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Admin
01-01-06, 01:00
Greetings everyone,

Bubba Boy sent me his 2006 Brazil Guide to post in the Forum.

I'll be the first to say "Great Report".

Thanks,

Jackson

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:33
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006 - Part 1/12 (1 of 12) - Intro

Rio De Janeiro: Brasil

This is a report, a guide and a collection of posts, not only just mine, that I found helpful or interesting. There are many contributors on the ISG that have an in depth knowledge of Brasil, I have attempted to incorporate some of their posts, a tiny portion, but posts I have felt are poignant. Some I have included because otherwise they would get buried. In short I wanted to create a resource where a first time visitor will be able to hit the ground running in Rio De Janeiro. I have also attempted to add some info that experienced mongers may find interesting.

A Note on prices: Inflation, while not out of control like it once was (think 1000% per year), is still quite high. It is currently running at just over 10%, hence if you read this report in 12 months the prices, in the local currency, is likely to be 10% higher.

A Note on ones own judgment: I personally think Nicole Kidman is a 6/10. However she often gets voted one of the most beautiful women in the world, hence many would rate her a 9/10. What does this have to do with mongering? Well it illustrates the point that different people have very different tastes. I currently love 4x4, other people may not. I may think a tall morena (brunette) with a nice small ass is just awesome, another man may think she is ordinary. It is all very individual. That is why I qualify my statements with IMHO (In my humble opinion).

An excellent resource for general facts about Rio is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:44
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006. Part 2/12 - Termas

Termas: There are 3 major termas in Copacabana: L'uomo, Monte Carlo and Centaurus (yes I know its located in Ipanema but its on the border). Loumo and Monte will cost you approx R60 to get in, R190 for 40 minutes in a room with a girl (a total of R250). Drinks are very reasonable by western standards with most being less than R10, a beer will set you back around R5, a red bull R12, the local cocktail- Caipirinha R7. Girls drinks cost the same and there is no pressure to buy them drinks but you will want to anyway. There will be up to 40 girls at Monte and maybe a few more at L'uomo at anytime. Centaurus costs more, at least 50% more for everything, they maybe have a few more girls to choose from but nothing else really to justify the extra Reals. About a R15 cab ride south over to the beautiful Jardin Botanica (Botanical Gardens) area will see you at Solarium, which is virtually identical in price and atmosphere to the other termas. It is slightly smaller though, but worth the trip if just to see the Lagoa (lagoon) and Statue of Christ in the distance at night, Spectacular!

There is also a heap of Termas in the centro (city about 8kms or 5miles north) area. Quatro por Quatro (4 x 4) is the biggest Terma in Rio and has 100+ girls at peak time, a sight to see. Centro Termas are about 30% cheaper than Loumo and Monte carlo, with the exception of Terma 65, which is now the same as L'uomo etc.

A Terma works like this: You get greeted by a receptionist at the entrance, they will speak English at the places mentioned above, some in Centro may not speak as much but you will get by. She will give you a key to a locker. You go in to the locker room and put everything in there and change into a robe and flip flops provided. I have only heard of 1 thing ever being stolen out of the lockers, for the most part they are quite safe. You can have a shower and sauna etc at anytime, genuine non sexual massages are also available, but I have found them to be pretty average compared to what one would expect in the middle east. They also have various razors, toothbrushes etc that you can use to make you look and smell your best, this of course being a relative term!

When you want to interact with the girls you make you way up to the Boite (Pron:Boi chi-) which is the bar. They will be hanging around the bar looking to interact with you. Be prepared for the bars to be quite small and cramped in a Rio Terma. The girls do not get paid to just hang around, they only earn Reals when they take you to the room (cabine). There will be music playing and it is just like a normal bar although you are wearing a robe. If you wish to order a drink, and you will, the locker key number is like you credit card, you will be asked to show it and your bar tab will be credited towards it. No money changes hands when you are inside the Terma ,you settle the bill at the end (unless you go to Centaurus where they want everything upfront). Do not loose your locker key! The portion of the bill that is for the girls has to be paid in cash!

Once you spot a cutey, just basically look in her direction and she will be on you, they look to engage in eye contact, if this does not work use a hand signal, don't worry once she knows you are interested she will be more than keen to sit next to you. You can play around with her for a while, there are generally 2 or 3 times as many girls as there are guys, although in peak times this may be reduced to 1:1, so generally you have time on your side. You will be treated like "a King", one can punch well above ones weight division in Rio. She will laugh at your jokes, stroke your ego and maybe you inner thigh, and probably grab your dick and put her tongue down your throat within the Boite. They are not shy inside the Terma. After 30 minutes or so of fooling around you will probably be ready to "rumble". During this time you should have asked her if she is prepared to do whatever kinky deviate act you desire. I will always kiss a girl before going to the cabine. This is important because if she does not use tongue it may indicate she has a boyfriend etc and will not be overly passionate. I also always ask if she is going to provide BBBJ, virtually every Terma girl will, if she says she doesn't, you might want to ditch her and grab another because it is not a good sign that she wants to please you. Also a good time to ask if she does anal. Rio is probably one of the best areas in the world to find greek. Maybe 50% of Terma girls will provide it at no extra cost, straight up, 75% will do it once you get to know them, and overcome them with your charm ;-). She will often agree to do anal as a deal clincher, to get you into the room. If you are smart you can leverage this. A lot of girls will also do CIM, think 75% once you get to know them. This is all part of the screening process and will cut your chances on getting a dud. See the screening ditching process below.

Once you have decided she is one you want to get to know better, decide on how long you want to spend in the cabine (room) and give her your locker key and she will take it with her to get prepared. 40 Minutes is the standard and I won't go longer unless it is a girl I know, not much point getting stuck with a dud for a longer time, although duds are not overly common. She will come back in about 5 minutes wearing lingerie or some other bedroom attire and whisk you away to one of the rooms, where you will do your best impression of a porn star and she will generally fuck like only a Rio girl can, and believe me THEY CAN! In really busy times, you may have to wait for a cabine to become available, this will give you another few minutes to fool around with the girl in the Boite before sexo. I never mind the wait, after all I am on holiday and it is not as if I have to rush to a business meeting, waiting in the Boite, hanging with your friends and drinking is actually half the fun, some would say it is more than half.

After you interlude you can go back to the boite and grab another one or just hang out (thankyou lord for Vitamin V & C), it is not unusual to have the girl you have just fucked come back and chat to you, she wants the repeat business. It is not unusual to spend 3 or 4 hours at a terma just drinking and chatting with girls or fellow deviates. In any night a busy girl will only see 2 or 3 clients maximum over an 8 hour period, unless it is Carnaval or another busy time, hence there is a lot of down time built into the equation for fooling around. Less busy girls will only do 1 a day, if they are lucky. These girls work 6 days a week and it is part of their social life, hence fooling around is fun for them to. Most fellow mongers are quite friendly within a Terma, I have had many a good conversation over a few beers, just remember if you speak to a fellow monger try to keep who you nailed at other Termas quiet in front of the other girls, they are severe gossipers. If a girl asks you where your fellow monger has been over the last few days, the correct answer is I DO NOT KNOW.

One thing to note if you intend to see the same girl more than once be prepared for her to consider you her boyfriend. You don't believe me? Just wait! She will often be way more intimate during subsequent encounters, perhaps doing things she doesn't normally do with one time punters. I have often had new comers give me their virgin ass or try CIM for the very first time, you can tell these things. However the downside to this is she will be jealous as hell if you dare look at another girl within the terma. She will also ask where you have been when you are not there etc. I kid you not , these latin girls are very passionate. Some have a definite "Fatal attraction bunny boiler - stalker complex". You don't believe me? Just wait!

You cannot officially take a girl out of a terma, but you can do deals with her to see you after the Terma closes or before it opens. Be discreet when hooking up with them, they can officially get sacked for seeing clients although I have only heard of this being enforced a couple of times and I think it was due to Politics rather than the actual act itself. I have had many a girl hangout with me for gratis after or before work, but then I had seen these girls a few times in the Terma and intended to see them again within the Terma and of course there has been some kind of connection there. They also like going out with Gringos because we can actually afford to take them to places the local guys cannot afford, and I don't mean ultra expensive places, just normal restaurants and entertainment (a young local guy will only earn US$1500 per year if he even has a job, which is difficult to live on and leaves nothing for entertaining dates). The girl will only agree to see you after work if she feels comfortable with you, this will be based on your past behaviour within the Terma and the amigos you associate with. If you can get her to agree to take the day off from work she will be fined at least R100 (up to R500 at some Termas on some days) from the Terma so you will have to build this into the equation if you are negotiating on purely price basis, which could be up to R150-R400+ her fine (think R200 as a good number). To work in a Terma, a girl has to agree to work 5 or 6 shifts in the week so you may get her to play with you on a night off, surprisingly I have found they are almost always available to full around on their day off. Some of course, the minority never see any clients out of the Terma, however this is the minority. Generally speaking Terma girls are a lot more stable than girls you will meet at Help etc, this will mean they are much less likely to take shit out of your room or generally cause problems. Never drop your guard though. I always lock my passport etc in the safe, and lock what won't fit in there in a suit case (she won't be able to carry the whole case out of the joint without someone noticing). Yes it is true that she could cut the lock but generally most thefts I have heard of have been ones of opportunity, cameras and phones left on tables are most likely to disappear.

In general I love the Termas, they are my favourite part of Rio. The girls tend to be better sexual performers in a Terma than any other venue, perhaps in the world.

The screening process: It is very important to get a good feeling with a girl. I always ask the following questions and listen to the response. I ask the questions with a smile and try to make her laugh a bit, if she thinks you are fun she will usually reciprocate.

My questions:
1) Are you good in bed? She will of course say she is the best. This is the ice breaker, a chance for her to relax and loosen up.
2) Why are you the best? What do you do? This is a more serious question, hopefully she will offer up exactly what she will be like in the sack. I will let her answer a bit, and if she doesn't offer up what I want to hear I will then directly ask.
3) Do you do everything? Again I will let her speak and watch very carefully for the response. If she says she does do anal, I will then ask if she likes it and carefully watch for her answer, if she says she really likes it and smiles, well then I am thinking you are going to have a good time.

The above 3 questions will give her a chance to tell you what she likes and what she doesn't like. Usually the above the questions are enough to get her to say whether she does anal or not, without you having to explicitly ask. If she hasn't offered whether she does it or not then I will then explicitly ask. The way she answers is more important than what she actually says. If she says "I do anal but it depends on how big your are", well that is a red flag, more than likely she doesn't want to do it. Again if you have a fetish for CIM and she says "I will let you do it if you only have a very clean dick", again a red flag, good chance she is going to turn her head away during the money shot. On the other hand if she says "I will do everything you want, baby" and says it with a smile, then sticks her tongue down your throat, then that is a very positive thing and you are probably in for some serious fun. I look for the positive responses said with fun and a big smile, personality goes a long way.

I will also look for negative signs, including;
~If the first thing a girl asks is "buy me a drink" I will be immediately on the defensive, if she is anything less than smoking hot she will be dumped immediately. Yeah I want to buy a girl a drink, but only after a few questions and only after I have decided there is a good chance I am going to take her to the cabine.
~If when offered a drink, the girl tries to order the most fucking expensive thing on the menu, then that is a huge negative thing. I will always ask "what would you like to drink", I will order for her. Doing this shows you are not an easy target. Red Bull and a mixed drink together from a girl I have just met, R20 - which is what a local guy earns in a day, is taking the [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140). On the other hand my current "Brasilian girlfriend", ordered just that when we met, I was with a buddy and he was with her friend, what saved her was the following - she says "I know red bulls and vodka are expensive, but if you buy one red bull, we can order 2 vodkas separately (between the 2 girls) and that will be a little cheaper". I don't mind buying an "expensive drink" for a girl, I just don't like the idea of being taken for a mug. There were also a few other positive things which led us to relax a little, we knew we were going to have a good time with those 2, sometimes everything just clicks and it did!
~No kissing with tongue before going to the cabine: Just before I go to the cabine I will make sure she kisses passionately, I don't particularly want to kiss a girl with tongue in the main boite, but I do want to know if she is passionate. If she does not use tongue it is a sign she is not going to be passionate, big enough negative to ditch her in some cases.
~Additionally: I always make sure you get a good look at the girl, sometimes lighting can be a bit ordinary, sometimes a girl looks completely different when sitting down, particularly in Brasil when you really need to look at the complete package while standing. Another friend of mine was sitting with a girl, and she did look cute, when he decided to take her to the room she gets up and says "so, you like a girl with a big ass do you", to his horror he looked down and saw a massive Bunda (ass). This catch phrase has become part of our vocabulary, as in when a friend says "what do you think of this babe?" to which you reply, "so, you like a girl with a big ass?" IE her ass is a bit on the heavy side.

The ditching process: Some first timers can get trapped by an overly aggressive girl. I always find these girls are the worst in bed. The most popular girls tend to not approach you, they don't have to. A lot of western guys are sometimes too polite to get rid of the overly aggressive girl. Remember you are a paying customer, you are there for the purpose of banging the girl you want to bang, hence be polite but firm in the ditching process. If you get trapped, try the following.

~Get up and go to the bathroom, when you come back stand at the bar for a while. If she comes back and tries to grab you again, just say I want to relax a bit or keep moving, a moving target his hard to hit, move around.
~Of course it is more difficult if you have already groped her, hence I try to be a little distant until I know there is going to be a good chance of going upstairs.

****Zona Sul Termas.****

Zona Zul is "the south zone", an area anywhere south of Central and is where you will stay for your first visit to Rio. It includes Ipanema - Leblom, Copacabana - Leme.

***L'uomo***

: Rua Siqueira Campos, 143. Copacabana. http://www.luomo.com.br/ Open 7days from 4pm until 1am-ish. (up to 60 girls). Gets busy from the get go. Closes at midnight-ish on Saturday and Sunday (last bang is 11pm-ish).
Break down of Prices:-
R60, Entrance (reduced to R50 if you take a girl, reduced to R30 if you do 2 sessions, nil for 3 girls).
R60, Room hire 40 minutes
R130, girl for 40 Minutes
R240 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

I always make this my first stop on any trip to Rio. If my plane arrives after 4pm, I just throw my bags down in my Hotel Room and start the walk to Rua S Campos, with anticipation, I travel the escalator up to the second floor, round the corner, and I am usually warmly greeted by the doorman. I just can't wait to greet old friends, and see who are going to be my new friends. Had my first girl here in Rio, who is sadly married now, she was just great and I wish her all the best.

L'uomo is by far the friendliest Terma in town. You very rarely have duds here and quite often you can arrive at 5pm and stumble out at midnight wondering where the time went. You can also buy the music that plays there, great souvenir to remember the place by, just see the DJ or get a girl to ask him for you. DJ Carlos, who has been there for a couple of years speaks some English, he is not there every night. Cost R30.

Interestingly this is the only Terma I have seen women as customers frequent. I have only seen this 3 times, never seen it at other any other Terma. It is always in a couples situation where they will take an extra girl back to the cabine. Most of the other mongers are quite cool about it, hell there is 50 other semi naked women in there, a "civilian" in a robe is not likely to draw much attention.

Directions to L'uomo:
L'uomo, can be a little hard to find because it is tucked away in a shopping mall (for antiques). If you are walking up Rua Siqueira Campos from the beach (against traffic - it is a one way street), after 4 blocks (just over the street of Tonelero) you will see a fork in the road, follow it around to the left. You will see the Metro station entrance on the left and then next to that a large building which contains L'oumo. Before entering the mall, hang back on the street and look up to the second floor, half way along, you may have to do this from the other side of the street, but it is worth it to get your bearings. You will see the neon sign welcoming you. Then simply enter the shopping centre, find the nearest escalator and you will find it. One thing to note if you get a cab there, the driver will get a R20 commission for taking you there. I find all cab drivers/commissions distasteful and hence simply ask to get dropped at the Metro station next door and don't mention where I am going. Metro Siqueira Campos.

I have been busted! (Oct05) I got busted at L'uomo for having a mobile phone in the Boite. I was just texting a guy we were meeting up with later. They have banned all mobiles in the boite because guys were supposedly in there taking photos with them. Anyway I got the shits a bit because my phone does not have a camera in it, and even when I pointed this out they still said it is not allowed. Pretty stupid policy considering my friend was in a cabine taking a lot of pics of one of the chics fingering her pussy and ass with his brand new USD$400 digital camera.
Further update: The next visit a friend of mine needed to use his phone in the boite, he goes up to the owner and asks, "no problem" is the reply. A girl tells my friend he cannot use his phone, he just points to the owner and she sheepishly returns to her seat.

***Solarium***

Address:- Rua JJ Seabra, 21, Jardim Botanica.
Website:- http://www.solarium.com.br/ .
Hours:- 3pm-2am M-F, 4pm-11pm Sat-Sun. (up to 40 girls).
Break down of Prices:-
R60, Entrance.
R60, Room hire 40 minutes
R130, girl for 40 Minutes
R250 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

Solarium is smaller in size than most Termas. When I was here in November 04, I found the mongers tended to be mostly local Brazilians, who actually prefer a generous bunda (ass), as opposed to *this white boy* who likes them nice and slim, hence I tended to struggle to find someone who appealed to me here. On a visit in Feb05, the girls had completely changed and there were a number of nice young slim girls. One girl was cranking hot, but alas my amigo (the Kman) nailed here (twice) and unfortunately I did not get her. She will be there on my next visit and if she is not I am sure there will be another replacement.

Further update from my trip in Late 05, the cranking hot chic was not there but we did bump into her in Sao Paulo. How did she look? Well, the K Man suggested she had been on the "dessert 2 hours before dinner diet", IE she was carrying a lot of extra weight, 8 months is along time for a GDP. She is a nice chic though and we hung with her a while in Bahamas. The talent was pretty good on this trip, a nice selection for all but one must remember, there are fewer ladies to choose from compared to other Termas.

NB1: If you take a taxi over to Solarium avoid the peak traffic times like 5pm -7pm. Try to get there by 4.30pm or after 7pm, the trip is short but the traffic very ugly in peak times, think 40minutes for a normal 15 minute trip.

NB2: Sometimes they have specials for their newsletter clients, hence you may wish to enter your email address at their website. The special has been a no charge for the room on certain days to the value of R60. If you get this sent to you and want to use it, make sure you read it carefully, the coupon is usually only valid with a 40 minute booking and on certain days. Monte Carlo is owned by the same people and offers the same deal on a different day.

***Monte Carlo***:

Address:- Rua Hilario De Gouveia, 19. Copacabana.
Website:- http://www.termasmontecarlo.com.br/.
Hours:- 3pm-1am M-F, 4pm-11pm Sat-Sun. (up to 50 girls, all their by 5pm ish).
Break down of Prices:-
R60, Entrance.
R60, Room hire 40 minutes
R130, girl for 40 Minutes
R250 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

The staff here tends to turnover fast, hence if you don't like the selection one day, give it a few days and you might see some new faces in the line. Great location, nice and close to ground zero.

Note, of late maybe 35% of girls have been doing CBJ here, best to ask the girl if needed. It doesn't take much effort to get the girls to give BBBJ, even when they normally give CBJ.

The same people that own Solarium own Monte Carlo. I have heard a few complaints about the management here in regards to disputes. Generally they will back the girl in such a situation. I have told the manager exactly what I think of him and refuse to acknowledge his presence when I go there. Maybe pedantic on my part but I am a paying customer and expect to be treated like I treat the girls IE with respect. They have also lost a lot of their top girls to Centaurus, again because many people do not like the current managers.

NB: Sometimes they have specials for their newsletter clients, hence you may wish to enter your email address at their website. The special has been a no charge for the room on certain days to the value of R60. If you get this sent to you and want to use it, make sure you read it carefully, the coupon is usually only valid with a 40 minute booking and on certain days. Solarium is also and offers the same deal on a different day.

***Centaurus***

Rua Caning 44, x Rua Rainha Elizabeth, Ipanema . On some maps Rua Caning does not appear as it is relatively small, no problem look for Rua Rainha Elizabeth and you can't miss it. On the border of Copa and Ipanema.
Hours:- 4pm-2am ish M-F, 4pm-12pm Sat. (up to 70+ girls, starting in staggered shifts, all there by 7pm ish, they start to leave at midnight).
Break down of Prices:-
R90, Entrance.
R220, Room hire 40 minutes+girl (girl gets R130)
R310 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

They ask you to pay for R310 upfront, a tacky practise that many mongers do not like. You can get around this by just saying you prefer to pay for the entrance of R90 on the way in and they will allow this. It is the best option because you will not get a refund if you leave without taking a girl. They speak English quite well so you will have no problem relaying to them that you only want to pay the entrance upfront. Of course when you do grab a girl you will have to go back down to the boite and pay for the girls fee before nailing her unless you are known to them, then they will let you pay everything on the way out. Also be careful to ditch the "welcoming girl", girls that latch onto you suckerfishlike when you enter the locker on the premise of helping you change, these girls are always the least popular and should be ditched quickly. The best girls are so busy they are always in the boite, which is upstairs.

This place polarises people. Some guys swear by it because of the quality of the girls looks, and they generally do have the most attractive girls. Other guys refuse to go there complaining that the management has a poor attitude, which is generally conceded that they do. The girls tend to be a lot more pushy about upgrades for suites, getting you to do 2 girls at the same time etc here, and this places absolutely kills you on the upgraded price - think R220 for 40 minutes vs R400 for the 60 minute suite option (nearly double the price for an extra 20minutes is taking the [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140)) . Don't be afraid to say no, they are so pushy (instructed by management) that you may have to say it twice or three or four times, in many respects they are like pesky beach vendors. I use this to my advantage by basically holding auditions, any sign she is not passionate enough (a very common complaint here) and I ditch her, another will quite eagerly dive into her place, they are quite shameless here. I ask them a lot of questions before going to a cabine, any CBJ shit will get her ditched pretty damn quick. Remember: when you are in Rio you are the *king* and the king never hurries for anybody.

The bar staff have an annoying habit of asking for a tip. They get a napkin and ask the amount you want to tip them and put your key number next to the amount. First time they got me, now I just wave my finger to signify I do not approve and walk away. No other Terma allows their bar staff to do this. I refuse to tip any establishment that has bad management, Barabarrellas is another place I refuse to tip anyone due to their attitude.

40minutes in a cabine is not always such: Most girls, unless they know you, will allow one shot and then it is out of the cabine regardless of how much time you have actually spent in the room. This is the only terma that allows their girls to do this, well at least on a regular basis anyway.

One further point: All the other major Zona Sul termas just put up their price before I finished this report, hence Centaurus will probably up theirs as well. Think R340 in total soon, maybe for Jan-Feb as it is the best time to raise process because the most mongers are there.

An aside: Bar Fines at Centaurus for the girls taking the day off: The day after a holiday will incur the girl a fine of R500 for a no show, Saturday it is R300, R100 for other days. They do this to make sure a full shift is present. Hence, any bargaining for a girl to take the day off will have to work the fine into the total amount.

A further update, a day before New Years Eve: Two friends of mine decide to go to Centaurus. Both have been there a number of times. Both wish to just pay the upfront entrance fee. They noted it was very busy because there were guys lining to pay and there were no girls in the "welcoming pen" - a sure sign all the girls are occupied. The K Man has his R90 and puts it down like always, the receptionist says today they require everything upfront (the first time in a year we have seen this). The K Man looks around and says "no thanks, and leaves". His friend decides to go in, pays the full R310 and goes upstairs. The place was packed with guys, he grabs a girl he knows and they find out there is a 30minute wait on cabines (which is not abnormal in busy periods), after 30 mins they tell him there is still a 30min wait. Then after another 30mins they tell him there is still time to wait. He has to get back to his real girlfriend who is coming home from work soon hence he can't wait any longer. He cancels the cabine and goes down, gets dressed and goes to reception. He asks for his bill, they say the total bill is R390. Ie R310 entrance and R80 in drinks. He argues with them for a while but this is Centaurus, the management does not relent, he has to pay the full R390 despite not even taking a girl. Can you see why a lot of experienced mongers detest this place! I would never enter if I had to pay the full R310 upfront, R90 is more than enough.

*** Boronia***

Address:- R Min alfredi Valadao No 36, Copa . Close to L'uomo
Hours:- 4pm-1am M-F, 4pm-12am S-S. (up to 20 girls).
Break down of Prices:-
R**, Entrance.
R**, Room hire 40 minutes + girl
R** in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.
(I think the pricing is slightly cheaper than L'uomo , think 25% less)

New terma, formerly a gay sauna, of which there is quite a few in the same area. Not much is known about this place but if you are in the area have a look.

***Rio Antigo***

Address:- Joaquim Silva, 2, Gloria. (can get there easily from Gloria Metro station)
Website:- http://www.rioantigo.com.br/
Hours:- 2pm-12am M-F (up to 30 girls, Girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
Break down of Prices:-
R50, Entrance.
R140, Room hire 40 minutes + girl (R200 for 60 minute suite inc girl)
R190 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

Not far from Centro but still in Zona Sul. I had not really visited this place much until my visits in Jan05 and Feb05 due to it being relatively small. However it has become a favourite of mine because I found a couple of girls that were outstanding. Rooms are very new and nice, with little wash basins for cleaning up afterwards (one girl dropped her pants right in front of me and pissed in the basin, as I smiled to her thinking "what the fuck", she just laughed, I love the attitudes of these girls). Very much a locals place, English is spoken by at least one of the receptionists.

Best time to arrive is around 5pm, maybe just before, any earlier and not everyone has arrived yet and you will be most likely be the only guy there. Generally does not get packed by men at any time, mostly Brasilian men as clients who tend to grab one girl and sit on her for a couple of hours. Much better Tues-Wed-Thur, I have found Mon & Friday to be very quiet and not all girls are present.

At most Termas in Rio you can get genuine massages, I find them ordinary, certainly compared to in Asia, and generally not worth it. I kid you not, once at Antigo an old lady offered a handjob or BJ for R40 during the massage, she reminded me of my mother, no thanks doris!

A young black waiter has worked there for a while, he speaks excellent English and is a good guy. I usually give him R5 or R10 on the way out. Remember most of these guys are earning R500 a month, that's R20 per day, R5 can go along way to making some ones day. I also give the locker attendant R2 or so, once I gave her R20 after a lady had an accident while letting me bang her ass there, you can well imagine the robe was not the prettiest when returned and she earned the R20 tip!

Many travesti's are lined up on the main street directly outside Antigo at night, not my thing but a spectacle none the less. It is kind of cool to see lots of normal people just going about there business when there is literally a tranny every 10 yards wearing a G. One warning and this applies to all streetwalkers in Rio, they are notorious pickpockets, hence be very aware of where you cash is if you do get enticed for a chat. I have generally found the surrounding area to be safe for me, I catch the metro back at night.

****Centro Termas****:

Centro is a great place to go and see where the locals work. I actually spend more time in the centro termas now than the more tourist orientated ones of zona sul. Best way to get there is by Metro (Urugaiana station) during the day (about 15minutes) and then a 10minute walk. I just love the hot balmy walk through the narrow streets to the Termas. A cab back to Copacabana at night will be about R19. All Centro termas are closed on the weekend. Most are open from 2pm to 12pm but don't get going until 3 or 4pm.

Although most downtown Termas will let you pay for services in USD, they will give you a poor rate. Maybe 10% -15% less than money changers. They will slug you for using a credit card by about 10%. Girls fees must be paid in cash on way out to the receptionist. Generally, the city Termas have less girls working on Monday nights, Tuesday and Thursday can be the busiest.

**Directions for 4x4,65, 502 from the Uruguaiana Metro Station**

For more on how to use the metro system, look in the general section (part 6)

You will get on the metro at Copacabana, S Campos. When the train stops at Uruguaiana you will get out on the right side of the doors. You then go up the steps and through the exit turnstiles. Head for the signs saying "Uruguaiana exit", follow them, they are to the right side of the train (if you are travelling from Copa etc). When you go up the stairs or escalator exiting the station onto the street continue to walk straight ahead. The first street you hit will be Rua Uruguaiana running perpendicular. Turn right at this point and cross the street. The next 3 streets, if you continue to walk to the right are listed below in order. You turn left off Uruguiana into each of them to get to a Terma.

First street will be *) Rua de Alfandega (502)
Second street will be *) Rua Buenos Aires (4x4)
Third street will be *) Rua do Rosario (502)

To go to Terma 502, take Rua de Alfandega, walk down about 400 yards and you will see the blue awning at number 65 on the right, just before a major intersection that is Av Rio Branco. Go up the stairs to grab a piece of ass.

To go to 4x4, take Rua Buenos Aires. Go down 400 yards and over the major intersection that is Av Rio Branco. 4x4 is another 150 yards down on the left and a must see when in Rio.

To go to Terma 65, take Rua do Rosario, go over the major intersection that is Av Rio Branco, it is about 500 yards down on the right.

I find the area quite safe to walk back to the metro on the way home. I guess the later it gets the more chance you will take, but I have walked to the metro at 10pm many times without a drama. Actually felt a lot safer than walking around Copa at this time. However, as always be aware of your surroundings, if you do not feel comfortable grab a cab, make sure the meter is on and head home.

***Quatro Por Quatro***, (or in English: 4x4 aka 44)

Address:- Rua Buenos Aires 44, Centro. (can get there easily from Uruguiana station)
Hours:- 2pm-12am M-F (up to 120 girls, Girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
Break down of Prices:-
R30, Entrance. (Waived to nil of you take a girl to a cabine before 5pm)
R170, Room hire 60 minutes + girl (room has a shower in it, 40 minute rooms don't)
R200 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.
NB: The 40 minute rooms are R150, hence go the extra R20 for the extra R20 for more time and a shower in the room.

This Terma is great, it is by far the biggest Terma in Rio and I just love it. The girls can be described best as having a "Gangsta" look with plenty of Ink. It is set up primarily for the locals, hence the predominant shape is big asses, but all shapes and sizes are present, and many touristas do go there. On some trips I sometimes struggle to find a girl I like here because my taste leans more towards a slim clean look - sem (without) tatoos, however with over 100 girls, one can always find something, quality by quantity I have heard it best described. The atmosphere here is great, local Brasilain and US funk plays HARD. I find the best time to get there is around 3.30pm where I relax a bit and then grab a girl by 5pm, before the R30 fee, but primarily before the crowds get really thick. Having said this you will want to experience the Terma in full swing, after 8pm, when it is so crowed you can't move, akin to a fucking zoo and the music so loud you can't think. If there was to be a fire in there you would surely die, not a chance in hell of getting out. Just remember amongst the 200 odd heaving bodies, half will be wearing a G String and a smile, hence the rewards are there.

If you are a fan of big asses, this place will rock your world. A lot of our American brothers, who tend to like a generous bunda (ass) love this place, they all rate it a not to be missed attraction. 44 also has a small fraternity of "body builder" type chics present, pure Gansta!. Watch you head when going up the stairs, it is built for people less than 6 feet tall.

I banged this great girl there in Dec 05. She passed the screening process with flying colours. When I asked her if she was good in bed she just looked at me and said "Sim, Eu faço tudo, TUDO" (Yes, I do everything, EVERYTHING). The last "TUDO" was emphasized by her outstretched arm sweeping the horizon….and she did! After, as we were walking back to the subway, meu amigo (My friend-male), The Kman, noticed she was on the cover off a porno being sold by a street vendor. I brought the Porno but they put the wrong DVD in it, hence I did not see "minha amiga" (My friend - female) getting banged, but the girl that appeared in the other DVD, that they mistakenly placed in the cover, I had also banged, can only happen in Rio!! How many countries in the world would this happen? Have a told you lately how much I love Brazil?

An interesting point: The locals guys tend to go to Termas, primarily to drink and maybe grab a cheap feel, the majority won't take a girl to a cabine at all, they can't really afford it despite them being young upwardly mobile professionals and probably in the top bracket of wage earners, the salaries in Brazil are really poor compared to western standards. I make this point because even when 4x4 is crowed as hell, and it does get crowded, pushing and shoving is accepted (don't be offended if you get nudged - it is an acceptable part of the culture) there are still plenty of girls available, and generally the girls will know you, being a gringo, are there for sexo. Interestingly a lot of the local clients at 4x4 are Police, did I mention this place is underworld or what?

A further point: There is a lovely old black lady that works as a locker attendant in the first changing room after the reception area. She has been there every since I have been going there. I always give her R5, she speaks no English, throw her a R1 or R2.

***Termas 65*** (aka Meio cinco)

Upto 40 girls.
Address:- Rua do Rosario, 65, Centro. (can get there easily from Uruguiana station)
Website:- http://www.termas65.com.br/
Hours:- 2pm-12am M-F (up to 40 girls, Girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
Break down of Prices:-
R235 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

One block from 4x4, this place is slightly more expensive than most in centro. Quality at my last visit was quite good. The boite is very small though. Girls tend to be a bit more classy (although not much!) than the Gangstas at 4x4.

Note, For numbers, particularly phone numbers or places, seis (6) is usually not used in the spoken sense. Rather "meio", as in Half a dozen, is more common.

***Termas Cancun***

Address:- Rua Do Carmo, 64, Centro
Hours:- 3pm-12+am M-F .
Break down of Prices:-
R30, Entrance, waived if you take a girl before 5pm.
R170, Room hire 60 minutes + girl
Total price: R200 in total, plus drinks (identical price to 4x4)

This is a brand new Terma, I have yet to visit it but the K Man reckons it is the next big thing. Apparently a former partner of 4x4 decided he would go and open his own Terma and hence Cancun was born.The KMan reckons it will take a lot if not most of the old 4x4 business because the facilities are so nice. It is already busy and has a lot of girls that worked at 4x4. I would definitely visit this place when in Centro.

***Termas Aeroporto***

Address:- 216-C Beira Mar Av. Centro. (can get there easily from Cinelandia station)
Website:- http://www.termasaeroporto.com.br/
Hours:- 2pm-12am M-F (up to 30 girls, Girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
Break down of Prices:-
R50, Entrance.
R200, Room hire 40 minutes + girl
R250 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

I finally visited this place in early 2005. I had tried a few times before but it was closed for renovations. Quality of the rooms is great with small wash basins. The boite is tiny, the size of a lounge room, maybe only 30 girls and by far the smallest of all major termas. If you are over 6 foot tall, as I am, you have to watch you head in the boite.

If they don't know you they will ask you to pay R50 for your entrance on the way in. The rest is paid on the way out. Located about 1500 yards away from Terma Rio Antigo and named after the local airport which is less than a mile away and one hell of a hairy landing. Hence, could be a good spot to "grab something to eat" on a layover.

Like Centaurus, they assign a girl to you when you enter the locker room. The girl will help you with your clothes etc, but is primarily there to attach herself to you. Assigned girls are never good, the best girls are up in the boite, which is upstairs, hence I try to politely ditch her and hang my own clothes up.

This place has the distinction of the weirdest suite location. One time the love of my life (or at least for the next 60 minutes) led me inside the mens locker room, which I thought was strange. She opened a further door inside the locker room which in turn opened up to a nice suite. In Brasil nothing surprises me anymore.

I find this area really dodgy when coming home at night. Even though it is only a mile from Rio Antigo, there are many little parks where the homeless hang. Best to get a cab from the door and not walk to the metro on your way back. During daylight hours I find it safe with heaps of people around.

Of all the major termas I would probably visit this place last, primarily because it is so small and the choice of girls limited.

***Termas 502***

Address:- Rua de Alfandega, 65, Centro
Hours:- 2pm-12+am M-F (up to 40 girls, Girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
Break down of Prices:-
R10, Entrance. Which includes 2 local drinks (National), is waived if you do a girl.
R77, Room hire 40 minutes + girl
R77 in total, plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

This place is a bit different. You do not change into a robe. Upon entry the receptionist gives you a plastic card where your drinks are recorded by a swipe, they don't speak English here, just nod your head and grab the card. Entrance is R10 and this includes 2 local drinks. I used to go to this place only to grab a water, relax, look around pay my R10 and then head over to 4x4 or Terma65 which are within a block or 2. Now I know a couple of girls there and there are a few real cuties, there is one 9.9 that I see occasionally. The price for 35minutes is R77. That is not a misprint and they even wave your R10 entrance. May well be the best deal in town. An hour was around R112 from memory. My R77 room had a shower and was as good as any of the other Termas. All the prices are marked on the wall to the left of the reception. Why do some girls work here when they could work at the bigger and more expensive places? Because the expensive places will sack girls very quickly if they don't turn up to shifts or are late. My 9.9 used to work at Monte Carlo but didn't like the strict hours and no off days policy, hence she takes less money at 502 but is happier. This place is more flexible with the girls hours hence the girls like the relaxed pace.

One point, check your bill closely on the way out, they tried to pad me a few drinks last time, I would like to think it was a mistake but in Brasil one should always get into the habit of checking the bill thoroughly.

***Terma MV 30***.

Address:- Rua Mayrink Veiga, 30, Centro Tel: 2233-6865
Hours:- Would assume M-F Only, up to midnight.
Break down of Prices:-
R**, Entrance.
R**, Room hire 40 minutes + girl
R140 in total, plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

Went here once, early, didn't find anything I liked and the facilities were a below average. I initially didn't think enough of it to include it in this report, however I have read a few half promising reports over the year, hence it may be worth a try. A second tier terma that is frequented by Brasilians.


***Cheap and Nasty***

If you are feeling adventurous you may wish to check out the following well known "cheapies" on the way to the 4x4, T502 or T65. They are all very easy to find and you can just wander into and have a look around, none have cover charges, you can buy a coke or beer for R2-R3. Some have little stages, some just have women hanging around. You can negotiate anal etc for a little more, or if it is a slow day try to get it thrown in for free. CBJ's is standard, due to the sanitary conditions this may be the preferred option. The places are best viewed early afternoon to early evening. They generally close earlier than the big Termas.

Rua Uruguaiana 24: This place has a narrow entrance and you go up some dodgy stairs and stop in at each floor to have a quick look. About 4 floors from memory. You can find an occasional cutey amongst the less than cute girls. 20mins approx R25. Some places you have to negotiate, but if they try and charge more than R2 per minute, you are being fucked.

Buenos Aires 113: This place has a long narrow walkway leading up to one medium sized floor. I briefly chatted to "O gordo"(the fat) security guard who said there is only one floor, all upstairs is cabines(rooms). Some of the girls were topless. One was very cute. Most looked youngish 18-22. On the corner of Uruguaiana & Buenos Aires, virtually next to the metro stop (Uruguaiana). 20mins approx R25.

James Howard sent me the above correction on 113. James Howard says;

"Actually it has three levels. After going through the maze entrance and up the flight of stairs, you are on level one. In fact, if you go back to the staircase and go up, there is another level, and then another. No difference in quality or prices, but for only R10, can't hurt to take a look. Every now and then something nice to be found. And if not, Skol is only R2." James Howard.

When I went there, I asked the security guy if there were more boites upstairs, he says "no just cabines" Hmmmm.

This reminded me of when I was 18 and in Amsterdam. We asked the doorman outside how much entrance was and how much beers were. He says "G5 for entrance and G1 for a beer". Cool, we go in, order 4 beers and are presented with a bill of G12 each. We say "the doorman outside said beers are only G1 each". The bar mans response "don't worry about him, he is paid to lie, that will be G12 each please"

James sent me a further correction:
James says

Regarding that info about 113 Buenos Aires, perhaps I should be more clear. After going back a few more times, I found out that there is only one official floor for the girls, that being the first. However, during the busier hours around lunch time (this is when I go, because I work in Centro), girls take clients up to the second or third floor cabines. After finishing up the programmas there, they don't bother going back down to floor one for customers, they just wait on 2 and 3 for clients to come up. So, officially, there is only one floor, but the 2nd and 3rd are very often used (I've found girls up there several times, mostly because I'm looking for my "regular").
Ok James!

Buenos Aires 85: This place has the narrowest stairway in all of Rio. 2 people cannot pass while on it. Having said this there are 4 or so level of clubs. About 100 yards down from 113, towards 4x4. 20mins approx R25.

Other:
Praia Club 400:

Avenida do Pepe, 400. Barra Da Tijuca.

This place girls are cheap but drinks expensive, a R25 cab ride from Copa. Opens about 6pm, and closes late. Not open on the weekend. Entrance R40 (waived if you get there by 8pm and take a girl), girls + room R170 (for cash do not pay by cc). Some nights they have swingers night, hence best to check when the terma action is. The best nights to go is Wednesday or Thursday, we went a Friday and a Monday and both sucked.

Barra Da Tijuca is a nice change for a break. It is a very middle class, crime free area about 30minutes ride south of Rio. The drive down the coast road is quite spectacular as is the view to Rocinha, Rios biggest favela (slum) on the way, lock the door when passing through! Up to 40 girls were there on the 2 occasions I visited, some were very nice as well. Predominantly locals visit this place but surprising the girls were nice and slim. To session with the girls was nice and cheap R150 for girl and cabine if paid in cash, but look at the price of the drinks carefully, a red bull and vodka R$30, some other drinks were reasonably priced like local capirinha's $R8, all are clearly marked on the menu. One more thing, do not pay for any of your bill by credit card, they slug you hard, 30% on top of your bill! In summary pay everything in cash, drink local drinks and it works out slightly less than Zona Sul termas even with cab fair if you can find a fellow amigo to split with. They have a locker facility to put any bags etc in upon entrance if required, it is located behind the reception. If travelling down to Barra and coming back at night take your passport with you, the Police sometimes set up roadblocks on the way back into town, if you don't have ID they may try to get a bribe out of you (not pleasant).

