Rio is a vibrant and welcoming city, but like any large city, it’s important to stay alert. Stick to well-traveled areas like Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana, avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash, and use ride apps instead of hailing cabs on the street. Keep your phone secure and be mindful of pickpockets, especially at the beach or in crowded areas.

This touches more in depth on theft in Rio. It is a common occurrence for thieves to snatch your phone out of your hand on the sidewalk, restaurant or even through the window in an uber. This also applies to the jewelry on your body. Be careful of when/where you use your phone, and do not wear valuable jewelry in public (the wedding is in a guarded and walled compound, so fineries are welcomed and encouraged there!).

Stick to bottled or filtered water. Most restaurants in Ipanema and Leblon are very safe and have high hygiene standards. If you have a sensitive stomach, avoid raw street food.

Many people in tourist areas speak some English, but learning a few basics (like “obrigado” = thank you) goes a long way. Brazilians are warm and will appreciate the effort!

Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuits, sunscreen, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. May is autumn in Brazil, so the weather is mild (around 70s°F).

U.S. citizens now need a tourist eVisa to visit Brazil. It’s quick and all online! 
 How to apply: 
 1) Go to the official Brazil eVisa website: brazil.vfsevisa.com 2) Have your passport (valid for at least 6 months), a passport-style photo, and a credit or debit card ready. 3) Fill out the short online form, upload your documents, and pay the $80.90 fee. 4) Processing takes about 5–10 business days, and your visa will be emailed to you as a PDF. 5) Print the eVisa and bring it with your passport when you travel — you’ll need to show it at the airport. 
 Easy as that! 🇧🇷💛

Pre‑book where possible: For private transfers from the airport, especially if arriving late. Helps avoid surprises. Plan for delays: Traffic in Rio can be unpredictable, especially from GIG → South Zone (Ipanema/Leblon). Allow extra time. Watch your luggage: If using public transport (bus + metro + cable car), luggage can be more of a hassle. If you have big suitcases, private or taxi may be worth the extra cost. Safety & comfort: Use officially‑licensed taxis or reputable ride‑hail apps. Keep an eye on personal items. It’s safer and more comfortable. Have small cash in Brazilian Reais (BRL): Many buses/taxis still need cash or local cards, and some smaller vendors don’t take cards. Learn a few Portuguese phrases: Even simple things like “Quanto custa para ___?”, “Parada de ônibus”, “Grau de subida” etc. can help. (But many folks speak some English.) Apps that help: Uber (or local equivalents), Moovit for transit directions, Google Maps, etc. Also check schedules ahead of time, since certain transit doesn’t run very late.

We’ve had wonderful and incident-free trips to Rio so far, thanks to Murillo always being mindful & vigilant in public spaces. We've had friends who’ve experienced theft, with items like phones and jewelry being taken. To help ensure everyone stays safe, we kindly ask that you remain aware when using your phone in public and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Even in Ubers, please be cautious, as there is still a risk of theft if the car is moving slowly or the windows are down. Your safety is our priority, and we want everyone to enjoy their time here worry-free!