anyone been to Rio?

[K321]

hi
i am going to Rio, and was wondering if anyone on here has been and if yes any advice ?
i been reading conflicting things on the net regarding safety, infrastructure,health risks like cockroaches, toilet in showers in hotel rooms, monkeys in gardens and taxi drivers trying to scam you the second you leave the airport. i dont speak a word of portugese
thanks
k321

[David Beer]

I went in 2000 so maybe out of date info! Stayed Caesars ,cost a fortune, but fab. Safety, felt ok in town, outside a bit iffy. Traveled by mistake through the favela area in a hire car, turned round ! Never had any problems with cabs, but beach sellers beware of what you are buying, spf 50 turned out to be heating oil, burnt to a crisp! Having said that, every year it is somewhere I think I must go, new years was the best.

[The jiffle king]

Yes been and stayed in a hotel on the beach (Welll across the busy road) Felt ok, but don´t take out more money than you need for that day and just 1 credit card to be safe. We felt quite safe most of the time, but as mentioned above, stick to the main drags and you´ll be ok. You can go on a fevela tour if you want to. Christ the Redeemer is impressive and the cable car to Sugar loaf is quite an experience.
There is a helicopter ride there as well which people said was great. The beaches are crowded and if there is a festival happening (One happened on cocacabana right in front of the hotel, go an join in. There were more than half a million people on the road/beach. Buying things was fine, but people want your empty cans to recycle, so don´t be surprised if someone asks you for them.
I´d go back for sure

[K321]

thanks. as its las minute trip i am on a budget. and i was amazed to learn that most hotels for one night in cocapbena, ipanema are £150 + per nightt

i have learnt a few phrases in portugese, in case i get robbed