There are heaps more Termas in Rio. This is just a list of the more popular ones. I find the termas the safest, best quality sex and most fun of all the sex options in Rio. They don't pad the bill and the staff are usually just great. They are an institution!

A Tip: Always check your bill thoroughly. Sometimes I have items on my bill that I did not order, they were taken off without problem. Sometimes I had items that I had but did not get billed for. I think it is more a matter of errors rather than anything untoward. Always a good tip to check your bill thoroughly in South America, some places will try it on, others are simply inefficient.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:47
the bubba report, updated january, 2006. part 3/12 - help.

***help***

history of help: i believe help opened in the early 80's. apparently it was a very different disco to what it is now. it was basically a place for the locals and little if any gdps were there. in the mid to late 90's as brasil lurched from one economic crisis to another it fell on harder times and gradually more gdp's started to frequent the place. now, there is nothing but gdp's and gringos looking to purchase a little fun with them.

help, pronounced helpee by the locals, (i kid you not) is a big boite, a massive boite. the latest brasilian/us techo & electronica plays hard, there can be anywhere upwards of 250 garottas, maybe more, at anyone time shaking it at help. 99% of the girls are available to be taken out of the club, they are all independent girls and there are no rooms on the premise, what you negotiate between yourself and the girls is entirely up to you and her. there is no bar fine to take a girl from help. it operates like a normal club except of course there are 250+ hookers in there! it is smack bang in the middle of copacabana overlooking the beach on avinida atlantico. entrance is r30 after midnight and r20 before midnight, same price for girls and guys. the crush just before the price goes up is pretty funny, the extra r10 is a lot to a gdp (garotta de program= girl of program). if you are lined up 10 minutes before midnight expect to be pushed and shoved by working girls attempting to jump the cue. manners are not really the same here as a western county, it is ok to push back and it is best not to give anybody an inch, you loose respect if you do. drinks are not too bad and similar to terma prices. to buy a drink you must first go to one of a few booths and hand over your cash for a drink voucher and then go to the bar. you then present your voucher to the barman and he hands over your drinks. you can also get a vip table if you are in a group and a waiter will take care of you, enquire once inside if you feel the need for such service by grabbing a waiter. it opens around 11pm and goes to around 5am. the girls start milling around about 9pm at the restaurant out front "terraco atlantico", some of the girls never go into help, but i tend to find a lot of bottom dwellers hang around outside, there are always exceptions in rio and your chances of grabbing something cute outside is reasonable, just don't count on it. most of the nice stuff does a lap or 2 around the restaurant and then heads straight into help, you can of course grab them at this point but why rush, in rio you are "the king" and "the king" takes his time. the super hotties get out of a cab and go straight in, they never hang outside.

an average help girl will cost anywhere from r150 to r250 for a few hours to the whole night, she almost always starts the bidding at r300 (at xmas she will try for more), especially at the start of the night where she will almost always "try her luck". in brasil the amount of money the girl wishes to receive is more a desire to be worth that much, rather than what she will actually get. towards the end of the night (4am ish) her price will come down dramatically, especially when she realises she will be going home alone, believe it or not but most girls will go home alone because even if there is a girl to guy ratio of 1:1, most guys will not take a girl, a lot of gringos go there just to hang. you should start your bidding at 150, with a smile, or better still get your offer in first, and move up slowly if necessary. of course a cranking hot stunner (there will only be about 5 or so a night at help) will know her price and you may have to spend that bit extra, 95% of girls will take r150- r200 towards the end of the night, they will take r200-r250 at the start of the night, except of course at carnaval time where it may be more. in winter time, may-july, r150 is more the money, when it is also pointless going before 11.45 as you will be the only person in at this time in winter, at this time it is definitely a buyers market, use it to your advantage.

performance can vary a lot compared to terma girls (which are usually fantastic) and i generally find help girls are a riskier proposition in that you have to watch them more closely. definitely lock your shit up in a safe when a garotta is around, no matter how much you think she is ok.

dress code: you cannot wear shorts or flip flops, pretty much everything else is acceptable. generally casual clothes are the way to go. jeans are my preferred choice and black leather shoes, why jeans? well it is very smoky in there and they are easily washed. nikes & a t shirt is fine, you don't really have to impress the girls here with your $5000 gucci jump suit.

most nights are quite busy at help and hence you can't go wrong with your timing. having said this friday & saturday tend to have more part timers as opposed to the girls you see every night. the kman, a help expert swears by friday and saturday night for a little semi pro action.

you can exchange dollars or euros at help. they actually give you a better rate than most cambios, well they have at least been doing this the couple of years i have been going to rio. you can break a big note at the entrance, just say "dollars" and he will wave you through to the inside where a man will take you notes and give you the change in reals. you can change up to a few hundred dollars a night, however you will be carrying around a large amount of r, which you will want to be aware of. inside the boite you won't have to many problems but once outside you will be on your own.

nb, cambios are money changers, they generally give a better rate than banks and are everywhere in copa and ipanema. last exchange rate in nov2005. cambio
usd$100=r225, help usd$100=r230.
nb, towards the end of my trip in december help was giving a rate less favourable than the termas, on a par with

security in help: there is good security within help, you will see then just standing and watching, generally they are unobtrusive and generally will back the monger in most situations but of course not all, like any club, stupid behaviour is never a good idea. any problems with a girl that is going to get out of hand, call the security over and let them deal with it. i once had a girl attempt to throw a drink over me, much to the amusement of all guys and girls around me. as security started to come over, she starts yelling at them the telling them of all the bad things i had done. security grabbed her and took her to another part of the club. it was a fairly minor incident, anything more would have got her thrown out. kman ended up buying her a drink after finding out the girl he was about to take home was her best friend. i do believe he neglected to tell her he was actually staying at the same apartment as me. i think the kman gets more amusement out of my misadventures than i do. i still don't know why she did it, i hadn't spoken to her before nor did i intend to, she just came up and started bitching and moaning, then went off.

i have never seen a guy/guy fight in help, sure it has happened but not common. seen a guy "drop" a girl with a clean punch one night, she eventually got up, all bloodied and then came at him again - he was dragged off by the police. overheard a gdp say he will be paying "muito dinheiro" (a lot of money) to the police to get out of that one. you do see the occasional girl/girl fights, mostly they occur in the toilet, you know what has happened when girls start streaming out of the toilet laughing and telling all and sundry there was a problem in there. saw one girl slap the hell out of another on the dance floor, everybody just stood around and watched, guys and girls don't really think of it as a serious moment, more something to laugh at, adds to the entertainment of the night. there have been instances of girls being beaten by guys in hotels, and of course guys being beaten by girls and their associated boyfriends - hence the reason for caution and a thorough screening.

if you visit help enough you will eventually get to see everything. one can get as much amusement out of watching fellow hobbiest as the girls. once saw a black guy wearing towel around his neck and shoulders (yes a real bathroom towel, worn like a boxer, not an arab), thought he was the coolest cat on the planet, hard to pay for shit that funny anywhere on the planet. there is also a midget that occasionally frequents the place, she does well, shes always busy. one could and perhaps should make a movie about the place.

***scam***

a few gdp's in help will know and have the cell phone of a the local policia. a popular scam, which is not common and will generally only be tried on a green newbie is as follows. the girl will go up to the apartment, then start yelling over basically nothing, causing noise, which in turn will cause a problem with your neighbours and ultimately you. she will then accuse the newbie of doing something inappropriate and call the police. the police she actually calls will be known to her and hence won't be on your side. when they turn up they will try and get as much cash out of you as possible, threatening jail etc, in short if you do talk to them and your portuguese is limited you will be in deep. you really don't want to speak to the police under these circumstances. if it does happen to you, i would turn off the lights and just not open the door to them. they cannot legally enter (for what that is worth). if i could leave the apartment for a few hours and get the fuck out of there, it would also be a good option. the best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place, screen any gdp heavily.

for further info on scams and police interaction see section 6.

do's and don't of a help girl

what you get depends entirely on what you negotiate. i am sure if you walk up to girl and ask her a price, and you agree on r350 and are out of there, you will get fucked.

***do's: ***

**preparation: before leaving you hotel/apartmento for the night make sure your room is prepared for a visitor. lock all your valuables in a safe, also put everything else in your suitcase and lock it. make sure nothing is lying out that can be slipped into a bag.

**go with a buddy and look out for each other, if possible hook up with someone that speaks portuguese.

**heavily screen her. any sign she is off her head or displaying weird behaviour, get rid of her. a lot of helpee girls do a lot of coke, you really don't need the problem associated with this in rio. i think it is best to spend at least 30 minutes with her before going. buy her a drink, they are cheap as hell, have a dance with her....have a bit of a discreet fondle...(but don't think you are in a terma, as that much groping will get your ass kicked out of the place and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) her off), make sure there are no glowing signs she is going to cause trouble or fuck you. the key here is pay attention to any "flags", if you have any doubts ditch her and get another one.

**when it is time to leave always negotiate the time, the service if necessary (anal etc) and price in reals. write it down when you get home if necessary, one of my friends does this, i think he is nuts (and he probably is, but that is another story), but he very rarely lets any working girl get the better of him and he speaks zero portuguese. make sure the price is clear and it is in reals not dollars. if she does not stick to what is negotiated take it off what you pay her after you have banged her.

**always take a taxi from help but never from out front of help. many street kids line up around help and particularly the side streets leading back to avinida noss s copacabana. rua miguel lemos is the first street to the left as you leave help, this is the worst street to walk along late. the street kids sit in the shadows and watch for a target to turn left in to this street. they then get up and follow. miguel lemos is a little better now that the crepe restaurant and the office have opened, however both close around 2am -3 am, after that it is still just as dangerous. never walk along avinida atlantica (the street that follows the beach) late and never walk along any beach late. avinida atlantica, in my opinion, is the most dangerous street you will see in copacabana, most gringos that get mugged, get mugged there.

the taxis lined up out front of help are a disgrace and will not use the meter, they will try to charge you at least double the fare, maybe more. i usually leave help, turn right, walk along the footpath that fronts restaurant terraco (which is quite safe) and go and stand outside of bobs (a brasilian mcdonalds like burger joint) or grab a cab as it is turning into the first street between bobs and restaurant terraco. before entering the cab ask "meter?" while i have the door open before getting in i make sure it is on before i enter the cab and if the meter is not put i will grab another cab, they are everywhere. this is important in that the girl will know you are not a greenhorn and an easy target. if the girl complains about why you are not taking a cab outside of help just say "outro taxi" (english - other taxi) ----and point to the cabs out front and say "bandidos" (bad men, bandits) and you are walking quickly towards bobs. she will know what you mean and that you are not a greenhorn.

**do remain relatively sober, rio is not the place to be wandering around blind drunk.

***don'ts***

**never pay a girl over r230. when she says r300+, looked shocked and wave your finger, its all part of the fun. maybe 5% of help girls will get more than r200, don't be a sucker.

**never ever, ever pay the girl upfront when back at your hotel/apartmento. if she protests, point to the door. every experienced monger will never pay upfront, a brasilian guy will sooner die than part with his money before sexo. the problem is once you have cum, any time factor you have negotiated may go out the window. if she has your reals she may well head off. if you haven't paid her and she takes off early only give her a proportion of what is agreed, a deal is a deal, surprisingly they except this ok! if you really must do her and she absolutely insists on the cash upfront, show her the cash but don't give it to her. this is the last resort, if she still won't come to the party something is wrong, tell her to go away.

**never ever pay the girl upfront. am i repeating myself here? yes because this is the most important point. don't do it under any circumstances.

**never take a taxi that is waiting directly outside help. they are fuckers. there are signs inside help that basically say they have nothing to do with the taxis out front because they know they are a problem. just ignore the taxi touts as you leave help and go and hail a moving. point to the meter before you are getting in the door and make sure it is put on before closing it, if it he doesn't put it on you are about to get fucked, hence don't get in. grab another, they are everywhere.

**if the girl tries to negotiate when you get back to your pad, ditch her. i will guarantee you she will be a dud, is going to cause you further problems and will be a pain in the ass. write it off to experience, go to sleep and grab another the next night.

**always watch and get your own drink when back at your apartment. i have personally spoken to guys that have been drugged and ripped off by accomplices , not common but not a good thing to go through.

**never ever negotiate in usd$, always make sure the price is quoted in brasilian reals and both parties are clear on this. the "r" in pronounced more like an "h" in portuguese hence reals is pronounced more like "heals".

**never give the girl an inch, she will take a mile. be very firm with the girl when negotiating, smile but let her know you are not an easy target. brasilian men are very hard on their women, much harder than they we could get away with in western countries, don't let her interpret western politeness as a sign of weakness.

**never ever think of doing the girl without a condom, these girls are not tested like terma girls and there are a constant rumours by local guys that i know, of a few girls working there while being hiv positive. two of them are well know porn stars that pop up from time to time. bareback action is more common than your average monger will admit to. having said this, aids is only slightly more common in brasil than it is in the us. it is not like africa where a large proportion of the population has exposure. a lot of these girls are uneducated and some will do you without a condom if there is a connection. if she is doing it with you, she has done it with someone else. don't let that 1 hour of pleasure fuck up the rest of your life. bbbj is standard for most and imho less of a health risk.

**never ever let your guard down………under any circumstances……you are not in kansas anymore……….rio has 12m people, of which ¼ live in favellas (slums), poverty causes crime…..try to minimise your chances of becoming a target.

use the negotiation period as a further screening measure, if she is really going hard for the $ or turns into a pain in the ass while negotiating it is not a good sign, this is very important, if you get any bad vibes or she gives you any unfriendly attitude your chance of a good experience will be reduced greatly and i would personally ditch her. the best girls i have had actually make the negotiation experience fun, with plenty of laughing etc (especially when asking what services she provide) if she wiggles her finger and calls you a safado with a big smile on her face when you ask if she does anal you know you will be in for a good sign. (tip: if interested in a particular service ask 1) if she does it & 2) if she likes it, if she says no to the second - may be time to ditch) the best girls tend to get the negotiation over quickly and painlessly and are less concerned with extracting every possible dollar. one further point, all the girls talk to each other, they will more than likely know who you fucked last night in help and they may how much you paid. if you pay one girl top dollar it is going to be harder to get the next girls down to a reasonable price.

i personally very rarely take a girl from help, i have been there 80+ times and just go to hang out with friends both male and female after i have had a terma session. having said that i have negotiated a number of times for friends that speak zero portuguese. generally speaking, guys that i do know well and are very experienced at help tactics, usually take out a fresh part timer from help and again generally have a good time. if she is a hardened help pro, she is much more likely to give a lazy fuck, munch on your mini bar, grab her cash and leave.

**is help going to close?**

there have been a number of rumours that help will close any day. these rumours have been going on for about 4 years. the story is the lease has finished, the consortium of spanish owners have exhausted all legal means of keeping the place open and are not paying bills any more. the rumoured date is may 2006. apparently they are looking at another location so that could be an option. the locals would probably resist this because the sex industry, well at least the visible places like help and the restaurants along avinida atlantica are always in the news and very unpopular. who knows what will happen. one thing is for sure, the last night would be one hell of a party.

**pricing: is a very steep pyramid at helpee. (sample 250 gdp)**

musings by me, posted isg

1)at the very top of the pyramid, girls will ask and get r400 - r500. these girls know their shit and can work a crowd, do not let them talk in dollars, you are in brasil, the brasialian currency is reals. maybe 3 girls here per night at the top of the heap.
2)near the very top: girls will try to get r400, will settle on 250-300. less than 10 girls per night.
3) young and cute. these girls will all start with a bid of r300. will take r180-r230 ish. at the end of the night they will take r150-r180. the top 10%, maybe less.
4) the rest: all shapes, sizes and age. the bulk of the herd. r150-r175ish. at the end of the night they will take less. the majority of these girls will go home alone, use this to your advantage.
of course a lot of girls will think they are 1 level above what they really are. on your first visit, take a little time to work out the different levels. only takes a few minutes.

nb: the average pricing is for april - november. in the busy periods (dec-mar) pricing will step up a bit, think an extra r50 for each group.

**miss 9.5**, a fantasy sometimes should always remain just that.

more musings by me, posted isg 28.10.05

the fantasy:
i have been watching a certain gdp in help most nights. she is stunningly beautiful, long brown hair, a models face, athletic dancers legs, tan lines that go way up and man can she dance - think the hottest girl in the hottest chic nightclub in any big western city. this girl has it all.

each night we watch her arrive, just before midnight, this girl knows how to play the game, she doesn't do a lap of the restaurant out front, she goes straight in. it would be beneath her to get picked up at the restaurant, she is after bigger fish. she is at the very top of the helpee food chain and knows her place.

once i am inside i like to just grab a beer and comment on her actions with "meus amigos" (my friends), we just all love to watch her do her thing. she nearly always dances on the top stage, in front of the tables - prime real estate. as i rarely take a girl from help, there is plenty of time to just chill and observe. we have nicknamed her miss "9.5", she is almost perfect. we sort of cringe when a poorly dressed gent tries to speak to her, we know he will be walking away shaking his head just a few minutes later. politely, but firmly shot down in flames. when she is taken out, it is usually by someone sitting at a table drinking expensive drinks, surprisingly she is only taken out 4 or so nights per week. although none of us have ever bothered to speak to her in detail, we know her price, she is asking and probably getting big dollars for a helpee girl.

the realty:
every night i have been to help this trip, maybe 15 nights in the last 45 days, i have seen her there, she is never absent. she never gets repeat business. if she were great in bed and generally fun to be with, she would get snapped up for several nights by some wealthy gent, maybe for a week or 2 or more. there are heaps of high net worth mongers that regularly go to rio. this leads me to believe that she will charge big $ and be a 1 pop and out of there girl. in this case the fantasy is better than the realty.

the irony is, she notices us checking her out. she knows we are there all the time and know the score. she even gives us the odd wink or smile as she is passing, we do likewise but neither parties stop and dwell, a sign of begrudging respect between 2 parties with diagonally opposed objectives.

**an interesting post by el austriaco.**

the austrian muses about other options in rio.

el austriaco says:- i thought i'd chime in quickly here regarding the reported skyrocketing in rates commanded by the copa gdps lately.

in 2004, when i spent lots of time in rio, a copacabana (help, mp, balcony) pro once explained me how they price their clients: the magic number is 100.

you speak english? that means dollars.
you speak portuguese? that means reais.

keep in mind that at the time, the exchange rate was a tad below 3 reais per dollar, still. by now, it seems, the rate might be up to 150.

so do the current rates being posted here surprise me, also considering that we're talking about high season and getting close to carnaval, with more and more horny foreigners in town? not at all.

you go to rio, you spend all your time in copacabana, you only frequent the most notorious pro joints, you compare the copa rates to what you would pay in your home country, you speak no portuguese, and you're unable to walk away from a beautiful woman? well, you're pretty much at the mercy of the copacabana pros who specialize exactly in you. they speak english (or a flurry of other languages) especially for guys like you, and they know your type inside out. they've done it a hundred (thousand) times before. they are in copacabana because they know that there, they can make many more times the money the would make hooking anywhere else. you are on their turf, and they got the lowdown on you.

you go to rio, you spend as little time as is necessary in the tourist places, you know termas and other p4p options in different parts of town, you are aware of what normal people make in brazil, you speak portuguese, you have no problem with exploring other areas, and you won't hesitate to walk away when you realize you are getting grossly overcharged simply for being a foreigner? rio has a flurry of other p4p options available for all budgets. i know quite a bit of girls working in other parts of rio that are not in copacabana because:

1. they don't wanna be seen by people that know them personally and work in the copa tourist industry, so they prefer cheaper brothels downtown with regular working hours (which allows them to claim to their family that they actually work a decent job in the big city),

2. don't speak any english or other foreign languages and are actually uneasy with foreigners because they have hardly ever met any,

3. fear the intense competition and turf wars between copa gdps that specialize in the tourist market (and have heard all the true stories and/or urban myths about girls getting killed or killing each other, e.g. the story about a gdp in balcony putting broken glass into another girls drink to kill her a couple of years ago, or the one of a gdp getting thrown of the balcony at the othon hotel),

4. they don't have any real insight into the inner workings of the copacabana scene to risk taking a chance there, and they just feel complacent wherever they are. even if that means fucking guys all day for r$ 30 a pop.

in other words, it all boils down to information, (language) skills, and guts. the more you have, the less you pay. the more the girl has, the more you pay. that's the difference between paying r$ 300 at help and paying r$ 30 in other parts of the city.

before someone says... well, yeah, but how about quality? what quality are we talking about? looks, performance, or both? i have seen incredibly pretty and incredibly ugly girls both in the tourist and non-tourist segment, and i have had truly outstanding and dfe performances both for r$ 200 and r$ 30 (never paid r$ 300, though, even when that was roughly usd 100). for me personally, the general theory of "you get what you pay for" absolutely doesn't hold up to scrutiny in rio, whether in terms of looks or performance. not that it ever does in a third-world country.

so once you know your way around and speak some portuguese, there is absolutely no reason to go for any of the ridiculous offers of most avenida atlantica chicks. my point is, the vast majority of copa pros specialize in one thing and one thing only: inexperienced mongers who fall over backwards to pay outrageous prices by brazilian standards simply because they don't know any better.

whenever i hang out in copacabana now (and i do like to hang out in mp and veranda help, if maybe only for nostalgic reasons) and girls approach me and give me the sales pitch, i always tell them (in portuguese) "you know, i don't really monger in copacabana any more, i prefer centro and villa mimosa". while the vm part is a lie (i never been there, but would like to check it out, and i do know places along the same lines), the point is that just eavesdropping these places will immediately signal to the girl that you know the options that are available to you and that she just can't insult you with a r$ 300 for st offer. you wouldn't believe how quickly rates drop much more in line with reasonable standards, in many cases. you will also see how quickly some girls move on to an more promising (read: dumber) prospect once they realize they can't rip you off. you will realize how hardcore most of them and what their preferred targets actually are. i don't mind, because those are the girls i am trying to avoid in the first place.

there are exceptions, of course. the best experience i ever had in copa was with a girl i picked up at meia pataca and offered her a ride to balconey. we finally hit the sheets for r$ 100 for two hours (and she even paid for the motel, which was r$ 35.00). incredible gfe.

what i am trying to say is simple: it doesn't matter how much certain girls are trying to charge in some joints. rio has tons of other p4p options, don't worry, you won't have to go home broke. if you're simply limiting yourself to the most obvious copacabana options, of course, you're screwed. take it as an opportunity to diversify, learn about the city and the country, and learn portuguese. you'll save a bundle and avoid the hardcore copa gdps.

look at it that way: how much you pay depends on how much the girl knows about you as a customer and how little you know about her as a provider. just like any other business anywhere in the world. going to help at this time of the year without exploring other options is like a car owner who knows nothing about fixing cars and refuses to shop around, taking his broken vehicle to a mechanic who is already swamped, has a reputation for exploiting customers' ignorance, and prone to overcharging. you may get good service... just don't count on it. el austriaco

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:49
the bubba report, updated january, 2006. part 4/12 - other options

***boites***

these are basically night clubs that open at around 10pm or 11pm, get going around midnight and go very late. you will pay an entrance fee and a bar fine to take a girl out of the place. the most well known is barbarelas in the lido district of copacabana, close to leme, it almost always has the most attractive girls. you also have franks, pussycat, and heaps of others, all located in lido, which is basically at the end of copacabana close to av princess isabella. if you wander around you will see all of them close to each other, don't let a tout come up to you, he will be after a commission off the club, this commission will more likely be added to your bill, just ignore him. entrance is usually r15-r60, which may include a drink or 2. drinks are much more expensive than the termas (upto or more than r50+ a shot!) and you need to be much more aware of your surroundings than at a terma in that they will pad your bill if you are not careful and generally try to "fuck the gringo on prices" if you are not careful. best to just drink water at these places and never buy a girl a drink unless you are very clear how much it will cost you, because it will cost you plenty. to take a girl out will usually cost you a bar fine of up to r60 and the girl will usually get r200 out of you for a session which could last a few hours or the whole night, if you can negotiate well you can obviously reduce this. she will almost always start her bidding at r300+. the one exception is barbarella's (or is it barbarela's, the 2 signs at the entrance are spelled differently!), where everything costs just a bit more, although they do have some great looking girls, albeit at a price, think up to r400 for the super hotties (starting bid will be r500+). franks is famous for its "live sex show", usually at 1am most nights (1am in brasil usually means 2am or later). performance is more varied with a boite girl than a terma girl.

one warning, and this applies to everywhere in rio. if you jump into a cab weighting outside of the club, including normal clubs, they will generally not turn on the meter. a normal r5 cab ride will turn into r20 if you do this without first negotiating the fare. the girl you take will almost always direct you to these waiting sharks, i always just walk up 20 meters and hail a cab and make sure they put the meter on *before i get in*. any complaints by the girl are quickly squashed and they fall into line, this is important in that they know you have been around a bit. the taxis are particularly bad outside of barbarella's, another galling tactic by this club is the doorman will stick his hand out forcefully on your way out and ask for a tip, sometimes the girl will even ask for a tip on his behalf, i will usually slip by him and be gone up the street before he realises. never ever pay for any girl upfront out of any club. if she insists on payment, you may wish to show her you have the money but never give it to her, if she still complains i will guarantee you she will cause you problems and point to the door right it off. no brasilian guy will ever pay for a girl upfront, nor will any experienced monger.

barbarella, rua ministro viveiros de castro, 24. copa/leme

entrance is now r60 which includes 2 drinks, beer isn't served here. watch for the touts that line both avenida prado junior and avenida princess isabel, they basically chase you to get you into barbs. just ditch them, you don't need any help off these guys. they are very persistent, we like to play games with them when in a group, ie 4 of us will all go in different directions when crossing a road, the tout usually just stands their not knowing which one to follow - yes i know i am a child!. if you stay in rio for more than a week or 2 you should perhaps visit barbs once, but perhaps only for the purpose of visiting another club. there are better options than paying r500 for a barbs girl.

don juan, rua duvivier, 37. copa/leme
doma, av. prado júnior, 63 copa/leme
franks, av. princesa isabel, 185b. copa/leme. entrance r15 (includes one drink). doesn't really get going until past midnight.
holiday, av. atlântica, 1424, copacabana
la cicciolina, av. princesa isabel, 185d, copacabana entrance r25 (includes 2 local drinks).
café senso, av. princesa isabel, 7, copacabana
pussycat, av. copacabana, 129, copacabana

there are also a few in other parts of rio. however you can get by with no portuguese at the above places, in the parts of the city you may need some porto skills.

the kman: was dragged along to a club above the balcony bar by his girlfriend and another brasilian couple (club holiday, i think it is but don't quote me), where they have a live sex show. they unfortunately turned up late, after the show had finished. after expressing a desire to see a show, the manager said he would organise one for r100. the party agreed and selected a girl from the club. the manager then grabbed a waiter and directed proceedings. the waiter was apparently thinking all his xmas's had come at once, unfortunately he had performance problems and was chastised, then summarily dismissed by the director of proceedings. while the manager was searching the club for a suitable replacement, the kman's girl suggested he "step up to the plate", under normal circumstances i think he would have, but he was worried he to would fail to get wood in front of the other girl in the party, whom he secretly wants to nail (in rio anything is possible). after 10 minutes, a substitute waiter did indeed step up to the plate and apparently performed quite well, much to the delight of all people present.

***beach restaurants***

there are a number of restaurants that front copacabana on avinida atlantica that offer the opportunity of more than just a drink. these paces are very popular of late with our american brothers, who tend to form the majority of patrons, it would be a good place for solo travellers to hook up with like minded travellers.

food is more expensive than your average restaurant but not overly expensive by western standards. beer is relatively cheap. there is no bar fine to take a girl from here, all the girls are independent and wander in and out of the places all day. a girl should cost r80 - r150 (absolute max for a must do) for a couple of hours - aim at r100. again start low, open your bid at r70. the girls are not terma quality, in fact you will have to look a bit to find something worth doing. a lot of guys go there just to hang and chat with fellow minded sleaze mongers. of late the girls have basically been scraping the bottom of the barrel, but of course just when you say "i am never going back to that place" a cutie pops up to keep you going.

all are on av atlantica (number #), copacabana.
havana café, (#3310), mabs (#1140) , meia pataca (#3312), terraco atlantico (#3432)

***balcony bar***

a normal bar with action. the girls of late have been ordinary, however not a bad place to have a beer.

located on av atlantica, next to placa lido (lido square), about half way between help and leme.

***beach***

you can always find a willing lady from the beach. just smile in her direction if she is alone or with another lady, she may well be a worker, of course she may not be as well. if she responds in a friendly manner you may well be on your way. alot of the gdp's (working girls) that work in copa also live there in tiny shared apartments and hence use the beach during the day. your average non working girl will probably not go to copacabana to lay on the beach, less they be associated with the sex scene. i was with a friend of mine when he grabbed a stunner off ipanema one day (not overly common), we kept saying to each other she is to hot to be a worker, once she smiled back at him we both knew she most certainly was.

***hooker beach***

there is a highly organised area of copa often known as "hooker beach". alot of the girls you see in help at night or at some of the avinida atlantica restaurants will hang here during the day. they will usually go for r80 - r120 for a couple of hours, negotiate - start low. it is directly opposite meia pataca or the othon hotel on copacabana beach, not far from help. look for the small beach kiosk and the associated flotsam and jetsam hanging around.

again be careful here with the touts, they are there to rip you off, not to assist. they will try to organise everything for you and are quite persistent. if i choose to relax her for a few minutes, i will negotiate a chair for r6 (they are normally r3 in all other parts of the beach) and get my own drinks or if i want to speak to a girl i will go over and introduce myself. if you let the touts bring you drinks, introduce you to girls etc and you don't negotiate the price of their service upfront they will hit you for as much as they can get out of you, avoid them for everything but the chair rental. if you must use them, pay as you go or they will hit you for a bill of r80 for maybe 3 drinks......... you can get drinks yourself at the kiosk in the part of the beach. from memory beers start at r2, cans of coke r2, coconuts cut with a straw r2.50, caipivodkas start at r6. be careful drinking beers on the beach, they go straight to your head and you will get drunk twice as quickly.

***massagems***

these little places (usually 4 rooms or less) charge around r50 for 30 minutes, some charge r1 per minute. i find it takes a bit of work to find something decent here and the termas are generally a much more fun atmosphere. these places are set up for the locals and hence are much cheaper and generally less hygienic. they are open from midday or so to 8pm or 10pm at night. it is not uncommon to see the same girls here go to help at night or a beach front restaurant. best to bring you own condoms and lube, cheap and nasty describes these places. if i do a girl here i choose to do her "standing up" rather than use the bed, which may or may not be clean. the rooms are more like cubicles and hence may not have a door on them, hence other punters may well see your naked ass bouncing off the walls as they go by.

in copacabana
praca serzedelo correia 15, room 1104, r$30 for 30 minutes.
hilário de gouveia 66, apt 1103 (level11). r$ 30 for 20 minutes.
av north copacabana 583, apt. 204. r$40 for 20 minutes. no need to take the elevator just walk up the stairs next to them. try 202 when there, it is copa terma r$70 30mins.
rua siqueira campos, 22, enter from hilário de gouveia, you will see the blue entrance with a 2 on each side of the door. r$80 for 40 minutes. a bit more expensive than the rest but still not as expensive as monte etc and of course not as clean either.

in centro
see the "terma section" for 3 places in centro.

there are hundreds of other small dodgy places in centro, they are listed in the local papers if you are so inclined.

***escorts***

will run from r100 -r150 for 2 hours + taxi fare (r20-r40ish). there are heaps of them in rio. alot of girls will do anal here, ask for "completa" (cooom-ple-tah), meaning she will do everything. ordering girls can be a bit of a problem if you can't speak portuguese and do not know how to order thoroughly. basically my experience has been, good/great performers at a cheap price but the looks have left a lot to be desired. the photos on the site are quite flattering, heavily photo shopped and taken just at the right angle. don't expect a stunner but none the less it is worth a "roll of the dice". like most things in life you get what you pay for. if you are a drinking man this could be a good option for you.

you could always do what the k man does, and that is order 2 girls. that way at least one should be doable, the other one is designated the "ball licker", the kman is not and a man to let a naked gdp go to waist.

http://www.scortshow.com.br/
http://www.karlamodels.com.br/
http://www.lindasmodels.com/ (the kman had good luck with this agency first up, second up the 2 girls were definitely not the same on the site, in fact they were so large he commented that maybe they ate the other 2 girls on the site)
http://www.barravips.com.br/

avoid:
www.viprj.com.br crappy operation with only a few girls despite having numerous photos on their site. notorious bait and switch

***classificados in o globo ***

the following is written by lorenzo, lorenzo says:

"you didn't mention the classificados which appear every day in o globo and jornal do brasil. to take advantage of these you will need to read and speak portuguese. the classificados are, in a way, the exact opposite of escort services in that you can talk to the girl but don't know what she looks like. however, to me talking is more important in that i get a chance to see if there is any chemistry, if she has an attitude, and to negotiate services. but i think you can be reasonably certain that she will be attractive; if not, you can send her on her way (although ethically you should pay her cab fare)." lorenzo

***miami peep***

this place is good for a bit of a laugh. you go in the shop entrance off avinida n s copacabana and up to the second floor. you exchange you reals for tokens. you use the tokens for various activities at varying costs. i believe in the private rooms you can also touch them, however i have never taken up this option. i believe if you befriend them you could always make other plans, anything is possible in rio! all very safe in the shop. on the same corner of the street that goes to terma monte carlo.

corner of rua hilario de gouveia (monte carlo) and avinida n s copacabana.

the following was posted by jaimito cartero (10 sept 2005), rather than edit it i thought it accurately described miami.

jaimito cartero posted on isg, jaimito cartero says:-

"miami show club. it's your basic sex shop, with porno booths downstairs. r1 works for 3 minutes. nothing too exciting there, but they did have one video that peta would have objected to. each token is r1, and the guy said you could refund them if you didn't use them.

upstairs you have about a dozen booths and one or two dancers on a rotating bed. r1 per minute. i saw three chicas, and two were pretty bad, and one was very nice. nothing too out of the ordinary here.

they have solo rooms, that you get a private show in. r5 for 2 minutes, again using the tokens. when i went, they had 10 girls there to choose from. i sat and watched the mop brigade go into action each time a guy came out. even used some air freshener too.

each of the chicas has a picture with a number. you go into the booth and put your tokens in, and then push the buttons selecting the chica. your time doesn't start until she comes into the room. there is a plexiglass window between you, with some holes for talking to her. there is also a 4 inch space at the very top, that you can just get your hand into.

the chica i got must have been working there for years, because the pic was ooooooold. she was nice enough, and proceeded to give my finger a bbbj, and then put her ass up to the top so i could finger whatever hole i wanted.

the sperm mopping guy told me that you could have a dupla in there if you put in r50.

interesting if you're bored, you can even go around the corner to the church and light a candle when you're done." jaimito cartero


***villa mimosa***

vm is worth visiting just for the experience, if you choose to do a girl there, then you are a braver man than me my friend. it is basically a collection of "bars" within a small area. security does patrol the area and hence it is relatively safe providing you do not do something really stupid. to quote bs, security is operated by private forces and hence is very efficient. it is not the place to be loud and brash.

girls charge anywhere from r20 and up, depending on what you want. rooms are r5 for the nasty ones, and r7 for the less nasty ones. i believe the r7 gets you clean sheets! i once went there with 2 american book ends, we had a bet who would be brave enough to fuck in those rooms. no one took the cash, i remember some one saying they would go into the rooms if a hazmat uniform could be provided. i believe if you wanted to do a girl you could take her out of the place to short term motel, this may be a preferable option. good their with low expectations. (hazmat= hazardous materials)

vm is located a couple of suburbs from centro. probably 12km from copa and about r25 in a cab.

a post from doc bill on vm ( 17.11.05 )

"villa mimosa: best for last? well, maybe not, but certainly the most interesting. since there were three of us going i felt not-too-nervous about it, and i felt it was something i had to do to earn my stripes in brazil. we went at about 11 on a friday night. it has been said that "if cleanliness is next to godliness then villa mimosa borders on hell," and i actually found that to be a gross understatement. if you're a germaphobe or have any inclinaton to take a crap before you leave then don't go! this was the most disgusting filthy place i have ever seen in my life - people pissing, shitting and puking everywhere, shit all over the streets. it's also wonderful and i would definitely return. the place is like a bar scene in a star wars movie, a true show to watch. about half the girls were wolf-ugly, and about 20 percent fairly good, with a couple of stunners. price was 20 reals for 20 minutes. all covered, quick and businesslike, but what do you want for eight bucks?! as for safety that was a non-issue. heavy police presence and brightly lit, and no one bothered anyone else that didn't want to be bothered. a true sex bazaar/bizarre!" doc bill

***regular clubs*** (with thanks to keldeson isg for posting this list of addresses)

baronetti, rua barao da torre 354,ipanema

nuth, av. armando lombardi 999, barra (arguably the number 1 club in rio)

mariuzinn, av n.s. copacabana 435,copacabana

00 zero zero, av. padre leonel franca 204, gavea, 24540-8041
www.00site.com.br

bombar, rav gal san martin, 1011, leblon, 2509-3599

guopo loco, right next to bombar,
www.guapoloco.com.br

bunker, rua raul pompeia 94, copacabana, 2521-0637
www.bunker94.com.br

club six, rua da marracas 38, centro (lapa), 2510-3230

melt, rua rita ludolf, leblon, 2540-0705

most clubs in rio are like your standard fare back home. they can be difficult to get into without a long wait. of course, like back home, if you take a smoking hottie with you, your chances are much better. taxis outside of night clubs like melt etc can be problematic in that they don't always turn the meter on.

***2 large local clubs in zona norte***

these 2 clubs are not for the first time visitor, they are in very dangerous areas. for someone that knows his way around rio after a few visits they are definitely worth checking out.


**via show**

the following post was not by me, i cannot find the name of the poster, if you know please let me know so i can credit it.

www.viashow.com.br
for those not familiar with via show, it is a popular dance/concert hall located in via dutra, km 167 on linha vermelha (red line expressway). approx. 35 to 55 minutes north of rio in baixada fluminense. everything from live bands to funk djs play at this venue.

expect a crowd of a few thousand on the weekends or when a popular event is being held. lotsa honeys to be found...civilians, not on the program. many cariocas frequent this place.

if you are in zona sul, and not familiar with the public transportation system, i would rec. a taxi. should not cost you more that 55 reals (one way) on bandeira 2 (level 2) on the meter. it is always best to ask the taxista first for an estimate.

by bus, i would suggest going to a rodoviara (bus station), either novo rio or praça 15. catch an express bus (designated by an "r" after the line number) for nova iguacu. sit up front near the bus driver. tell him you want to stop at via show..."para pra mi, via show por favor." wouldn't hurt if you tipped him a real or two. also, the location will be hard to miss. right off the expressway, big signs, and crowds of people hanging out front.

things usually get going at around 10pm or so. the festa continues into the break of dawn. if you come much earlier, you can monger over at the mall across the street.

when you are ready to do the do, there are many motels in the area to choose from. i strongly rec. champion. it is the top dog of motels. like vips in vidigal but, without the ocean view and high prices.

if your mission was not completed, and need to get back to zona sul, i strongly rec. a taxi. again, ask the taxista for pricing. taking a bus back is a no no late at night.

**pyramide**

sperto writes about pyramid:

sperto - "pyramide is a large discotheque. it's located in duque de caxias. taxi from copacabana is about 40-45 reais. it lies next to the delegacia (police station). saturdays are the best. pyramide is my favourite place, for non-pro's, in rio followed by via show.

close to pyramide is a square which have forró-band playing on saturdays. lots of stands selling food and beer. mostly older crowd. after a couple of beers on the praça just head 150 meters up and you will see pyramide.

entrance 8 reais. it's a big dancehall with a top/vip section which you can access for a small fee. there is live music. mixture of axé, forró etc...

just grab a waiter anywhere and he will bring you a bucket filled of ice and a dozen of beers. people are standing with beer-buckets and dancing everywhere.

you will get lots of attention as a gringo. maybe even more than you'll like. don't overdress or flash your money around. try to keep a low profile and smile to everyone.

girls, girls and more girls! i've never seen so many cuties in rio. they maybe won't jump on top of you, as these are regular girls not very accustomed to gringos. just talk with them and share your beers with them. i found it very easy to get dates at pyramide which turned out to be good sex. i haven't seen any pro's there.

safety: pyramide itself has very good security. i saw small fights inside the discotheque, but nothing serious. anyway you don't want to get mixed up in a fight with locals in d d c. be sure you don't hit on a girl who has a boyfriend.

the second time i went to pyramide, there was a fight on the outside. police came. separated the fighters and shot one of them in the head, without any reason. very ugly! the crowd got very upset.

i can recommend pyramide if you want to meet regular girls. you better speak proper portuguese. i don't recommend pyramide for newbies or mongers who are not used to leaving copacabana. i also guess there can be a risk for muggings if you wander around in the wrong streets of d d c." sperto.

!!warning!!
when i added this report for comment, sperto sent me the following message: read it carefully and be aware of the dangers before going.

sperto says: i wrote the part about pyramide in duque da caxias. actually i deleted the report shortly afterwards. the reason i deleted the report were mainly because i think it would be a bad idea recommending the place to my fellow mongers. i didn't think that much when i first wrote it.

if you're not used to places that can be rough, and where it's not advisable to show you're a gringo, then you really should avoid pyramide.

the average monger would probably have a big chance of getting himself in serious trouble inside or outside pyramide.

i think he will be much better of going to via show, which is definitely safer. - sperto.

