio de Janeiro has dedicated services to support both locals and tourists in case of emergencies.

• General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 190

• Fire Department / Ambulance: 193

• Medical Emergency (SAMU – Mobile Emergency Service): 192

• Tourist Police (DEAT – Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turismo): +55 (21) 2334-6802
  Rio has a dedicated tourist police unit called ‘Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turismo (DEAT)’. They assist visitors with incidents involving theft, lost documents, scams, or any safety-related issue. DEAT officers are trained to help foreign tourists and often have staff who speak English or Spanish. Located in Leblon, this specialized unit assists foreign visitors. 

• BPTur (Tourist Police Battalion): +55 (21) 2332-7943

Safety:

• Use ride apps at night
• Keep phones secure while walking
• Avoid bringing valuables to the beach

Power Outlets and Adapters

• Voltage: 110V or 127V in most of Rio (some hotels use 220V; the Sheraton typically provides universal outlets—confirm on arrival).
• Frequency: 60Hz
  Socket type: Although Brazil uses Type N sockets (three round pins), most outlets –  especially in hotels – are designed to also accept Type C plugs (two round pins). If you are coming from a country that uses Type C, you will usually not need an adapter.

If your equipment doesn’t use two round pins (Type C), be sure to bring a universal travel adapter to avoid compatibility issues.

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Rio de Janeiro, but it’s often found at the end of the bill as a “suggestion.” Generally, it’s customary to tip 10% or 12% of the bill in bars, restaurants, and delivery services. Hotels often include service charges in bills. Taxi drivers don’t require tips, although most passengers round up the fare if they’re satisfied with the service. Luggage carts at the airport are free.

Do’s

• Greetings: Handshakes are common in professional settings; friends often greet with a cheek kiss.
• Beach etiquette: Bring your own towel or sarong; personal space is closer than in some countries.
  Small talk: Brazilians appreciate friendly conversation.
• Safety awareness: Stay alert with phones and bags, especially around crowded beaches.

Don’ts

• • Don’t bring valuables to the beach. Only essentials.
  • Don’t swim in the ocean when the red flags are up on the beach. Waves in Rio can be very strong. Trust the warnings even if you are an experienced swimmer.
  • Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
  • Don’t expect rigid schedules. Rio runs on a relaxed sense of time.
  • Don’t photograph people (especially vendors) without asking.
  • Smoking: Prohibited inside restaurants, malls, hotels, and most public indoor areas.