An amazing medical clinic that is experienced in dealing with foreigners. For some dumb reason, I caught flu during my stay in Rio and things got worse from there. I had a high temperature and was feeling really sick. Thankfully, I was with a group of friends who contacted the hotel service requesting medical assistance. They met my needs right away, and even came by the hotel to pick me up - and that's good service.

I had to spend the night at the Galdino Campos clinic, but I wasn't complaining. Anything's better than being sick while away from home, especially when the medical attention you're receiving is good. I wasn't counting on being sick, but should you find yourself in a similar situation, look this clinic up. They work with many foreigners, and therefore have English, French and Spanish speakers, which certainly makes things a lot easier.

Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana 492.
Tel.: 2548 9966
www.galdinocampos.com.br

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In order to avoid being ripped off by oportunista taxi drivers, when you arrive at the Rodoviária Novo Rio, take the exit from your platform, turn right and take the escalator to the upper level, then cross to the departures area. Take the escalator down to the taxi drop-off point and grab the first cab you find that has just left a passenger.

The driver will be glad of the fare and will do it on the meter. To make sure he's honest, tell the him your destination, point to the meter and say, "No relógio, ta bom?" (on the meter, OK?).

You can do a quick, easy search of buses and departure times to your chosen destination at www.novorio.com.br/. Just fill in the PARTIDAS NOVO RIO field and click.

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Take care when arriving in Rio for the first time at the main bus terminal.

Don't just take a taxi from outside, even if it looks like you're at an official taxi rank. You may end up with a driver and a mate in the front which can be very intimidating not least when you have to hand over much more cash than you need to on arrival at your destination.

Book a transfer in advance or at least see a taxi company in the bus terminal and more or less agree a fare before catching one of their cabs. You may be slightly overcharged but won't feel so vulnerable.

Try to make sure that you have notes in small denominations when it comes to paying. Rio taxi drivers are notorious for their slight of hand (example: for a R$25 fare you give them a R$50 note and they show you a R$20 note and try to make out you made a mistake).

Finally, when in the bus terminal, keep a good eye on your belongings.

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These travel recommendations are kept by local editors and are great, up-to-date, unbiased suggestions for independent travellers.

www.ontheroadtravel.com/travel-advice/Brazil/Rio

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Sometimes you need a dentist right this instant - it might not wait till you get home. If you need a dentist in Rio, the team at Odonto Consulte is highly recommendable. Dr. Jose Jorge speaks English. You can tell them Tom the Gringo sent you. Theyre at two convenient locations: in the centre, and a block from the beach in Leblon.

Rua do Rosario, 151, Suite 603/4; tel: 2509-7710
or
Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1079, Suite 910, Leblon;
tel: 2529-8670

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