***gdp.net***

the first i heard of the gdp network was from reading bwana diks guide (btw, try and get a hold of it, it is a great guide). basically gdp workers keep in contact with each other across the city and are only to eager to tell one another where a certain gringo has been, particularly if that certain gringo is where he said he wouldn't go.

i am thinking as soon as a girl sees you somewhere, the text messages start flying. ever wonder why girls go to the bathroom so often? to do their part in the gdp network.

i get tracked because i come back to rio every few months. in the intervening time girls move from one terma to another and hence know who you used to hook up with at a previous terma. this is problematic in that it is difficult for me to keep a certain cutie happy at one terma when she is being informed i am nailing several other girls at other termas. i never lie to a terma girl, but when she asks if i have been nailing someone i just change the subject, "how about those bears, eh?"

never ever underestimate the power of the gdp network. i met up with a friend today, an ex terma girl and the first thing she said was, "you were at solarium tuesday night, and 4x4 on monday". she never worked at either, how the fuck they know is beyond me. however, always assume they will find out and will be able to track your every move!

***so a gdp has kept in contact and wants you to send her money***

i have no problem giving money to a needy cause, a gdp is far from a needy cause. quite frankly, just don't do it, unless you have money to burn.

***my rio game plan***

i posted this on a site a while back. it basically sums up my "game plan" in rio.

post by me july 01:

everyone has a different game plan when in rio.

i personally like the termas and will generally have 6 or so favourites girls rep001tered across the city. each trip a few drop off the list and of course a few get added. i generally see a favourite girl every second night at a terma, the one to see depends on the mood and of course where other amigos are headed for the evening. on the other nights i look for something new. of course if this is done within an establishment that i have a regular at it can take planning.....it helps if she is busy when i arrive…... all good fun.

i personally will only see a favourite outside a terma if i really like her, maybe only 1 or 2 per trip will be invited to come to my hotel/apartment. if she does come over it will be a girlfriend kind of a deal, i will not give her any cash straight out, maybe some cab money or a couple of bucks to get her "hair done", i make this clear at the beginning. of course this means a certain amount of emotional attachment can be assumed by the girl, i also make it clear that this is a short time deal, not a long term relationship. i tend to find if i invite more than a couple over per trip they are harder to control and potentially cramp my style, some can turn into pests real quick. my average trip lasts a month or 3 and hence it is more difficult to get rid of girls than just jumping on a plane after just 6 days in rio.

i will only invite a girl over to my pad if she is genuine and not likely to cause any problems. i have no interest in a gangster chic coming to my pad, that is what motels are for. any girl that comes to my place is heavily screened for emotional stability and honesty. i have a very good "bullshit detector" and hence i have never had any problems with such girls taking shit or trying to scam me. any girl invited to my place i would consider to be a pretty decent human being, hence i also do not want to hurt her emotionally or give her false hopes of a gringo passport. i try to make this clear, sometimes it is not heard though. i like to treat all girls i spend time with like the way i expect to be treated i.e with respect.

on my first trips i grabbed phone numbers off pretty much every girl i liked. now i only get the numbers off the ones that i want to keep in contact with on another visit, hence i might only accept 1 or 2 new numbers per trip. i generally don't call them unless i need to find out where they are or need a date for a dinner party with fellow deviates. i find if you start calling them they get the wrong impression and they start to call way to much and try to pull the "you can't see other women stuff". i don't think i have ever asked for a phone number, usually a girl i have seen a few times insists i take theirs, they are not exactly shy in rio.

i actually prefer email addresses. it is easier to keep in touch and easier to control, because if they start hounding me i can slow down my replies to them. i also find this great when i am travelling through europe (where i live for half the year). it is great to have "uma amiga" (a friend) to meet in italy or spain for a few days of fun. with the ever increasing number of gdp's working in europe i tend to find it is an easy and a very enjoyable hook up.

i have many friends that do 2 or 3 girls a night, usually a new girl each time, hell one of my friends averages 5 a night although he only stays for 5 nights at a time, i tend to find 1 girl a night is a good number for me. i really like to find a girl i connect with and who i see a few times, the sex just gets better and better. often she will let me do things that no one time punter will ever get the chance to do with her. hence, i prefer quality over quantity. my point is every one is different and we all get different things out of our visits, its all good.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:51
The Bubba report, updated March, 2005. Part 5 -Rio De Janiero vs Sao Paulo

They are completely different cities, I love them both. Someone from Sampa will say "Cariocas always want to have fun, they are lazy, they want to party rather than work hard to provide for their families- no one that has achieved true greatest has come out of Rio". A caroica will reply "Paulistas are to serious, they work all the time, they don't know how to have fun - No one Coooool has ever come out of Sampa". The truth is obviously somewhere in the middle but it illustrates the "theme" of each city. Rio is for play, Sampa is for work.

***Sampa: ***

The population is around 17m souls. If you draw a line 100km around Sampa the figure is more like 40m. This is a huge city, usually ranking as one of the 5 largest in the world. A person from Sao Paulo, the state is known as a Paulista, a person the city is known as a Paulistano. Sao Paulo is often shorted to Sampa.

When I first went to Sampa I expected the clubs to be similar to Rio, in that some would be like Termas and others would be like night clubs. While Sampa night clubs are similar to the Rio night clubs, I never really found a true Terma like they have in Rio, they may exist but if they do they are not the norm. Although the big clubs in Sampa are much better appointed than their Rio counterparts. Clubs like Cafe Millineum and Bomboa have fantastic facilities and are huge, they would leave any club in Rio for dead in this regard.

All girls fees are negotiable in Sampa and hence tend to be more expensive than the fixed price rates of Rio Terma girls. This is especially true for the big clubs where the price can be double the cost of the most expensive club girls in Rio, particularly when you add in the high entrance fees.

The clubs in Sampa are geared towards locals, as Touristas are very much a minority. I tend to find the clubs a little more conservative than there Rio counterparts in that the music is not quite as loud and the girls are wearing more clothes.

Sampa is towards the southern end of Brazil, which was settled predominantly by white European and hence the girls tend to be predominantly white. Adding to this, there are no beaches within easy access, meaning less tan lines. Hence the girls look different, less color of the rainbow in Sampa than in Rio.

The performance in bed is a matter of opinion, your will find great performers in both cities. CIM and Anal is common in both cities, although a Paulista is more likely to charge extra for such services, where as a Carioca is likely to do it because she likes it.

***Rio:***

The population is around 12m. Probably 20m within 100km. By any measure this is a large city and hence lots of variety is available. The locals are known as Cariocas.

The Rio night clubs are similar to what you will find in Sampa in the way they operate. However the Termas are different. In a terma the weapon of choice for a GDP is a G String. They definitely wear less in Rio.

Moving. No girl on this planet can move like a garotta from Rio. Fuck those girls can move. Most have been dancing since the age of 3. The way they samba in front of you, wearing nothing but a G and a big smile is worth the price of the airfare alone. If you have a list of 50 things you must do before you die, watching a terma girl dance in a terma in Rio will have to be on it. Sampa girls can move as well, although it is hard to compete against the gold medalists when you are "merely" finalists.

The further north you go in Brazil the darker the skin color. This was due to the free'd slaves settling in the north many years ago. Rio is situated more or less in the middle of the country and hence is a melting pot of color. Being a beach suburb, the culture very much dictates that anyone who is anyone goes to the beach on Sunday, the result is even white skin color is often tanned, resulting in those wonderful tan lines. My personal preference when in Brazil is the classic morena, the beautiful mixed skin color you see on the postcards of Rio. That look is less common in sampa. You will of course find every look in Rio you could wish for.

***Summary***. To party for a few days I would definitely go to Rio. However I could not live in Rio, primarily because of the ever present threat of crime. If I was choosing a place to live permanently I would choose Sampa, hell Rio is only a R220 and 40 flight away. Visit them both!

*When I grow up I want to be like Mike - well maybe not*

A friend of mine said he was at Cafe Photo Tuesday night and Mike Tyson came in. Apparently he was quite friendly and had a bit of a chat. Said he liked white girls and hence preferred Sampa over Rio.

Wednesday night I am at Bahamas and guess who walks in - Mike Tyson. He chatted for a while with Oscar (the owner of Bahamas) in the little VIP area next to the main stage and then disappeared. I assumed he was upstairs. I assumed wrong!

When we get back to our hotel in Centro, opposite Love Story, there are a lot of police cars outside. I go home, the Kman goes in. Mike is already in there surrounded by 20 beret wearing police. Turns out he had a minor altercation with a cameraman outside, not a big deal. If only the Brasilian Police would put so much effort into protecting your average tourist there would be an explosion of visitors. Was big news on the local television for a few days.

*Warning: Club Romanza*, just don't go there, every report I have ever heard about this place is of ripping people off. You will also find when asking to a taxi driver to take you to a club they will almost always suggest Romanza, obviously for a commission. Generally speaking (90% of the time) when a taxi driver suggests a place in South America it is the nastiest rip joint in the city. As a rule I am always interested to see what a Taxi driver suggest and then put it on my list NOT TO VISIT.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:54
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006. Part 6a of 12 - General Stuff

***Metro***

The metro system in Rio is very easy to use, this is due to basically only 1 line operating (more or less), hence you won't get easily lost like you could in a web like system that prevails Sampa (although I find that metro easy to use there as well). Basically the metro starts at Rua Siqueira Campos station (Copacabana) and you will head towards centro, the sign will say Zona Norte (north zone). On your return trip head for Zona Sul (south zone). To get to the downtown termas, Urugaiana station is your stop and will take about 17minutes from Rua S Campos. 4x4 and Terma 65 are only 2 blocks to the right of the station as you exit. To hit Terma Aeroporto get off at Cinelandia, for Terma Rio Antigo get off at Gloria, you will need a map to find both of these places but they are only a 10 minute walk from the station.

To use the system you buy you ticket at the booths inside the station. They issue a unitario (R2.25) which is good for 1 trip or a Duplo (R4.50) which can be used twice or if you are really keen a Muliplo (10 trips=R22.50). Once you have purchased your ticket, you insert it into the turnstile which will allow entry. The machine keeps your ticket if it is a unitario and spits it back out the top if it is a duplo. You do not need anything to exit the station. The system is very safe and very clean, although I would not necessarily like to take it past centro up into Zona Norte. I always catch the metro to go to centro, much quicker and safe than a taxi. I also find it ok to ride back even late at night. The whole system is monitored by cameras which encourages the would be thieves to pick other less monitored targets.

For those staying in Ipanema, you can catch the metro buses which drop you to the station at S Campos for free. You buy your ticket on the bus and it is also good for the train portion. When buying a ticket in centro to return, you have to ask for the Ipanema ticket, this will be returned to you by the machine as you enter the station. You then get off at S Campos and give it to the bus ticket collector for you journey back to Ipanema. There are a few limited stops to catch the metro bus to the station. There is a stop near Centaurus, outside the zona sul supermarket, look for the "M" symbol. People line up on the footpath for the bus, join the que.

They are in the process of extending the metro line and eventually it will go to Ipanema and perhaps beyond. There is currently a metro station being built at Rua Miguel Lemos & Rua Pompeu Loureiro, Copacabana. As to when it will open, only the gods know.

To visit 4x4 and the downtown termas see more detail under the Centro terma section.

***Buses***

The bus system has a reputation for being dangerous. While they do drive like fucking lunatics, I find them quite good for getting between Ipanema and Copacabana, not so much to save the cash, but more for the experience. Probably not good to catch them to a far away destination as the danger factor may bite your ass. The cost is fixed and is posted on the front windscreen. The price is usually around R1.80 to R2, you pay the attendant behind the driver sitting in front of a turnstile - you will see them clearly enough. Small bills are best to pay for the fare, a R50 will probably do you no favours.

*White Vans*

If you must go to the further out places IE the more dangerous places, the smaller white vans are the way to go. They are safer in that they have a smaller number of passengers. They are not for the first time visitor though, as you will need to know where they are going and have your general wits about you. You ask how much it is and pay the driver at the end. Short trips are R2, longer trips can be R5 IE deep into Zona Norte.

***Taxis from the Airport***

Taxis should be about R40, maybe a little more in heavy traffic from the main international airport (GIG). The trick is, and most locals do this, ignore the rabid touts and go to the second floor where people are being dropped off (the arrivals) and grab a Yellow taxi there. I always have a quick look to see what the meter has run before I get in and have a quick look around. When I get in the cab another check to make sure the meter is on and cleared and we are on our way. Never had a problem with this. The driver loves it as well because he has got a nice trip back to zona sul (the most likely place he picked up the original passenger). If there is no meter it is most likely a radio cab which are usually white or a dodgy driver trying to grab a few extra bucks, best to grab the Yellow Taxis. Late it night, after midnight obviously less people are getting dropped off, I just hail a cab that is moving and make sure he is using the meter before getting in. I generally do not like to get into a taxi that is just sitting on the road hanging out, they are usually looking for a fare off the meter and to rip a tourist.

The taxis touts on the first floor will take you to the prepaid booth and charge R65+, do not let them take you directly to a taxi or you will be fucked. I guess is ok for first time visitors to go to the prepaid booth but anyone that has been to Rio more than once should consider going to level 2.

From the domestic airport (SDU), I usually also grab an incoming cab, total tab will run a bout R22 or so. The touts will want R40+. The money saved from this is not the point, I do it because I do not like to be overcharged for services just because I am a tourist.

Taxi drivers will most likely not speak any English, hence it is a good idea to write down the address or show them your reservation slip before entering. Even if you know where you are going they probably won't understand you because the pronunciation of words in Portuguese is significantly different than English.

Generally the taxis around town are quite good, with a trip between Ipanema and Copacabana being R8, nice and cheap, the meter is always used, if it isn't probably best to get out. The taxis outside of the clubs late at night can be problematic. Away from the clubs the service is quite good, cheap and safe, the meter is always used. I spend a lot of time in South America, the first thing I do when getting in a cab is to check if the meter is on, you should get into this habit as well.

Flag fall is R3.50, rate 1 ends at 8pm ish, and rate 2 is slightly more expensive starting at R3.70. All taxis in Rio run "rate 2" 24/7 in December.

***Airports, Rio to Sao Paulo***

LOCAL AIRPORTS: If staying in Sampa you would want to go to Congas (CGU) which is the domestic aeroporto and will run about R30 in a taxi from the center of town. The international (GRU) will run about R80 in a cab because it is quite a distant from town. Likewise best to hit Santos dumont (SDU) the domestic aeroporto when entering Rio. It will run about R20 in a taxi to get you to Copacabana/ipanema. The international (GIG) will be about R40 now. When leaving any airport just ignore the touts and hail a cab from the front. They will usually be dropping passengers and will save you maybe 1/3 off the fare. Be prepared for the plane to hit the breaks pretty rapidly when you touch down, not a very long runway........

***Where to Stay***

99% of all visitors to Rio will stay in Zona Sul. This is the South Zone and includes the so called wealthier suburbs of Rio. So called because even the best suburbs in Rio will be cheap as chips compared to large western cities, think about USD$150,000 for a standard 2 bedroom unit. Yes there are million dollar apartments with ocean views but these make up a tiny fraction of the overall property stock. The overwhelming number of visitors will stay in Copacabana/Leme (the border is the middle of the beach) or Ipanema/leblom (again, the border is the middle of the beach). Copacabana is definitely the centre of the sleaze scene, being dominated by Help, smack bang in the middle of it. It is also close to the metro and the big termas (L'uomo, Monte Carlo and Centaurus). Many first time visitors stay here. Ipanema is only a mile or so away, still very close and very walkable during the day to Copa. Ipanema is the so called Ritzy part of town. Many return visitors stay here preferring the more upmarket surrounds. Both locations are perfectly fine for mongering activities. Ipanema, definitely has the better beach with more upmarket eye candy and less problems although petty crime can be high on both beaches.

Bairros & Postos.
Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema & Leblom are divided into 12 posto zones. They start at Leme, Posto1, and run sequentially along the beach. Help is on Posto 5. The start of Ipanema is Posto 7, Posto 8 contains the gay section of Ipanema Beach. The Caesar Park Hotel, is in a very hip area, which is Posto 9. Posto 12 is in Leblom.

Ok, now that you have decided to stay in Copacabana or Ipanema the next choice you have to make is an Apartment or a Hotel.

*Apartments*

The 2 main advantages apartments have over hotels is 1) They tend to be cheaper, maybe 30% or up to 50% less for longer term stays & 2) There are generally no restrictions on the number of girls you can take back, and of course there are no extra guest fees. You will of course have to keep the noise level down and you and your guests will have to act in a more or less respectable manner when in the general living areas. A naked Help girl in the hallway is not "respectable" and will get your ass kicked out with no refund. After all, these apartments are occupied by 90% local residents that live there every day. Some even come with broadband Internet access these days.

What are the disadvantages then? Well generally apartments in a less developed country like Brazil are....well....less developed. The electrical and water systems are generally straight from the dark ages and can have problems in providing reliable service. The bathrooms and kitchens can be old and tired, even renovated apartments tend to have very shoddy work. The walls are not very thick in some apartments and there is plenty of noise transference from apartment to apartment, adding to the problem, Brasilians are generally very noisy neighbours, they will think nothing of having the music cranked 24/7. The same levels of cleanliness are also not adhered to. In general the place may look ok in pictures when booking it over the net, but when you arrive it may well be older, dirtier and noisier than expected. It can be a downer to turn up to a shitty looking apartment when on your first trip to Rio. If it is your first time in Rio and it is not peak times (Dec to March) you may wish to book a hotel on your first night and go and see a few apartments the next day, contact a few agencies before you arrive, that way you know what you will be in for. If you do book an apartment over the net, only give 1 days rent as a deposit, avoid agencies that ask for more, then if you do turn up to a cockroach fest you can walk away from the deal and find something better. The one exception here is during carnival and new years eve, when all agencies will ask for more or less the duration of rental in advance. Thoroughly inspect the apartment before handing over the remaining cash. There are no refunds!

Agencies: There are a shit load of agencies you can rent apartments from in Rio. Most are one or two men cottage operations, a lot are expats who have become very familar with Latin American ways. I now live half of the year in Latin America and half the year in Western Europe and the most frustrating thing for me is most things move slowly and inefficiently in Latin America compared to the west. Hence, the service levels of these agencies can be frustrating. I have heard good things and bad things from most of them, with maybe the exception of Kenn (http://www.ez-riorentals.com/ ), whom I have only heard good things. I also used Sladtko (and his assistant Rosa Maria) on my last trip and he was very good, bordering one excellent, I was impressed with his honesty and integrity ( http://www.rioholidays.com/ ). There is also Bobby ( http://www.blameitonrio4travel.com/ ), I use his service to buy tickets a lot, I generally don't use his apartments because they are to close to help for my liking, so guys love him, so don't, he is another option. The one agency that continues to come up in regards to complaints is http://www.gringomanagement.com/. Have also heard a lot of issues about "Marina", I won't go into details because I cannot verify the details that are quite serious, but I will say I would never deal with her. A positive point about agencies is that they can help you out with language difficulties if required and can generally assist you if needed, although always remember they make their living from charging you for their service, festas they can organise will contain a decent profit margin for them, better to organise one yourself at half the cost. Maid service can also be provided for between R30-R50 (expensive in my opinion considering the maid actually gets paid R20 -R30 per day) a pop as required, but no, you cannot fuck her! Most apartments will come with a safe, but not all, enquire when booking, you really do need one. Make sure you do a search on all the agencies before you use them, search google, the message boards and see what comes up.

Recommended agency:

http://www.ez-riorentals.com/ Kenn,
http://www.rioholidays.com/ Slatko,
http://www.blameitonrio4travel.com/ Bobby,

Although I have listed a lot of negatives here, I have done so to highlight what to look out for. Many experienced mongers swear by apartment rentals, if you are careful and pick yours wisely the only thing you will have to be concerned with is how many garottas you can nail each day.

NB. If you rent a very upmarket and expensive apartment, chances are you may not be able to take back guests. You may well get away with a very well dressed lady but you certainly won't be able to take help girls up there by the by the truckload. Enquire when booking about guest policy, they will know the situation and don't be embarrassed as a good proportion of their clients will be fellow deviates.


*Hotels*

The advantages. Firstly there are more of them and providing you are not on a package tour you have the flexibility of leaving the next day and finding something more appropriate to your needs if required. Room service everyday is also a major advantage, all that sexo sure does go through a lot of towels and sheets. The majority will come with Internet access and have a good safe to lock you shit up in. The staff will also make sure your guest shows ID before entering and they will record it, this is a good security measure for you.

Disadvantages. Apart from the normal problems with booking a hotel sight unseen, the biggest problem is the "guest policy". Some hotels will not allow guests at all, while some will charge a "guest fee", and some will allow guests sometime and not at other times. The fee maybe R30 - R60 in a moderately priced hotel. Most hotels that do allow guests will only allow one at a time and may charge for each one. All hotels in Rio have a 5% tax added to the bill for lodging, generally not quoted in the rate.

Some hotels I can recommend at the moment that I have stayed at, but please be aware policies can change over night and hence it is best to do research before leaving.

Princess Copacabana, has a sister hotel in Ipanema which I believe is also good. Runs about R200- R300 per night in peak times, very friendly guest policy and when I was there they did not charge a guest fee. Avoid the road side rooms, they are noisy as hell. I believe they have Internet connection now within the rooms for R15 extra, might want to check that. http://www.promenade.com.br/

Partheon Hotels, my last few trips I have started to stay in Ipanema, primarily at the Parthenon Queen Elizabeth . Around R220 per night and again did not charge me a guest fee, but then again I will only have a girl come to my room once or twice per week. If you are trucking them in it may be different. I find the Accor group to be great for hotels all over Brasil and I stay in one of their hotels when in Sampa. They all seem to be guest friendly. All generally have Internet connection within the rooms free of charge.
http://www.accorhotels.com.br/home/home_pt.asp

Sofitel, Although a member of the accor group, probably don't won't to stay there, apparently they do allow guests but insist on a non negotiable R250 guest fee (in other words: they don't want guests) Source: Jaimito Cartero

Marriot, stayed here on my second trip, around USD200 per night, no guests as I was only there a few nights but I believe they do allow them. At the better hotels you will have to make sure your girl is dressed well, a tattoo'd gangster chick you grabbed from the beach probably ain't going to make it in. Great location, a couple of blocks from Help and right on the beach, well as close as you can get anyway.

Copacabana Palace. The most famous hotel in Latin America (maybe), costs about USD250 if booked over the net, a bargain compared with what you would have to pay for a similar hotel in Europe, think USD$750+. Great location maybe 6 blocks up from the Marriot on the beach away from Help. I stayed here on my first trip, at the time they allowed guests, well they did for me anyway, but then the girl I was with was stunning and super classy. In fact she just got married to a rich expat and now lives a life of luxury, good on her I say! Judging by the young girls lying by the pool in the morning I think they let more than just my girl in. On my last trip, a friend stayed there and they definitely did not allow guests.

Both the RioRoiss and the Arpoador Inn are girl friendly apparently.

What to do if your guest is denied entry -

*Motels*

These wonderful Latin American institutions allow you to rent a room for the hour and of course do not mind multiple guests, hence they are ideal for 2 girls or festas (parties), or of course if you have problems getting one girl into your hotel. They run from average to quite luxurious, with the most famous being Vips, ( http://www.vipsmotel.com.br/ ) where the millennium suite has been used to shoot many famous pornos from Private. There are numerous motels in Copacabana and all over the city. They are used a lot by locals who often live in small apartments with multiple members of their family IE no privacy. The Kman once called his "amiga" who happened to be in a motel at the time, "what are you doing there?" he says "I am with my girlfriend" is her reply, Brasilians really love their sex, in Rio anything is possible! They are also surprisingly cheap with good accommodations being had for as little as R40 for a few hours. Even quite luxurious motels will only run R100 for 8 hours. Super luxury like VIP can cost a little bit more, but they do have swimming pools in some suites, the Millennium suite has 2 private pools!! I think it is about R400 for 8 hours. Hotel Sinless not far from VIP is also very good ( http://www.sinless.com.br/ ).

The following post I saved but do not know the posters name. Basically it is planning for a VIP festa. It sounds like a well travelled game plan.

VIPS: Millenium is R$500 for 8 hours; You will also pay an extra R$40 per person over 2 for the Millenium Suite (makes sense to get extra individual rooms at R$75 in case anyone wants privacy or a place to keep their stuff); with the Millenium Suite, you get any two items off the menu. Escorts from Karlas will cost you R$200 for 2 hours; R$300 for 3 hours plus taxi to and from Vips;

Add in drinks, food (and take it with you, don't buy from Vips).

You probably want a minimum of 6 guys to do the Millenium and a good plan is one group of girls for 3 hours-break for 2 hours (eat, recover etc) then another round for 3 hours. Any fewer guys (unless cost is no object) and you might want to consider a smaller suite. Real, Brisa and New Brisa are all good ones.

***Mobile Phones***

You really need a mobile phone when staying in Rio. It is handy to keep in touch with girls, but I find, more importantly, to keep in touch with fellow mongers. If you use the local carriers expect a few more issues than you would in the western world, text messages can go astray, are not always compatible with every network and not all carriers will allow you to send or receive international text message, but for the most part they are OK.

You have 3 options:

Option 1) Bring you own phone on global roaming, but be prepared to be hit with an expensive bill when you get home. You may also find other mongers cannot text you because local carriers are not always compatible with international carriers. Local mongers probably won't want to call you because it will eat up credits very quickly. Not the preferred option but in bind it will work. Make sure you set up global roaming before you go. Don't bet on all carriers to have reciprocal coverage in Rio.

Option 2) Bring you own phone, make sure it is "unlocked" so that it can accept a new sim card before leaving, and add a prepaid sim card from one of the local carriers. You can also buy a local phone for about R200 and add a local ship, but note the local phone will also be "locked" so you won't be able to change carriers should the need arise. Local sim cards require a Passport for ID enabling the purchase. The sim cards cost about R25. You then add credit as you go, which can be purchased from numerous places including the newsstands that dot Copacabana and Ipanema.

To ask for a telephone recharge card In Portuguese.(write it down if necessary).

"Tem cartão para cellular de tim" (have card for cellular of tim or claro)

The cards have varying differing amounts, when they realise you don't speak porto they will show you the various cards, the amount of the card is written in large numbers IE for Tim, R15, R25, R50.

You will need to purchase the card from the actual Telco store to get started.

*Tim* (local carrier)
Tim has a few stores in Copacabana, 1 location is:
Av N S Copacabana 1103B, close to Rua Djaima Ulrich.

They also have a store in Rio Sul where you have a greater chance of finding someone who speaks English(the large shopping centre in Botafago)

To recharge minutes on Tim: (may require some Porto, or get your Hotel staff or friendly GDP to do it for you).
1) Dial *222
2) Listen to port then press 1 (option um)
3) Enter 16 digit code found by scratching off the cover on the recharge card.
4) Press 4 to confirm after the numbers are read back to you. The last word you should here is "com successo"

Sometimes the card does not work straight up. Do not through the card out, keep it and try in a few days, it will work! I do not know why this occurs, it is very Brasilian.

*Claro* (local carrier)
Claro is also another local carrier with coverage over Rio. I find Tim a little better in that their Text messages are compatible with more carriers. However it is an option. There are quite a few stores in Copa and Ipanema ( 1 on Av N S Copacabana ). They also have a large store in Rio Sul shopping center.

Option 3) Rent a mobile phone of one of the apartment rental guys. This is the least hassle way of doing things because it already comes with a prepaid sim card. You can also organise enough credit to get you through the week. The price varies from USD$5-USD$7 per day and most require a deposit of USD$100. A good option for a short term stay only, for longer term stays go for another option.

GDP Calls: Despite earning significantly higher wages than their local compatriots, GDP's never have any money, hence they never seem to have their prepaid mobile filled with any credits. If a GDP calls you she may let it ring 2 or 3 times and then hang up. This is a signal to call her back and of course use your credits as opposed to hers. Another trick they use is by dialling 9090 (doesn't work on all phones) before the number, this is essentially a collect call. You will know this is happening by hearing a Portuguese message being played before your caller comes online. The message is basically saying "do you accept the charges for this call". You can of course hang up at this point or better still use this trick on your unaware gringo friends as revenge for charging red bulls and whisky to your Terma key (Kman you fucker!).

***Internet Cafes***

There are numerous Internet cafes all over Copacabana and Ipanema. They have 1 or more likely, several on each block. For the most part they will speak at least a little English. The Internet Cafes around the generally area of Help will speak more English, a lot of GDP's use these cafés as well as a lot live close to Help.

***Supermarkets***

There are a lot of small supermarkets dotted all over Copa and Ipanema. Generally 2 big brands dominate the area. ZONA SUL & PÃO DE AÇÚCAR. They are quite small, poorly stocked and not very price competitive by western standards. Still, they are good to stock up on 6packs of 1.5l bottles of water, necessities etc.

The cashier will most likely speak zero English, but none the less will ask you a few questions, latinos always ask questions in shops!. One will be "tem cartão de Zona Sul" (do you have a rewards cards for zona sul) or "tem trocar" (do you have change). No place in Brasil ever carries more than the absolute minimum amount of change, hence they are always running out - asking customers for it etc, be prepared for these 2 questions all the time.

***Washing cloths***

Like a lot of things in Brasil you pay for your laundry by the kilo, makes senses I guess. It is also very cheap. Look for the Lavar kilo places, they are everywhere, you will see the prices quoted in the window. The prices are as follows, you drop your clothes off, they wash it for you and you pick it up the next day or you can have it delivered for the same price (labour is cheap in Brasil)

Lavar e Secar R6 por kilo
Lavar e Secar e passar R10 por kilo

Lavar=wash
Secar=dry
Passar=iron
e=and

An average wash is about 2 kilos.

***Common Ailments***

Every time I go to Brazil I get a sick, one time I was totally laid up in bed for 2 days, seems just about every other Gringo that goes there also gets it and it really can knock the shit out of you and adding to the pain you are constantly thinking about fucking but can't! It is a good idea to OD on Vitamin C or whatever voodoo you normally practice to keep the bugs away before hitting Rio, your immune system may be weakened from the flight, general partying and lack of sleep. I have finally found a solution that works for me. As soon as I feel the affects of a bad headache and muscle aches come on I get stuck into the Antibiotics, the longer the symptoms go without treatment means longer recovery time and less sexo. The one that works for a bad case of the flu is Azitromicina Dildratada (generic name). It costs about R26 for 3 tablets (take 1 per day with food), is available without prescription from the local Drogaria/Farmacia of which there is one on every corner in Copa or Ipanema. They worked so well for me I stocked up on them and keep them in my travel bag. If you don't speak Porto, just write it down and take it to the farmacia, the *back section*, not the cashiers, and they will get it for you. Conjunctivitis (red eye) is also common, if you wake up with a partially closed eye hit the farmacia quickly and it is a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor when you get home, some forms can be more serious than others. Even if only 1 eye is affected you need to put the drops in both eyes because it will most likely transfer.

Tip number 2, for when you get a mild case of Diarrhoea, very common, Diasec works great. About R12 for 12 tablets. You take only one and it should cure the problem, if it doesn't within 24 hours take another one. If you are still having problems, its time to see the doc.

According to the CIA's official website .7% of the population has HIV in Brazil. The United States has a rate of .6%, hence, relatively speaking, HIV is not a huge problem in Brazil, not compared to some African countries which have rates of 20%+. Having said that though it would not be wise to travel bareback through Brazil. Where a little shirt "camisinha" (Portuguese for condom)

Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor, take the above advice as a guide only.

***Vitamin V & C***

Many mongers come to Rio to fuck like an Olympic athlete, no worries here, the contestants IE "us mongers" are not drug tested after the event, hence artificial assistance is allowed. Virtually every experienced monger is on Viagra or Cialis. If you have never tried them, they work quite differently.

*Viagra* will give you strong wood within 15-30 minutes or so of taking the little blue diamonds and last a few hours, maybe up to 6, depending upon the dosage, amount of sex you have, age and of course alcohol consumed. Despite what you may have heard, you do not constantly walk around "pitching a tent", you only get a chubby when stimulated. Vitamin V is my preferred weapon of choice when going into battle. I usually buy 4x100mg tablet packs, about R125-145 OTC in a Rio farmacia. I then break the tablets into 1/8 pieces, my first session with a GDP will be unassisted then I will take a 1/8 tablet for the second round in a day. Towards the end of my holiday I may have a 1/8 tablet before the first session, and then another before the next session, particular if I have had a few drinkies. I tend to get desensitised after a few days. You can also buy 4x50mg tablets for about R90, however the 100mg are more cost effective. If you intend going down this root while in Rio, do you research on side affects before you go as any V purchased in Rio will have instructions for use only in Portuguese. Some farmacias will try and charge R180 for 100mg V, act surprised and they will come down to the standard R145ish or go to another 1. A small percentage of V takers can experience a head ache after V, hence first time up be sure to be careful and take a small dose.

Ordering from the Farmacia in Rio: If you cannot speak Porto and the pharmacist does not speak English (better than average chance), just right down what you want on a piece of paper and get them to write down the cost, you will work it out. They get a small commission for everything they sell and hence are eager as hell to help you, they even suggestively sell other crap that you probably don't need. Sir, would you like Cialis with your Viagra?- suggestive selling is quite ridiculous in Rio. Remember all the prescription medicine gets ordered to the rear of the store, you will see the counter, usually with a couple of guys/girls in white coats waiting to assist you.

*Cialis* has probably overtaken V in popularity amongst hobbyist. These little tan colored numbers last 36 hours or longer, some have reported effects up to 4 days, hence if you take one on the way out on the town it should be good for at least the following night and early morning as well. I tend to find it does not give as strong an erection as V and requires more stimulation to get a rise. With V, I could be with the ugliest of beasts and still get a strong enough erection to punch a hole through a wall. It comes in 10mg and 20mg tablets. Apparently V & C should not be mixed within a 24 hour period of each other. 4x20mg costs around R95-R100.

Generic V & C is available in Rio farmacias at about 50% of the cost. I personally don't go down this route.

Cheap R3 pill cutters are available at most farmacias.

Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor, take the above advice as a guide only.

***Xylocaina***

While on the subject of pharmacy products, you may notice a lot of girls in Rio will prepare themselves before anal sex with a different tube of lube. This is a local anesthetic called Xylocaina (active ingredient is lidocaine, 2% & 5%, with 5% being the most popular ) and is available in the local farmacias for R12 a tube. If gotten on your skin it can cause slight numbness, goes away in a less than an hour. I mention this more as general knowledge, if your girlfriend back home won't do anal because she thinks it will hurt too much, might want to buy her gift......... Likewise, I have found a lot GDP's are willing to try anal with me, often for the first time, definitely use Xylocaina and go real slow (Porto: devagar) on them otherwise she may not let you have another go at her ass. Have I told you how much I love this place?

***Condoms (Camisinha)***

If you are an average sized western gentleman, you will find the Brazilian sized condom to be a little small. The K Man, on his first trip, came with 5 friends, all of them had a little red ring around their dicks towards the end of their trip. The reason, Brasilian condoms are just to small, and hence pinch the "tip", try explaining that mark to the wife on your return!. Most of the big termas actually stock larger condoms, however the cheaper ones do not, hence it may be a good idea to bring a few regular sized "little shirts" from home. If you have to buy them in Rio, try to look for "Preserv Extra" they are "largura" than your average condom.

NB: The Brasilian word for Condom is Camisinha. A camisa is a shirt, any word with "inha" on the end reflects a diminutive of the subject. Ie a camisinha is a small shirt, I think this is kind of a cute name.

***Changing Money***

On my first visits to Rio the ATM's were the way to go, however they have started to give a slightly less favourable rate and charge a few bucks per transaction. Another problem is foreign cards don't always work and the ones that do work will only give about R1000 a pop during daylight hours, they reduce this amount late at night. Having said that they are nice and convenient. The best banks for my card seem to be Citibank and HSBC. The local banks do not like my card. Use the ATM's during the day, at night they tend to not allow you to withdraw large amounts, for security reasons. Have plenty of cash before the weekend because they generally only reset the daily limit in weekdays, hence if you get the max out on Friday, you may not be able to get any more cash out until Monday. Of course if you carry 2 cards you can get twice the cash out.

*Citibank Locations*

Copacabana:
- Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 619, Cnr Rua Figueiredo Magalha
(Near "Blockbuster")
- Ipanema & Leblom: Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 459 &229, Ipanema (2 branches)
Rua Ataulfo de Paiva, 1260, Leblom

More branches: http://www.citibank.com.br (Click on "Agencias" for branches)

*HSBC Locations*

Ipanema & Leblom:
- Rua Visconde de Pirajá 259 &608, Ipanema (2 branches)
- Rua CUPERTINO DURAO 219, Leblom.
- R RNH GUILHERMINA 117, Leblom.
Copacabana:
- Av Nossa Senhora De Copacabana, 583 & 817 & 1246 (3 branches)
- Av Princesa Isabel 186, Copacabana (lido end of Copa)

http://www.hsbc.com.br/ is not quite as friendly as the Citibank site, but again look for "Agencias" for locations.

NB: You cannot open a bank account in Brasil unless you are a resident (Do not ask me why!).

Now when in Rio I generally take cash with me. Of course this has its problems in that if you loose it you are basically fucked, having said this I lock the bulk of it in a safe and change enough for a couple of days. I also pay for my Terma bill in USD when in Monte Carlo, L'uomo, Solarium and sometimes at Centaurus (sometimes the rate sux there), the change is given in Reals which works for me. They generally give a better rate than the ATM's or the Cambios. The termas down town still accept USD but give a crappy rate, something like a big hotel would give you. Help is a good place to change a few bucks.

Cambios: In Spanish or Portuguese this word essentially translates to "change" IE change your $ for R. They are everywhere in Copacabana and Ipanema, just look for the sign. They are usually a street or 2 back from the beach and quite often share an office with a travel agency. I have also noticed the Euro is becoming more widely accepted and most cambios quote a rate for Euros as well. I guess this is due to its strength off late against the US peso (sorry guys, I just had to get that one in! go the Euro!!). I have also noticed Cambios in Central give a slightly better rate maybe R7 better than in Zona Sul. Of course you have transport cash into and out of the city which increases the chance of loosing it. Just remember, most cambios in centro don't change cash after 4pm, something to do with security.

The rate on my visit in January05 went something like this for changing USD$100.
Help R275, Terma L'oumo R275, Cambios R265, ATM's R260, Monte Carlo R265. 4x4 R240.
The rate on June05 was Help R260, L'uomo R255, Cambios R245, Monte Carlo R250.
The rate of Oct05 was Help R230, Lummox R230, Cambios R225, Monte Carlo R230, Centaurus R240 (surprisingly).

***Guides***

The only guides that comes up regularly without complaint is Don from Rio Trips Amerioca Tours and Gui.

*Don* Can organise the local tourist stuff as well as trips to Termas, where he can translate, give tips to first time visitors etc. While I think you do not need a guide for Rio, it is an option for a first time visitor travelling alone as Don knows everyone in Rio, both local expats and the women, and hence can hook you into the local social scene very quickly.

http://www.amerioca.net/

NB: Don is the only person I know of to have his own monogrammed robe (at L'uomo), something I aspire to! Look for the man with "Donald" on his robe.

