City, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Beaches, mountains and music in one big city, easy to enjoy with a few phone-safety habits. Suits social solo trips and nomads in Ipanema, Botafogo and Santa Teresa; crime, hills and prices are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,720–2,680Comfortable, one person · R$9,000–14,000Details
- Value for money35/100Better value than 34% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Feb, 29°CDetails
- Air quality11 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2015) · ModerateDetails
- Internet242 MbpsFixed broadband, Brazil medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but tastes of chlorine; locals use filters or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$57–134Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere, even beach kiosks.Details
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ipanema–Leblon | Safest beachside stay; restaurants, runs, upscale |
| Botafogo–Flamengo | Nomads and long stays: metro, cafés, cheaper than Ipanema |
| Copacabana | Budget hotels and hostels near the beach and metro |
| Santa Teresa | Hilltop artists' area with hostels and bars; steep streets |
| Lapa–Centro | Samba nights and sights; quiet and risky after dark |
Apps that work in Rio de Janeiro
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ClickBus: Book intercity bus tickets
- Waze: Driving directions; most locals use it
- Taxis: Prefer Uber or 99 over street taxis. Check the plate and driver in the app; sit in the back and keep your phone off the window.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Brazil.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere, even beach kiosks. Carry small notes for vendors and tips; Pix needs a Brazilian account.
- Currency: Real (BRL). US$1 ≈ R$5.22 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banco24Horas, Bradesco and Banco do Brasil ATMs take foreign cards; expect a fee and low night-time limits.
- Tipping: Restaurants and bars add an optional 10% service charge; nothing more is expected. Tipping taxi and ride-app drivers isn't customary.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at card terminals; Pix needs a Brazilian account or a Pix-enabled foreign wallet.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa since April 2025 (US$80.90), applied for online about 10 working days ahead.
- No arrival card or entry fee. Extensions beyond the first stay are requested from the Federal Police before it ends.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many regions, including the Amazon, but is not required for entry.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 193
Plugs
Type C, N · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Regular prepaid chips usually need a CPF to register; carrier visitor plans and eSIMs accept a passport. International eSIM apps are simplest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Brazil
Going to Rio de Janeiro solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.