City guides / Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro travel guide
Beaches under mountains, and a Carnival week that reprices the city.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Local currency BRL · Time zone America/Sao_Paulo
Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
Flights and hotels are cheapest in May, June, July. Expect to pay the most in January, February, December.
Summer vacation and beach season.
Carnival week - peak tourist season.
Post-Carnival season, still warm.
Milder temperatures, pleasant travel.
Transition to winter, fewer tourists.
Winter season with cool temperatures.
Coolest month, limited festivals.
Gradual warming, start of spring events.
Spring season with increasing tourists.
Warm and dry, good for outdoor activities.
Transitioning to summer, high event activity.
Holiday season, preparing for New Year festivities.
Getting around Rio de Janeiro
Public transport
Public transportation includes buses and the metro; they are generally reliable, with a metro frequency of about every 6-12 minutes. Payment can be made using a prepaid card called 'Bilhete Único'.
Driving and parking (7/10 difficulty)
Parking can be challenging in busy areas; it's better to use public transport or rideshare services. Look for designated parking lots and expect to pay hourly rates.
How locals get around
Locals often use buses and the metro for commuting. It’s common to greet the driver when entering and to allow locals to exit before boarding.
Local customs in Rio de Janeiro
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Rio de Janeiro, with a standard expectation of around 10% added to the bill in restaurants if it is not already included.
What to wear
Casual beachwear is common in many areas, but visitors should wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites, such as long pants and shoulders covered.
Cards and cash
While credit cards are widely accepted, it is advisable to carry some cash (Brazilian Real - BRL), especially for small purchases or in markets.
Phrases worth knowing
- Obrigado/a
- — Thank you (male/female) - Use when expressing gratitude.
- Por favor
- — Please - Use when making requests.
- Onde fica…?
- — Where is...? - Use when asking for directions.
- Quanto custa?
- — How much does it cost? - Use when inquiring about prices.
- Desculpe
- — Excuse me/Sorry - Use to politely get someone's attention or apologize.
Plan a Rio de Janeiro trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day Rio de Janeiro itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to Rio de Janeiro