*Gui* A really nice guy that I have known for 2 years. Speaks perfect English and Spanish. He acts more of a personal guide for wealthy individuals or execs and will take you anywhere you want to go, including of course Termas etc. Very personalised, professional service and very honest individual, something which is not overly common in Rio. Gui is the definition of "Latin Cool", the girls all know him and genuinely like him.
( guibolliger@hotmail.com ) Rio number : 9306 8076

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:55
the bubba report, updated january, 2006. part 6b/12 - general stuff

***favelas***

around 25% of rios 12m souls will live in a slum or "favela". they are generally built on the slopes, sometimes on the best land and are everywhere in rio. even the best areas will neighbour a favela. the favelas have always fascinated me, being from a relatively affluent western country i find it hard to imagine how anybody can survive on $25 per week, the answer to this question is "with great difficulty". the associated poverty causes crime, much of it intertwined with the drug industry. this is not to say everybody that lives in a favela is a criminal, far from it, the maid that cleans your hotel room will most likely go home to a favela at night. most inhabitants are honest people although you cannot say all are "working" as unemployment can be as high as 35%.

the social structure in most favelas are intertwined by the local drug dealers, with the head honcho acting as the mayor. in the small favelas there is usually only one way in and one way out, hence the dealers and there hired hands generally sit atop the hill to watch when the police enter the slum. the dealers and their arms generally keep the peace although when rivalry breaks out for control bloodshed is often the result. it is very common to see and hear bullets flying around at night from your hotel room. i once was awoken at about 4am in my hotel room in copacabana to some serious gun fire coming from the favela, which i guess is about 800meters from the beach. the gun fire continued for about 45 minutes with varying intensity until 3 police choppers went screaming over my room. a few seconds later canon fire was pounding the top of the hill and eventually all went quiet. apparently the police choppers follow the beach up to the point where they are about to attack, while remaining lower than the buildings and hence cannot be seen by the favela dwellers, once they reach their desired point they hit the gas and scream towards the trouble and open fire. do innocent people die? i would assume so. this is why you do not really want to come in contact with the police, they are poorly trained, corrupt and trigger happy. not a good mix. apparently half of all violent deaths in rio are at the hands of the police.

never ever ever wander into a favela by yourself. the entrances are heavily patrolled by the gangs that control the favela, you will be noticed and will be approached by someone to ask what you are doing in there. i cannot say what the outcome will be when you are confronted, it is not a situation i would want to be in. you will be relatively safe when invited and accompanied by a resident of the favela but it is probably not the thing to do on your first trip, you are basically at the mercy of your invitee and would want to trust that person 100%. its also not a good idea to hang around at the entrance. if a girl invites you to her house ask her where it is, if it is along way away from zona sul then it might be a good idea to give it a miss, unless of course you know rio very well.

you can take organised favela tours, usually to rocinha, rios largest slum with around 150,000 inhabitants. the tour did seem a little sanitised for me on my visit as the guide directs you to the more positive aspects of the community, while neglecting the less savoury aspects, which of course interested me. however we were accompanied by a few trainee guides and managed to get the inside gossip out of these surprising shy individuals, we even slipped away from the main guide with them primarily to annoy the lead guide, yes i know, i am a child! now many locals would argue that rocinha is becoming more or less a "middle class" area with running water, electricity and even internet connections in some homes, and hence does not depict a true "favela". well not long after my tour in 04, the favela was basically at war as 2 drug lords vied for power. bodies were piling up for a few weeks, the tours were cancelled due to no guarantee of safety, peace was eventually restored. hence, it is real enough for me. you can do a google search for favela tour and you will get the contact details for the tours.

before making a trip to rio do yourself a favour and get the movie "city of god" or in portuguese "cidade de deus" (comes with english subtitles). it is an excellent movie in its own right, but also shows the interactions within a favela. it is probably one of the best known brasilian movies to make it into the western world. the story is set in an area which is actually called cidade de deus, it is inland from barra da tijuca, bordering on jacarepagua. apparently it is based on a real story, however it could be about any of the 600 odd favelas in rio. there is also a tv series now, cidade dos homens, i have the 2003 & 2004 series, there may be more. not sure if there is english sub titles or not.

a post by me:

a favela is a complicated social being with set rules that are enforced by the ruling "bandidos" (basically heavily armed gangs), that are highly organised, complete with walkie talkie communications. a heavily armed escort would do no good, there is one way in and one way out. 2 or 3 armed escorts would not make it out. in the big slums, upto a 100 police go in together and stuggle to get out. what you and i would think is logical in a favela may not be that logical. for example:

there is no fighting allowed within a favela. if you are found fighting, you will essentially be brought before the ruling gang and dealt with accordingly, often quite harshly.

there is definitely no hooking allowed within the favela. if a local woman is even known to be plying her trade in copacabana and the wrong person finds out, she may well be dragged before the ruling gang and have her head shaved.

of course, like most things in brasil, it depends on who you know, a well connected person can get away without following the rules. there is alot more to favelas than just a slum.

whatever you do, do not enter a favela unless you are invited by a person that lives there and then only if you know them well. do not even loiter around the entrance unless you know what you are doing.

***food***

you can get good quality food in rio for a fraction of what you would pay in the west. brazil is now the largest exporter of beef in the world, hence every meal generally comes with meat and rice. although the quality is good, they are a little bit behind in the health stakes, everything tends to have a little bit more fat and salt content than i am used to, hence watch the pounds or better still grab an extra garotta to work off those calories.

*suco bars* (juice bars) - these little eateries are great. they are recognisably by the fruit decoratively stacked on the walls and hanging from every available space. many open early and end late, some are open 24/7. very little english is spoken but you can get by just by looking at the menu hanging on the wall or picking up a few words, most people will be eager to help you order, brazilians are friendly by nature. most meals are a combination sandwhich/hamburger deal with a freshly squeezed juice. most meals will set you back between r5 and r8. that is right between usd$2 -$3.

kice suco is a favourite of mine, open 24 hours (maybe closes for a few hours in winter), they even have a few guys working there that can speak english. more or less a 100m from help on avinida nossa senhora de copacabana cnr rua miguel lemos.

a tip: the locals wrap a napkin around the sandwich/burger so their hands never touch the food. this is to prevent any contamination as they generally do not have anywhere to wash your hands prior to eating and rio has plenty of less than clean surfaces for the said contamination to occur.

must try asaci, it is black, thick, a meal in itself, you may like it, you may hate it, but you must try it - go on be a man, you are in rio for new experiences, that's what travelling is all about!

for a list of juices in english see the language section.

*churrascarias and kilo places* you can find them by the signs outside giving the price per kilo ie r15. again these places are great and are everywhere in rio. there are many of them in avinida nossa s copacabana. the deal is you go into the restaurant and a lady (usually) waiting at the door will hand you a piece of paper. you then grab a plate and select what you want at a buffet, no language problems here as you don't have to say much. when you have piled you plate up, you hand it to the lady at the end of the line who weighs it and records the number on your paper. usually drinks are brought to your table. the waitress will usually say "tomar" which literally means "to take" as in "what would you like to take a drink (beber)". some even have guys come around to your table with skewers of meat from which they slice pieces and place on your plate, these places are fixed price deals usually. the places that do this have little green and red disks on the table, when you have had enough flip the disk to red, it means "stop bringing me meat i am fat enough". the average kilo/ churrascarias will usually cost around r12, which includes great meat, a drink and salad. fantastic! you pay on the way out, the lady will usually give you back a slip of paper with "pago" (paid) stamped on it to give to the door lady. these places get really busy around 12pm - 2pm, i usually go just before or after as the local pensioners have sharp elbows and are not afraid to use them. there are of course more upmarket churrascarias that will cost more like porcao. i will usually eat at a kilo place at least once a day.

my favourites are:
*kilograma -av nossa sra de copacabana # 1144. (about 3 blocks from help, ipanema side)
http://www.kilograma.com.br/

*solario: av nossa sra de copacabana #1175. (towards the start of a n s copacabana, the street being 1 way, towards ipanema)
great kilo place, in my opinion the quality of the salad and meat is better hear than most other kilo places. a good meal will run about r12.

*grill inn, av nossa sra de copacabana #1182, directly opposite solario.

nb: churrasco- literally translates to bbq. more specifically in restaurants large skewers of meat are cooked and the waiters bring it to you and slice a bit off.....fantastic. the king of all meat cuts in brasil is "picanha" ([CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) - kan - yah), second best cut "copine"

*the office*

av aires saldanha #92 a, copacabana.
http://www.theoffice-sportsbar-restaurant-brasil.com/

run by a very friendly hat wearing rogue australian who i like very much. great place to watch american sport on the weekends. always american football on sat and sun and sometimes other days. during the week many semi well off locals go to enjoy the live bands and to have a good time, great atmosphere and mix of gringos-locals. need to book a table on friday nights. meals range from r15 for breakfast to r20-r40 for dinner. beer is about r4, juice r4. in the small street behind directly behind help. if you do take a girl there make sure she is not dressed like a "help" girl, respectful casual dress is the code. you can check email for free after a meal. minimum consumption r10. this is my "office" when in rio.

nb: they have a wifi internet hot spot throughout the restaurant with a number of power outlets close to each table/booth.

*upmarket restaurants *

milano: my favourite restaurant in ipanema is milano: the sea bass is excellent as is the risotto seafood (risotto frutas da mar). runs about r100 for 2 people, the same restaurant in europe would be e250+. it is an upmarket restaurant so dress appropriately. smart casual will do.

rua gomes carneiro, 132 ipanema. (21) 2522-0303.
http://www.milanodoc.com.br/

carretao: an excellent churrascaria in 2 locations is carretao. the bill will run about r75 for 2 people. a slightly upmarket restaurant.

rua siqueira campos, 23, copacabana.
rua visconde de piraja, 112, ipanema.
http://www.carretaochurrascaria.com.br/

garotta de ipanema: (the girl from ipanema)
corner rua vinicius de moraes & prudente de moraes street

this restaurant was made famous by antonio carlos "tom" jobim & vinícius
de moraes writing the famous song "the girl from ipanema" on one of its tables. most of the waiters have been there along time, i occasionally speak to silva, the waiter that filled the request for paper on which the song was penned. he has been there 35 odd years and is a nice guy. it is one of the few tourist orientated restaurants that has great food. the picanha for 2 (or 3) is great, it comes with a small cooker plate where you throw the meat on to be cooked as needed.

more about tom:
rua vinicius de moraes, ipanema: this street, formerly named montenegro street, got famous for the veloso bar, at the corner of prudente de moraes street. the bar is presently named "garota de ipanema" (the girl from ipanema). there, tom jobim and poet vinicius de moraes once admired the charming walk of heloisa eneida, who inspired the world famous song. in ipanema, go to rua nascimento silva 107, where jobim used to live in the sixties, at apartment #201. there is a plate at the entrance of the small building.


tia palmira restaurant:

again i cannot remember who posted this, but i saved it on the premise of trying this restaurant, like so many well laid plans in rio i just didn't get the time but will next trip.

"best foodie experience: if you like seafood and bahian style sauces, tia palmira restaurante is without an equal anywhere. top chefs from the us sit
there in awe (or hustle back to the kitchen, if they know portuguese). no
menu: you sit down and they serve you based on the best seafood available
that day. and serve you and serve you. seven appetizer courses, eight
entrees, seven desserts, for a fixed price of 49 reais. come with a driver,
who can roll you back to the car afterwards. great for a special garota.
about an hour southwest of copacabana in a little fishing village (barra de
guaratiba) at caminho do souza, 18. phone: (21) 2410-8169."

upmarket restaurants by lorenzo, a fellow deviate and contributor.

lorenzo says:-if you like fine dining and are not a penny pincher, and if you find a termas girl that you like and make arrangements for her to take a night off and party with you, why not begin the evening by taking her out to dinner at a fine restaurant? i love to eat and hate to do it alone, but since i always travel alone, this is an ideal way to find myself a dinner companion. however, it's best to do this with someone with whom you have a bit of chemistry. my favorite is antiquarius in leblon, but other excellent dining establishments are satyricon (http://www.satyricon.com.br/ ), yemanja, and even upscale churrascarias like mariu's and porcao. odds are likely that she will never have experienced anything like this, since these places are beyond the reach of all but well to do brazilians. on the other hand, if you are american, western european, or japanese, you will find that even the most expensive restaurants are modestly priced by the standards of your own country. for example, dinner for two at antiquarius, rio's best restaurant, will probably come to less than us$130, including drinks, wine, appetizer, dessert, and tip. we are always talking about a gfe, and to me this is an essential part of a gfe. - lorenzo

nb, marius is actually 2 restaurants next to each other, at the end of leme right on the beach. both the seafood and beef restaurants are excellent. a must do, all you can eat of the finest food for r120 ish for meat or a little more for seafood (r150 per person for food).

*toilets*

generally because the plumbing system in brasil is quite poor, no toilet paper gets put into the bowl. some western standard hotels and apartments have a sufficiently strong system to cope for this, but this is the exception to the rule. hence, whenever you see a paper bin next to the toilet, it will generally be for depositing "used" toilet paper into. if you put toilet paper in the bowl, it will usually clock it, not pleasant for all concerned.

***shopping***

personally i think the shopping in brazil leaves a bit to be desired, generally you can get a far better selection back home, hell america is probably the best place in the world to shop with the best prices for major goods. having said that everyone wants to pickup something to remember brazil by. i usually get a few local t shirts from ipanema or the 2 major malls.

*barra shopping & rio sul*

barra shopping is apparently the largest mall in latin america. by western standards it is medium sized, at best. they do have a good selection of clothes to buy, prices are cheaper for some things but electrical goods are much more expensive than back home. rio sul is probably half the size and worth a look if just to see the eye candy.

barra shopping is located in barra da tijuca, about 30 minutes south of rio proper. runs about r35 in a cab. rio sul is in the next suburb to copacabana. most buses go there.

i personally do not like shopping at the best of times, and hence have resisted all offers to be dragged around a mall by a local garotta and of course be expected to outlay cash. i personally believe to pay a girl a certain rate and under exceptional circumstances a present when i go home but definitely no shopping tours for p4p. many have asked though and i believe the odd gringo does do this. i have heard that many girls will exchange the goods once you have gone, hence it is a judgement call as to if it is really worth it.

*modern sound*

probably the best music store in rio, they have shows at lunchtimes (sometimes), it is nice to browse for music and grab a coffee and watch the show. you must remember shops in brasil are very small compared to the west, hence don't expect to see huge virgin mega store, it is a medium sized store by western standards, but way cool.
rua barata ribeiro, 502 & rua santa clara.

*cigars*

so you are from the us and cubans are banned. no problem in rio, although due to them being expensive not many shops carry them. many 5 star hotels have a good selection and you can smoke them in the bar, albeit it at a price. the second level bar in the marriot is great.

try http://www.eschcasadelhabano.com.br , one of the more famous cigar cafes around. the restaurants are great to eat in, nice and upmarket, and of course you can puff away before/during/after your meal. they have 2 shops/café/restaurants, one of them is only a block away from terma quatro por quatro (4x4) and is on the same street as terma 65.
their locations are:
ria do rosario, 107, centro.
rua dias ferreira, 78-a, leblon.

***movies***

most western movies that are played in brasil are left in tact with portuguese sub titles, hence it is a viable night out for you and a garrota. brasilian girls are actually great to go to the movies with, they are always up for a bit of affection and will probably start stroking you dick with in the cinema.

for movie playing times you can visit this site.
http://www.severianoribeiro.com.br/

cinemas:-

roxy: in copacabana cnr rua bolivar & av n s copacabana
rio sul: has a good size cinema complex.
barra da tijuca: has the cinema that all the girls want to go to. be careful when travelling down there at night. the roads back are dangerous and often road blocked by police so make sure you have id (passport) so they can't extort a bribe from you. the cinema is new york and it is the biggest in rio..

http://www.cinemark.com.br/

***driving***

you can rent a car relatively cheaply in brasil. however they do drive very poorly, no real thinking ahead or thinking of the consequences of what might happen after the fact. very frustrating. the death rate is about 10 times higher than in your average western country on a per capita basis hence drive very carefully!

when out on the country be careful to see speed cameras. they have a low tolerance level and just a few kilometres per hour over the posted limit will see you pinged. the fines are quite high, r300-r900. on rental cars they will add it to your bill after you are probably back home because it takes a few days/weeks to process, and you cannot dispute the charge. hence if you are in the country and see a lot of people break suddenly, take a good look around and there will probably be a camera. they are marked by signs.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:57
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006. Part 7/12 - Security, Police and Scams

**A night at Nuth - always carry your passport with you when you leave zona sul**

Headed down to Nuth, a very popular club (if not the most popular nightclub in Rio) in Barra on a Friday night with 4 experienced mongers. All knew to carry passports. On the way there we get stopped on Ave Niemayer in a Police roadblock. First thing they ask is if everyone has passports and secondly if anyone has drugs. No problems here. Everyone gets back into the taxi breath a sigh of relieve and are on our way. Not more than 3 miles down the road, close to Rocinha we get stopped again. Same procedure, but with one twist. One of our guys is a black American that speaks excellent Portuguese. One of the cops is black, not overly common in some parts of Rio as the white Portuguese tend to dominate this lucrative profession. My friend is always very friendly and generous with local black Cariocas - who tend to make up the majority of people that live in favellas and are generally the most under privileged of all Cariocas . They have a chat, a laugh and even sit in the police car for a while. We are standing near the taxi, thinking we want to get the fuck out of there and not push our luck. Turns out our friend offers the young black cop a gift of R50, the young black cop asks permission of his boss to accept this gift. The boss gives the go ahead. Upon returning to my friend the local black cop tells us his boss has drugs and is willing to sell us some. My friend declines despite being an avid smoker "maconha" (Marijuana in Porto). It would have been very interesting to see if he had actually bought some drugs. I am thinking there is a 50/50 chance of something going HORRIBLY WRONG if the poorer decision was taken. Ironically we get stopped again on the way back and it is the same young black cop. We are on our way quickly.

Another friend of mine got stung for R200 coming back from Villa Mimosa. He didn't have his passport, the cops acted very concerned and knew they had an easy target, he shit himself and caved. He has been to Rio many times but never learns. Another friend, a very experienced Rio monger got stopped on Ave Niemayer in a road block, cost him R10, he speaks perfect Portuguese and he knows his shit, hence the difference in the "price" he paid.

A possible defence would be to not speak any Portuguese and discourage anyone from trying to translate for you. Hope that the police lose interest and move on. They really don't want to take you to the station, would cut into their time on the street and hence limit their opportunity to make cash. Either way it is not a good position to be in.

If you ever leave Copa at night, always take your passport. As a gringo you are required under Brasilian law to carry it at all times.

**The shoe shine scam - the shit flingers**

When walking along the beach side walk watch out for the "shit on you shoe" scam. It involves a kid placing a "shit like" oil based substance on your shoe, then the kid will come up beside you and offer to clean it off. Amazingly they are very good at placing it on you with you knowing. They will try to charge you as much as they can get away with, think R10-R30 if you look particularly green. I have been hit once, I waved my finger at him which is the Brasilian way of saying "I know what you are up to" them waved him away, when he came back I basically yelled at him to go away in Portuguese. This trick sometimes involves an accomplice who will rob you, particularly when you get hit on the side streets leading up to the beach. A little bit of detergent and paper towel gets the muck off. Never ever stop and let the kid clean it, if he is persistent act irritated, wave you finger and head and walk off fast. Whenever I see a show shine guy now on the beach side of Avinida Atlantica I look for his accomplice, there is always 2 of them. You will notice them to, searching out for green tourists.

A good rule of thumb when in Rio, if anybody tries to approach you on the street ignore them and keep walking, even pick up the pace. It will usually involve a scam or they will be slowing you down so someone else will come up and grab whatever they can get. Even little kids that may look cute will do this, just ignore them, enough of them together will be distracting enough for them to go through your pockets.

**Avinida Atlantica, Copacabana is one of the most dangerous streets at night**

Every problem I have had in Rio, and there has been a few, has been on Avinida Atlantica or within a block or 2 of Help, all at night. The local bandidos know where the tourists are and that's where they head. I have been nearly robbed several times- one time came to blows- they didn't get anything and we didn't get hurt - lucky there was no weapons, they had the numbers we had the size. They beat a hasty retreat. I was angry with myself being stupid enough to walk into them, that I had let my guard down because there were lots of people around at 9pm. My rule is if I can't see weapons they won't get anything from me, I had a troubled youth and hence am quite ok with a little bit of sporadic violence, if they do have visible weapons, then they can have anything I am stupid enough to be carrying at the time. A first time visitor should really offer no resistance to any attempted robbery. Everybody should carry only a small amount of cash in their pockets, hide the rest somewhere else.

Another time my same friend was on his way to the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy with one of the instructors. He was again approached by 4 thugs that asked for his money, he simply pointed and said "speak about that with my buddy", the instructor basically said "come on guys, you don't want to do something stupid now". They fled quickly horrified that they had offended some one from Gracie. The point of the story is that the thugs are really not that hard, the judgement one needs to make is if they are carrying weapons or not and of course if it is worth the hassle.

http://www.gracieacademy.com/

*A post by Euro 100, ISG*

Euro 100 says: "Here was the plan: take a stroll down the Av. Atlantica on the side with all of the street cafes and find a place for a light meal, hang out for a while, and then head to Help at 11:30. It was not to be.

I had walked past the Rio International hotel when a scummy-looking little guy asks me for the time. I motion to my wrist and show him I have no watch, keep walking. About ten steps later I see a guy walking over from some trees and keeping pace with me, narrowing the sideways distance between us until he gets just two meters away from me. This distracts my attention sufficiently so that I do not see yet another guy who is coming from the other direction and heading straight for me. That guy pulls a knife and motions it towards my throat, grabs the front of my shirt with his other hand.

Military training takes over, and despite my intention to just hold still and let them take my wallet, my right hand grabs his knife-hand by the wrist and bends it back. This guys is surprisingly weak, and for a moment I entertain the thought of ramming his own knife into his underbelly. But then the other guy who walked alongside me is all over me, plus the guy who asked for the time is on my back. Two more guys appear from nowhere. One holds my free arm back, the other searches my pockets.

All of these guys are probably in their early twenties and a head shorter than me. Since I still hold on to the knife-hand, I calculate the odds of beating the shit out of all of them. None of them feels tough, but then again I am not the black belt I used to be any more. And I worry that there may be other knifes. So, despite being high on adrenaline, my rational brain wins, I just hold still and let them go through my pockets. They ignore the cigarettes and matches, and only take the wallet. Less then 10 seconds after it started it is over, and they run for the shadows.

Now I realize that my daily preparations were well worth my time. I had taken a crappy old wallet to Brazil for exactly such an occasion. I had only about 70R in the wallet and nothing else, no ID, no credit card, nothing. My credit card and ID are hidden in a secret little pocket that came with my khakis and is located right under my belt. I had $50 stashed in the cigarette box, to change at Help. And of course my belt itself has an inside zipper with $200 emergency cash folded up in it. So the robbers only got 10% of what they could have gotten out of me." Euro 100.

I have heard this same story so many times, just the name of the person telling it varies. Funnily enough I was actually walking on the same street as Euro, at the same time, could have been me.

***Help or General GDP Scam (also appears in Help section)***

A few GDP's in Help will know and have the cell phone of a local Policeman. A popular scam, which is not common and will generally only be tried on a green newbie is as follows. The girl will go up to the apartment, then start yelling over basically nothing, causing noise, which in turn will cause a problem with your neighbours and ultimately you. She will then accuse the newbie of doing something inappropriate and call the Police. The Police she actually calls will be known to her and hence won't be on your side. When they turn up they will try and get as much cash out of you as possible, threatening jail etc, in short if you do talk to them and your Portuguese is limited you will be in deep. You really don't want to speak to the Police under these circumstances. If it does happen to you, I would turn off the lights and just not open the door to them. They cannot legally enter (for what that is worth). If I could leave the apartment for a few hours and get the fuck out of there, it would also be a good option. The best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place, SCREEN ANY GDP HEAVILY.


*A post by Rxhammer*

The hammer says:

I just got back from a 8 day trip to Rio with a buddy of mine and we had a bad situation with a GDP in our apartment. We came back from Help with 2 girls. My friends girl, which we met in front of Help (after midnight) and did not "screen" very well. She had one beer before entering Help and 1/2 a cocktail inside. She introduced me to my girl once we entered Help. We stayed about 45 minutes then left for the apartment. I had agreed to a couple of hours with my girl, had a great time and she left. While TCB with my girl my friend came to my room and said his girl had "passed out" (after 1 & 1/2 drinks ???) and he had not touched her. He had voiced some concerns about a "bad vibe" with her but I had rushed him home so I could take care of my "hottie". BIG MISTAKE !! She slept til noon when he decided to get her up and out. She showered and joined us in the living room. I then offered her 50R for lunch and a cab since she had not "earned" anything the night before(I thought this to be GENEROUS). She became extremely upset and demanded 300R !! We both laughed and told her to get the fuck out. Now the problem, she will not leave !! I feel like beating the shit outta her but cooler heads prevail. We were scheduled to leave that afternoon so we decided to just start packing and prepare to leave. She doesn't budge. I losing my temper bigtime by now. She's yelling and screaming, knocking things off the wall, so I decide to just grab her and physically throw her ass out but she's a tough little piece of favela trash and fights back. My friend steps out to the apartment lobby to see if the doorman will help(our door opened into the first floor lobby). To sum up, I got her to move toward the door and when my friend distracted her I grabbed her from behide and shoved her ass right out the open front door of the apartment and locked it behind her !!! FUCK !! I glossed over the details such as when she tried to go for a knife in the kitchen sick or when she tried to hit me over the head with an empty wine bottle. Battle royal with that little scam artist !!!! Anyway, after we got her out she left the building not to be seen again. Oh, and we also left for about 3 hours so as to let things die down and to make sure we weren't around if she came back with the cops. We returned later, grabbed our bags and left.

Moral of the story....SCREEN YOUR WOMEN !!!! BTW, I'm no newbie with 25+ trips to Rio, I just got a little careless and didn't listen to my friends concerns. She was trying to scam him but once she's IN THE APARTMENT you may be fucked in a "bad" way !!!

Be safe, Hammer.

PS she didn't get the 50R either !! rxhammer

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 19:59
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006. Part 8/12 - General Tourist Stuff

This may surprise many of you but there is, actually, non mongering things to do in Rio De Janeiro. Now because you told everybody back home you are going to Rio to "experience the culture and see the sights" you will have will actually have to go out and see the touristy things and to take some pics. In all seriousness, it is a very beautiful city geographically and is well worth going out seeing it.

I have listed the 4 must do tourist activities. There are of course many more sights to see, but that is not the focus of this report. If you are in Rio for a week you should at least go out and see the 4 listed below.

***Must do #1. Corcovado, The Statue of Christ (Cristo Redentor)***

You simply must just go up and see the stature of Christ. It is very impressive to stand atop one of the most famous sites in the world and look down on the beautiful city of sin below.

From line of site it is only about 5 miles from Copacabana, but because it is on top of a mountain, to get there, you must go around-about way. Hence, no matter which way you go, it will take about 30 minutes to get there from Copa/Ipanema.

Options.

Normal or Radio taxi: Will require about 90-120 minutes, a hotel can arrange a Radio taxi which will be more comfortable but more expensive. You could simply grab a cab off the street and head up there. You will also have to pay for entrance to the national park, per person.

Taxi/Trem: You can catch a taxi to the trem point and head up that way. The trem is a rickety old thing but worth it for something different.

Bus/Trem: You can catch a bus to the trem starting point and catch that.

Tip1. Don't plan ahead a definite day to see the stature. It is quite high and hence gets covered in clouds quite often. Hence, before you go up, have a look from the street what the cloud situation is like. You can see the statue or at least the general direction from a number of points around copa/ipanema. When you are confident it will be clear head straight up.
Tip2. Due to its height take some warm clothing. It will be about 15C (30F) colder up there than at ground level. When you add in wind chill it can be even colder. If you are taking a local girl up, make doubly sure she has warm clothing, they get colder than gringos because they really never get to experience cold weather and they never think ahead.

***Must do #2. Sugar Loaf (PÃO de AÇÚCAR)***

A lot of people confuse Corcovado and PÃO de AÇÚCAR. They are similar in that they are both atop large granite outcrops and offer great views of the city. They are both worth a visit. Sugar Loaf is much easier to get to and because it is not quite as high, it does not get affected by cloud cover as frequently.

It is actually 2 granite crops connected by 2 cable cars. You catch one car to the first outcrop, hang around, take some pics and then when you are ready get on the second cable car to take you to the top. For James Bonds fans, in the movie "Moonraker", 007 battles with "jaws" on this cable car. I believe it was built at the turn of the century.

It is located one small beach up from Copacabana. It is a R12 cab ride from Copacabana which will take you past Rio Sul, or about R16 from Ipanema as you have to go through Copa. You could of course catch a Bus to Rio Sul shopping centre and walk (about 20minutes) if you wish to save a few bucks. When catching a cab back to Copacabana/Ipanema walk out of the car park and onto the street proper and flag a cab. The cabs that wait for you in the actual car park are special "PÃO de AÇÚCAR" (quite clearly written on the side of the car) cabs and because they are so special they do not use the meter. I believe they have a fixed chart of fares, but it works out about 2 times as expensive as a normal cab.

Tip1. Again take some warm clothes just in case. It can get chilly, particularly when the wind blows. Tickets up are about R30 per person.

***Must do #3. The beach***

Sunday is a great day to walk from Copacabana to Ipanema along the street, which is closed to traffic. I find Copacabana more tourist orientated and hence there are more scammer present. Ipanema is my preferred beach to catch some rays. I like Posto 7 to Posto 9. At Ipanema, a beach chair (Porto: cadeira) will cost about R3 to rent for the day, you can pay when you return it. If you wish to purchase a cotton beach like towel (Porto: a canga) it should set you back about R15 if you are a local, anymore and you are paying tourist prices and hence should walk away and go to the next guy. A cadeira or a canga will cost more directly opposite the heavy tourist areas of Copacabana, another reason I prefer Ipanema.

***Must do #4. Trip to Centro.***

Centro is entirely different from the touristy area that is Copacabana. I think everyone should catch the Metro downtown and soak in the local atmosphere. Try to avoid the metro in peak hours if possible, it can get very crowded and although it is still perfectly safe, it can get uncomfortable with the crush of people. Of course you can combine this with a trip to 4x4.

***Where to take a girl on a date: Some suggestions***

(I borrowed this heavily from another post, sorry I did not keep the posters handle)

Cinema - best places are the shopping malls such as Barra Shopping, Rio Sul. Films are shown in original language, except some kiddy films that are dubbed (dublado).

Parks - botanic gardens are superb, monkeys and squirrels to see. Some quiet areas to get friendly in on the hillside in the forest. Also Parque Lage which is nearby. On the lagoa there's Parque do catacombas where you can hike to the top of the hill for fantastic views of the lagoon and Ipanema/Leblon.

Corcovado - go afternoon and see the sunset. Buy some fruit at the restaurant near the top and feed the coatis when they come out at sundown. They have concerts at night, romantic and great views. Sugar Loaf is also good. Believe it or not, a lot of locals from Rio have never visited the big tourist attractions and hence will be more than happy to go to them with you.

Terra Encantada - the fun fair on Ayrton Senna in Barra. Plenty of rides and good fun.

Rio Water Park - Recreio, for a day on flumes and the like.

The Beach - You are in Rio.

Live music - buy a newspaper for details. Vinicius in Ipanema for great Bossa Nova.

Museums and art galleries - Rio has loads.

The zoo in Rio is close to the Maracana stadium. (Zoo is quiet poor)

Other good places to take non-pro's is the MAC museum in Icarai, Niteroi (the flying saucer shaped building you may have seen in photos). You get great views of Rio from there, if you walk down towards the little island with monastry and take a right turn, you come to a bar where you can watch the sunset with good views of centro and all the advertising lights. Very nice atmosphere.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 20:00
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006. Part 9/12 - Language

Due to the Portuguese settling Brazil, the language in Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish as most people not unreasonably assume.

The following is a few terms you may find useful. I have added a few you won't find in a guide book, for obvious reasons. It is not meant to be a comprehensive guide, just a start. Before going it is definitely worth getting a language course, not only will it be helpful, but it is incredibly rewarding to learn a new language. If you eventually become fluent in Porto you will be able to understand Spanish (to a degree) and to a lessor degree Italian (well you will be on your way), they are derived from the same language, hence it is worth it.

Every person I have ever spoken to that has studied Portuguese via CD's agrees the Pimsleur Portuguese series I,II & III are the best to get you started. If you finish all you will not be fluent but you will be on your way to understanding basic stuff. The one criticism about Pimsleur was that they were very expensive, about USD$200 each series. Of course many people downloaded these for free from the various elicit sources, which is probably why you can now buy the complete legitimate series in MP3 format for USD$150 (search on Ebay or google). You will also be well served by buying a Pocket sized Portuguese dictionary to take with you.

http://babelfish.altavista.com/ is also a rough translation guide. (it ain't perfect by any means)

NB: Portuguese is pronounced quite different to English.
NB2: I am purposely keeping this section very short. It contains the very basics.

**Most important words GDP**

Safado/a, You will here this a lot when talking to the girls. A safado, when applied in this text, is literally a guy (or girl= Safada) that screws around a lot. You will be called such if you bang another girl in front of a terma girl you have already done. You may also here it screamed when you are banging a girl, IE she is liking it, it is a good term. Like many things in Brazil, some things have 2 meanings.

Gostoso/a, Another term you will here when banging away (if you are doing it right). Basically means she likes it/you. Of course many girls will use "Gostoso" a little bit to much to be believable, don't take GDP's to serious.

o/a = masculine/feminine. Ie when referring to a man you would say Safado, when referring to a female Safada.

chato, = boring, you will hear this a lot when a girl is not pleased.
mentiroso/a = a liar, you will hear this a lot when you deny banging a GDP's friend.
divertido/a = fun, as in to have, a good thing to hear.

**The Most important words**

quanto custa= how much cost (does it cost)
quanto é= how much is it

If you speak zero Portuguese at least learn to ask how much everything is and then learn the numbers. There are many people in Rio, particularly in the bars that will rip you off if you don't ask. I ask how much everything costs in every bar, this includes how much each drink is before ordering. If you don't ask a R10 may cost you R50.

**Questions for a girl**
Você faz Tudo? = Do you do everything?
Voce chupa sem camisinha? = Do you suck without a condom?
Você faz Tudo? = Do you do everything?
Você faz sexo anal? = Do you do anal sex
Você gosta de sexo anal? = Do you like Anal Sex
Eu posso gozar na sua boca= Can I cum in your mouth?
Culo = anal sex (I believe this is Spanish but used widely in Brasil)
beijos negros = to lick ass (in a sexual way)

**Most important words general (think Pimsleur Volumn 1)**

Obrigado/a = Thankyou (Man always says Obrigado, a women always says Obrigada)
De Nada = Your welcome (in Rio "De" is pronounced "Ge" IE "Ge Nada")
Por Favor= please
Qual é o seu nome? = What is your name. (this is the first thing every girl will ask)
Como se chama = What is your name (literally: how to be called)
Meu Nome = My name is.......(this is your reply)
De= from or of
Onde = where
De Onde (você) = of where (literally: where are you from?)
sim = yes
não = no
um/uma = 1 or "a" ("um" refers to a masculine object, "uma" femine)
um pouco = a little
Eu= I
Eu Vou = I go ,
Você vai = You go.
Nos vamos =Lets go (note the different forms the verb "go" takes)
Eu fui = I went (or I was)
Você Foi= You went
beber = drink
você = you (informal)
Garoto/a = boy/girl
Tem= Have, Important when asking if some has something, IE "Tem água"
Você tem troco = Do you have change? ("tem troco" is OK to say)
Falar = (to) Speak
Você fala Portuguese = Do you speak Portuguese?
Bonito/a = beautiful
Lindo/a = beautiful
Louco/a =crazy
e = and
é = it is
Agora = now
água = water
com = with
sem = without
água com gas = water with bubbles
água sem gas = water with bubbles
meia =6 , literally means "half" as in half a dozen. phone numbers are spoken this way
Como = how
querer= want, Eu quero (I want), Você quer (you want)
precisar = need
gostar = (to) like
gostaria = (I) would like
Quantos anos você tem = How old are you? (literally: How many years do you have)
Eu não entendo = I don't understand
Devagar = slow (you will here this before Anal, means go slow!)
Bunda = ass
Achar = (to) think
Nos vamos para o meu hotel agora = lets go to my hotel now
Eu não sei = I dont know
Não sabe=
Por Quanto tempo = For how long?
um pouco mais = a little bit more
Voce quer uma bebida = Do you want a drink?
Onde voce mora = where do you live?
Quero duplas = I want two girls
Cachorro = dog
Desculpa = Sorry or excuse me
Ontem = Yesterday
Amanhã = Tomorrow
Talvez = maybe
Perto daqui = close to here
fica longe daqui = far from here
Quanto custa para entrar = How much to enter
mesa para dois = a table for two
Você tem tempo agora = Do you have time now?
Você quer ir comigo = Do you want to go with me
difícil = difficult
fácil = easy
bonito/a = beautiful (a man is a "bonito", women is a "bonita")
lindo/linda = beautiful (as well)

**List of juices**

Suco de = Juice of

Suco de laranja = Orange Juice
Suco de Maca = Apple juice
Suco de Abacaxi = Pineapple juice
Suco de Melancia = Watermelon

**Numbers**

For a list a complete list of numbers grab guide book. Remember when negotiating with a girl numbers are written the same, hence grab a pen if necessary or use sign language.

0 zero
1 um (M), uma (F)
2 dois (M), duas (F)
3 três
4 quatro
5 cinco
100 cem
150 cento e cinquenta
200 duzentos
300 trezentos
300+ don't even think about paying any girl more than this!

For a complete list, see you pocket dictionary.

**Verbs**

The above list is for someone that has no knowledge of Portuguese. The following lists are for someone that knows Portuguese well and wants to know certain words better that will generally not be taught by your humble Portuguese teacher.

**Sperto lists of….well….best to just read them. Posted on ISG**

Sperto says: -
Insulting is something that should absolutely be avoided in Brazil, but sometimes it can be necessary. Also it's good to know what people say if they insult you.
Please, be very careful using these phrases. Some of them are VERY strong.

A simple and useful phrase for shoe shiners and beggars that don't accept "Não obrigado" is "Sai daqui desgraçado!" They will definitely go away.

Vai toma no cú seu viado ~ Fuck you, faggot.
Vai se danar ~ Fuck you.
No teu cú ~ Up your ass.
Vai para o inferno ~ Go to hell.
Vai pra puta que te pariu ~ Go back to the ***** who gave you birth.
Se liga na porra da tua vida caralho ~ Mind your own fucking business.
Vai dar o cú ~ Go give your ass.
Enfia no cú e roda ~ Put it in your ass and keep rolling.
Enfie o dedo no cú e rasgue ~ Put your finger into your asshole and rip it off.
Gostou? Não? Então enfia o dedo no cú e gira ~ Didn't you like it? Then stick your finger up your ass and spin it.
Comi tua mae ~ I fucked your mother.
Sua mãe bate bife com as tetas ~ Your mom hit the meat with her tits.
Vá se fuder, peça da puta merda! ~ Go fuck yourself, you goddamn piece of shit!
Masca merda ~ You eat shit.
O cú da sua mãe é tão grande que um trem do metrô poderia passar nele sem problemas ~ Your mom's ass is so big that a subway train could pass through it with no problems.
Você é burro de dar dó ~ You're so stupid, people pity you.
Do jeito que você é feio, seria melhor barbear a bunda e andar de costas ~ You're so ugly you should shave your ass and walk backwards.
Sua mãe tá na zona ~ Your mom is in the *****house district.
Vou te estuprar com um abacaxi, sua bicha safada ~ I'll fuck your ass with a pineapple, you filthy faggot.
Vou cagar na sua cara ~ I'll shit in your face.
Aquela mina é um puta bagulho ~ That girl is a fucking ugly.
Vô fuder tua bunda e fazer você beber meu gozo tua puta ~ I'll fuck you in the ass, and make you taste my cum, you *****.
Vai peidar na água pra ver se sai bolhinhas ~ Go to fart in water and make bubbles.
Sua família é um bando de desgraçado filho da puta ~ Your family is motherfucker cursed.

*Spertos favourite words for ass*

bumbum, bunda, cu, nádegas, popozão, rabo

*And some for breasts*

laranjas, melancias (big ones), peitos, seios, tetas, travesseiros, tufas.

*And to have sex*

afogar o ganso, comer, fazer amor, foder, rala-rala, transar, trepar.

*And some words for pussy*

aranha, boca-cabeluda, boca-de-sapo, boca-sem-dente, buceta, bucetinha, buraco-cabeludo, coisinha, gruta-do-amor, peludinha, perereca, periquita, rosquinha,
túnel-do-amor, vagina, xereca, xoxota.

I received a number of PMs suggesting more words and correcting some existing words. There were to numerous to list but I thank you all.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 20:01
The Bubba report, updated January, 2006. Part 10/12 - Mini Guide Spain.

Having spent a lot of time in Brasil of late, I obviously have an interest in Brasilian Bunda (ass). With each trip back to Rio I would discover my favourites from last trip were currently overseas, invariably in Spain. This got me thinking about the possibility of spending more time in Spain, which for me is a lot closer to home. Prior to my first trip to Spain in over 15 years, I did a ton of research on the net and spoke to a lot of Brasilian girls, mostly in Rio Termas (is that tax deductable?). The same club names kept coming up over and over. Hence I attempted to visit them all, not that easy as I was usually with a Brasilian girl that I had met in Rio, cloak and dagger stuff but heaps of fun. In most of clubs listed below, you will find a mixture of South American and Eastern Euro girls, brazilian girls would maybe make up 25% of the numbers.

Spain in general impressed me a great deal. When I first visited it 15+ years ago, it was a bit dirty, generally quite poor compared to the rest of Europe and I basically had no reason to go back. Now it is a very vibrant country, about 30% less expensive than France, people are great, the weather is great, the cities are much cleaner and in some parts the architecture is just spectacular. It is now a much wealthier place. Do yourself a favour, get on down there.

Please note: this is a mini guide to Spain. Spain has an enormous sex industry with literally thousands of clubs. Having said this, these clubs would be a good starting point for any monger new to Spain.

Addresses: In Spain they don't always use numbers, particularly when you get out of the city. So for highway clubs they generally give a Kilometer marker and the highway. IE For Flowers Park, Madrid, A6 26 Km's. The A6 refers to the Highway "A6" and it is 26Km's from the center of the town. Sounds absurd for Westerners but it is surprisingly easy to find your way around. The main highway clubs are right on the highway, IE sometimes you have to hit the breaks hard from 100+ kph and dive into the car park.

***Madrid***

There are a ton of clubs in Madrid. Flowers park is always considered the most popular.

