Best Time to Visit

Rio de Janeiro is characterized by hot, extremely humid summers and cool, cloudy winters; therefore, choosing the best period to visit the city depends mainly on individual preferences. Summer is the best period for hot weather lovers and party people willing to tolerate high humidity and frequent rainfall. From November to February, Rio's beaches are invaded by tourists, especially during the famous Carnival. From March to May, the Fall season offers Rio's best weather: hot and humid but without the drawbacks of the summer. On the other hand, visiting Rio from June to August, during the cloudy Carioca winter, will allow you to avoid high temperatures, humidity and rainfall; during this season, probably the busiest of the year, accommodation prices tend to increase.

Passport / Visa

Brasil can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, UAE, South Africa and most countries in America. Visitors coming from most South American countries can enter the country with an identity document instead of a passport. Venezuelan visitors, however, need a visa in case of stays longer than 60 days. Visa-free entry for a period shorter than 30 days is granted to citizens of Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Singapore. Nationals of Panama, Malaysia, Namibia, Guatemala, Bahamas and Barbados can enter the country visa-free for tourism purposes only. Most African countries' citizens must obtain a visa in advance. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country.

International Airport Galeão (GIG)

Most flights arrive in Rio de Janeiro via International Airport Galeão. The airport is on Governador Island, the largest one in Guanabara Bay, and is located around twenty kilometres from the city centre. The airport is served by a good road network, including the Linha Vermelha and Linha Amarela freeways and Avenida Brasil. International Airport Galeão has a range of facilities including ATMs, banks, restaurants, telephones, parking and car hire offices. There are four bus lines (2018, 2101, 2145 and 2918) that run to and from the city centre and Rio’s other airport, Santos Dumont Airport. The buses run every ten minutes and journey times, which usually take around 40 minutes. For regular taxis, there are two companies at the airport, Aerotaxi: +55 21 2467 1500 and Aerocoop: +55 21 3078 5050. There are also VIP taxis available.

• Web:

  www.riogaleao.com/passageiros

• Address:

  Avenida Vinte de Janeiro, Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Santos Dumont Airport, located eight kilometres downtown from Rio de Janeiro, operates only regional flights, connecting the main cities of the country. It has a range of facilities, including ATMs, telephones and car hire offices. There are two bus lines that operate from the airport: number 2145 runs to Rio de Janeiro International Airport and number 2018 runs to Rio de Janeiro International Airport and Alvorada. Taxis and rental cars are also available.

• Address:

  Praça Sen. Salgado Filho, Centro, Rio de Janeiro

Public Transport

Rio de Janeiro provides many different means of transportation to get around. The subway is the easiest, fastest and safest among them. It is open from 5am–12am from Monday to Saturday and from 7am–11pm on Sunday and consists of two lines (orange and green), linking all the main tourist spots of the city. Buses are practical, convenient and, above all, needed to get to the many hilly areas of the city. Just remember to be extra careful of pickpockets during rush hour! Night buses are also available. Trams and trains' limited network makes them less useful to tourists. They are, however, used to reaching a few tourist areas such as Mount Corcovado or the Santa Teresa neighbourhood.

• Web:

  www.metrorio.com.br

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis in Rio. They are usually fairly priced, but you must beware of the unlicensed ones and use only those associated with an accredited company: yellow, identified by stickers on the window and fitted with a meter. Sometimes taking a taxi may not be the best option: Rio is characterized by heavy urban traffic that may slow you down and make your rate increase significantly; on the other hand, during the night some drivers might quote you excessive rates. Taxis are usually found in the designated ranks outside hotels and airport terminals. When in doubt, ask the hotel or restaurant to call you a taxi, drivers often barely speak English. You can also request a ride with Uber. Nettaxi +55 21 98569 2648 Aerocoop +55 21 3078 5050 Aerotaxi +55 21 2467 1500