Six tips for you who is coming to spend Carnival in Rio

You’re bound to Rio Carnival 2018. Great news! For that matter we gathered some tips to help you prepare to have the happiest moments ever in the Marvellous City.

1. Planning ahead

Unless you are a citizen from Mercosul countries, you should bring your passport with expiration date not inferior to six months from entry date. Brazil adopts the principle of reciprocity, a big word used by diplomats to say if Brazilians are required visas to enter in a certain country citizens of that same country will need visas to get into Brazil. Also, be sure you have been vaccinated against: Hepatitis A and B, Dyphtheria, Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Pertussis, HPV, and others.

More information on how to get visas for Brazil: http://www.portalconsular.itamaraty.gov.br/vistos-para-viajar-ao-brasil

2. Packing

Rio is a tropical weather city and Carnival happens during the Summer, when the temperatures go easily to the high 90’s F and even above 100F (40 C) so pack light clothes, lots of shorts, suits, trunks, light dresses, sandals, slippers. Cariocas are very informal and it is not usual to walk around the streets just in bathing suits, specially during this holiday. If you want to bring a costume, feel free to fix anything you want. There is space for almost any sort of looking. Just avoid being naked, since nudism is not allowed.

3. Arriving in Rio

Rio has two airports. Santos Dumont, located Downtown, for regional flights, and Tom Jobim, aka Galeão, which receives the international and long distance air traffic. Both are served by public transportation, special service coaches and taxis. If you arrive by sea, you will desimbark at Pier Mauá, in a newly renovated area of the city.

Useful lines:

– Aeroporto Santos Dumont: (21) 3814-7070

– Aeroporto Tom Jobim: (21) 3004-6050

– Terminal Pier Mauá: (21) 3195-8000

4. Transportation

Rio offers some options of public transportation that will take you to most touristic places in town. The Subway has 3 lines and a coach service linking the other lines to certain districts. It’s the best way to the Sambadrome and trains operate round the clock during Carnival days. There are also the VLT (acronym for Light Rail Vehicle) serving the harbour area, the regional Airport and downtown. The BRT is one of the options for those arriving at the International Airport. Fares are low (about a US$ 1 per trip) and the most modern system is the VLT one with its card that has to be bought outside the vehicle and validated inside.

5. Where to stay

In terms of accomodations, the wisest move is being close to the Subway lines or at least neighborhoods that have easy access to the Sambadrome. Traffic during Carnival days is hectic, so plan ahead your departures if you are not on a rail. Lapa and Santa Teresa are known as bohemian districts with bars and restaurants, hotels and hostels for most any budget and musical taste. Other central districts like Glória, Catete, Flamengo and Botafogo are close to Aterro do Flamengo a park and expressway where many blocks parade during Carnival. They are all served by the Subway and get you easily at the Sambadrome. For those who want to actually go to the beach best options are Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. They are also packed during Carnival days due to the parties and blocks parading the streets.

6. Useful Phone Lines:

– 192: Medical Emergency

– 193: Fire Department

– 197: Police investigations

– 190: Police

– 180: Crimes against Women

– (21) 3399-7171: Tourists Police Station

Other services:

– Centro Integrado de Atendimento ao Turista – CIAT

Address: Av. Princesa Isabel, 183 – Copacabana

Phone. (21) 2541-7522

Horário: Mon-Fri, 9AM – 6PM

– Copacabana – Kiosk 15

Praia de Copacabana – Av. Atlântica corner with Rua Hilário Gouveia

Daily 8AM – 8PM

Photo: Riotur