**Flowers Park**

Address: A6 26Km's, Madrid. (large neon sign visible from Road)
Cost: Must Negotiate: Standard is €60 -€70 per 30 mins + €5 for sheets.
Hours: Opens 6pm, goes late, think 5am ish.
Drink Prices: Scotch €12, Beer €9, Girls drinks can be €30
Entrance: Officially €10 which includes a drink, but you can generally just wander in without paying. Hell you are going to get a drink anyway, which will cost €10 ish. Hence they don't really bother about the entrance.
Train station: Las Matas station
Number of Girls: 75+

Went there a couple of times. Like a lot of highway clubs in Spain it is essentially an apartment/hotel complex where the girls rent rooms off the house, like a normal hotel. The action is in the bar downstairs. You mull around and have a chat. What you negotiate between yourself and the girl is up to you. The club doesn't take a cut of the girls fees, they make money off the drinks and room rental. Extras like CIM & Anal are common and the girl either does it or not, generally it is not added to the price, it is thrown in more as a deal clincher. The main difference between Spain and Brasil is the time to "get to know" the girls. In Brasil you can take all the time in the world, in Spain it is more 5 - 20 minutes of chat and then you either go or stay.

**Club Lovely**

Address: A1 31Km's, Madrid.
Cost: Must Negotiate: Standard is €60 - €70 per 30 mins + €5 for sheets.
Hours: 6pm until late, 5am.
Drink prices: Scotch €12, Beer €9, Girls drinks can be €30
Entrance: Officially €10, however just wander in.
Number of Girls: 60+

***Barcelona***

Again this is a large city and there is heaps of action around. You must go to the most popular club, that is Club Riviera.

** Club Riviera**
Address: Autovía de Castelldefels (C-31) Km 17,8.
Cost: Must Negotiate: Standard is €60 -€70 per 30 mins + €5 for sheets.
Hours: 6pm until late.
Drink prices: Scotch €12, Beer €9, Girls drinks can be €30+
Entrance: Officially €10, however just wander in.
Number of Girls: 75+, maybe 100 at peak times.

** Bailén 22**
Address: Calle Bailén 22, Barcelona
Cost: €300 per hour, €180 per 30mins. (yes it is expensive).
Hours:
Drink prices: Start at €15, girls drinks €40+
Entrance:
Number of Girls: 50

***Malaga***

**MiLady Palace**
Address: Ctra.N-340, Km.177, Marbella
Cost: €300 per hour, €180 per 30mins. (yes it is expensive).
Hours: Until very late 5am.
Drink prices: Start at €15, girls drinks €30+
Entrance:
Number of Girls: 50
Situated in an old Mansion like club. There are signs to it from Marbella.

**Estark 92**.
Address: N340 Coastal Rd in Carvajal, betweem the towns of benalmadena & Fuengirola.
Cost: Must Negotiate: Standard is €60 -€70 per 30 mins + €5 for sheets.
Hours: 6pm until late.
Drink prices:
Entrance:
Number of Girls: 60

*A post of mine on ISG- 1 side *

I just spent a few weeks in Spain where I met up with 2 amigas from Rio. Both I have known for just under 2 years and were just starting their careers in Termas.

One amiga, a strong 9 by any measure, just spent 4 days with me in Madrid. It was perfect timing as she was just ending a 3 month working trip there and heading home. She basically said the first time she was in Madrid she worked for Club Lovely (30 minutes costs 70 Euro or USD$90, standard for most highway clubs in Spain) where she earned about 3 times more per day than she did in a Terma in Rio. She then went back and did a 3 month stint at a terma in Rio. Upon returning to Spain she worked at a better, more high end club, and has now has done 3x3 month stints there. She earns about 6 to 9 times more there than she would at a Rio Terma and she sees less guys and only works 4 days per week. Now she does not work when she returns home, not much point when you do the sums and consider she brings about USD$30,000 home each 3 month stint. It now costs 300 euro to fuck her at the club for the hour.

It was actually great fun to hang with her and see how she has progressed over the last 2 years. When I first met her she was smoking hot and a great fuck. The one draw back was, she is obviously from a poor background and did not have much of an education. I once showed her a picture of me standing next to the Eiffel tower, she hadn't a clue where the picture was taken. Now she has developed into a more worldly young lady. She speaks Spanish, some English and a little French now and has travelled a bit in Europe. She has just purchased a house in Brasil and has a small investment unit. I believe she intends to take up studying again in the next 6 months. In short she impresses me a lot now.

I mention the above as a point that these girls now have a lot of options now and Rio will not be the same paradise it is now forever. How much did it cost to hang with her 4 for days? All she asked for was a small gift for her and her mother of which she specified, turned out to be about USD$120 in total. Hence, a further point, yes some girls in Rio do try and grab the $ others do actually enjoy the company of some gringos they meet. Of course the next trip I make to Rio she will be there and will be wanting me to be with her and not visit a terma. She has also invited me to stay at her new house. This is not an option in Rio, yes she is lovely, but there are just to many options for a single guy in Rio to be tired down to just one lovely.

One further point, there are tons of Brasilian girls all over Spain working. The GDP network is very strong. You see them everywhere on the beaches, usually lying on or wearing a brasilian flag. Her phone would ring off the hook. Everywhere I went with "minha amiga" there was something to do with a group of people, most GDP's or ex GDP's. It was kind of fun going to dinner with another couple one night, the Italian guy (who now lives in Spain) did not know his wife was an ex GDP girl. Hence, I was briefed beforehand not to mention certain things. It was funny as the conversation would be held in 3 different languages, at first when I would speak in English to the guy, his wife would always watch me (she didn't speak English, my Spanish pronunciation is not good enough to hold an in depth conversation). I would reassure her in Portuguese what we were talking about. Her husband didn't speak Porto (the girls would always speak in Porto together, rapid fire). After a while she relaxed and it was actually a very very funny and excellent night.

If you are intending to grab a bit of Brasilian ass in Spain don't expect it to be as good as you get in Rio - service wise. Everything is more rushed in Spain, less getting to know you time with the girl and more $ orientated. However, compared to most countries still a damn good option.

For new readers to this forum GDP = Garotta De Program (girl of program= sex worker girl)

*A Further post of mine on ISG- the other side*

I have only been going to Rio for 2 1/2 years, hence I am just starting to see the once really cute girls I liked on my first trip turn "less than cute" now. In fact it seems 90% of the really hot girls on my first trip, that are still around, are very average now.

For example. Sol at Centaurus. On my first trip she was one of the hottest girls there (but crap in bed). She was very arrogant, had the audacity to *tell me* to wait for her to fuck a guy and return to the boite after I merely glanced in her direction. Anyway she is still there now, she doesn't look nearly as hot and has a very burnt out attitude. She doesn't get taken to a cabine much anymore. Her career is coming to an end. Tough business..........2 years is along time as a working GDP.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 20:02
The Bubba report, updated December, 2005. January, 2006 - Real Estate


***Property Prices in Rio***

*Suburb* - - - - - - - - - - Maximo - - Medio - - Minimo----(rent)
Ipanema - - - - - - - - - - -1250000 - - 625000 - - 240000-----2730
Leblon - - - - - - - - - - - -1260000 - - 642000 - - 255000-----2827
Lagoa - - - - - - - - - - - - 1200000 - - 545000 - - 220000-----2533
Gavea - - - - - - - - - - - - 1100000 - - 518000 - - 230000-----2087
Urca - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1000000 - - 417000 - - 180000-----2225
Jardin Botanico - - - - - -1000000 - - 437000 - - 220000-----1896
Barra e Racreio - - - - - -1100000 - - 410000 - - 150000-----2074
Copacabana e Leme - - -1050000 - - 381000 - - 165000-----2169
Flamengo e Catete - - - - 1000000 - - 386000 - - 185000----1630
Laranjeiras e C Velho - - -750000 - - 339000 - - 165000----1630
Botafogo e Humaita - - - 560000 - - 332000 - - -175000----1377
Ilha do Governador - - - - 500000 - - 237000 - - - 55000------713
Tijuca e Rio Comprido - -450000 - - 191000 - - - 75000------761
Jacarepagua - - - - - - - - -300000 - - 167000 - - - -55000------716
Meier e Lins - - - - - - - - -350000 - - 159000 - - - 60000------600
Andarai e Grajau - - - - - -360000 - - 159000 - - - 57000------675
Madureira - - - - - - - - - - 230000 - - 126000 - - - -40000-----502
Centro - - - - - - - - - - - - -230000 - - 127000 - - - -50000-----597

NB: Prices quoted in Reals and for a 3 bedroom apartment.

Maximo = was the highest price obtained for the month
Medio = average price for the suburb in the area
Minimo = The cheapest place sold that month.
Rent = Average rent for a unfurnished 3 bed apartment over a 2 1/2 year contract.

The above table (sorry about the formatting ) was taken from OGlobo-16 Oct-05. It shows the maximum (maximo) price of an apartment sold in the area in the last month, the average (medio) and minimum (minimo). It is interesting in that the most expensive suburb in Rio has an average apartment price of USD$300,000. This would not qualify for an "average" suburb in a big western city. As a comparison, a good suburb in London, IE Chelsea has an average 3br apartment price of USD$2,000,000.

*Renting in Rio*

There are tons of short term rental agencies in Rio, hence finding something for 1 week to 3 months is not a problem. If you want to rent a place for longer and perhaps furnish it yourself you can find some real bargains, a fraction of what you would pay for a short term rentals. However with this comes a few problems.

A standard lease runs for 2 1/2 years. To obtain such a lease you will usually need a Fiador to guarantee or co sign the lease. What does this mean? Well if you do not make you rental payments the Fiador is responsible for your debts. In order to be a fiador, one must own a property in Rio and this property is essentially leant on until your lease is up. Hence finding a Fiador is virtually impossible, well for a gringo anway. If you think this is ridiculous, and it is, the problem was essentially created by inept legislation. Once a lease is signed it is virtually impossible to evict the tenant, even if rent is not paid. Hence, when you add in costly legal bills, unpaid utility and condo bills, you can see how the landlord is exposed to a bad tenant. Many a landlord has been forced to sell a property after a 2 year battle with a renegade tenant.

For a gringo it is difficult to hence rent a property on a long term basis. There is no easy way around it. I have heard of a few gringos obtaining a lease through a broker going into bat for them, usually they require some sort of deposit, up to 6 months. Finding a good broker is also difficult. Real estate brokers around the world are not exactly a trustworthy bunch, in Rio they are absolutely disgraceful. Having said this I have found a good one, but I do not want to put her name here. She is busy enough.

A good place to start the search for properties is here. http://classificados.oglobo.com.br/ The Sunday edition of the same paper has the listings.


*A posting by Carlos Primeros on ISG. Carlos says in regards to buying a property.

Brasilian titles: I can only recommend that you have a lawyer do the title research. One of my relatives bought five years ago in Blumenau a piece of land. The title research was done and it showed that the sale from a church-organization to an individual 28 years ago was not properly done and that the Catholic Church was still the legal owner of the land - everybody assumed at those days that the transfer was done and closed. The whole thing was settled amicably but why should this happen to you? There are a lot of Brazilians which would like to make a gringo pay for nothing or at least for an invalid title. The Brazilian Government guarantees only one thing: That all their records are hopelessly incorrect and a big mess. In Brazil there is a time-limit in which titles can be contested. It is 30 years. A professional lawyer will do a search to this time-frame. I assume that the US Consulate in Rio or where ever you want to buy the property will provide you with the address of a semi-decent and skilful lawyer.

Payment: do not - under any circumstances - conclude a contract with a "split price", meaning one figure in the contract and the other amount cash. Remember - you have to bring this money into Brazil legally. By just taken R40.000 cash to Brazil is illegal and you might be set up paying this money. Make a transfer to an escrow account with Banco do Brazil and pay from this account to the guy. Normally when you open an account in Brazil, you must give your tax-number (CPF), As a foreigner you do not have one - alas - you can open only an account with Banco do Brazil. Alternatively first get a residence permit (permanente) in Brazil and than effectuate the purchase of the apartment. I would do this anyhow first.

One final thought: why are you not renting an apartment? Put your money in some investment - fund, cash the profits out and pay with the profits the rent. If you do not like the place anymore, just terminate the rental contract!

I am also living from time to time for longer periods in Rio but I would never ever buy an apartment there. You never know how the situation in a part of Rio develops and suddenly your place turns into a Favela (slum). Then you can kiss the value of your apartment good-bye. Carlos Primeros

*CPF Cards*
If you are intending to stay in Brasil for a long term stay you should consider getting a CPF card. You get them by applying at the local post office. They cost less than R10, of course a friendly GDP can help with the paper work. You need a local address which they send the card to after a few weeks.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 20:04
Bubba Report, updated January, 2006. Part 12/12. The final words.

***Daily Routine, a summary of what I do daily when in Rio***

This is what I do on an almost daily basis.

~~Wake up, hit a kilo place or suco bar for lunch. (No one wakes up in time for breakfast.

~~Maybe hit the beach for an hour or 2 or hit a tourist attraction. Call buddies see what is on the agenda.

~~Hit a Terma, early after or mid noon depending upon the strategy for the day. Ie 4x4 early, zona sul Termas anytime.

~~grab something to eat for late dinner at a kilo place or suco bar. If you know enough of them you can find more than enough variety of food to eat there almost everyday.

~~If enough time may hit another terma, maybe just for a drink or rest and then go to Help or at least hang around outside with some friends, I may or may not go in. The longer I stay in Rio the less I go to Help, normally find something else (or someone else) to do

~~Go to bed, either alone or with a new friend.

***Your first step***

Your first sexual experience in Rio should be at a Terma. Why? Well it will get you up and running quickly. It is also the least hassle, least likely place to get you ripped off, and it will form the basis for reference of all future experiences.

***People to Thank***

As I stated in the intro, I have attempted to create 1 resource for Rio. Hence I have used many peoples post and info. All the info have been very carefully screened, I have only used info from people that I know, know their shit. I have also verified a lot of the info myself. People to thank, some helped me with direct input, some helped me just for the quality of their posts.

Sperto, Euro100, Lorenzo, Jaimito Cartero, Doc Bill , Pro (always quality posts despite being a grumpy assed gringo ;-) ), Rio bob (see comments about Pro ;-) ) , GK (excellent quality posts on Sampa). Young and Restless, James Howard, Keldeson, Bandy, Carlos Primeros, Full Throttle. There are also others, I apologise for not listing everybody.

Copy write notice: This report is free to use or distribute, however the following URL must left in tact. http://www.internationalsexguide.info/ It is where I post, it is where I have used other peoples post. It is "our home" and a great resource, hence I would ask you credit it the URL if you post it on another website.

***The Final Words***

The end.

Bubba Boy
01-19-06, 20:07
Appendix: 1, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In my opinion the second best mongering option in South America, probably on par with Sao Paulo. Don't expect the same experience as Rio though, that I don't think you will find anywhere else in the world. I was thinking of adding a BA section and a Sampa section but, well, ran out of time quite frankly, maybe next year. This review is the best, most concise breakdown of BA I have seen. For addresses check out http://www.argentinaprivate.com , the directory section of BA private.

Full Throttle posted January 2006 of the available options in BA. Prices in USD Dollars.

Full throttle says:

AM-Evening
1. Apartamentos/ Departamentos

- Perhaps 50-70 known to int'l mongers, unlimited to locals
- Price $24-$50, full hour, room sex
- 2-12 girls
- typically internet girls who stage from there hoping for the high-price
phone call, but settle for the steady income
- Girl quality 4-9, typically many 6.5-7.5's
- Tip $3-$7 for BBBJ. Anal usually included if available
- Strategy: they are relatively close together, especially at BA taxi rates.
If you're not happy, move on until you are!

2. MP's

- Similar to above except a "real" massage is offered
- Massage $20-$25, CBJ $14 extra, BBBJ may/may not be available, but no
extra, sex $20 premium over the original massage price, CBJ included
- Girls similar to above in quality, although you may find younger/prettier.
- Strategy: Use the madam for help in determining who gives the best massage
or whatever you are up for.

Noon-Evening

Above plus Orleans

Orleans is much panned on this forum. The reality is that there are 5-6 gems
among 15 girls, on average. I'm surprised that someone had a negative
experience, because the lighting in Orleans is bright and revealing.

- $70 for an hour+ is very easy to negotiate. Similar price for more time
possible, less money a little more difficult for the good ones.
- No management oversight, so BBBJ and other things MUST be
discussed/negotiated up front.
- Girls vary from 5.5-8.0. 7.0's easy to find. I'm NOT including the handful
of older girls ("Maduras"), because they don't represent what most here
seek. They cater to a specific fetish/preference.
- Strategy: Pre-screen like crazy.


Evening-11PM

Oddly, the slowest part of the day. The Thermas bridge this time gap in Rio.
No such animal in BA. Anyway, the apartamentos and Orleans are open. The
internet girls are always available. There are GREAT local happy hours at
legitimate places.

11PM-4am

1. High-End Clubs (Black, Madaho's)

- Sporadic or continuous strip shows.
- $20 cover, $10 drinks.
- $20-$30 chica drinks. One required for exit.
- Girls will start out at $300. Will usually settle for around $125 for 1-1.5
hours. Additional time is problematic because the house monitors chica time
away, and will fine them.
- Services generally reported good, with major exceptions.
- Many dozens of girls to choose from.
- Girl quality rated 7-10 among guys who insist on frequenting these places,
lower among those of us who think it is more illusory than truly high
quality.
- Total tally for 1 drink for you, 1 for her, and time with her, roughly
$200.
- Strategy: Enjoy these places, but keep an open mind for the other choices.

Bubba edit: I personally do not like Black, it was the number 1 club before Madahos opened, but now it is blown away by it. Madahos is cheaper and has much better looking girls, less of the girls try to out and out fuck you on price as well.

2. Mid-level Clubs (Cattos, Hook, Ness, Jaz, CuttySark, etc.)

- Very sporadic strip shows.
- No cover charge, but beers are now $7.
- Chica drink, required for check-out and encouraged for very fun test drives
is now $14, I think. No less than $12.
- 12-25 girls each establishment.
- Girl quality 5.0-8.5. Age range 20-30.
- Good service and BBBJ is virtually assumed. They ARE accountable to
management.
- Chica price $50-$75. Time 1-hour to all night. 2-hours easy to negotiate
for that price. If you take a girl before a certain time, all-nighters may
require an additional drink.
- Strategy: Test drive! Assume you are going to take the girl first, then buy
her a drink. Move upstairs or to the back room. Test dfk, feel for body
firmness, and just have fun! If she fails any test, you still had a little
fun, and you can shop some more.

3. Low-Tier Clubs (Flores area, Envidia, Doly's)

- $5 entry, includes a 600ml beer.
- Additional beers $3.50, I think.
- Chica drinks, $7.00, I think (note, "I think" always follows things I learn
after midnight).
- Number of girls 25-75.
- Girl+Room 30 minutes $24, 1 hour $40.
- Girl quality 6-9.
- Girl age 19-25.
- Easy to find 7.5's.
- Places that cater to locals, so the ratio from guys to girls becomes high
late.
- CBJ standard and difficult (for me) to work around. GFE's not that common,
but not without precedent.
- Strategy: Midnight is the best time. All the chicas are there, but few of
the Portenos.

4. Excedra

- Indoor/Outdoor coffee shop (and beer)
- In the last month, the quality has been relatively high.
- There are a few hideous creatures. So, what?
- Prices $50-$70.
- Again, no managerial oversight.
- A lot of immigrants (twice, I've been there during INS checks).

5. Kilkenney's and other non-pro/ semi-pro hangouts

- Percentage of working girls now fairly high at this Irish pub on steroids.
Loud and crowded.
- Low cover and medium-high priced drinks for a legitimate place, but the
atmosphere is good.
- No standard pricing/quality, since it attracts such a large cross-section
of people.

6. Newport

-A late-night bar/club in Recoleta.
-I met the absolute love of my life there 5 years ago, but the stories range
from that to very, very bad.
-NO management oversight.
-Jackson believes only girls who have been kicked out of the managed clubs
go there.
-Strategy: Pre-screen, then pre-screen some more, then screen. Never, ever,
ever pay up front. Lock your belongings and bolt-up the mini-bar. Again,
this is anecdotal information as my only experience there was f-ing awesome.

So, that's my summary. A couple of final recommendations:

-If you don't read about a place on the forum or have it recommended, assume it's a clip-joint.

-Stay in an apartment in Recoleta (I have some good recommendations) rather than a hotel. Full Throttle.

J Wadd
01-24-06, 04:06
That's just plain crazy. Comparing B.A. to S.P or Rio (for sex) is like comparing Reno to L.V.

IMO (and with all due respect),
JW

Gladiator
02-28-06, 23:00
Great guide, but shouldn’t it be called ‘Bubba Boy’s Rio Guide’?

In case someone hasn’t yet realised it, Brazil comprises a few more places apart from Rio.

Lover Boy #2
03-28-06, 15:18
Bubba....with all of the police action at the local clubs over the past few days, your guide is even more essential today than it ever was. Bless you for providing info on clubs I have not been to before, so my ass does not get arrested for taking some ass. To Rio Police.....you suck ass bitches deserve the worst, as you are the worst.

Bubba Boy
04-23-06, 17:41
Time has flown by, hence I am going to do a mini update, mainly prices. If anyone knows of any errors in my report please post them. I have the updated prices for pretty much every place listed, hence no need to post them. I am also going to attempt to put the report into an easy to download .pdf file.

On a side note, I have been keeping a Diary of various friends adventures in Rio, kind of like a never ending frat party here, may end up in a book one day..........

Euro100
05-14-06, 14:31
On a side note, I have been keeping a Diary of various friends adventures in Rio, kind of like a never ending frat party here, may end up in a book one day..........

Can I order my advance copy? I am sure this is going to be a page turner ...

euro

Bubba Boy
05-14-06, 19:01
Sure, I will be sure to send a copy to all people who have contributed.

Pipe Layer99
10-05-06, 09:03
I recently returned from my 1st trip to Rio. I read a lot of intel in this forum prior to the trip. There was a wealth of knowledge absorbed from reading Bubba's guide. Any 1st timers or others who may have experienced problems - this is a must read for you. Thanks for all who contribute to this forum.

Look for my trip report in the next week. I will also try to figure out how to upload the pics I took with the honeys.

Psriches
10-11-06, 04:11
What is the cheapest way to call home to the US? I was thinking maybe a call center?

Pipe Layer99
10-12-06, 21:38
Just go to an internet/phone center and use their services. They are all over the city.

DD

Bubba Boy
02-12-07, 23:38
I am definitely updating this guide now. It should be ready in a week or, actually I have set a deadline of Feb 22 because I have plans after this date.

Hence any suggestion, comments, criticisms please post them.

One thing I will do is put in a better index, an index that will reference each topic by page number. Second thing, I will reduce the number of pages, would like to keep it at 100 pages even.

Rosine
02-12-07, 23:56
I am definitely updating this guide now. It should be ready in a week or, actually I have set a deadline of Feb 22 because I have plans after this date.

Hence any suggestion, comments, criticisms please post them.

One thing I will do is put in a better index, an index that will reference each topic by page number. Second thing, I will reduce the number of pages, would like to keep it at 100 pages even.100 pages? I guess I've never seen the real deal. The thing I'm looking for and will report on when I come back from my April trip is the centro options during the day. That's the most intriguing of all. Oh and new Termas of course. Thanks for all you do. It's much appreciated.

Hunter10
02-13-07, 04:27
In my opinion your guide on Rio is one of the most detail guide for Hobbying on this board.

Its has a wealth of knowledge to help other members who have never went to Brazil have a better trip. Your index is fine. Let the new reader read everything you wrote. Its like the 101 travel guide to hobbying in Brazil. There so much good information from shopping to dining.

Its has information on selecting a place to eat like the kilo/buffets to going to a Tourist location. The guide is awesome. It lets you know what options you have to getting around Rio and the best times to go. It made my trip so much more efficient. This guide even has a language section. I learn the basic of starting a romantic relations with these Brazilian ladies. From your Vocabulary guide I learn all the Romantic terms. Imagine me not knowing a lick of Portugese then some magic words would come out. I'll ask a girl for oral without condom or can I come in your mouth in Portugese. They get a kick out if it and smile. They know I can't say much more than those magic words in Portugese. Brazilian ladies are beautiful and really fun to be around. There so damn sexy.

The information you have in the guide is awesome. I must reiterate once again and need I say with out overkill Thank You Once Again! . Bubba Boy for time and effort to post such a wonderfull guide for everyone. Thank you for efforts for updating and maintaining such a post.

Good luck and have fun on your next journey.

Ledrassi
02-14-07, 10:28
I am definitely updating this guide now. It should be ready in a week or, actually I have set a deadline of Feb 22 because I have plans after this date.

Hence any suggestion, comments, criticisms please post them.

One thing I will do is put in a better index, an index that will reference each topic by page number. Second thing, I will reduce the number of pages, would like to keep it at 100 pages even.About time too Bubby, you've been sitting on your ass for too long. You had better make a better guide and you had better do it quickly.

I don't have all the time in the world to wait for it. Unlike you guys, I'm a busy man and I actually have interesting things to do, I don't spend my life writing reports on forums, I prefer spending it on quality time with the girls.

So hurry up Bubby, start typing all you know, I'm waiting for it.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:38
Unlike you guys, I'm a busy man and I actually have interesting things to do, I don't spend my life writing reports on forums, I prefer spending it on quality time with the girls.

You must still do that thing which I detest but takes up all your time ---ie Work. I got rid of that shit many years ago, around my thirty first birthday ;-)

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:39
================================================
Bubba Report, updated February, 2007. Part 14. The final words.

***Daily Routine, a summary of what I do daily when in Rio***

This is what I do on an almost daily basis.
~~Wake up, hit a kilo place or suco bar for lunch. (No one wakes up in time for breakfast.
~~Maybe hit the beach for an hour or 2 or hit a tourist attraction. Call buddies see what is on the agenda.
~~Hit a Terma, early after or mid noon depending upon the strategy for the day. Ie 4x4 early, zona sul Termas anytime.
~~grab something to eat for late dinner at a kilo place or suco bar. If you know enough of them you can find more than enough variety of food to eat there almost everyday.
~~If enough time may hit another terma, maybe just for a drink or rest and then go to Help or at least hang around outside with some friends, I may or may not go in. The longer I stay in Rio the less I go to Help, normally find something else (or someone else) to do
~~Go to bed, either alone or with a new friend.

***Your first step***

Your first sexual experience in Rio should be at a Terma. Why? Well it will get you up and running quickly. It is also the least hassle, least likely place to get you ripped off, and it will form the basis for reference of all future experiences. Terma Luomo is a good start, it did me good on my first visit, it could well get you off to a good start.

***People to Thank***

As I stated in the intro, I have attempted to create 1 resource for Rio. Hence I have used many peoples post and info. All the info have been very carefully screened, I have only used info from people that I know, know their shit. I have also verified a lot of the info myself. People to thank, some helped me with direct input, some helped me just for the quality of their posts.

Sperto, Euro100, Lorenzo, Jaimito Cartero, Doc Bill, Genghis Khan (excellent quality posts on Sampa), Rio Bob, Young and Restless, James Howard, Keldeson, Bandy, Pelicano, Carlos Primeros, Sui Generis, Full Throttle, the mighty Austrian - El Austriaco and virtually every other senior member that takes the time out of their lives to post. There are also others, I apologise for not listing everybody.

Copy write notice: This report is free to use or distribute, however the following URL must left in tact. http://www.internationalsexguide.info/ It is where I post, it is where I have used other peoples posts. It is "our home" and a great resource, hence I would ask you credit it the URL if you post it on another website.

***The Final Words***

The end.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:39
================================================
Bubba Report, updated January, 2006. Part 13. Other Places in Brasil.

**Sao Paulo**

For more detail on Sao Paulo please see that section.

**Brasilia**

The nations capital. Home to 2m people. I believe it was built in the 1960's from nothing and almost bankrupted the country at the time. It is a spread out city, a city that would be very difficult to live in without the access to a car. It is not compact like Rio. Like most cities in Brasil it has paid for options. I stayed there for a couple of days and think that for pure mongering activities it would not be worth the trip. However if you have to go there for business you may as well grab a bit of ass.

*Accomodation*

I stayed at the Melia Brasilia complex in March 2006. It has a 5 star hotel "Melia Brasilia" and a 4 star hotel "Tryp Park". Basically they are the same complex operated by the same company built in 2003. The Melia will set you back about USD$120 and the Tryp about USD$80. I found the hotel to be out standing, I believe there are no problems with guests, although I did not bring anything home. The Mercure is not far away and accor hotels are always a good option in Brasil. The location of the hotel is great, the Gol Club is directly across the road, and the Patio Brasil Shopping centre is 200 yard down the road on the right if standing in the foyeur.

http://www.solmelia.com (for Melia and Tryp)
http://www.accorhotels.com.br (for Mercure)

*Action*

After doing a lot of research I came to the conclusion that the Gol Club is the place to be at the top end while in Brasilia. It was located directly opposite the Melia, next to a quite large service station that curiously had cars lining up 24/7 to fill up, kind of inefficient but I digress. Anyway, from the outside the club looks tiny, this is because the entire club is underground and it is quite large and well appointed. Entrance was R80, which was broken down to R30 for entrance and a minimum consumption of R50. Beer was R10 and whiskey from memory was R20. I went on a Monday and there was about 30 girls there, it was dead before 11pm, hence do not go before. It looked like the full complement of girls were there more or less by midnight. I didn't ask what the price was to take a girl out or what there bar fine was. The girls that were there were all, by my high standards, quite nice. They were all about 7's and maybe an 8 or 2. As I had just come from Rio and was "well fed" I declined any action.

I believe working girls gather in some hotel lobbies after 11pm on some nights. I personally did not see this at the Melia but it was a Monday night, I have heard a few do hang there. You may see this at Blue Tree Park which is down by the lake, about 2 miles from the Hotel Melia and The Bonaparte hotel, which is 2 blocks down from the Melia, just past the Patio Brasil shopping center.

http://golnightclub.com.br/

*The Patio Brasil Shopping center*

This is by Brasilian standards a large mall. It has decent shopping and a food court on the top level. Hence, I found the Melia hotel a good place to stay because you can always eat at the Mall for R12 or so and there is always something to do, I would think in other parts of the city it would be a cab ride to get anywhere. It also has a large cinema complex. It is a couple of hundred yards down to the right from the Melia if standing looking at of the foyer.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:40
===============================================
The Bubba report, updated February, 2007 - Real Estate. Part 12.

***Property Prices in Rio***

*Suburb* - - - - - - - - - - Maximo - - Medio - - Minimo----(rent)
Ipanema - - - - - - - - - - -1250000 - - 625000 - - 240000-----2730
Leblon - - - - - - - - - - - -1260000 - - 642000 - - 255000-----2827
Lagoa - - - - - - - - - - - - 1200000 - - 545000 - - 220000-----2533
Gavea - - - - - - - - - - - - 1100000 - - 518000 - - 230000-----2087
Urca - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1000000 - - 417000 - - 180000-----2225
Jardin Botanico - - - - - -1000000 - - 437000 - - 220000-----1896
Barra e Racreio - - - - - -1100000 - - 410000 - - 150000-----2074
Copacabana e Leme - - -1050000 - - 381000 - - 165000-----2169
Flamengo e Catete - - - - 1000000 - - 386000 - - 185000----1630
Laranjeiras e C Velho - - -750000 - - 339000 - - 165000----1630
Botafogo e Humaita - - - 560000 - - 332000 - - -175000----1377
Ilha do Governador - - - - 500000 - - 237000 - - - 55000------713
Tijuca e Rio Comprido - -450000 - - 191000 - - - 75000------761
Jacarepagua - - - - - - - - -300000 - - 167000 - - - -55000------716
Meier e Lins - - - - - - - - -350000 - - 159000 - - - 60000------600
Andarai e Grajau - - - - - -360000 - - 159000 - - - 57000------675
Madureira - - - - - - - - - - 230000 - - 126000 - - - -40000-----502
Centro - - - - - - - - - - - - -230000 - - 127000 - - - -50000-----597

NB: Prices quoted in Reals and for a 3 bedroom apartment.

Maximo = was the highest price obtained for the month
Medio = average price for the suburb in the area
Minimo = The cheapest place sold that month.
Rent = Average rent for a unfurnished 3 bed apartment over a 2 1/2 year contract.

The above table (sorry about the formatting ) was taken from OGlobo-16 Oct-05. It shows the maximum (maximo) price of an apartment sold in the area in the last month, the average (medio) and minimum (minimo). It is interesting in that the most expensive suburb in Rio has an average apartment price of USD$300,000. This would not qualify for an "average" suburb in a big western city. As a comparison, a good suburb in London, IE Chelsea has an average 3br apartment price of USD$2,000,000.

*Renting in Rio*

There are tons of short term rental agencies in Rio, hence finding something for 1 week to 3 months is not a problem. If you want to rent a place for longer and perhaps furnish it yourself you can find some real bargains, a fraction of what you would pay for a short term rentals. However with this comes a few problems.

A standard lease runs for 2 1/2 years. To obtain such a lease you will usually need a Fiador to guarantee or co sign the lease. What does this mean? Well if you do not make you rental payments the Fiador is responsible for your debts. In order to be a fiador, one must own a property in Rio and this property is essentially leant on until your lease is up. Hence finding a Fiador is virtually impossible, well for a gringo anway. If you think this is ridiculous, and it is, the problem was essentially created by inept legislation. Once a lease is signed it is virtually impossible to evict the tenant, even if rent is not paid. Hence, when you add in costly legal bills, unpaid utility and condo bills, you can see how the landlord is exposed to a bad tenant. Many a landlord has been forced to sell a property after a 2 year battle with a renegade tenant.

For a gringo it is difficult to hence rent a property on a long term basis. There is no easy way around it. I have heard of a few gringos obtaining a lease through a broker going into bat for them, usually they require some sort of deposit, up to 6 months. Finding a good broker is also difficult. Real estate brokers around the world are not exactly a trustworthy bunch, in Rio they are absolutely disgraceful. Having said this I have found a good one, but I do not want to put her name here. She is busy enough.

A good place to start the search for properties is here. http://classificados.oglobo.com.br/ The Sunday edition of the same paper has the listings.


*A posting by Carlos Primeros on ISG. Carlos says in regards to buying a property.

Brasilian titles: I can only recommend that you have a lawyer do the title research. One of my relatives bought five years ago in Blumenau a piece of land. The title research was done and it showed that the sale from a church-organization to an individual 28 years ago was not properly done and that the Catholic Church was still the legal owner of the land - everybody assumed at those days that the transfer was done and closed. The whole thing was settled amicably but why should this happen to you? There are a lot of Brazilians which would like to make a gringo pay for nothing or at least for an invalid title. The Brazilian Government guarantees only one thing: That all their records are hopelessly incorrect and a big mess. In Brazil there is a time-limit in which titles can be contested. It is 30 years. A professional lawyer will do a search to this time-frame. I assume that the US Consulate in Rio or where ever you want to buy the property will provide you with the address of a semi-decent and skilful lawyer.

Payment: do not - under any circumstances - conclude a contract with a "split price", meaning one figure in the contract and the other amount cash. Remember - you have to bring this money into Brazil legally. By just taken R40.000 cash to Brazil is illegal and you might be set up paying this money. Make a transfer to an escrow account with Banco do Brazil and pay from this account to the guy. Normally when you open an account in Brazil, you must give your tax-number (CPF), As a foreigner you do not have one - alas - you can open only an account with Banco do Brazil. Alternatively first get a residence permit (permanente) in Brazil and than effectuate the purchase of the apartment. I would do this anyhow first.

One final thought: why are you not renting an apartment? Put your money in some investment - fund, cash the profits out and pay with the profits the rent. If you do not like the place anymore, just terminate the rental contract!

I am also living from time to time for longer periods in Rio but I would never ever buy an apartment there. You never know how the situation in a part of Rio develops and suddenly your place turns into a Favela (slum). Then you can kiss the value of your apartment good-bye. Carlos Primeros

Member #4042 wrote:


***Buying and Selling Real Estate in Brazil: Do's, Don'ts and Don't Even Thinks***


Member #4042 wrote this very informative and clarifying article I found in www.brazzil.com in the general info. I hope is helps to end all the speculation about real estate transactions in Brasil. I hope is useful forall those looking to buy RE in Brasil ( as is my case)

Anyone could pose as a real estate agent in Brazil. In fact, selling real estate appears to be the third most favorite national past-time after soccer and Carnaval. Strangers on the street, doormen, friends, friends of friends, friends of relatives, and relatives of friends, in short, anyone would gladly lend you a helping hand and charge a commission for services (or lack thereof) provided.

Nobody would guess that in Brazil the profession of a real estate broker is strictly regulated by the Civil Code and providing real estate services without being duly registered and licensed is a misdemeanor punishable by incarceration and fine.

This is important information yet it is often of little practical value to those unfortunate individuals who have already fallen victims to pseudo-brokers, incompetent brokers, or outright fraud.

As always, an ounce of prevention is worth many times a pound of cure, especially considering that this pound of cure is very hard to come by in the first place. Of course, there are recourses that could be invoked by the injured party.

Brokers and agents can be reprimanded and their licenses could be suspended and revoked by CRECI - Regional Councils of Real Estate Professionals; real estate agents are also legally and financially responsible for their actions through civil and criminal legal systems. Needless to say, obtaining satisfaction or justice could take a very long time as well as be extremely difficult, costly, and stressful.

Information and knowledge are often the best defenses and protectors of consumer interests and rights in any situation. This is true many times more so in real estate purchase arrangements that take place in Brazil.

Let us look at the professional qualifications, responsibilities, and rights that real estate agents have in Brazil. Our first step is to learn how to avoid unscrupulous individuals who pose as brokers and who often cause serious financial and emotional damage to their unsuspecting clients. We will then look at the practical aspects of working with a real estate agent, and, finally, we should explore the steps that can be taken to protect rights and property of a client.

Broker, are you a broker?

In order to become a licensed real estate agent (broker) in Brazil it is necessary to take a training course TTI (Técnico de Transações Imobiliárias), pass exams on the comprising modules, and, finally, pass the state licensing exam.

A broker can exercise profession only after obtaining TTI diploma, passing the state licensing exam, and being duly registered with the corresponding state CRECI. At this point the broker obtains a professional ID card and a CRECI registration number.

The real estate broker ID card has to be carried at all times during exercise of profession and ought to be shown to anyone wishing to see it. CRECI number identifying the professional is mandatory to be listed in all advertising.

In special cases, students of TTI courses are issued intern permits that allow them to work at real estate agencies during their training.

It is fairly simple to identify a real estate professional in Brazil. Endless trouble (alas, not all of it) could be avoided by taking this simple, yet often overlooked step.

NOTE: If you wish to be certain that you are dealing with a legit real estate professional, ask for ID, note the name and the CRECI number.

Picareta - (literally a pickax, but here a con artist) is a slang term often used to designate false brokers.

There are two types of CRECI licenses:

Individual license granted to graduates of TTI course who have passed the state licensing exam.

Note: Holders of bachelor and master level degrees in Real Estate Sciences are also eligible for CRECI inscription without having to take the TTI course. They still have to pass the state licensing exam.

Company licenses are issued to companies that incorporate real estate related activities in the corporate bylaws as well as being headed and managed by an individual CRECI holder (real estate agency).

Note: Company CRECI can be used for advertising and legal purposes, but only individuals holding CRECI licenses can provide real estate services to clients.

What Real Estate Agents Are Qualified to Do

RE brokers in Brazil are not mere sales agents. Despite the fact that the primary function and the main revenue source for real estate professional remains commission derived from brokering, CRECI licensed professionals ought to be able to advise on and guide clients through most if not all the intricate details of a real estate transaction.

Taking On a Listing

In order to publicly advertise a property for sale (newspaper ads, web site listings, etc) it is necessary for a broker to have exclusive listing contract. It is a very unfortunate fact that in many cases brokers do not bother to get exclusivity nor take any steps in order to investigate or even to visit a property they are expected to sell.

In the ideal case, the broker would obtain exclusivity (lack of MLSs (Multiple Listing Services), competitive market, and poor working relationship with the public often result in properties advertised by a number of brokers/agencies with different prices), visit the property and conduct preliminary due diligence investigation.

Such investigation should include obtaining historical title extract (Certidão Vintenária aka Ônus Reais), and any additional documentation that could shed light on the legal status of the property and its owner(s). It's been estimated that about 40% of properties currently on the market in Brazil have different kinds of cloud on title.

Confirming that the person selling the property is actually the owner and there are no any other immediate irreparable impediments to the ownership transfer should be one of the first steps of preparing a healthy listing.

The broker should make at least one visit to the property to confirm and investigate its location, integrity, and peculiarities. It is imperative to speak with the owner, neighbors, síndico (condominium administrator), and any other source that could potentially provide valuable information that could not be found on legal documentation about the property.

As a client you can contribute to increase in professionalism and combat of informality on real estate market by always making sure that the real estate professional you are working with is legit and that all the necessary preliminary steps have been taken before visiting a prospective property or allowing your property to be listed.

Hiring a Broker

Technically, a client/broker relationship begins with signing of a listing or a service provider agreement. The set of contracts that can be signed between a broker and a client is generally known as: Contrato de intermediação imobiliária (Real estate brokerage service contract.

The following types of contracts are recognized:

Contrato de intermediação imobiliária para fins de venda (Listing contract)

Contrato de intermediação imobiliária para fins de compra (Buyer agency agreement)

Contrato de intermediação imobiliária para fins de locação (Property rent authorization)

Contrato de intermediação imobiliária para fins de permuta (Property barter authorization)

Contrato de intermediação imobiliária para fins de administração imobiliária (Property Administration Agreement)

Despite the fact that service contract is obligatory (by professional and legal standards) between a client and a real estate broker, there have been numerous cases where commission rights had been granted to contesting broker even when no such contract existed.

