Traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the First Time

​Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is home to many beaches and diversions that it is impossible to see and do everything in one trip. Tourists can visit the country's museums, restaurants, bars, and events. However, before traveling to South America's most famous cities, travelers should consider a few considerations.

Rio de Janeiro sees more than five million visitors a year. While parts of Rio de Janeiro are like paradise, the country is also home to some of the world's poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods. Travelers should steer clear of these areas and stay in high-traffic areas where there are many people.

Travelers should be careful not to carry large amounts of money or expensive jewelry or electronics. The risk of pickpockets is high on busy city streets, and wearing flashy jewelry makes a tourist a target for this type of theft. A strategy for preventing pickpockets is to wear backpacks and bags in front to make them more difficult to snatch.

Visitors should also have an international data plan for their cell phones. At a minimum, they should enable roaming on their cell phones to avoid problems using their phone apps and incurring high fees from overseas carriers.

Hiring a tour guide can help visitors see popular diversions and little-known places. However, visitors who prefer the DIY experience can rent bicycles in many places.

With or without a tour guide, travelers should consider visiting Christ the Redeemer, the statue that stands above the city and looks out on the Atlantic Ocean. However, weekends are the busiest times to visit this cultural landmark. For those who prefer a less stressful experience, consider visiting on weekdays.

Those who want to escape the city's hectic buzz can visit Arraial do Cabo, a farming village outside Rio de Janeiro. The area has a pristine coastline where visitors can relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

People who have visited the city suggest saving money on taking taxis by traveling by public transportation. However, US bus systems differ from Brazil in that passengers must call for a ride instead of sitting at a bus stop to catch a ride. Furthermore, the buses might not stop if many people are at the stop unless they raise their hands.

Brazilian cities are more expensive than the countryside. Some who have traveled to Rio de Janeiro advise visitors to expect to pay more for hotels, transportation, concierge services, and meals they might purchase in fast food restaurants. For this reason, travelers should plan to save more for the trip.

Travelers can also try the country's diverse diet. Brazil's cuisine has flavors from Africa, the Amazon, and Portugal, which appear in their fish, soups, salads, and sweets. Moreover, the country is known for grilling and steakhouses, which should be on every foodie's list.

Finally, visitors should make sure to get cash at the airport. While most vendors and restaurants take credit cards, carrying cash is a good idea, just in case. Plus, many banks in the city do not recognize American banks, including the major ones.