Traveling alone to Brazil......?

Question

I am a male who is hoping to go to rio for carnival in 2008, None of my friends will be able to go and i can't wait till 2009. I don't speak portugese. Will i be safe? Will i have a hard time with the language barrier? Or is there a sufficient amount of english speaking brazilians? Any tips will also help

Answer 1

It is definelty worth the visit. I have been twice to Rio and I was simply magical. The best time would be either January or February, it's summer and although it's crowded it's not that crowded as in Carnival. First time I went there I stayed in Sheraton Leblon, excellent hotel but a bit far from the action. Second time I went for Reveillon (New Years!) and I stayed in Praia Ipanema Hotel (4 stars, excellent location) on Ipanema beach. Every day I would cross the street and sun bathe at the beach! Wonderful place, excellent food and lots of things to see. Go to Buzios and Angra, two favoulous places to visit. Also, I went to Petropolis and I like it a lot. I will definetly go to Brazil for a third or fourth time, it is worth every penny!!! Watching the fireworks at the beach (Copacabana) was a surreal experience. The best view (to me) is not from Christ the Redeemer, it's from the Sugar loaf.
It is quite safe if you stick to the normal places, dont go to favelas and dont walk at noght in Copacabana. Try and sty in either Ipanema or Leblon.

Answer 2

First, get hotel/apartment reservations now!!! Rio is so full of tourists (both national and international) during carnival that you need reservations months in advance. Supply and demand (Econ 101) dictates that lodging, food, everything, will be more (40%) than during the rest of the year (with the exception of Dec 29-Jan 2 when the place is also packed). You'll be safe if you just use common, street smart and take safety precautions like you would in any large city. You won't have a hard time with the language barrier if you stay in the tourist area (Sol--Copa, Ipanima, etc) and the street where the actual carnival is held. For a good description of carnival visit "www.vannarioflats.com.br" and click on the carnival link--it's one of the better sites for carnival info that I have found. The actual carnival is held on a street, within about 4 blocks, and you need tickets for that. Also get your tickets for the carnival now.

Answer 3

Star going to the gym and get tan. Buy some speedos, havainas and a pair of nike shoks. Don't wear fancy stuff if you go to the beach or anywhere. Most of the brazilians dress really casual, a polo shirt and a pair of jeans is ok, unless you want to go to a nice club. Try to stay in Ipanema, cause is much safer. Most of women that easily fleart in Copacaba are looking for foreigns, specially Americans. Make sure you look are their feet ,if they look to big probably is a guy. Ipanema provides a better sense of security. People speak basic English. Don't ride buses, use taxis. Ask people in the hotel to get a taxi. Don't walk around the beaches at night. Go to a Rodizio, meat in Brazil is really good and cheap. If you want to hook up with women down there, don't drink like crazy college students. Brazilians don't drink that much, even though it's carnival. Try to avoid Caipirinhas, more than 5 you will have a hang over for sure. Bottom line, you will love Brazil, just use you common sense.

Answer 4

You will be safe if you leave everything of value in the hotel safe and just take with you sufficient money for the day. Dont flash expensive watches and cameras and look touristy. Language is a barrier, so do try to get a tourists guide for Portuguese just so you can get around. Stay in the best hotel you can afford. Cheap is generally not safe. Enjoy! Rio is a great city and carnival time is even better.

Answer 5

Flaredady,

The crime rate in Rio and Sao Paulo are relative for any really big city, Sao Paulo state and city alone has over 20 million there.

My advice to you is do not arrive at the dead of night in Rio by yourself, try get a flight that will arrive in daylight hours
and be off and away to your hotel as fast as possible. The Airport has armed Police and security men there, so you will feel okay, English is widely spoken in Rio these days, certainly in the Airports and the Hotels, even some Taxi drivers.

Use the Yellow Cabs which have fare-meters and are parked around the Hotels and airport areas. Do not accept any offers to change money at the airports or elsewhere by individuals standing around, use banks and official exchanges only, these are in the airports and clearly marked. Rio as a city to vsiit is exciting, do gop on Copacabana, its fantastic and do go up Christ The Redeemer just for the view of the bay area, it is one of the best views you will ever see in your life. If you want I can arrange for someone to meet you at the airport, I have good friends in Rio. email me.

Answer 6

Rio de Janeiro have many tourist places with two languages (Portuguese and English), I recommend you visit only Suth Zone (Area) and Barra da Tijuca (Where I live), because the beauty and security.

On Suth Zone have many restraunts, beachs and hotel where many people speak english and portuguese.

If u do it. Will be very easy.

Answer 7

I would go to Answers International below and click on Brazil to ask your question. The crime rate is extremely high in Rio.

Answer 8

hi my name is emily. i just moved to brazil (im in brazil at this very moment) you will be fine. a lot of people here speak some english. you will have a lot of fun. if you have any more questions email me at [e-mail]

by the way im 11