Listing Contract

Listing contract can be exclusive or non-exclusive. Since there is no Multiple Listing Service in Brazil, most of the listing contracts by default grant exclusive rights to sell to the listing broker or agency (commission is due even if the seller finds buyer directly) for the duration of the contract.

Usually such contracts are signed for a period of 90 business days. If the seller desires to grant only Exclusive Agency contract (commission is only due if the listing agent finds buyer), the clause has to be explicitly stated and carefully worded.

If the transaction takes place after the expiration date of the contract, but as a result of the broker's contribution, the fee is still due.

Exclusive contract gives the rights of public advertising to the broker (posting signs, running classifieds ads, posting listings on web sites). Non-exclusive contract would limit marketing options to the internal catalogs, existing client lists and such.

Commission or Fees

Legislation and regulations guiding profession of real estate broker in Brazil shies away from calling compensation for real estate brokerage services commission. Instead, consistent effort is being made to equate such compensation with fees payable to other liberal professionals in Brazil, such as: lawyers, doctors, medics...

The word used for the legal and practical purposes is Honorários. Such effort is being made in order to further disassociate real estate broker profession from the ranks of common sales clerks and to elevate professional status of the category.

The Honorários ought to be fixed at the service contract and should be clearly identified as for the type of services that would generate such compensation.

Note: Commission and fee are used interchangeably in this article since commission is the most frequently used term designating such compensation in the English language.

There are five basic types of professional compensation:

Sale Fee

This commission is paid by either seller or buyer and is based on the type of property and sales commission table provided by the corresponding state's CRECI. Usually, the rate ranges from 5% to 10% of the amount of the transaction.

Property Barter Commission

Barter commission generally follows the same guidelines as the sale commission. It is important to note that in case of a direct exchange of a property for another one of equal value, the broker can claim commission for both. When a property of a lesser value is provided as part of payment for a property of a greater value only the commission on the property of the greater value is due.

Property Lease Commission

Rent commission is always charged to the landlord. It usually is defined as an amount equivalent to a month worth of rent.

Property Administration Fee

Can be fixed at up to 12% of the amount of the monthly rent. If the amount of rent is fixed for the entire duration of the lease agreement, then greater amount can be charged.

Property Appraisal (Property valuation) Fee

Real Estate brokers in Brazil can conduct market analysis and determine market value of the property in question.

Note: If the property appraisal is required for legal, fiscal, or mortgage purposes , only civil engineers could provide reports that can be admitted.

When the Fee Is Due

It is a common misconception that the broker fee ought to be paid at closing. In reality, payment of the broker fee is due at the moment when the transaction has become imminent, i.e. when the intent to purchase or a similar document has been signed.

Even if the deposit/earnest money has been paid and the buyer later pulls back for one reason or another, the seller is liable for the full broker commission. This is one of the reasons that the down payment should be set at least 10% of the agreed sale price in order to cover possible expenses that include broker commission.

It doesn't mean that if the broker has merely introduced the two parties that the commission is due. There has to be a clear indication that the transaction is to take place. What is usually not considered in this situation is whether or not the transaction is eventually carried through by either of the parties or not.

If the transaction falls through due to the unprofessional, unethical, or illegal conduct by the broker, there is a fair chance that the fee would be denied and the broker could be held responsible legally and financially for his or her actions.

Boris Goldshmit is the founder of www.lifestylesbrazil.com and a Licensed Real Estate Broker based in Rio de Janeiro. He can be contacted at boris@lifestylesbrazil.comThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:41
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The Bubba report, updated February, 2007. Part 11 - Language.

Due to the Portuguese settling Brazil, the language in Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish as most people not unreasonably assume.

The following is a few terms you may find useful. I have added a few you won't find in a guide book, for obvious reasons. It is not meant to be a comprehensive guide, just a start. Before going it is definitely worth getting a language course, not only will it be helpful, but it is incredibly rewarding to learn a new language. If you eventually become fluent in Porto you will be able to understand Spanish (to a degree) and to a lessor degree Italian (well you will be on your way), they are derived from the same language, hence it is reaaly worth it.

Every person I have ever spoken to that has studied Portuguese via CD's agrees the Pimsleur Portuguese series I,II & III are the best to get you started. If you finish all you will not be fluent but you will be on your way to understanding basic stuff. The one criticism about Pimsleur was that they were very expensive, about USD$200 each series. Of course many people downloaded these for free from the various elicit sources, which is probably why you can now buy the complete legitimate series in MP3 format for USD$150 (search on Ebay or google). You will also be well served by buying a Pocket sized Portuguese dictionary to take with you.
This link will give you a free course almost as good as Pimsleur, not sure how long it will last though.
http://fsi-language-courses.com/Portuguese.aspx

http://babelfish.altavista.com/ is also a rough translation guide. (it ain't perfect by any means)

NB: Portuguese is pronounced quite different to English.
NB2: I am purposely keeping this section very short. It contains the very basics.

***Two recommended courses in Rio are***

*PUC Rio*
A cathlotic uni I believe. It is located in Gávea, which is 2 suburbs away from Ipanema.
Classes run early March through to late June, and then again July through to the end of the year. Nice way to meet some local girls at this univeristy.

http://www.cce.puc-rio.br (http://www.cce.puc-rio.br/letras/portuguesingles.htm )

*Ibeu*
Good if somewhat pricacy course, they have 3 levels each lasting about a month. About R1000 per level.

http://www.ibeu.com.br/

**Other language resoures**

http://fsi-language-courses.com/Portuguese.aspx
http://www.learn-portuguese-now.com/
http://www.sonia-portuguese.com/

**Most important words GDP**

Safado/a, You will here this a lot when talking to the girls. A safado, when applied in this text, is literally a guy (or girl= Safada) that screws around a lot. You will be called such if you bang another girl in front of a terma girl you have already done. You may also here it screamed when you are banging a girl, IE she is liking it, it is a good term. Like many things in Brazil, some things have 2 meanings.

Gostoso/a, Another term you will here when banging away (if you are doing it right). Basically means she likes it/you. Of course many girls will use "Gostoso" a little bit to much to be believable, don't take GDP's to serious.

o/a = masculine/feminine. Ie when referring to a man you would say Safado, when referring to a female Safada.

chato, = boring, you will hear this a lot when a girl is not pleased.
mentiroso/a = a liar, you will hear this a lot when you deny banging a GDP's friend.
divertido/a = fun, as in to have, a good thing to hear.

**The Most important words**

quanto custa= how much cost (does it cost)
quanto é= how much is it

If you speak zero Portuguese at least learn to ask how much everything is and then learn the numbers. There are many people in Rio, particularly in the bars that will rip you off if you don't ask. I ask how much everything costs in every bar, this includes how much each drink is before ordering. If you don't ask a R10 may cost you R50.

**Questions for a girl**

Você faz Tudo? = Do you do everything?
Voce chupa sem camisinha? = Do you suck without a condom?
Você faz Tudo? = Do you do everything?
Você faz sexo anal? = Do you do anal sex
Você gosta de sexo anal? = Do you like Anal Sex
Eu posso gozar na sua boca= Can I cum in your mouth?
Culo = anal sex (I believe this is Spanish but used widely in Brasil)
beijos negros = to lick ass (in a sexual way)

**Most important words general (think Pimsleur Volumn 1)**

Obrigado/a = Thankyou (Man always says Obrigado, a women always says Obrigada)
De Nada = Your welcome (in Rio "De" is pronounced "Ge" IE "Ge Nada")
Por Favor= please
Qual é o seu nome? = What is your name. (this is the first thing every girl will ask)
Como se chama = What is your name (literally: how to be called)
Meu Nome é = My name is.......(this is your reply)
De= from or of
Onde = where
De Onde (você) = of where (literally: where are you from?)
sim = yes
não = no
um/uma = 1 or "a" ("um" refers to a masculine object, "uma" femine)
um pouco = a little
Eu= I
Eu Vou = I go ,
Você vai = You go.
Nos vamos =Lets go (note the different forms the verb "go" takes)
Eu fui = I went (or I was)
Você Foi= You went
beber = drink
você = you (informal)
Garoto/a = boy/girl
Tem= Have, Important when asking if some has something, IE "Tem água"
Você tem trocar = Do you have change? ("tem trocar" is OK to say)
Falar = (to) Speak
Você fala Portuguese = Do you speak Portuguese?
Bonito/a = beautiful
Lindo/a = beautiful
Louco/a =crazy
e = and
é = it is
Agora = now
água = water
com = with
sem = without
água com gas = water with bubbles
água sem gas = water with bubbles
meia =6 , literally means "half" as in half a dozen. phone numbers are spoken this way
Como = how
querer= want, Eu quero (I want), Você quer (you want)
precisar = need
gostar = (to) like
gostaria = (I) would like
Quantos anos você tem = How old are you? (literally: How many years do you have)
Eu não entendo = I don't understand
Devagar = slow (you will here this before Anal, means go slow!)
Bunda = ass
Achar = (to) think
Nos vamos para o meu hotel agora = lets go to my hotel now
Eu não sei = I dont know
Não sabe= (Do) you know
Por Quanto tempo = For how long?
um pouco mais = a little bit more
Voce quer uma bebida = Do you want a drink?
Onde voce mora = where do you live?
Quero duplas = I want two girls
Cachorro = dog
Desculpa = Sorry or excuse me
Ontem = Yesterday
Amanhã = Tomorrow
Talvez = maybe
Perto daqui = close to here
fica longe daqui = far from here
Quanto custa para entrar = How much to enter
mesa para dois = a table for two
Você tem tempo agora = Do you have time now?
Você quer ir comigo = Do you want to go with me
difícil = difficult
fácil = easy
bonito/a = beautiful (a man is a "bonito", women is a "bonita")
lindo/linda = beautiful (as well)

**List of juices**

Suco de = Juice of
Suco de laranja = Orange Juice
Suco de Maca = Apple juice
Suco de Abacaxi = Pineapple juice
Suco de Melancia = Watermelon

**Numbers**

For a list a complete list of numbers grab guide book. Remember when negotiating with a girl numbers are written the same, hence grab a pen if necessary or use sign language.

0 zero
1 um (M), uma (F)
2 dois (M), duas (F)
3 três
4 quatro
5 cinco
100 cem
150 cento e cinquenta
200 duzentos
300 trezentos
300+ don't even think about paying any girl more than this!

For a complete list, see you pocket dictionary.

**Verbs**

The above list is for someone that has no knowledge of Portuguese. The following lists are for someone that knows Portuguese well and wants to know certain words better that will generally not be taught by your humble Portuguese teacher.

**Sperto’s lists of….well….best to just read them. Posted on ISG**

Sperto says: -
Insulting is something that should absolutely be avoided in Brazil, but sometimes it can be necessary. Also it's good to know what people say if they insult you.
Please, be very careful using these phrases. Some of them are VERY strong.

A simple and useful phrase for shoe shiners and beggars that don't accept "Não obrigado" is "Sai daqui desgraçado!" They will definitely go away.

Vai toma no cú seu viado ~ Fuck you, faggot.
Vai se danar ~ Fuck you.
No teu cú ~ Up your ass.
Vai para o inferno ~ Go to hell.
Vai pra puta que te pariu ~ Go back to the ***** who gave you birth.
Se liga na porra da tua vida caralho ~ Mind your own fucking business.
Vai dar o cú ~ Go give your ass.
Enfia no cú e roda ~ Put it in your ass and keep rolling.
Enfie o dedo no cú e rasgue ~ Put your finger into your asshole and rip it off.
Gostou? Não? Então enfia o dedo no cú e gira ~ Didn't you like it? Then stick your finger up your ass and spin it.
Comi sua mae ~ I fucked your mother.
Sua mãe bate bife com as tetas ~ Your mom hit the meat with her tits.
Vá se fuder, peça da puta merda! ~ Go fuck yourself, you goddamn piece of shit!
Masca merda ~ You eat shit.
O cú da sua mãe é tão grande que um trem do metrô poderia passar nele sem problemas ~ Your mom's ass is so big that a subway train could pass through it with no problems.
Você é burro de dar dó ~ You're so stupid, people pity you.
Do jeito que você é feio, seria melhor barbear a bunda e andar de costas ~ You're so ugly you should shave your ass and walk backwards.
Sua mãe tá na zona ~ Your mom is in the *****house district.
Vou te estuprar com um abacaxi, sua bicha safada ~ I'll fuck your ass with a pineapple, you filthy faggot.
Vou cagar na sua cara ~ I'll shit in your face.
Aquela mina é um puta bagulho ~ That girl is a fucking ugly.
Vô fuder tua bunda e fazer você beber meu gozo tua puta ~ I'll fuck you in the ass, and make you taste my cum, you *****.
Vai peidar na água pra ver se sai bolhinhas ~ Go to fart in water and make bubbles.
Sua família é um bando de desgraçado filho da puta ~ Your family is motherfucker cursed.

*Spertos favourite words for ass*
bumbum, bunda, cu, nádegas, popozão, rabo

*And some for breasts*
laranjas, melancias (big ones), peitos, seios, tetas, travesseiros, tufas.

*And to have sex*
afogar o ganso, comer, fazer amor, foder, rala-rala, transar, trepar.

*And some words for pussy*
aranha, boca-cabeluda, boca-de-sapo, boca-sem-dente, buceta, bucetinha, buraco-cabeludo, coisinha, gruta-do-amor, peludinha, perereca, periquita, rosquinha,
túnel-do-amor, vagina, xereca, xoxota.



I received a number of PMs suggesting more words and correcting some existing words. There were to numerous to list but I thank you all.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:42
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The Bubba report, updated February, 2007. Part 10 - General Tourist stuff.

This may surprise many of you but there is, actually, non mongering things to do in Rio De Janeiro. Now because you told everybody back home you are going to Rio to "experience the culture and see the sights" you will have will actually have to go out and see the touristy things and to take some pics. In all seriousness, it is a very beautiful city geographically and is well worth going out seeing it.

I have listed the 4 must do tourist activities. There are of course many more sights to see, but that is not the focus of this report. If you are in Rio for a week you should at least go out and see the 4 listed below.

***Must do #1. Corcovado, The Statue of Christ (Cristo Redentor)***

You simply must just go up and see the stature of Christ. It is very impressive to stand atop one of the most famous sites in the world and look down on the beautiful city of sin below.

From line of site it is only about 5 miles from Copacabana, but because it is on top of a mountain, to get there, you must go a around-about way. Hence, no matter which way you go, it will take about 30 minutes to get there from Copa/Ipanema.

Options to get there.

Normal or Radio taxi: Will require about 90-120 minutes, a hotel can arrange a Radio taxi which will be more comfortable but more expensive. You could simply grab a cab off the street and head up there. You can negotiate at rate upfront with the driver, allow about R35 per hour - max. If he uses the meter he will driver so slowly you would be better off walking. You will also have to pay for entrance to the national park, around R5 per person, taxi driver is free.

Taxi/Trem: You can catch a taxi to the trem point and head up that way. The trem is a rickety old thing but worth it for something different. R35 per person. The best view is had from the right side of the trem, not overly important, but it does offer better photo opportunities.

Bus/Trem: You can catch a bus to the trem starting point and catch that.

Tip1. Don't plan ahead a definite day to see the stature. It is quite high (700meters) and hence gets covered in clouds quite often. Hence, before you go up, have a look from the street what the cloud situation is like. You can see the statue or at least the general direction from a number of points around copa/ipanema. When you are confident it will be clear head straight up.

Tip2. Due to its height take some warm clothing. It will be about 15C (30F) colder up there than at ground level. When you add in wind chill it can be even colder. If you are taking a local girl up, make doubly sure she has warm clothing, they get colder than gringos because they really never get to experience cold weather and they never think ahead.

***Must do #2. Sugar Loaf (PÃO de AÇÚCAR)***

A lot of people confuse Corcovado and PÃO de AÇÚCAR (sugar loaf). They are similar in that they are both atop large granite outcrops and offer great views of the city. They are both worth a visit. Sugar Loaf is much easier to get to and because it is not quite as high (400m versus 700m), it does not get affected by cloud cover as frequently.

It is actually 2 granite crops connected by 2 cable cars. You catch one car to the first outcrop, hang around, take some pics and then when you are ready get on the second cable car to take you to the top. For James Bonds fans, in the movie "Moonraker", 007 battles with "jaws" on this cable car. I believe it was built at the turn of the century.

It is located one small beach up from Copacabana. It is a R12 cab ride from Copacabana which will take you past Rio Sul, or about R16 from Ipanema as you have to go through Copa. You could of course catch a Bus to Rio Sul shopping centre and walk (about 20minutes) if you wish to save a few bucks. When catching a cab back to Copacabana/Ipanema walk out of the car park and onto the street proper and flag a cab. The cabs that wait for you in the actual car park are special "PÃO de AÇÚCAR" (quite clearly written on the side of the car) cabs and because they are so special they do not use the meter. I believe they have a fixed chart of fares, but it works out about 2 times as expensive as a normal cab.

Tip1. Again take some warm clothes just in case. It can get chilly, particularly when the wind blows. Tickets up are about R30 per person.

Tip2. They sometimes setup a night club half way up Sugar Loaf, I am not sure how you go about finding about about when, but logically it is at night. Worth seeing once.

***Must do #3. The beach***

Sunday is a great day to walk from Copacabana to Ipanema along the street, which is closed to traffic. I find Copacabana more tourist orientated and hence there are more scammer present. Ipanema is my preferred beach to catch some rays. I like Posto 7 to Posto 9. At Ipanema, a beach chair (Porto: cadeira) will cost about R3 to rent for the day, you can pay when you return it. If you wish to purchase a cotton beach like towel (Porto: a canga) it should set you back about R15 if you are a local, anymore and you are paying tourist prices and hence should walk away and go to the next guy. A cadeira or a canga will cost more directly opposite the heavy tourist areas of Copacabana, another reason I prefer Ipanema.

***Must do #4. Trip to Centro***

Centro is entirely different from the touristy area that is Copacabana. I think everyone should catch the Metro downtown and soak in the local atmosphere. Try to avoid the metro in peak hours if possible, it can get very crowded and although it is still perfectly safe, it can get uncomfortable with the crush of people. Of course you can combine this with a trip to 4x4.

***Where to take a girl on a date: Some suggestions***

(I borrowed this heavily from another post, sorry I did not keep the posters handle)

Cinema - best places are the shopping malls such as Barra Shopping, Rio Sul. Films are shown in original language, except some kiddy films that are dubbed (dublado).

Parks - botanic gardens are superb, monkeys and squirrels to see. Some quiet areas to get friendly in on the hillside in the forest. Also Parque Lage which is nearby. On the lagoa there's Parque do catacombas where you can hike to the top of the hill for fantastic views of the lagoon and Ipanema/Leblon.

Corcovado - go afternoon and see the sunset. Buy some fruit at the restaurant near the top and feed the coatis when they come out at sundown. They have concerts at night, romantic and great views. Sugar Loaf is also good. Believe it or not, a lot of locals from Rio have never visited the big tourist attractions and hence will be more than happy to go to them with you.

Terra Encantada - the fun fair on Ayrton Senna in Barra. Plenty of rides and good fun.

Rio Water Park - Recreio, for a day on flumes and the like.

The Beach - You are in Rio.

Live music - buy a newspaper for details. Vinicius in Ipanema for great Bossa Nova.

Museums and art galleries - Rio has loads.

The zoo in Rio is close to the Maracana stadium. (Zoo is quiet poor)

Other good places to take non-pro's is the MAC museum in Icarai, Niteroi (the flying saucer shaped building you may have seen in photos). You get great views of Rio from there, if you walk down towards the little island with monastry and take a right turn, you come to a bar where you can watch the sunset with good views of centro and all the advertising lights. Very nice atmosphere.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:43
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The Bubba report, updated February, 2007. Part 9 - Security, Police and Scams

Tips:

Firstly always be aware of your drink in any place in Latin America. It is not common but drugging does happen. Never let a stranger touch your drink or you could wake up 2 days later with a splitting head ache and everything gone. It takes a full week to get over the affects of the drugs.

**When leaving Zona Sul always carry your passport**

If you ever leave Copa at night, always take your passport. As a gringo you are required under Brasilian law to carry it at all times. If you head down to Barra for the night definitely take it, if you don’t have it and you are roadblocked by the Police they will want a bribe. Do not offer any Police a bribe, if they want one they will ask you. I would prefer to go to the Police station rather than pay a bribe.

A friend of mine got stung for R200 coming back from Villa Mimosa. He didn't have his passport, the cops acted very concerned and knew they had an easy target, he shit himself and caved. He has been to Rio many times but never learns. Another friend, a very experienced Rio monger got stopped on Ave Niemayer in a road block, cost him R10, he speaks perfect Portuguese and he knows his shit, hence the difference in the "price" he paid.

A possible defence would be to not speak any Portuguese and discourage anyone from trying to translate for you. Hope that the police lose interest and move on. They really don't want to take you to the station, would cut into their time on the street and hence limit their opportunity to make cash. Either way it is not a good position to be in.

Second tip, if a Policeman wants to search your pockets. Try to get everything out yourself, I don’t want a policeman to put his hands in my pocket, that would be a good planting opportunity.

**The shoe shine scam - the shit flingers**

When walking along the beach side walk watch out for the "shit on you shoe" scam. This happens mostly in Copacabana, around about where Help is located. It involves a kid placing a "shit like" oil based substance on your shoe, then the kid will come up beside you and offer to clean it off. Amazingly they are very good at placing it on you with you knowing. They will try to charge you as much as they can get away with, think R10-R30 if you look particularly green. I have been hit once, I waved my finger at him which is the Brasilian way of saying "I know what you are up to" them waved him away, when he came back I basically yelled at him to go away in Portuguese. This trick sometimes involves an accomplice who will rob you, particularly when you get hit on the side streets leading up to the beach. A little bit of detergent and paper towel gets the muck off. Never ever stop and let the kid clean it, if he is persistent act irritated, wave you finger and head and walk off fast. Whenever I see a show shine guy now on the beach side of Avinida Atlantica I look for his accomplice, there is always 2 of them. You will notice them to, searching out for green tourists.

A good rule of thumb when in Rio, if anybody tries to approach you on the street ignore them and keep walking, even pick up the pace. It will usually involve a scam or they will be slowing you down so someone else will come up and grab whatever they can get. Even little kids that may look cute will do this, just ignore them, enough of them together will be distracting enough for them to go through your pockets.

**Avinida Atlantica, Copacabana is one of the most dangerous streets at night**

Every problem I have had in Rio, and there has been a few, has been on Avinida Atlantica or within a block or 2 of Help, all at night or sun down. The local bandidos know where the tourists are and that’s where they head. I have been nearly robbed several times- one time came to blows- they didn't get anything and we didn't get hurt - lucky there was no weapons, they had the numbers we had the size. They beat a hasty retreat. I was angry with myself being stupid enough to walk into them, that I had let my guard down because there were lots of people around at 9pm. My rule is if I can't see weapons they won't get anything from me, I had a troubled youth and hence am quite ok with a little bit of sporadic violence, if they do have visible weapons, then they can have anything I am stupid enough to be carrying at the time. A first time visitor should really offer no resistance to any attempted robbery. Everybody should carry only a small amount of cash in their pockets, hide the rest somewhere else. The K man is a big fan of “shoe money”.

Another time my same friend was on his way to the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy with one of the instructors. He was again approached by 4 thugs that asked for his money, he simply pointed and said "speak about that with my buddy", the instructor basically said "come on guys, you don't want to do something stupid now". They fled quickly horrified that they had offended some one from Gracie. The point of the story is that the thugs are really not that hard, the judgement one needs to make is if they are carrying weapons or not and of course if it is worth the hassle.

http://www.gracieacademy.com/

*A post by Euro 100, ISG*

Euro 100 says: "Here was the plan: take a stroll down the Av. Atlantica on the side with all of the street cafes and find a place for a light meal, hang out for a while, and then head to Help at 11:30. It was not to be.

I had walked past the Rio International hotel when a scummy-looking little guy asks me for the time. I motion to my wrist and show him I have no watch, keep walking. About ten steps later I see a guy walking over from some trees and keeping pace with me, narrowing the sideways distance between us until he gets just two meters away from me. This distracts my attention sufficiently so that I do not see yet another guy who is coming from the other direction and heading straight for me. That guy pulls a knife and motions it towards my throat, grabs the front of my shirt with his other hand.

Military training takes over, and despite my intention to just hold still and let them take my wallet, my right hand grabs his knife-hand by the wrist and bends it back. This guys is surprisingly weak, and for a moment I entertain the thought of ramming his own knife into his underbelly. But then the other guy who walked alongside me is all over me, plus the guy who asked for the time is on my back. Two more guys appear from nowhere. One holds my free arm back, the other searches my pockets.

All of these guys are probably in their early twenties and a head shorter than me. Since I still hold on to the knife-hand, I calculate the odds of beating the shit out of all of them. None of them feels tough, but then again I am not the black belt I used to be any more. And I worry that there may be other knifes. So, despite being high on adrenaline, my rational brain wins, I just hold still and let them go through my pockets. They ignore the cigarettes and matches, and only take the wallet. Less then 10 seconds after it started it is over, and they run for the shadows.

Now I realize that my daily preparations were well worth my time. I had taken a crappy old wallet to Brazil for exactly such an occasion. I had only about 70R in the wallet and nothing else, no ID, no credit card, nothing. My credit card and ID are hidden in a secret little pocket that came with my khakis and is located right under my belt. I had $50 stashed in the cigarette box, to change at Help. And of course my belt itself has an inside zipper with $200 emergency cash folded up in it. So the robbers only got 10% of what they could have gotten out of me." Euro 100.

I have heard this same story so many times, just the name of the person telling it varies. Funnily enough I was actually walking on the same street as Euro, at the same time, could have been me.

***Help or General GDP Scam (also appears in Help section)***

A few GDP's in Help will know and have the cell phone of a local Policeman. A popular scam, which is not common and will generally only be tried on a green newbie is as follows. The girl will go up to the apartment, then start yelling over basically nothing, causing noise, which in turn will cause a problem with your neighbours and ultimately you. She will then accuse the newbie of doing something inappropriate and call the Police. The Police she actually calls will be known to her and hence won't be on your side. When they turn up they will try and get as much cash out of you as possible, threatening jail etc, in short if you do talk to them and your Portuguese is limited you will be in deep. You really don't want to speak to the Police under these circumstances. If it does happen to you, I would turn off the lights and just not open the door to them. They cannot legally enter (for what that is worth). If I could leave the apartment for a few hours and get the fuck out of there, it would also be a good option. The best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place, SCREEN ANY GDP HEAVILY.

*A post by Rxhammer*

The hammer says:

I just got back from a 8 day trip to Rio with a buddy of mine and we had a bad situation with a GDP in our apartment. We came back from Help with 2 girls. My friends girl, which we met in front of Help (after midnight) and did not "screen" very well. She had one beer before entering Help and 1/2 a cocktail inside. She introduced me to my girl once we entered Help. We stayed about 45 minutes then left for the apartment. I had agreed to a couple of hours with my girl, had a great time and she left. While TCB with my girl my friend came to my room and said his girl had "passed out" (after 1 & 1/2 drinks ???) and he had not touched her. He had voiced some concerns about a "bad vibe" with her but I had rushed him home so I could take care of my "hottie". BIG MISTAKE !! She slept til noon when he decided to get her up and out. She showered and joined us in the living room. I then offered her 50R for lunch and a cab since she had not "earned" anything the night before(I thought this to be GENEROUS). She became extremely upset and demanded 300R !! We both laughed and told her to get the fuck out. Now the problem, she will not leave !! I feel like beating the shit outta her but cooler heads prevail. We were scheduled to leave that afternoon so we decided to just start packing and prepare to leave. She doesn't budge. I losing my temper bigtime by now. She's yelling and screaming, knocking things off the wall, so I decide to just grab her and physically throw her ass out but she's a tough little piece of favela trash and fights back. My friend steps out to the apartment lobby to see if the doorman will help(our door opened into the first floor lobby). To sum up, I got her to move toward the door and when my friend distracted her I grabbed her from behide and shoved her ass right out the open front door of the apartment and locked it behind her !!! FUCK !! I glossed over the details such as when she tried to go for a knife in the kitchen sick or when she tried to hit me over the head with an empty wine bottle. Battle royal with that little scam artist !!!! Anyway, after we got her out she left the building not to be seen again. Oh, and we also left for about 3 hours so as to let things die down and to make sure we weren't around if she came back with the cops. We returned later, grabbed our bags and left.

Moral of the story....SCREEN YOUR WOMEN !!!! BTW, I'm no newbie with 25+ trips to Rio, I just got a little careless and didn't listen to my friends concerns. She was trying to scam him but once she's IN THE APARTMENT you may be fucked in a "bad" way !!!

Be safe, Hammer.

PS she didn't get the 50R either !! rxhammer

**Rio De Janeiro Safety Primer by El Austriaco**

El Austriaco says:
Just came back from Rio in mid-October after a somewhat accidental three-and-a-half months trip, and since, it’s been interesting comparing my notes and experiences with some of the trip reports and security caveats in this section. So here it goes, my personal primer for someone new to Rio:

Keeping a Low Profile

Dress down, like the locals. In particular, this means no jewelry, gold, or expensive watches – not even fake ones. Avoid T-shirts imprinted in foreign languages that may easily identify you as a tourist. No expensive brand apparel. If you’re in Copa trying to impress the girls by how cool you dress, think about it twice. Number one, there’s no need to (it’s all P4P, anyway, and it will only drive up the price). Go to one of the downtown markets (like Urugaiana, right outside the Uruguiana metro station), buy local T-shirts (soccer shirts, for example), havaianas, shorts, a cheap plastic watch, and sunglasses. Once locals start commenting that you exactly dress like a local, you know you’re on the right track. I can’t even recall how many tourists I have seen in Copacabana that I could immediately qualify as a foreigner just based on how they dressed. It’s inexpensive to dress like the locals. And it greatly adds to your safety. No reason not to do it.

Watch the locals, act like the locals. Can’t recall how many tourists I’ve spotted even before I saw them based on just how loud they were – especially Americans. Of course, speaking the local language rather than English helps a lot in that department, but just lowering your volume in line with the local standard helps a lot, too - with or without Portuguese language skills. Doesn’t make you an adopted Brazilian, but may just be another element contributing to your personal safety.

Don’t boast about how rich you are, and don’t show it. Don’t mention how much you make, how successful you are, what you can afford, etc., in any language. Again, in Copacabana, there’s no need to. If you want to flash your cash, go elsewhere. Copacabana attracts thugs because rich people live there. Tourists are very rich by local standards, and many are relatively inexperienced, also, again by local standards. You might already be attracting lots of attention by the wrong people – you want to encourage even more?

Money Matters

ATMs. Only open until 10 PM (except at the airport; I have also heard of, albeit not used, a 24-hour ATM in Copacabana, but you can only get a 100 Reais per transaction, apparently). Do your transactions during daytime hours only. If for whatever reason, you’re in a bind and have to go after sundown, don’t go alone, or at least have a cab driver waiting for you. Also, go to different locations at different times at irregular intervals, just not to become too predictable. In Copacabana, Citibank at Figueiredo Magalhaes/A.N.S. de Copacabana (right next to the Blockbuster) works just fine, and every Banco do Brasil along A.N.S. de Copacabana has at least one or two which accept international cards - I can specifically vouch for US cards; I have used them at three different ones. HSBC also has a few machines that are linked to the international network. Banco do Brasil on Siqueira Campos has also worked for me. One more note regarding ATMs: don’t ever accept any help from strangers when operating an ATM – they are just as user-friendly as anywhere else, the menu is available in English, there’s no need for any assistance. If your card gets swallowed, call your company IMMEDIATELY and inform them not to authorize any transactions until you call them back in person to say you’ve recovered your card. Even better: avoid using ATMs on the weekends, or whenever banks are not open and can not be contacted right there and then. Cards do get swallowed in Rio – I’ve experienced it twice.

If possibly, bring at least some Reais from home. If that’s too much of a hassle, bring a couple of hundred dollars as an emergency fund – many tourist places will change them in case you’re in a bind.

Dealing with People

Don't take strangers you've just met back to your hotel room. Say that your hotel does not allow visitors and go to a love motel. Everybody you’re likely going to take back with you knows exactly where to find them. If they don’t, chances are they have ulterior motives. Even better, don’t even mention which hotel you’re staying at. Do your own research and suggest your own love motels. For Help and Meia Pataca, there is one on A. N. S. de Copacabana that seems to be close (the name eludes me at this time), and for Balcony, it’s Hotel Lido (35 Reais for 2 hours; Rua Ronald de Carvalho) or Diplomata (right next to the tunnel to Rio Sul on Princesa Isabel, on the Copacabana side; 50 Reais for 2 hours). Just don’t get cheap on this by wondering why you should you pay for another hotel if your place is companion-friendly, anyway. If you’re in Copacabana playing, you’re paying a lot of money anyway, by Brazilian standards (not by American ones), so the extra charges should not do any major damage – while, at the same time, greatly increase your safety level. And if you still do take someone back to your hotel (like for the TLN experience), just be very very careful, and use the safe at all times for stuff you can’t afford to lose.

Do not leave your drink unattended anywhere. Before you go to the bathroom, finish your drink, and order a new one once you return. Boa Noite Cinderella (Good Night Cinderella) has been documented very well, and it still works like a charm in Rio. Just don’t accept any drinks offered by strangers, or any chewing gum, candy, or even cigarettes - they might contain quite powerful drugs. The way it works is more or less like this: once you’ve passed out, you will require assistance by someone to take you back to your hotel, and this seemingly nice person will coincidentally have access to your personal belongings while you are out stone-cold. This trick seems so old that I actually wondered how anyone could still fall for it. Then I saw it happen to two tourists at my hotel the last week I was in Rio. They lost some 700 Reais in the process, and one of the two got pretty beaten up, too (apparently from a fall he took). This is not an urban myth, this is real.

Simply ignore the vendors. Street vendors can be pushy and annoying at times, although I’ve seen worse in other parts of the world, both in terms of sheer numbers and persistence. In most cases, just ignoring them in the first place and avoiding eye contact will do the trick. If they insist, just keep ignoring them, and ultimately, they’ll leave you alone.

Areas

Stay in the Zona Sul. Unless you are going with someone you REALLY REALLY can trust. There are really only two situations I can think about that require you to go to the Zona Norte. 1. To get to and from the airport, take a cab. 2. To go to a soccer game at Maracanã (optional of course, but such a cool experience that it is pretty much a must in my book), take a guided tour, which can be booked at any travel agency and in any hotel (between USD 15 and 20, roughly). Done it about 5 times, no problem whatsoever. One more thing about Maracanã: if it’s a Rio team against a non-Rio team, wear the local team’s jersey, or something less conspicuous. If it’s a Rio derby (like the (in)famous Fla-Flu), don’t wear any team jersey, or perhaps a national team shirt, or something entirely neutral. When I saw Fla-Flu, I had a Flamengo jersey sitting smack in the middle of all the Fluminense supporters. Rivalries between specific soccer teams run very deep in Rio, so don’t get caught in the middle. Don’t risk being seated in the wrong section – it can get rough at times. So keeping a low profile applies here, too.

Think twice or more about taking favela tours: apparently, there have been good reviews of organized favela tours (I only know about tours of Rocinha and another, smaller favela), and the first time I was in Rio in 2002, they were widely advertised, although I didn’t have time to take one. This time, when I was really interested, they were no longer widely advertised - my hotel had a sign saying that they had been suspended indefinitely. Ultimately, I did see occasional advertisements for them, so I can’t positively confirm that they are no longer running; I never did call any them. The 3+ months I spent in Rio this time, however, I can definitely confirm major news stories in reputable media (O Globo, Jornal do Brasil) about major police crackdowns in Rocinha, shootouts between rival gangs, and an outright gang war between Vidigal and Rocinha since the Easter week, more or less, all of them resulting in multiple deaths. I am kind of an adventurous guy, but considering this information, I just couldn’t convince myself to go – for the moment being. Just last week, I read about another incident between rival gangs in Vidigal and Rocinha which required police intervention, as a result of which Avenida Niemeyer (linking Sao Conrado and Leblon) was closed down for an hour. Source: Folha Online, which has a special section on "Tension in Rio" (of course, in Portuguese only: http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/...04/traficonorio).

Don’t ever ever even consider going into a favela by yourself. As a matter of fact, the favela might be giving you a first taste of itself in more ways than you think anyway in Copacabana or in the Zona Sul: in the form of aggressive sellers, pushy girls, thieves, robbers, and drug dealers roaming the streets and the water-front. Or simply due to their vicinity. This time, I stayed in the Bairro Peixoto area of Copacabana, a very nice, very family-oriented, residential neighborhood. Still, I could hear occasional gunshots from the close-by favelas, announcing arrivals and departures of drug shipments or police incursions (as explained to me by the locals). As reported in a major news story back in August, a main thoroughfare had to be closed for a couple of hours in Copacabana as a result of an hour-long shootout between cops and bandidos, and a waiter was hit by a stray bullet. Don’t even think about it.

Transportation

Learn how to use the Metro. It’s easy (there’s really only one line where you want to go), inexpensive (2 Reais per ride), very safe, and gets you pretty much wherever you need to go as a tourist (Zona Sul) at a fraction of a cab rate. If you’ve ever taken a subway anywhere, anytime, there’s nothing easier than using the Rio metro.

Cabs. After dark, always use cabs, no matter how short the distance. One of the ex-pats I know in Rio would always use a cab from Help to go to his apartment at night, which is no more than a 2 minute walk away. So if you’re worried about the extra few Reais you might spend, don’t go to Rio in the first place. In hotels, have the reception arrange a cab for you. In the street, take only licensed cabs, no pirate ones, and always insist on using a meter (taximetro) Not using a meter is illegal in Rio, and cabbies can lose their license over it. If a cabbie doesn’t want to use one, just walk away and hail down another cab. Ask whether they will use a meter ( O Metro) BEFORE you get into a cab - don’t just get into the cab and assume that the driver will use it. I have had several arguments with drivers about this: once, I got out, but the driver took off before my girl could get out completely, slamming her in the middle of the street (fortunately, she ended up with nothing more than a bruised knee) The second time, the driver took me to my hotel, then got upset and tried to physically attack me - until my girl floored him with a nice upper cut. The thing is, not using a licensed cab that uses a meter in Rio is not only more expensive, but also quite possibly more dangerous. No reason whatsoever to do it.

Do not take regular buses alone. The metro is very convenient, and regular taxis are quite inexpensive, especially when traveling with several people. After hearing countless stories from locals about buses being held up, I just gave up on the concept. I have taken collective vans to São Conrado and Barra during the day, and not alone, and had no problems. To do so, however, you have to at least speak a smacking of Portuguese.

Don’t rent a car. Considering the cost of Metro tickets, the convenience of cabs, the relatively short walking distances within Copacabana, and the ready availability of cheap excursions to other areas you might want to visit (Búzios, Parati, Angra dos Reis, Petrópolis, etc.), there’s just no need for it – and I never have. Throw in the fact that many drivers in Rio believe themselves to be the latest reincarnation of the late Ayrton Senna, and you get my point. This includes cab drivers, too - I've been involved in two minor cab accidents. Just to illustrate the insanity of traffic.

Don’t jaywalk. Traffic in Rio can be quite scary at times, and I’ve seen incredible displays of aggressive driving and near-hits of others cars and pedestrians. In particular, I’ve always found it quite a challenge to cross Avenida Atlântica, between getting across the bicycle/roller-skating lane and then stand on a slim ledge waiting for the light to turn green. Some intersections have crossings only on some sides, not all of them. Be careful.

Scams

If someone seemingly accidentally spills something on you, and ever so kindly offers to clean up the resulting mess, just walk away – there may be someone waiting to rob you while you’re distracted. This is another well-documented set-up (including on this board).

Overcharging is common in restaurants, so always check your bill. If you think something is amiss, just ask for the menu again, verify prices, and point out the error. More likely than not, they will quickly fix the error. Sometimes, it might actually be just an innocent error – many waiters are really bad a math, or unorganized, and yes, they do make mistakes in your favor, too. Not often, but still. Also, it's common to automatically include a 10% tip in checks, so there's no need to tip extra. BTW, this 10% tip is NOT compulsory - so if you're unhappy with the service, there's nothing they can do if you're unwilling to pay it.

Police Matters

Carry along a photocopy of your passport, including your entry card, in case you are asked to show some ID. Some Rio ex-pats have told me that they get a copy certified at a local notary’s office for a minimal charge. Except for banks, this is accepted everywhere – including by the police. Sounds good to me.

If you get stopped in a police blitz, don’t panic. Blitzes happen often, mostly late at night on weekends, and preferably on roads that are known as routes for drug trafficking; I’ve also seen several coming from downtown, in the Flamengo area. Once, I got stopped in São Conrado while traveling in a cab. There were at least three police cars present, with a minimum of six police officers. The area was well-lit, and the entire search of the cab and my person was done in the presence of at least two cops and witnesses at the same time. Everything out in the open, very legal, no problem whatsoever.

