http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11773
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?).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11773 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11750
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11750 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11240
Since this first trip, 3 years ago, we have used Rio Airport Transfer, who offer an unmarked, private taxi service between the international airport and anywhere you want to go in Rio de Janeiro city.

We have found them to be absolutely splendid, their customer service is impeccable, and they typically offer additional travel advice, particularly on hotels and the location of our hotel - very helpful.

I would highly recommend their service.

Regards
Nancy]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11240 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4313 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4313 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4311 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4311 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1571 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1571 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1548
If you want to join in a game of football on the beach, just ask. Most guys will be happy to oblige and, given the language barrier in Brazil, it’s a good way of going native. They’ll probably make monkey of you, but if you score a goal, you’ll have a fantastic story to bore your mates with back home.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1548 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1479
There are plenty of less touristy seafood options in Rio. For a vastly superior product, at the same price and without the hard sell, go to Satyricon on Rua Barão da Torre in Ipanema. You won’t regret it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1407
This maybe something to do with the fact that it's now in the trusty Lonely Planet as a 'Rio essential' so there are far more tourists now, which inevitably attracts more unsavory characters. I'm not saying this to be a travel snob - when we were there guns were fired at the top of the famous steps which resulted in a stampede and a nasty crush at the bottom. It's still a great night - just stay away from the top of the steps (the farther up you go the more shady it gets) and go in a big group if possible. Oh, and stay away from the brightly coloured shots in the plastic tubes - they're lethal and taste revolting - have a caipirinha!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1407 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1396 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1396 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9391 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9391 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8640 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8640 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4316 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4316