Although the Rio police is reputed to be very corrupt, in case there seems to be some sort of trouble with them, do not offer a bribe, which could make things much much worse for you. Cops that are looking for a quick hand-out are generally rather open about offering a quick fix and will take the first step in asking for the cervejinha (tip). Once, I was stopped at night, after attending a concert, in a cab at Ilha do Governador, out by the airport, in a pretty dark street. There was only one police car, only two cops, and they insisted on talking to me separately from the girl that was with me, then proceeded to interview her, with me waiting in the car. As she later told me, they alleged that my copy of the passport was not good enough, and that they would have to fine me. She said well, let’s go to the next police station to sort it out. They quickly offered to just forget about the matter with a small tip, she said no, let’s go to the next police station. They said OK, you keep half of his fine, she said no, let’s go to the next police station. Didn’t pay anything, and they let us go, ultimately. Compare this to the legal blitz described above, and you’ll clearly see the difference.

If you can’t possibly afford to lose something, don’t bring it on your trip. You’ll be surprised how little you need it if you don’t have it with you.

If you absolutely have to bring something on a trip, and losing it represents a major, major hassle, it belongs in the safety box of your hotel room. Use the safe at all times, and make sure you know exactly where the key is – again, at all times.

If the shit hits the fan and you are approached by some criminal, try and keep calm. Don’t fight back - he or she may be armed, on drugs, or become violent fairly easily. Whatever you have on you, just give it up. You certainly have so much more to lose than he or she does. Just ain’t worth it.

Don't get involved with the drug scene, even if you believe you know what you're doing. Rio is a big, major drug-trafficking center, and in all likelihood, you don’t know what you’re doing. And getting drunk to the point of losing control also isn’t exactly a grand idea, either.

Do not take along more cash than you need. Most restaurants and stores in Copacabana take CCs, anyway, and you can use your debit card at selected banks (partial list posted above).

Do carry a little bit of cash on you at all times, however, even if you don’t think you’ll need it, just in case you’re being robbed. At least, there’s something that you can give a potential robber. 50 Reais should more than suffice.

Avoid dark or off-the-beaten-track areas where you’re alone – especially at night. It doesn’t get more common sense than this, but just to be on the safe side, I thought I’d repeat it here.

If you’re walking, walk with a sense of purpose as if you knew where you are going to. Even better: know where you’re going. Get a good map and familiarize somewhat with your whereabouts. Get your bearings. This also works surprisingly well with cab drivers when you’re able to give them specific instructions on how to get somewhere rather than just mentioning an address. And you won’t get ripped off.

Don't carry your camera swinging from your hand - wear shoulder straps. Even better: carry it in a local shopping bag, and flash it as little as possible.

Only carry cash and cards, and no wallet at all. If you have to carry your wallet for whatever reason, keep it in your front pocket at all times.

To sum things up: Rio is a big city in Latin America, and as such, it has big problems. While there's very little you can do in terms of how safe Rio is for everyone, there's a whole lot you can do to make it very safe for YOU in particular while you are down there. In other words, how the safety issues which certainly exist in Rio will affect your personal experience ultimately depend on you. Hope this helps!

My two Brazilian centavos...El Austriaco

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:43
==============================================
The Bubba report, updated February, 2007. Part 8 - Favelas.

***Favelas***
Around 25% of Rios 12m souls will live in a slum or "favela". They are generally built on the slopes, sometimes on the best land and are everywhere in Rio. Even the best areas will neighbour a favela. The favelas have always fascinated me, being from a relatively affluent western country I find it hard to imagine how anybody can survive on $25 per week, the answer to this question is "with great difficulty". The associated poverty causes crime, much of it intertwined with the drug industry. This is not to say everybody that lives in a favela is a criminal, far from it, the maid that cleans your hotel room will most likely go home to a favela at night. Most inhabitants are honest people although you cannot say all are "working" as unemployment can be as high as 35%.

The social structure in most favelas are intertwined by the local drug dealers, with the Head Honcho acting as the mayor. In the small favelas there is usually only one way in and one way out, hence the dealers and there hired hands generally sit atop the hill to watch when the police enter the slum. The dealers and their arms generally keep the peace although when rivalry breaks out for control bloodshed is often the result. It is very common to see and hear bullets flying around at night from your hotel room. I once was awoken at about 4am in my hotel room in Copacabana to some serious gun fire coming from the favela, which I guess is about 800meters from the beach. The gun fire continued for about 45 minutes with varying intensity until 3 police choppers went screaming over my room. A few seconds later canon fire was pounding the top of the hill and eventually all went quiet. Apparently the police choppers follow the beach up to the point where they are about to attack, while remaining lower than the buildings and hence cannot be seen by the favela dwellers, once they reach their desired point they hit the gas and scream towards the trouble and open fire. Do innocent people die? I would assume so. This is why you do not really want to come in contact with the police, they are poorly trained, corrupt and trigger happy. Not a good mix. Apparently half of all violent deaths in Rio are at the hands of the Police.

Never ever ever wander into a favela by yourself. The entrances are heavily patrolled by the gangs that control the favela, you will be noticed and will be approached by someone to ask what you are doing in there. I cannot say what the outcome will be when you are confronted, it is not a situation I would want to be in. You will be relatively safe when invited and accompanied by a resident of the favela but it is probably not the thing to do on your first trip, you are basically at the mercy of your invitee and would want to trust that person 100%. Its also not a good idea to hang around at the entrance. If a girl invites you to her house ask her where it is, if it is along way away from Zona Sul then it might be a good idea to give it a miss, unless of course you know Rio very well.

You can take organised Favela tours, usually to Rocinha, Rios largest slum with around 150,000 inhabitants. The tour did seem a little sanitised for me on my visit as the guide directs you to the more positive aspects of the community, while neglecting the less savoury aspects, which of course interested me. However we were accompanied by a few trainee guides and managed to get the inside gossip out of these surprising shy individuals, we even slipped away from the main guide with them primarily to annoy the lead guide, yes I know, I am a child! Now many locals would argue that Rocinha is becoming more or less a "middle class" area with running water, electricity and even Internet connections in some homes, and hence does not depict a true "favela". Well not long after my tour in 04, the favela was basically at war as 2 drug lords vied for power. Bodies were piling up for a few weeks, the tours were cancelled due to no guarantee of safety, peace was eventually restored. Hence, it is real enough for me. You can do a google search for favela tour and you will get the contact details for the tours.

Before making a trip to Rio do yourself a favour and get the movie "City of God" or in Portuguese "Cidade de Deus" (comes with English subtitles). It is an excellent movie in its own right, but also shows the interactions within a favela. It is probably one of the best known Brasilian movies to make it into the western world. The story is set in an area which is actually called Cidade de Deus, it is inland from Barra Da Tijuca, bordering on Jacarepagua. Apparently it is based on a real story, however it could be about any of the 600 odd favelas in Rio. There is also a TV series now, Cidade dos Homens, I have the 2003 & 2004 series, there may be more. Not sure if there is English sub titles or not.

A post by me:

A favela is a complicated social being with set rules that are enforced by the ruling "bandidos" (basically heavily armed gangs), that are highly organised, complete with walkie talkie communications. A heavily armed escort would do no good, there is one way in and one way out. 2 or 3 armed escorts would not make it out. In the big slums, up to a 100 Police go in together and stuggle to get out. What you and I would think is logical in a favela may not be that logical. For example:

There is no fighting allowed within a favela. If you are found fighting, you will essentially be brought before the ruling gang and dealt with accordingly, often quite harshly.

There is definitely no hooking allowed within the favela. If a local woman is even known to be plying her trade in Copacabana and the wrong person finds out, she may well be dragged before the ruling gang and have her head shaved. Pretty hard to work with zero hair!

Of course, like most things in Brasil, it depends on who you know, a well connected person can get away without following the rules. There is a lot more to favelas than just a slum.

Whatever you do, do not enter a favela unless you are invited by a person that lives there and then only if you know them well. Do not even loiter around the entrance unless you know what you are doing.

A post by El Austriaco April 2006,

El Austriaco says - Both in 2002 and 2004, I had considered doing the favela tours advertised by a number of companies in Rio de Janeiro. In 2002, time prevented me from doing one as I only spent a couple of days there, and in 2004, after careful research and an onslaught of news reports about ongoing warfare between Rocinha and Vidigal, two adjacent favelas in the Zona Sul, I decided to hold off for the moment being. This year, since the overall situation seemed to be much calmer in Rocinha, I decided to take the plunge with Marcelo Armstrong’s outfit, the original organizer of favela tours (http://www.favelatour.com.br/rio_de_janeiro_tours.htm, phone number 055 (21) 3322-2727, cell phone 55 (21) 9989-0074/ 9772-1133.

Tour cost was R$ 75.00, set up by the front-desk of my hotel. The tour is held twice a day, one starting at 9:00 AM, the other at 02:00 PM. I had booked the morning one, but Marcelo called my hotel at 08:00 AM to cancel for a lack of participants and wanted to include me in the afternoon. No problem with me. The tour was done in a minivan and conducted entirely in English. The tour guide’s English (Fernando) was good.

During this three-hour tour, you will visit two different favelas: Rocinha, considered the largest favela in South America with its estimated 180,000 residents, and Vila Canoas, much smaller with about 2,000 people living there. Both are located in close proximity of each other, with Rocinha stretching from Gávea all the way over the hill down to São Conrado. Vila Canoas is located more towards the Pedra da Gávea end of São Conrado, just past one of the most exclusive golf courses in Rio de Janeiro. You will spend about an hour in each, the rest is spent getting you and the other participants to and from your Zona Sul hotels. The first stop is in Rocinha, which you enter on the road up to the American school in Gávea. You will stop three times within Rocinha: the first time to look at (and hopefully buy) some local artwork and take in the view over the Lagoa de Rodrigo Freitas, the second time to go to the top of a residential building on the other side of the hill for a view of the Morro Dois Irmãos and Rocinha stretching all the way down to the exclusive residential buildings of São Conrado, and one last time on the main street of Rocinha to buy snacks. In Vila Canoas, you will actually enter the favela by foot and walk through its narrow streets, and you will visit the local school, Para Ti, which is partially funded by money generated through these tours. Throughout this time, the guide will roughly explain the history of favelas and their political/ economic context. I am sure that many will be surprised that a favela like Rocinha, for example, is NOT the lawless open-air crime scene as which official authorities in Rio try to portray it. As a matter of fact, favelas like Rocinha and Vila Canoas have a decidedly working-class feeling to them and might actually already be pushing middle class status. It sure is a fascinating glimpse into a world most Rio travelers never get to see.

Here's my quibble: a glimpse, for sure, but nothing more. Marcelo’s stated objective is to change the public perception of favelas, and as such, he succeeds. Still, while the explanations regarding favelas were true and accurate, I still felt they were incomplete. For example, while it is certainly true that, with drug lords running a tight ship here, a favela like Rocinha might quite possibly be safer for its residents than the asfalto below, I was seriously missing any information on how the same drug lords do enforce violations of their self-proclaimed laws (which might be a harsh reminder of the flip side of life that is ever so present in favelas, too). There was also NO information on how different criminal organizations engage in open warfare to secure control of neighboring favelas (something that has led to the cancellation of favela tours in the past, since in that case, nobody can assure your safety, whether favela tours are approved by the drug lords or not). Nothing was mentioned about the fact that both Rocinha and Vila Canoas might not be representative of favelas overall (with more than 600 favelas in Rio alone, and most of them located in the Zona Norte, there actually might be no such thing as a “representative” favela.) In other words, in the end, I felt that the presentation of favelas and role of drug rings in them was somewhat glossed over and romanticized. Something like a favela-light experience. But anyhow.

Also, during this tour, interaction with the locals was not exactly encouraged. In particular, while we were told that “we were very welcome there”, we were always advised to always ask for permission to take pictures of any single person in particular since “there were people around who sure didn’t want to be photographed by anyone”. I bet.

So should you do a favela tour? Absolutely. The panoramic views are stunning (e.g. from Vila Canoas, you have a fantastic view of Pedra da Gávea and the hang-gliding ramp at Pedra Bonita), and the social contrasts are just mind-blowing. From Rocinha, you directly look down on the rooftop swimming pools of some of the richest people in Rio, and in Vila Canoas, the entry into the favela is just across the street from buildings that could roughly be described as multi-million dollar homes in any US city. I can’t really imagine a more vivid reminder that the have´s and have-not’s in Rio are sometimes separated by much less than a stone’s throw. So for anyone with an interest beyond Rio pussy and beaches and with three hours to spare one morning or afternoon, I definitely recommend it.

One last thing that was confirmed during this tour: while this tour provides you with some basic information on the inner workings of favelas, it is definitely NOT safe to enter any favela on your own just to wander around and explore. Now, getting invited by someone living there is another story altogether. The night clerk at the hotel I am staying has been wanting to take me to a churrasco at his place for some time now, and he has been living in Rocinha for years. I’ll report back how it goes. EA

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:46
=========================================================
the bubba report, updated february, 2007. part 7 -general stuff. part 2.

***common ailments & the pharmacy***
every time i go to brazil i get a sick, one time i was totally laid up in bed for 2 days, seems just about every other gringo that goes there also gets it and it really can knock the shit out of you and adding to the pain you are constantly thinking about fucking but can't! it is a good idea to od on vitamin c or whatever voodoo you normally practice to keep the bugs away before hitting rio, your immune system may be weakened from the flight, general partying and lack of sleep. i have finally found a solution that works for me. as soon as i feel the affects of a bad headache and muscle aches come on i get stuck into the antibiotics, the longer the symptoms go without treatment means longer recovery time and less sexo. the one that works for a bad case of the flu is azitromicina dildratada (generic name). it costs about r26 for 3 tablets (take 1 per day with food), is available without prescription from the local drogaria/farmacia of which there is one on every corner in copa or ipanema. they worked so well for me i stocked up on them and keep them in my travel bag. if you don't speak porto, just write it down and take it to the farmacia, the *back section*, not the cashiers, and they will get it for you. conjunctivitis (red eye) is also common, if you wake up with a partially closed eye hit the farmacia quickly and it is a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor when you get home, some forms can be more serious than others. even if only 1 eye is affected you need to put the drops in both eyes because it will most likely transfer.

tip number 2, for when you get a mild case of diarrhoea, very common, diasec works great. about r12 for 12 tablets. you take only one and it should cure the problem, if it doesn't within 24 hours take another one. if you are still having problems, its time to see the doc.

according to the cia’s official website .7% of the population has hiv in brazil. the united states has a rate of .6%, hence, relatively speaking, hiv is not a huge problem in brazil, not compared to some african countries which have rates of 20%+. having said that though it would not be wise to travel bareback through brazil. use a little shirt "camisinha" (portuguese for condom)

disclaimer: i am not a doctor, take the above advice as a guide only.

***vitamin v & c***
many mongers come to rio to fuck like an olympic athlete, no worries here, the contestants ie "us mongers" are not drug tested after the event, hence artificial assistance is allowed. virtually every experienced monger is on viagra or cialis. if you have never tried them, they work quite differently.

*viagra* will give you strong wood within 15-30 minutes or so of taking the little blue diamonds and last a few hours, maybe up to 6 hours, depending upon the dosage, amount of sex you have, age and of course alcohol consumed. despite what you may have heard, you do not constantly walk around "pitching a tent", you only get a chubby when stimulated. vitamin v is my preferred weapon of choice when going into battle. i usually buy 4x100mg tablet packs, about r125-145 otc in a rio farmacia. i then break the tablets into 1/8 pieces, my first session with a gdp will be unassisted then i will take a 1/8 tablet for the second round in a day. towards the end of my holiday i may have a 1/8 tablet before the first session, and then another before the next session, particular if i have had a few drinkies. i tend to get desensitised after a few days. you can also buy 4x50mg tablets for about r90, however the 100mg are more cost effective. if you intend going down this root while in rio, do you research on side affects before you go as any v purchased in rio will have instructions for use only in portuguese. some farmacias will try and charge r180 for 100mg v, act surprised and they will come down to the standard r145ish or go to another 1. a small percentage of v takers can experience a head ache after v, hence first time up be sure to be careful and take a small dose. generic v is generally not available in rio, it is widely available in other south american countries. i have seen it in argentina, columbia, uruguay.

ordering from the farmacia in rio: if you cannot speak porto and the pharmacist does not speak english (better than average chance), just right down what you want on a piece of paper and get them to write down the cost, you will work it out. they get a small commission for everything they sell and hence are eager as hell to help you, they even suggestively sell other crap that you probably don't need. sir, would you like cialis with your viagra?- suggestive selling is quite ridiculous in rio. remember all the prescription medicine gets ordered to the rear of the store, you will see the counter, usually with a couple of guys/girls in white coats waiting to assist you.

*cialis* has probably overtaken v in popularity amongst hobbyist. these little tan colored numbers last 36 hours or longer, some have reported effects up to 4 days, hence if you take one on the way out on the town it should be good for at least the following night and early morning as well. i tend to find it does not give as strong an erection as v and requires more stimulation to get a rise. with v, i could be with the ugliest of beasts and still get a strong enough erection to punch a hole through a wall. it comes in 10mg and 20mg tablets. apparently v & c should not be mixed within a 24 hour period of each other. 4x20mg costs around r95-r100.

generic v & c is available in rio farmacias at about 50% of the cost. i personally don't go down this route.

cheap r3 pill cutters are available at most farmacias.

disclaimer: i am not a doctor, take the above advice as a guide only.

**xylocaina**
while on the subject of pharmacy products, you may notice a lot of girls in rio will prepare themselves before anal sex with a different tube of lube. this is a local anesthetic called xylocaina (active ingredient is lidocaine, 2% & 5%, with 5% being the most popular ) and is available in the local farmacias for r12 a tube. if gotten on your skin it can cause slight numbness, goes away in a less than an hour. i mention this more as general knowledge, if your girlfriend back home won't do anal because she thinks it will hurt too much, might want to buy her gift......... likewise, i have found a lot gdp's are willing to try anal with me, often for the first time, definitely use xylocaina and go real slow (porto: devagar) on them otherwise she may not let you have another go at her ass. have i told you how much i love this place?

***condoms (camisinhas)***
if you are an average sized western gentleman, you will find the brazilian sized condom to be a little small. the k man, on his first trip, came with 5 friends, all of them had a little red ring around their dicks towards the end of their trip. the reason, brasilian condoms are just to small, and hence pinch the "tip", try explaining that mark to the wife on your return!. most of the big termas actually stock larger condoms, however the cheaper ones do not, hence it may be a good idea to bring a few regular sized "little shirts" from home. if you have to buy them in rio, try to look for "preserv extra" they are larger than your average condom.

nb: the brasilian word for condom is camisinha. a camisa is a shirt, any word with "inha" on the end reflects a diminutive of the subject. ie a camisinha is a small shirt, i think this is kind of a cute name.

***changing money***
the currency is the real, pronounced “heal”. on my first visits to rio the atm's were the way to go, however they have started to give a slightly less favourable rate ( 2- 3% less ) and charge a few bucks per transaction. another problem is foreign cards don't always work and the ones that do work will only give about r1000 per night. citibank gives you up to r2000 in separate transactions, it actually gave my hsbc card a total of r1500 per day in 2 separate transactions of r1000 + r500, while hsbc would only give me r1000 per day at their machines. after 10pm you cannot get cash at out of any atm's in brasil because of crime problems. the best banks for my card seem to be citibank and hsbc. the local banks do not like my card. of course if you carry 2 cards you can get twice the cash out.

a tip: always try to bring at least usd$1000 in cash, sometimes you can get stuck with no reals and this can be a major pain. imagine with all those glorious bundas abounding and you not being able to partake, bring some extra dollars, for most big ticket items people will accept them, may not give you a great rate when in a bind but you will have some cash never the less.

**atm’s**

*citibank locations*
copacabana:
- av. nossa senhora de copacabana, 619, cnr rua figueiredo magalha
(near "blockbuster")
- ipanema & leblom: rua visconde de pirajá, 459 &229, ipanema (2 branches)
rua ataulfo de paiva, 1260, leblom

more branches: http://www.citibank.com.br (click on "agencias" for branches)

note: citibank has far and away the easiest atm's to figure out. when you select english they actually do so. hsbc tends to be difficult in this regard despite having an english option (fucked if i know what "english" they speak).

*hsbc locations*
ipanema & leblom:
- rua visconde de pirajá 259 &608, ipanema (2 branches)
- rua cupertino durao 219, leblom.
- r rnh guilhermina 117, leblom.
copacabana:
- av nossa senhora de copacabana, 583 & 817 & 1246b (3 branches)
- av princesa isabel 186, copacabana (lido end of copa)

http://www.hsbc.com.br/ is not quite as friendly as the citibank site, but again look for "agencias" for locations.

nb: you cannot open a bank account in brasil unless you are a resident or have a permant visa. (do not ask me why!).

now when in rio i generally take cash with me. of course this has its problems in that if you loose it you are basically fucked, having said this i lock the bulk of it in a safe and change enough for a couple of days. i also pay for my terma bill in usd$ when in monte carlo, l'uomo, solarium and sometimes at centaurus (sometimes the rate sux there), the change is given in reals which works for me. they generally give a better rate than the atm's or the cambios. the termas down town still accept usd$ but give a crappy rate, something like a big hotel would give you. help is a good place to change a few bucks however of late the exchange has been up and down.

**cambios**. in spanish or portuguese this word essentially translates to "change" ie change your $ for r. they are everywhere in copacabana and ipanema, just look for the sign. they are usually a street or 2 back from the beach and quite often share an office with a travel agency. i have also noticed the euro is becoming more widely accepted and most cambios quote a rate for euros as well. i guess this is due to its strength off late against the us peso (sorry guys, i just had to get that one in! go the euro!!). i have also noticed cambios in central give a slightly better rate, maybe r7 better than in zona sul. of course you have to transport cash into and out of the city which increases the chance of loosing it. just remember, most cambios in centro don't change cash after 4pm, something to do with security.

the rate on in january 2005 went something like this for changing usd$100.
help r275, terma l'oumo r275, cambios r265, atm's r260, monte carlo r265. 4x4 r240.
the rate on june 2005 was help r260, l'uomo r255, cambios r245, monte carlo r250.
the rate of oct 2005 was help r230, lummox r230, cambios r225, monte carlo r230, centaurus r240 (surprisingly).

off late the exchange rate has been touching r208 for usd$100 (early 2007)

***shopping***
personally i think the shopping in brazil leaves a bit to be desired, generally you can get a far better selection back home, hell america is probably the best place in the world to shop with the best prices for major goods. having said that everyone wants to pickup something to remember brazil by. i usually get a few local t shirts from ipanema or the 2 major malls.

*barra shopping & rio sul*
barra shopping is apparently the largest mall in latin america. by western standards it is medium sized, at best. they do have a good selection of clothes to buy, prices are cheaper for some things but electrical goods are much more expensive than back home. rio sul is probably half the size and worth a look if just to see the eye candy.

barra shopping is located in barra da tijuca, about 30 minutes south of rio proper. runs about r35 in a cab or you can get a bus for r2, quite safe during the day. rio sul is located in botafogo, which is the next suburb along from copacabana. most buses go there.

i personally do not like shopping at the best of times, and hence have resisted all offers to be dragged around a mall by a local garotta and of course be expected to outlay cash. i personally believe to pay a girl a certain rate and under exceptional circumstances a present when i go home but definitely no shopping tours for p4p. many have asked though and i believe the odd gringo does do this. i have heard that many girls will exchange the goods once you have gone, hence it is a judgement call as to if it is really worth it.

*modern sound*
probably the best music store in rio, they have shows at lunchtimes (sometimes), it is nice to browse for music and grab a coffee and watch the show. you must remember shops in brasil are very small compared to the west, hence don't expect to see huge virgin mega store, it is a medium sized store by western standards, but way cool.
rua barata ribeiro, 502 & rua santa clara.

*cigars*
so you are from the us and cubans are banned. no problem in rio, you can get all your favourite brands, including cohiba, monte cristo and romeo y julieta. although due to them being expensive not many shops carry them. many 5 star hotels have a good selection and you can smoke them in the bar, albeit it at a price. the second level bar in the marriot is great.

try http://www.eschcasadelhabano.com.br , one of the more famous cigar cafes around. the restaurants are great to eat in, nice and upmarket, and of course you can puff away before/during/after your meal. they have 2 shops/café/restaurants, one of them is only a block away from terma quatro por quatro (4x4) and is on the same street as terma 65.
their locations are:
ria do rosario, 107, centro.
rua dias ferreira, 78-a, leblon.

be careful when buying cubans in south america, there are a lot of fakes around, the ones you see for really cheap prices are almost certainly fake.

***supermarkets***
there are a lot of small supermarkets dotted all over copa and ipanema. they are primarily located on av n s copacabana, the street 1 block back from the beach in copacabana. generally 2 big brands dominate the area. zona sul & pão de açúcar. they are quite small, poorly stocked and not very price competitive by western standards. still, they are good to stock up on 6packs of 1.5l bottles of water, necessities etc.

the cashier will most likely speak zero english, but none the less will ask you a few questions, latinos always ask questions in shops!. one will be "tem cartão de zona sul" (do you have a rewards cards for zona sul) or "tem trocar" (do you have change). no place in brasil ever carries more than the absolute minimum amount of change, hence they are always running out - asking customers for it etc, be prepared for these 2 questions all the time. chances are whatever she asks your answer will be “no”.

***movies***
most western movies that are played in brasil are left in tact with portuguese sub titles, hence it is a viable night out for you and a garrota. brasilian girls are actually great to go to the movies with, they are always up for a bit of affection and will probably start stroking you dick with in the cinema.

for movie playing times you can visit this site.
http://www.severianoribeiro.com.br/

cinemas:-

*roxy*: in copacabana cnr rua bolivar & av n s copacabana
*rio sul*: has a good size cinema complex.
*barra da tijuca – new york*: has the cinema that all the girls want to go to. be careful when travelling down there at night. the roads back are dangerous and often road blocked by police so make sure you have id (passport) so they can't extort a bribe from you. the cinema is new york and it is the biggest in rio.
http://www.ucicinemas.com.br (select new york city centre)

http://www.cinemark.com.br/


***books about brazil***

the follow books i have read and are recommended for a greater understanding on brazil.

the brazilians – joseph a page. about the history of brazil from early 1900’s up to 1995.
a death in brazil - peter robb, story more about the history of brasil over the last 20-30 years. told by a gringo travelling through the north etc.
the politics of military rule, 1964-85. thomas e skidmore. haven’t read.
eleven minutes - paulo coelho – story about a brazilian girl her works in switzerland as a working girl.

501 portuguese verbs - barron's educational series, inc. the best list of verbs and their conjugations in all tenses. a must for anybody speaking porto.

finding these books in brazil would be difficult. buy them from your home country.

***food***
you can get good quality food in rio for a fraction of what you would pay in the west. brazil is now the largest exporter of beef in the world, hence every meal generally comes with meat and rice. although the quality is good, they are a little bit behind in the health stakes, everything tends to have a little bit more fat and salt content than i am used to, hence watch the pounds or better still grab an extra garotta to work off those calories.

*suco bars* (juice bars) - these little eateries are great. they are recognisably by the fruit decoratively stacked on the walls and hanging from every available space. many open early and end late, some are open 24/7. very little english is spoken but you can get by just by looking at the menu hanging on the wall or picking up a few words, most people will be eager to help you order, brazilians are friendly by nature. most meals are a combination sandwich/hamburger deal with a freshly squeezed juice (suco). most meals will set you back between r5 and r8. that is right between usd$3 -$4.

kice suco: 100m from help on avinida nossa senhora de copacabana cnr rua miguel lemos.

kice is a favourite of mine, open 24 hours (maybe closes for a few hours in winter), they even have a few guys working there that can speak english, well they know the important words for food

a tip: the locals wrap a napkin around the sandwich/burger so their hands never touch the food. this is to prevent any contamination as they generally do not have anywhere to wash your hands prior to eating and rio has plenty of less than clean surfaces for the said contamination to occur.

must try asaci, i believe it is made from a fruit taken from the amzon, it is black, thick, a meal in itself, you may like it, you may hate it, but you must try it - go on be a man, you are in rio for new experiences, that’s what travelling is all about!

for a list of juices in english see the language section.

*restaurante a kilo* (restaurants that charge by the weight of the food).

you can find them by the signs outside giving the price per kilo ie r15 per 100g. again these places are great and are everywhere in rio. there are many of them in avinida nossa s copacabana which is one block back from the beach. the deal is you go into the restaurant and a lady (usually) waiting at the door will hand you a piece of paper or a plastic card. you then look for where the buffet is and grab a plate and select what you want at the buffet, no language problems here, as you don't have to say much. you can also get your meat of the guy at the churrasco ( bbq ), just point if you don't know portuguese, or better still learn how to say a few meats. when you have piled you plate up, you hand it to the lady at the end of the line who weighs it and records the number on your paper. usually drinks are brought to your table. the waitress will usually say "tomar" which literally means "to take" as in "what would you like to take a drink (beber)". some even have guys come around to your table with skewers of meat from which they slice pieces and place on your plate, these places are fixed price deals usually. the places that do this have little green and red disks on the table, when you have had enough flip the disk to red, it means "stop bringing me meat i am fat enough". the average kilo/ churrascarias will usually cost around r12, which includes great meat, various accompaniments, a drink and salad. fantastic! you pay on the way out, the lady will usually give you back a slip of paper with "pago" (paid) stamped on it to give to the door lady. these places get really busy around 12pm - 2pm, i usually go just before or after as the local pensioners have sharp elbows and are not afraid to use them. there are of course more upmarket churrascarias that will cost more like porcao. i will usually eat at a kilo place at least once a day.

my favourites in copacabana are:
*kilograma -av nossa sra de copacabana # 1144. (about 3 blocks from help, ipanema side)
http://www.kilograma.com.br/

*solario: av nossa sra de copacabana #1175. (towards the start of a n s copacabana, the street being 1 way, towards ipanema)
great kilo place, in my opinion the quality of the salad and meat is better hear than most other kilo places. a good meal will run about r12.

*grill inn, av nossa sra de copacabana #1182, directly opposite solario.

my favourites in ipanema are:

*frontera: rua visconde de piraja, #128.
upmarket place, virtually brand new in 2006. will run a little more than the normal kilo place, think r18 for a meal with a soda.
www.frontera.com.br

nb: churrasco- literally translates to bbq. more specifically in restaurants large skewers of meat are cooked and the waiters bring it to you and slice a bit off.....fantastic. the king of all meat cuts in brasil is "picanha" ([CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) - kan - yah), second best cut "copine" (ko peen), i also like "maminha" (ma - me a). chicken is "frango", spoken like it is spelt.

*the office*
av aires saldanha #92 a, copacabana.
http://www.theoffice-sportsbar-restaurant-brasil.com/

run by a very friendly hat wearing rogue australian who i like very much. great place to watch american sport on the weekends. always american football on sat and sun and sometimes other days. during the week many semi well off locals go to enjoy the live bands and to have a good time, great atmosphere and mix of gringos-locals. need to book a table on friday nights. meals range from r15 for breakfast to r20-r40 for dinner. beer is about r4, juice r4. in the small street behind directly behind help. if you do take a girl there make sure she is not dressed like a "help" girl, respectful casual dress is the code. you can check email for free after a meal. minimum consumption r10. this is my "office" when in rio.

nb: they have a wifi internet hot spot throughout the restaurant with a number of power outlets close to each table/booth.

*upmarket restaurants *
milano: my favourite restaurant in ipanema is milano: the sea bass is excellent as is the risotto seafood (risotto frutas da mar). runs about r100 for 2 people, the same restaurant in europe would be e250+. it is an upmarket restaurant so dress appropriately. smart casual will do.

rua gomes carneiro, 132 ipanema. (21) 2522-0303.
http://www.milanodoc.com.br/

carretao: an excellent churrascaria in 2 locations is carretao. the bill will run about r75 for 2 people. a slightly upmarket restaurant.

rua siqueira campos, 23, copacabana.
rua visconde de piraja, 112, ipanema.
http://www.carretaochurrascaria.com.br/

garotta de ipanema: (the girl from ipanema)
corner rua vinicius de moraes & prudente de moraes street

this restaurant was made famous by antonio carlos "tom" jobim & vinícius
de moraes writing the famous song "the girl from ipanema" on one of its tables. most of the waiters have been there along time, i occasionally speak to silva, the waiter that filled the request for paper on which the song was penned. he has been there 35 odd years and is a nice guy. it is one of the few tourist orientated restaurants that has great food. the picanha for 2 (or 3) is great, it comes with a small cooker plate where you throw the meat on to be cooked as needed.

more about tom:
rua vinicius de moraes, ipanema: this street, formerly named montenegro street, got famous for the veloso bar, at the corner of prudente de moraes street. the bar is presently named "garota de ipanema" (the girl from ipanema). there, tom jobim and poet vinicius de moraes once admired the charming walk of heloisa eneida, who inspired the world famous song. in ipanema, go to rua nascimento silva 107, where jobim used to live in the sixties, at apartment #201. there is a plate at the entrance of the small building.

**tia palmira restaurant**

again i cannot remember who posted this, but i saved it on the premise of trying this restaurant, like so many well laid plans in rio i just didn't get the time but will next trip.

"best foodie experience: if you like seafood and bahian style sauces, tia palmira restaurante is without an equal anywhere. top chefs from the us sit
there in awe (or hustle back to the kitchen, if they know portuguese). no
menu: you sit down and they serve you based on the best seafood available
that day. and serve you and serve you. seven appetizer courses, eight
entrees, seven desserts, for a fixed price of 49 reais. come with a driver,
who can roll you back to the car afterwards. great for a special garota.
about an hour southwest of copacabana in a little fishing village (barra de
guaratiba) at caminho do souza, 18. phone: (21) 2410-8169."

upmarket restaurants by lorenzo, a fellow deviate and contributor.

lorenzo says:-if you like fine dining and are not a penny pincher, and if you find a termas girl that you like and make arrangements for her to take a night off and party with you, why not begin the evening by taking her out to dinner at a fine restaurant? i love to eat and hate to do it alone, but since i always travel alone, this is an ideal way to find myself a dinner companion. however, it's best to do this with someone with whom you have a bit of chemistry. my favorite is antiquarius in leblon, but other excellent dining establishments are satyricon (http://www.satyricon.com.br/ ), yemanja, and even upscale churrascarias like mariu's and porcao. odds are likely that she will never have experienced anything like this, since these places are beyond the reach of all but well to do brazilians. on the other hand, if you are american, western european, or japanese, you will find that even the most expensive restaurants are modestly priced by the standards of your own country. for example, dinner for two at antiquarius, rio's best restaurant, will probably come to less than us$130, including drinks, wine, appetizer, dessert, and tip. we are always talking about a gfe, and to me this is an essential part of a gfe. - lorenzo

nb, marius is actually 2 restaurants next to each other, at the end of leme right on the beach. both the seafood and beef restaurants are excellent. a must do, all you can eat of the finest food for r120 ish for meat or a little more for seafood (r150 per person for food).

***mobile phones***
you really need a mobile phone when staying in rio. it is handy to keep in touch with girls, but i find, more importantly, to keep in touch with fellow mongers. if you use the local carriers expect a few more issues than you would in the western world, text messages can go astray, are not always compatible with every network and not all carriers will allow you to send or receive international text message, but for the most part they are ok.

you have 3 options:

option 1) bring you own phone on global roaming, but be prepared to be hit with an expensive bill when you get home. you may also find other mongers cannot text you because local carriers are not always compatible with international carriers. local mongers probably won't want to call you because it will eat up credits very quickly. not the preferred option but in bind it will work. make sure you set up global roaming before you go. don't bet on all carriers to have reciprocal coverage in rio.

option 2) bring you own phone, make sure it is "unlocked" so that it can accept a new sim card before leaving, and add a prepaid sim card from one of the local carriers. you can also buy a local phone for about r200 and add a local ship, but note the local phone will also be "locked" so you won't be able to change carriers should the need arise. local sim cards require a passport for id enabling the purchase. the sim cards cost about r25. you then add credit as you go, which can be purchased from numerous places including the newsstands that dot copacabana and ipanema.

to ask for a telephone recharge card in portuguese.(write it down if necessary).

"tem cartão para cellular de tim" (have card for cellular of tim or claro)

the cards have varying differing amounts, when they realise you don't speak porto they will show you the various cards, the amount of the card is written in large numbers ie for tim, r15, r25, r50.

you will need to purchase the card from the actual telco store to get started. you will need to take the following to get a prepaid chip:

1) your passport
2) your address, any address will do, write it down if you can’t speak porto.

*tim* (local carrier)
tim has a few stores in copacabana, 1 location is:
av n s copacabana 1103b, close to rua djaima ulrich.

they also have a store in rio sul where you have a greater chance of finding someone who speaks english(the large shopping centre in botafago)

to recharge minutes on tim: (may require some porto, or get your hotel staff or friendly gdp to do it for you).
1) dial *222
2) listen to port then press 1 (option um)
3) enter 16 digit code found by scratching off the cover on the recharge card.
4) press 4 to confirm after the numbers are read back to you. the last word you should here is "com successo"

sometimes the card does not work straight up. do not through the card out, keep it and try in a few days, it will work! i do not know why this occurs, it is very brasilian.

*claro* (local carrier)
claro is also another local carrier with coverage over rio. i find tim a little better in that their text messages are compatible with more carriers. however it is an option. there are quite a few stores in copa and ipanema ( 1 on av n s copacabana ). they also have a large store in rio sul shopping center, near the main entrance.

nb: a lot of shops in rio will have someone who can unlock any phone. they will charge up to r50 for this, may be worth it. can be difficult to find a shop who will do it for you though, hence don't bet on finding one quickly. there is one on princess isabel (near leme), 1 or 2 blocks away from avinida atlantica on the left if you are walking from the beach. i have never used this hop but do see there signs all the time.

option 3) rent a mobile phone of one of the apartment rental guys. this is the least hassle way of doing things because it already comes with a prepaid sim card. you can also organise enough credit to get you through the week. the price varies from usd$5-usd$7 per day and most require a deposit of usd$100. a good option for a short term stay only, for longer term stays go for the prepaid sim card option.

gdp calls: despite earning significantly higher wages than their local compatriots, gdp's never have any money, hence they never seem to have their prepaid mobile filled with any credits. if a gdp calls you she may let it ring 2 or 3 times and then hang up. this is a signal to call her back and of course use your credits as opposed to hers. another trick they use is by dialling 9090 (doesn't work on all phones) before the number, this is essentially a collect call. you will know this is happening by hearing a portuguese message being played before your caller comes online. the message is basically saying "do you accept the charges for this call". you can of course hang up at this point or better still use this trick on your unaware gringo friends as revenge for charging red bulls and whisky to your terma key (kman you fucker!).

calling interstate: generally you need to dial 021-area code- number, for example a sau paulo number would be 021-11-xxxx-xxxx , or brasilia 021-61-xxxx-xxxx

as of dec 2006 the was a really good shop/suite that specialised in “desbloqueio de sim lock” (unlocking cell phones) in centro. it is basically at uruguaiana station. the cost varies from r30 to r50, depending on how much they think they can charge you. you can bargain, for me they wanted r50 for my brand new razr, i got it for r40. i can whinge quite well now in porto. address: -

rua uruguaiana no 118, sala 701. ( no 118 refers to the street number, sala number is the room number, it is on the 7th floor.

there is another good one inside the antiques mall, right next to the escalator that leads to lúomo. it is more expensive than the one in centro. they want a minimum of r50.

***internet cafes***
there are numerous internet cafes all over copacabana and ipanema. they have 1 or more likely, several on each block. for the most part they will speak at least a little english. the internet cafes around the generally area of help will speak more english, a lot of gdp's use these cafés as well as a lot live close to help. it is usually r4 per minute, you can buy packages at most places that will save a few bucks if you wish to do this.

***washing clothes***
like a lot of things in brasil you pay for your laundry by the kilo, makes senses i guess. it is also very cheap. look for the lavar kilo places, they are everywhere, you will see the prices quoted in the window. the prices are as follows, you drop your clothes off, they wash it for you and you pick it up the next day or you can have it delivered for the same price (labour is cheap in brasil)

lavar e secar r6 por kilo (wash and dry for r6 per kilo)
lavar e secar e passar r10 por kilo (as above plus ironing)

lavar=wash
secar=dry
passar=iron
e=and

an average wash is about 2 kilos.

***guides***
the only guide that comes up regularly without complaint is gui.

*gui* a really nice guy that i have known for 3 years. speaks perfect english and spanish. he acts more of a personal guide for wealthy individuals or execs and will take you anywhere you want to go, including of course termas, where i have seen him alot. very personalised, professional service and very honest individual, something which is not overly common in rio. gui is the definition of "latin cool", the girls all know him and genuinely like him, i like gui a lot.
( guibolliger@hotmail.com ) rio number : 9306 8076

***carnaval (carnival)***
carnaval occurs all over brazil around february of each year. however, the largest and most famous carnaval occurs in rio de janeiro. rio even has a dedicated stadium for the parade called the sambadome, where approximately 20 schools parade up to 5000 people per school over their alotted 40 minutes or so. this is the show you see on tv each year. each school spends up to $2million on this alone, hence it is serious business. interestly a lot of that money comes from illicit sources including from the owners of the illegal lottery that is everywhere in rio. it is also spectactular. something you should see once in your life. the sambadome is located not far from centro on the opposite side of zona sul.

each year the carnval occurs on different dates. the dates are as follows.

2008 february 2, 3, 4, 5
2009 february 21, 22, 23, 24
2010 february 13, 14, 15, 16

as carnaval is the biggest event of the year in rio, slightly ahead of new years eve, many of the best working girls that are now living in europe come back. adding to this you will see a lot of new talent coming in to rio to take advantage of the huge number of tourists. this will mean the talend around this time can be high, the termas and help are also well stocked with top talent. it will also mean help prices will rise the week of carnival but after that week or before it, the prices will be more or less normal. i prefer to hit town at least 2 weeks to a month after carnival, when the stock of girls is great and the prices are more or less normal. one can see the attitudes getting more back to normal as time passes away from carnaval. there is always a huge pool of talent in rio, just sometimes of the year are better than others.

***travel tips – general***
since retiring i basically travel 12 months of the year and hence like to make everything i carry count. here are some tips to travel lighter.

~ zip lock plastic bags, these are great to put all your shaving cream, moisturiser, toohtpaste etc. it saves against a spill of these things onto your clothes.

~ underpants made of lycra, sometimes you will run out of under wear on your trip. especially when in hot places. i find under pants made of light weight material can be wahsed in the shower and will dry in a matter of hours in a hot climate.

~ quick dry shirts, same thing with light weight shirts, will dry quickly and generally you do not need to iron them much.

~ miniature toiletries, a lot of your toiletries can be purchased in miniature size. everything from shaving cream to moisturiser. much better to take just what you need.

~ voip service, best way to make calls back home is by using a voip service or even skype

***cpf***
originally posted by sperto

you can get a cpf as a tourist. it's a very easy procedure.
1. go to banco do brasil at praca n s da paz in ipanema. fill in an application. pay a small fee.
2. go to receita federal, around the corner. some more questions to be answered.
3. wait for about two weeks. go back to receita federal and pick up your cpf.

mine was posted to my address in rio after about one week.
i had to go twice to the ipanema office before. once to file the aplication and the second time in order to give them the banco do brasil proof that i had paid about 7 reais to them. long wait at the bank though. i guess that if someone goes to the bank first will avoid the second visit.
***getting your passport copy authenticated***

i cannot remember who posted this info, i did not write it, i believe it is correct and would be well worth doing.

if you don't feel well with a simple copy of your passport or other document go to any cártorio (register office) and make there a "cópia autenticada" (attested copy) like the brazilians have.

they do it for you immediately. it takes only few minutes. i can't remember how much i paid for it but it was only few r$.

cártorio in copacabana,
av. nossa senhora de copacabana, 1181 - loja, ´´a´´

cártorio in ipanema,
rua visconde de pirajá, 82

for cártorios in other districts or cities you can search here,
www.mj.gov.br/cartoriointerconsulta/index.html

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:47
=========================================================
the bubba report, updated february, 2007. part 7 -general stuff.

***airports***

you will more than likely arrive at rio de janeiro’s international airport. airport code is gig. it is officially known as galeão.

when you arrive the first thing you should do is hit the automatic teller machines. there are some on level 2, there are a lot more on level 3, you arrive on level 1. one thing you should note is that after 10pm thery will not dispense cash. this is the same as all over rio, they do not want thieves stalking atm’s at night. atm rates are usually good. avoid changing a lot of cash with the money changers at the airport, the rate will be terrible. if in a bind change a small amount of us dollars to get you to your hotel and a little to spend. remember help (at the door, not at the bar) and all the termas accept us dollars and euros, they also give you a very good rate, best rate in town is normally at the termas with the exception of terma 4x4 which gives a poor rate.

airport thieves: be very careful to lock up your suitcase securely. i always put my valuables in my carry on bag and lock that while it is stored in the overhead compartment. one time, after the “london liquid bomb scare” i could not lock my bag or carry on anything while heading back to europe. the guys at the airport had a field day, they stole my mobile, pen knife, ipod and other associated items that annoyed the shit out of me.

*airports, rio to sao paulo – domestic travel*

local airports: if staying in sampa you would want to go to congonhas (cgu) which is the domestic aeroporto and will run about r30 in a taxi from the center of town. the international in são paulo, guarulhos (gru) will run about r80 in a cab because it is quite a distant from town. likewise best to hit santos dumont (sdu) the domestic aeroporto when entering rio. it will run about r20 in a taxi to get you to copacabana/ipanema. the international aeroporto (gig) will be about r40 now. when leaving any airport just ignore the touts and hail a cab from the front. they will usually be dropping passengers and will save you maybe 1/3 off the fare.

a full domnestic fare from rio to sampa will usually run r300 each way.

note: all though the domestic airports are more convenient and will save you in cabs to and from the airport, the international flights from rio to são paulo will be cheaper, sometimes substantially. when working out which is the better deal, you wil need to take into account the taxi fares to and from the international airports, they can negate any savings. oceanair has a service that runs rio international to são paulo domestic, that is a good deal usually, saves r50 on the cab fare in são paulo.

a have gotten fares from rio to sampa for as little as r100 from and to the international airports.

*local brazilian carriers*

http://www.oceanair.com.br - ocean air
http://www.varig.com.br - varig
http://www.voegol.com.br/ - gol (has a brand new fleet of boeings)
http://www.tam.com.br - tam
http://www.webjet.com.br - web jet
http://www.voebra.com.br - bra

see the bus section, under rio for more info on interstate bus options.

*taxis from the airport*

taxis should be about r40, maybe a little more in heavy traffic from the main rio international airport (gig) to copacabana or ipanema. the trick is, and most locals do this, ignore the rabid touts and go to the second floor where people are being dropped off (the arrivals) and grab a yellow taxi there. these are your normal taxis that you will also catch around town etc. i always have a quick look to see what the meter has run before i get in and have a quick look around. when i get in the cab another check to make sure the meter is on and cleared and we are on our way. never had a problem with this. the driver loves it as well because he has got a nice trip back to zona sul (the most likely place he picked up the original passenger). if there is no meter it is most likely a radio cab which are usually white or a dodgy driver trying to grab a few extra bucks, best to grab the yellow taxis. late it night, after midnight obviously less people are getting dropped off, i just hail a cab that is moving and make sure he is using the meter before getting in. i generally do not like to get into a taxi that is just sitting on the road hanging out, they are usually looking for a fare off the meter and to rip a tourist.

the taxis touts on the first floor will take you to the prepaid booth and charge r65+, do not let them take you directly to a taxi or you will be fucked. i guess is ok for first time visitors to go to the prepaid booth but anyone that has been to rio more than once should consider going to level 2.

late at night, after 10pm there will be very few arriving cabs. it may be the smarter thing to grab a prepaid cab at this hour from the booth. a reminder, the airport is deep into a seedy area, after 10pm the extra r20 may be worth the extra safety.

from the rio domestic airport (sdu), i usually also grab an incoming cab, total tab will run a bout r22 or so. the touts will want r40+. the money saved from this is not the point, i do it because i do not like to be overcharged for services just because i am a tourist. at night this is a dodgy area, during the day it is ok.

taxi drivers will most likely not speak any english, hence it is a good idea to write down the address or show them your reservation slip before entering. even if you know where you are going they probably won't understand you because the pronunciation of words in portuguese is significantly different than english.

generally the taxis around town are quite good, with a trip between ipanema and copacabana being r10, nice and cheap, the meter is always used, if it isn't probably best to get out. the taxis outside of the clubs late at night will be problematic, they will generally not use the meter and will cause problems, just ignore them and grab a cab passing by. away from the clubs the service is quite good, cheap and safe, the meter is always used. i spend a lot of time in south america, the first thing i do when getting in a cab is to check if the meter is on, you should get into this habit as well.

flag fall is r3.50, rate 1 ends at 9pm, and rate 2 is slightly more expensive starting at r3.70. all taxis in rio run "rate 2" 24/7 in december.

***where to stay***

99% of all visitors to rio will stay in zona sul. this is the south zone and includes the so called wealthier suburbs of rio. so called because even the best suburbs in rio will be cheap as chips compared to large western cities, think about usd$150,000 for a standard 2 bedroom unit. yes there are million dollar apartments with ocean views but these make up a tiny fraction of the overall property stock. the overwhelming number of visitors will stay in copacabana/leme (the border is the middle of the beach) or ipanema/leblom (again, the border is the middle of the beach). copacabana is definitely the centre of the sleaze scene, being dominated by help, smack bang in the middle of it. it is also close to the metro and the big termas (l'uomo, monte carlo and centaurus). many first time visitors stay here. ipanema is only a mile or so away, still very close and very walkable during the day to copa. ipanema is the so called ritzy part of town. many return visitors stay here preferring the more upmarket surrounds. both locations are perfectly fine for mongering activities. ipanema, definitely has the better beach with more upmarket eye candy and less problems although petty crime can be high on both beaches.

bairros & postos.
leme, copacabana, ipanema & leblom are divided into 12 posto zones. they start at leme, posto1, and run sequentially along the beach. help is on posto 5. the start of ipanema is posto 7, posto 8 contains the gay section of ipanema beach. the caesar park hotel, is in a very hip area, which is posto 9. posto 12 is in leblom.

ok, now that you have decided to stay in copacabana or ipanema the next choice you have to make is an apartment or a hotel.

*apartments*

the 2 main advantages apartments have over hotels is 1) they tend to be cheaper, maybe 30% or up to 50% less for longer term stays & 2) there are generally no restrictions on the number of girls you can take back, and of course there are no extra guest fees. you will of course have to keep the noise level down and you and your guests will have to act in a more or less respectable manner when in the general living areas. a naked help girl in the hallway is not "respectable" and will get your ass kicked out with no refund. after all, these apartments are occupied by 90% local residents that live there every day. some even come with broadband internet access these days.

what are the disadvantages then? well generally apartments in a less developed country like brazil are....well....less developed. the electrical and water systems are generally straight from the dark ages and can have problems in providing reliable service. the bathrooms and kitchens can be old and tired, even renovated apartments tend to have very shoddy work. the walls are not very thick in some apartments and there is plenty of noise transference from apartment to apartment, adding to the problem, brasilians are generally very noisy neighbours, they will think nothing of having the music cranked 24/7. the same levels of cleanliness are also not adhered to. in general the place may look ok in pictures when booking it over the net, but when you arrive it may well be older, dirtier and noisier than expected. it can be a downer to turn up to a shitty looking apartment when on your first trip to rio. if it is your first time in rio and it is not peak times (dec to march) you may wish to book a hotel on your first few nights and go and see a few apartments the next day, contact a few agencies before you arrive, that way you know what you will be in for. be careful in booking apartments over the net, reputable companies that are listed below you will not have a problem. thoroughly inspect the apartment before handing over the remaining cash. there are no refunds!

agencies: there are a shit load of agencies you can rent apartments from in rio. most are one or two men cottage operations, a lot are expats who have become very familar with latin american ways. i now live half of the year in latin america and half the year in western europe and the most frustrating thing for me is most things move slowly and inefficiently in latin america compared to the west. hence, the service levels of these agencies can be frustrating. i have heard good things and bad things from most of them, with maybe the exception of kenn (http://www.ez-riorentals.com/ ), whom i have only heard good things. i also used sladtko on my last trip, he was very good, bordering on excellent, i was impressed with his honesty and integrity ( http://www.rioholidays.com/ ). there is also bobby ( http://www.blameitonrio4travel.com/ ), i use his service to buy tickets a lot, i generally don't use his apartments because they are to close to help for my liking, some guys love him, some don't, he is another option. the one agency that continues to come up in regards to complaints is http://www.gringomanagement.com/. have also heard a lot of issues about "marina", i won't go into details because i cannot verify the details that are quite serious, but i will say i would never deal with her. a positive point about agencies is that they can help you out with language difficulties if required and can generally assist you if needed, although always remember they make their living from charging you for their service, festas they can organise will contain a decent profit margin for them, better to organise one yourself at half the cost. maid service can also be provided for between r30-r50 (expensive in my opinion considering the maid actually gets paid r20 -r30 per day) a pop as required, but no, you cannot fuck her! most apartments will come with a safe, but not all, enquire when booking, you really do need one. make sure you do a search on all the agencies before you use them, search google, the message boards and see what comes up.

recommended agencies:

http://www.ez-riorentals.com/ kenn,
http://www.rioholidays.com/ slatko,
http://www.blameitonrio4travel.com/ bobby,
http://www.rentaflat.com.br/

agencies to avoid:
warning: gringo managent (http://www.gringomanagement.com ), have been complained against so much that the complaints are too numerous to mention. the complaints come from such a large number of different people that the chances of having a nightmare stay with them will be very high. the most common complaint is that he agrees to rent one apartment and then when you turn up you get switched into another vastly inferior apartment. there are no refunds if this happens. just not worth renting from this guy when there are better alternatives.

although i have listed a lot of negatives here, i have done so to highlight what to look out for. many experienced mongers swear by apartment rentals, if you are careful and pick yours wisely the only thing you will have to be concerned with is how many garottas you can nail each day.

nb. if you rent a very upmarket and expensive apartment, chances are you may not be able to take back guests. you may well get away with a very well dressed lady but you certainly won't be able to take help girls up there by the truckload. enquire when booking about guest policy, they will know the situation and don't be embarrassed as a good proportion of their clients will be fellow deviates.


**hotels**
the advantages. firstly there are more of them and providing you are not on a package tour you have the flexibility of leaving the next day and finding something more appropriate to your needs if required. room service everyday is also a major advantage, all that sexo sure does go through a lot of towels and sheets. the majority will come with internet access and have a good safe to lock you shit up in. the staff will also make sure your guest shows id before entering and they will record it, this is a good security measure for you.

disadvantages. apart from the normal problems with booking a hotel sight unseen, the biggest problem is the "guest policy". some hotels will not allow guests at all, while some will charge a "guest fee", and some will allow guests sometime and not at other times. the fee maybe r30 - r60 in a moderately priced hotel. most hotels that do allow guests will only allow one at a time and may charge for each one. all hotels in rio have a 5% tax added to the bill for lodging, generally not quoted in the rate.

some hotels i can recommend at the moment that i have stayed at, but please be aware policies can change over night and hence it is best to do research before leaving.

*princess copacabana*, has a sister hotel in ipanema which i believe is also good. runs about r200- r300 per night in peak times, very friendly guest policy and when i was there they did not charge a guest fee. avoid the road side rooms, they are noisy as hell. i believe they have internet connection now within some of the rooms for r15 extra, might want to check that. http://www.promenade.com.br/

*partheon hotels*, my last few trips i have started to stay in ipanema, primarily at the parthenon queen elizabeth . around r220 per night and again did not charge me a guest fee, but then again i will only have a girl come to my room once or twice per week. if you are trucking them in it may be different. i find the accor group to be great for hotels all over brasil and i stay in one of their hotels when in sampa. they all seem to be guest friendly. all generally have internet connection within the rooms free of charge.
http://www.accorhotels.com.br/home/home_pt.asp

*sofitel*, although a member of the accor group, probably don't won't to stay there, apparently they do allow guests but insist on a non negotiable r250 guest fee (in other words: they don't want guests) source: jaimito cartero

*marriot*, stayed here on my second trip, around usd200 per night, no guests as i was only there a few nights but i believe they do allow them. at the better hotels you will have to make sure your girl is dressed well, a tattoo'd gangster chick you grabbed from the beach probably ain't going to make it in. great location, a couple of blocks from help and right on the beach, well as close as you can get anyway.

*copacabana palace*. the most famous hotel in latin america (maybe), costs about usd300 if booked over the net, a bargain compared with what you would have to pay for a similar hotel in europe, think usd$750+. great location maybe 6 blocks up from the marriot on the beach away from help. i stayed here on my first trip, at the time they allowed guests, well they did for me anyway, but then the girl i was with was stunning and super classy. in fact she just got married to a rich expat and now lives a life of luxury, good on her i say! judging by the young girls lying by the pool in the morning i think they let more than just my girl in. on my last trip, a friend stayed there and they definitely did not allow guests.

both the rioroiss and the arpoador inn are girl friendly apparently.

what to do if your guest is denied entry -

**motels**
these wonderful latin american institutions allow you to rent a room for the hour and of course do not mind multiple guests, hence they are ideal for 2 girls or festas (parties), or of course if you have problems getting one girl into your hotel. they run from average to quite luxurious, with the most famous being vips, ( http://www.vipsmotel.com.br/ ) where the millennium suite has been used to shoot many famous pornos from private. there are numerous motels in copacabana and all over the city. they are used a lot by locals who often live in small apartments with multiple members of their family ie no privacy. the kman once called his "amiga" who happened to be in a motel at the time, "what are you doing there?" he says "i am with my girlfriend" is her reply, brasilians really love their sex, in rio anything is possible! they are also surprisingly cheap with good accommodations being had for as little as r40 for a few hours. even quite luxurious motels will only run r100 for 8 hours. super luxury like vip can cost a little bit more, but they do have swimming pools in some suites, the millennium suite has 2 private pools!! i think it is about r550 for 8 hours, other suites start from r200 or so at vip. hotel sinless not far from vip is also very good ( http://www.sinless.com.br/ ).

the following post i saved but do not know the posters name. basically it is planning for a vip festa. it sounds like a well travelled game plan.

*vips*: millenium is r$500 for 8 hours; you will also pay an extra r$40 per person over 2 for the millenium suite (makes sense to get extra individual rooms at r$75 in case anyone wants privacy or a place to keep their stuff); with the millenium suite, you get any two items off the menu. escorts from karlas will cost you r$200 for 2 hours; r$300 for 3 hours plus taxi to and from vips;

add in drinks, food (and take it with you, don't buy from vips).

you probably want a minimum of 6 guys to do the millenium and a good plan is one group of girls for 3 hours-break for 2 hours (eat, recover etc) then another round for 3 hours. any fewer guys (unless cost is no object) and you might want to consider a smaller suite. real, brisa and new brisa are all good ones.

*toilets*
generally because the plumbing system in brasil is quite poor, no toilet paper gets put into the bowl. some western standard hotels and apartments have a sufficiently strong system to cope for this, but this is the exception to the rule. hence, whenever you see a paper bin next to the toilet, it will generally be for depositing "used" toilet paper into. if you put toilet paper in the bowl, it will usually clock it, not pleasant for all concerned. you can usually get away with a piece of 2 of paper, the trick is to flush regularly while doing to deed.


***metro***
the metro system in rio is very easy to use, this is due to basically only 2 lines operating (more or less), hence you won't get easily lost like you could in a web like system that prevails sampa (although i find that metro easy to use there as well). basically the metro starts at rua siqueira campos station (copacabana) and you will head towards centro, the sign will say zona norte (north zone). on your return trip head for zona sul (south zone). to get to the downtown termas, urugaiana station is your stop and will take about 17minutes from rua s campos. 4x4 and terma 65 are only 2 blocks to the right of the station as you exit. to hit terma aeroporto get off at cinelandia, for terma rio antigo get off at gloria, you will need a map to find both of these places but they are only a 10 minute walk from the station.

to use the system you buy you ticket at the booths inside the station. they issue a unitario (r2.25) which is good for 1 trip or a duplo (r4.50) which can be used twice or if you are really keen a muliplo (10 trips=r22.50). once you have purchased your ticket, you insert it into the turnstile which will allow entry. the machine keeps your ticket if it is a unitario and spits it back out the top if it is a duplo. you do not need anything to exit the station. the system is very safe and very clean, although i would not necessarily like to take it past centro up into zona norte. i always catch the metro to go to centro, much quicker and safe than a taxi. i also find it ok to ride back even late at night. the whole system is monitored by cameras which encourages the would be thieves to pick other less monitored targets.

for those staying in ipanema, you can catch the metro buses which drop you to the station at s campos for free. you buy your ticket on the bus and it is also good for the train portion. when buying a ticket in centro to return, you have to ask for the ipanema ticket, this will be returned to you by the machine as you enter the station. you then get off at s campos and give it to the bus ticket collector for you journey back to ipanema. there are a few limited stops to catch the metro bus to the station. there is a stop near centaurus, outside the zona sul supermarket, look for the "m" symbol. people line up on the footpath for the bus, join the que.

they are in the process of extending the metro line and eventually it will go to ipanema and perhaps beyond. there is currently a metro station being built at rua miguel lemos & rua pompeu loureiro, copacabana. as to when it will open, only the gods know.

to visit 4x4 and the downtown termas see more detail under the centro terma section.

***buses***
the bus system has a reputation for being dangerous. while they do drive like fucking lunatics, i find them quite good for getting between ipanema and copacabana, not so much to save the cash, but more for the experience. probably not good to catch them to a far away destination as the danger factor may bite your ass. the cost is fixed and is posted on the front windscreen. the price is usually around r2, you pay the attendant behind the driver sitting in front of a turnstile - you will see them clearly enough. small bills are best to pay for the fare, a r50 will probably do you no favours.

the main bus station in all brasilian cities is called the "rodoviária". this will be where most connections happen in the city and where virtually all inter city buses will arrive and leave. the rio rodoviária is in a semi seedy area just north of centro (the central business district), as you will invariably want to get to the south side of a town a cab ride will be r20-r25. do not take a bus from here into the south zone with luggage or unless you know your way around rio, it can be dangerous. taxis can be problematic here, they are waiting for green tourists, make sure you grab a taxi with a meter and insist they use it before heading on your way. i have been through here a few times on my way to zona norte, i am usually accompanied by a local that i know and trust, they are just as concerned with safety as you, they deal with it everyday of their lives.

i am not really an interstate bus kind of a guy, but i intend to catch the bus from sampa to rio one day. primarily just to experience what the locals do and see the scenery along the way. i believe the sampa rodoviária is part of the metro station "tietê" and is called tietê rodoviária, hence it is possible to cut the transport costs right down for the budget conscious. i have been told the rio tickets are sold on the ground floor and all other tickets on the first floor. interstate buses from all reported sources tend to be of a high standard, with large seats and air con, they of course come in differing classes, choose the luxury bus and i am sure it will be fine. on my map tietê metro is only about 8 stops from the centro area of sampa.

**white vans**
if you must go to the further out places ie the more dangerous places, the smaller white vans are the way to go. they are safer in that they have a smaller number of passengers. they are not for the first time visitor though, as you will need to know where they are going and have your general wits about you. you ask how much it is and pay the driver at the end. short trips are r2, longer trips can be r5 ie deep into or past zona norte.

warning: do not use them unless you absolutely know what you are doing or you are with someone that you basically trust a hell of a lot.

***driving***
you can rent a car relatively cheaply in brasil. however they do drive very poorly, and there is no real thinking ahead or thinking of the consequences of what might happen after the fact. very frustrating. the death rate is about 10 times higher than in your average western country on a per capita basis hence drive very carefully and think for both yourself and the other driver/lunatic! the most basic model is r90, a small western sized car will be r150 maybe more. there are a number of car rental companies (at least 15) lined along avinida princesa isabel in leme at the end of copacabana. most large international companies are represented although they are more expensive, think r140 per day for the same car you get at the smaller national companies like movida (located in avinida princesa isabel). a national drivers licence is sufficient to rent a car. usually an international licence is not required. always carry your passport while renting a car, they need it to rent the car in the first place and the police can ask for it at any raod block.

when out in the country be careful to see speed cameras. they have a low tolerance level and just a few kilometres per hour over the posted limit will see you pinged. the fines are quite high, r200-r900. on rental cars they will add it to your bill after you are probably back home because it takes a few days/weeks to process, and you cannot dispute the charge. hence if you are in the country and see a lot of people break suddenly, take a good look around and there will probably be a camera. they are marked by signs.

a tip: most rental cars will be “flex”, that is they run off petrol or alcool. alcool is the cheaper option. a further tip, try to fill up when you are away from zona sul. for example, the last time i rented, alcool was r1.80 a litre in copa, it was r1.40 on the highway coming back from zona norte. it was r1.00 in sao paulo the same day, now that makes a difference!

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:48
=============================================================
the bubba report, updated february, 2007. part 6 -rio de janiero v sao paulo.

they are completely different cities, i love them both. someone from sampa will say "cariocas always want to have fun, they are lazy, they want to party rather than work hard to provide for their families- no one that has achieved true greatest has come out of rio". a caroica will reply "paulistas are to serious, they work all the time, they don't know how to have fun - no one coooool has ever come out of sampa". the truth is obviously somewhere in the middle but it illustrates the "theme" of each city. rio is for play, sampa is for work.

***sampa***
the population is around 17m souls. if you draw a line 100km around sampa the figure is more like 40m. this is a huge city, usually ranking as one of the 5 largest in the world. a person from the state of sao paulo is known as a paulista, a person from the city is known as a paulistano. sao paulo is often shorted to sampa.

when i first went to sampa i expected the clubs to be similar to rio, in that some would be like termas and others would be like night clubs. while sampa night clubs are similar to the rio night clubs, i never really found a true terma like they have in rio, they may exist but if they do they are not the norm. although the big clubs in sampa are much better appointed than their rio counterparts. clubs like cafe millineum, bahamas, café photo and bomboa have fantastic facilities and are huge, they would leave any club in rio for dead in this regard.

all girls fees are negotiable in sampa and hence tend to be more expensive than the fixed price rates of rio terma girls. this is especially true for the big clubs where the price can be double the cost of the most expensive club girls in rio, particularly when you add in the high entrance fees.

the clubs in sampa are geared towards locals, as touristas are very much a minority. i tend to find the clubs a little more conservative than there rio counterparts in that the music is not quite as loud and the girls are wearing more clothes.

sampa is towards the southern end of brazil, which was settled predominantly by white european and hence the girls tend to be predominantly white. adding to this, there are no beaches within easy access, meaning less tan lines. hence the girls look different, less color of the rainbow in sampa than in rio. the high end clubs tend to not have many "black" or even morenas (brunettes with caramel skin) working there. a morena is my preferred choice in rio, one could almost say i have a fetish in this regards.

the performance in bed is a matter of opinion, your will find great performers in both cities. cim and anal is common in both cities, although a paulista is more likely to charge extra for such services, where as a carioca is likely to do it because she likes it.

***rio***
the population is around 12m when you include the badlands of baixada flumense and niteroi. probably 20m within 100km. by any measure this is a large city and hence lots of variety is available. the locals are known as cariocas.

the rio night clubs are similar to what you will find in sampa in the way they operate. however the termas are different. in a terma the weapon of choice for a gdp is a g string. they definitely wear less in rio.

moving. no girl on this planet can move like a garotta from rio. fuck those girls can move. most have been dancing since the age of 3. the way they samba in front of you, wearing nothing but a g and a big smile is worth the price of the airfare alone. if you have a list of 50 things you must do before you die, watching a terma girl dance in a terma in rio will have to be on it. sampa girls can move as well, although it is hard to compete against the gold medalists when you are "merely" finalists.

the further north you go in brazil the darker the skin color. this was due to the free'd slaves tending to stay in the area of the plantations after freedom. the far far north tends to be white again . rio is situated more or less in the middle of the country and hence is a melting pot of color. being a beach suburb, the culture very much dictates that anyone who is anyone goes to the beach on sunday, the result is even white skin color is often tanned, resulting in those wonderful tan lines. my personal preference when in brazil is the classic morena, the beautiful mixed skin color you see on the postcards of rio. that look is less common in sampa. you will of course find every look in rio you could wish for.

***summary***. to party for a few days i would definitely go to rio. however i could not live in rio, primarily because of the ever present threat of crime. if i was choosing a place to live permanently i would choose sampa, hell rio is only a r220 and 40 flight away. visit them both!

*when i grow up i want to be like mike - well maybe not*

a friend of mine said he was at cafe photo a tuesday night and mike tyson came in. apparently he was quite friendly and had a bit of a chat. said he liked white girls and hence preferred sampa over rio.

wednesday night i am at bahamas with the kman and guess who walks in - mike tyson. he chatted for a while with oscar (the owner of bahamas) in the little vip area next to the main stage and then disappeared. i assumed he was upstairs. i assumed wrong!

when we get back to our hotel in centro, opposite love story, there are a lot of police cars outside. i go home, the kman goes in. mike is already in there surrounded by 20 beret wearing police. turns out he had a minor altercation with a cameraman outside, not a big deal. if only the brasilian police would put so much effort into protecting your average tourist there would be an explosion of visitors. was big news on the local television for a few days.

*warning: club romanza*, just don't go there, every report i have ever heard about this place is of ripping people off. you will also find when asking to a taxi driver to take you to a club they will almost always suggest romanza, obviously for a commission. generally speaking (90% of the time) when a taxi driver suggests a place in south america it is the nastiest rip joint in the city. as a rule i am always interested to see what a taxi driver suggest and then put it on my list not to visit.

**high end clubs worth a visit when in sao paulo**

all are excellent but expensive compared to rio. think r100-r150 just to enter, although this may include a few drinks. think another 250-300 for the girls, and another r150 for general expenses within the club. generally you are looking at r450-r600 for a romp, all inclusive. check the http://www.internationalsexguide.info guide on sampa for up to date prices. all clubs are spread out across the city. think a r25-r30 cab fare from centro.

be careful when using credit cards at these places, they add a fee on, up to 30% at most places. it is cheaper and safer to hit a atm and then pay cash to settle the bill.

a note on places that you need to negotiate for the services of a garotta. i have included the absolute minimum, based on what my friends have gotten, and the maximum that a group of my peers have said is the limit. if you are new and have zero negotiating skills a girl will try and get more. they will come around, if they don't move on.

*bahamas*
r. dos chanés, 571, moema
http://www.cyberbahamas.com.br
www.ow.com.br
the facilities for this place are fantastic, a large boite and in general, the facilities leaves a comparable club in rio for dead. consistently great girls, of course they tend to have the "white" girl look as opposed to the mixed color that rio is famous for and what i prefer.

prices: april, 06
entrance r121 (no drinks included, beers are r18)
room r99
garota r200-r300 (need to negotiate: r200 is absolute minimum, r300 max, although some girls will try to get a lot more)

nb: you can also bar fine the girls out of here for r129 (saida) paid to the house, the girls will want a bit more for this option.

*café photo*
av. hélio pellegrino, 480 –
prices: feb, 07
entrance r190 (which includes 4 drinks, red bull and whisky counts as 2 drinks).
garota r300 as a minimum, some will ask a lot more.

http://www.cafephoto.com.br/
probably one of the most expensive clubs in sampa, i personally don't like it much. there are better looking girls at other places for a lot less. no onsite facilities. be careful to check the age of the girls here, it can be higher than you think, they tend to be very well made up and once out of the clothes you tend to find not nearly as attractive as what you thought. apparently the girls here get put on a roster and invited to the club a certain amount of nights per month, hence the turnover is very good.

*café millineum*
rua coronel diogo , 1199 ipiranga
entrance r90 (includes six beers or three whiskeys)
room r70
garota r150-r200 (need to negotiate: r150 is absolute minimum, r200 max)


http://www.cafemillenium.com.br/
i like this place. the facilities are exceptional, like a 5 star nightclub in a western country. the cabines are also the nicest i have seem in any establishement. although expensive by brasilian standards, it is cheaper than the other clubs.

*bomboa american bar* -
r. capote valente, 222,pinheiros - sp - f.
http://www.bomboa.com.br/

this place has zoning problems and has been open and closed a number of times over the last year. it is obviously affecting business having this done. still when it was open it was perhaps the best club in town at the best price. think similar prices to café millenium for the girl, however entrance was r140 which included a few drinks when i went there last.

*w.e.*
rua peixoto gomide 263, bela vista
i have not been to this place but genghis khan, who writes a lot in the sampa section swears by it. having said this genghis is not short of a dollar. probably the most expensive club in samp. has onsite facilities, the girls price is fixed as well. think a bill of r1000-r1200 when you are done. i guess you can't take your dollars with you when you leave this planet.

*eu & elas*
http://www.sperotico.com.br/eu/1.htm
rua pires da mota, 494 (esq. da av. aclimação). liberdade

prices: april, 06
entrance r79 (includes 2 drinks and free buffet, beer r7)
room r40
garota r100 (need to negotiate: r100 is the minimum for 1hour, most locals pay this and you will be best to offer it before letting her get in a bid, haven't heard of anyone not excepting this price)

more of a second teir club compared with the excellent facilities of those listed above.
nb: metro station - vergueiro - then r 8 taxi ride (info from the isg board).
nb2: has a public room where you can drag the girl in there and do the deed without the room fee, of course anyone walking by can see you, hence not a great option for everybody.

*connection*
av. dr. eduardo cotching, 1.178
jardim anália franco / tatuapé . vila formosa
http://www.connectionvip.com.br
for 1 hour with a girl on site it is about r220 plus drinks. the cab fair from the center of town is a *****. it will run r90 and take close to an hour. similar layout to a rio terma, well almost. did i mention how far away this club was? it is really a long way out.

**rua nestor pestana clubs**
these clubs are more you down to earth clubs. there are about 10 of them all in a row in centro. the most famous is kilt. entrance is usually r35, which will include a drink or 2. girls will go for r200-r250. the bar fine will be 1 or 2 drinks costing around r30 each for the girl. i will usually go to one of these clubs one night and then a more expensive club every alternate night, but then the more time i am in brasil the less need is for me to do a girl every night. i will probably only do 3 or so girls a week. good option for days when high end clubs are shut, ie sundays.

**clinicas**

*clinica kin*
endereço: rua dr. josé marques da cruz, 235 - brooklin novo
http://www.clinicakin.com.br/

nice place for a change. up to 15 girls available and the reviews on the local brazilian site is always good. r120 for an hour which includes full service, bbbj is the standard and many girls will do anal.

full throttle always rates this place

**fun stuff**

*teatro orion*
rua aurora, 753 - república
www.teatroorion.com.br

this place is a bit of a laugh. basically it is a theatre where there are more or less continous shows by the ladies that frequent the place. when the ladies perform the local guys run up to the stage and grope the girls until they move out of arms length. most of the ladies you can bang on site for around r100. the quality is ordinary. i am not sure of the quality of the rooms, almost banged a girl there once, but when i started talking to her, her breath was so bad i think it would have killed a horse………at 10 paces. entrance is r10. worth going just to soak in the ambience.

*8 floors of wh*res*

there are 3 of these places known as the “8 floors of wh*res. basically they are small buildings, entirely occupied with hookers. you enter and make your way up the stairways and check out what is on each floor. a lot of the girls just hang on the staircase and lure customers by flashing their tits, ass and pussy. a bizarre scene, worth going to just check out. this is a cheap and nasty place for a quick bang and the price reflects this. think r20 or r30 for a quick bang.

3 addresses to check out while near centro.
~barao de limeira 134,
~rua dos andradas 69,
~conselheiro furtado, 151

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:51
===================================================
the bubba report, updated february, 2007. part 5 -other options.

***boites***

these are basically night clubs that open at around 10pm or 11pm, get going around midnight and go very late. you will pay an entrance fee and a bar fine to take a girl out of the place. the most well known is barbarelas in the lido district of copacabana, close to leme, it almost always has the most attractive girls. you also have franks, pussycat, and heaps of others, all located in lido, which is basically at the end of copacabana close to av princess isabell. if you wander around you will see all of them close to each other, don't let a tout come up to you, he will be after a commission off the club, this commission will more likely be added to your bill, just ignore him. if we are in a group and see a tout coming towards us, we have a predetermined plan, we all split in different directions, the tout usually just stands still not knowing which person to follow. yes i know, we are children. entrance is usually r15-r60, which may include a drink or 2. drinks are much more expensive than the termas (upto or more than r50+ a shot!) and you need to be much more aware of your surroundings than at a terma in that they will pad your bill if you are not careful and generally try to "fuck the gringo on prices" if you are not careful. best to just drink water at these places and never buy a girl a drink unless you are very clear how much it will cost you, because it will cost you plenty. to take a girl out will usually cost you a bar fine of up to r60 and the girl will usually get r200 out of you for a session which could last a few hours or the whole night, if you can negotiate well you can obviously reduce this. she will almost always start her bidding at r300+. the one exception is barbarella's (or is it barbarela's, the 2 signs at the entrance are spelled differently!), where everything costs just a bit more, although they do have some great looking girls, albeit at a price, think up to r400 for the super hotties (starting bid will be r500+). franks is famous for its "live sex show", usually at 1am most nights (1am in brasil usually means 2am or later). performance is more varied with a boite girl than a terma girl.

i cannot emphasise enough that the waiters will do everything at these places to fuck you over on the bill. yes a good time can be had, but unless you are with someone that has his wits about him, you will most likely have an issue.

another warning, and this applies to everywhere in rio. if you jump into a cab waiting outside of the club, including normal clubs, they will generally not turn on the meter. a normal r5 cab ride will turn into r20 if you do this without first negotiating the fare. the girl you take will almost always direct you to these waiting sharks, i always just walk up 20 meters and hail a cab and make sure they put the meter on *before i get in*. any complaints by the girl are quickly squashed and they fall into line, this is important in that they know you have been around a bit. the taxis are particularly bad outside of barbarella's, another galling tactic by this club is the doorman will stick his hand out forcefully on your way out and ask for a tip, sometimes the girl will even ask for a tip on his behalf, i will usually slip by him and be gone up the street before he realises. never ever pay for any girl upfront out of any club. if she insists on payment, you may wish to show her you have the money but never give it to her, if she still complains i will guarantee you she will cause you problems and point to the door right it off. no brasilian guy will ever pay for a girl upfront, nor will any experienced monger.

*barbarella*
rua ministro viveiros de castro, 24. copa/leme

entrance is now r60 which includes 2 drinks, beer isn't served here. i can never work out whether there is a bar fine to take a girl from the place or not. many mongers have told me it is r70 bar fine, others have said it is nothing. watch for the touts that line both avenida prado junior and avenida princess isabel, they basically chase you to get you into barbs. just ditch them, you don't need any help off these guys. if you stay in rio for more than a week or 2 you should perhaps visit barbs once, but perhaps only for the purpose of visiting another club. there are better options than paying r500 for a barbs girl. watch your bar tab very carefully, they will try and fuck you at every opportunity.

address of other boites in the area:

don juan, rua duvivier, 37. copa/leme
doma, av. prado júnior, 63 copa/leme
franks, av. princesa isabel, 185b. copa/leme. entrance r15 (includes one drink). doesn't really get going until past midnight.
holiday, av. atlântica, 1424, copacabana
la cicciolina, av. princesa isabel, 185d, copacabana entrance r25 (includes 2 local drinks, oct, 2006).
café senso, av. princesa isabel, 7, copacabana r50 (includes 2 drinks, oct 2006)
pussycat, av. copacabana, 129, copacabana

we always ask if one person can go in and look around before taking the whole party in, sometimes these clubs are dead, no point paying for the entrance if you don’t intend to stay. they are always ok with this. if they are not just don’t bother to enter.

there are also a few in other parts of rio. however you can get by with no portuguese at the above places, in the parts of the city you may need some porto skills.

the kman: was dragged along to a club above the balcony bar by his girlfriend and another brasilian couple (club holiday, i think it is but don't quote me), where they have a live sex show. they unfortunately turned up late, after the show had finished. after expressing a desire to see a show, the manager said he would organise one for r100. the party agreed and selected a girl from the club. the manager then grabbed a waiter and directed proceedings. the waiter was apparently thinking all his xmas's had come at once, unfortunately he had performance problems and was chastised, then summarily dismissed by the director of proceedings. while the manager was searching the club for a suitable replacement, the kman's girl suggested he "step up to the plate", under normal circumstances i think he would have, but he was worried he to would fail to get wood in front of the other girl in the party, whom he secretly wants to nail (in rio anything is possible). after 10 minutes, a substitute waiter did indeed step up to the plate and apparently performed quite well, much to the delight of all people present.

***beach restaurants***

there are a number of restaurants that front copacabana on avinida atlantica that offer the opportunity of more than just a drink. these paces are very popular of late with our american brothers, who tend to form the majority of patrons, it would be a good place for solo travellers to hook up with like minded travellers.

food is more expensive than your average restaurant but not overly expensive by western standards. beer is relatively cheap. there is no bar fine to take a girl from here, all the girls are independent and wander in and out of the places all day. a girl should cost r80 - r150 (absolute max for a must do) for a couple of hours - aim at r100. again start low, open your bid at r70. the girls are not terma quality, in fact you will have to look a bit to find something worth doing. a lot of guys go there just to hang and chat with fellow minded sleaze mongers. of late the girls have basically been scraping the bottom of the barrel, but of course just when you say "i am never going back to that place" a cutie pops up to keep you going.

all are on av atlantica (number #), copacabana.
havana café, (#3310), mabs (#1140) , meia pataca (#3312), terraco atlantico (#3432)

***balcony bar***

a normal bar with action. the girls of late have been ordinary, however not a bad place to have a beer.

located on av atlantica, next to plaça lido (lido square), about half way between help and leme.

***beach***

you can always find a willing lady from the beach. just smile in her direction if she is alone or with another lady, she may well be a worker, of course she may not be as well. if she responds in a friendly manner you may well be on your way. alot of the gdp's (working girls) that work in copa also live there in tiny shared apartments and hence use the beach during the day. your average non working girl will probably not go to copacabana to lay on the beach, less they be associated with the sex scene. i was with a friend of mine when he grabbed a stunner off ipanema one day (not overly common), we kept saying to each other she is to hot to be a worker, once she smiled back at him we both knew she most certainly was.

in front of the the ceasar park hotel in ipanema is a good place to start. a lot of terma girls, associated semi pros and hardcore girls do hang out there from time to time.

***hooker beach***

there is a highly organised area of copa often known as "hooker beach". alot of the girls you see in help at night or at some of the avinida atlantica restaurants will hang here during the day. they will usually go for r80 - r120 for a couple of hours, negotiate - start low. it is directly opposite meia pataca or the othon hotel on copacabana beach, not far from help. look for the small beach kiosk and the associated flotsam and jetsam hanging around.

again be careful here with the touts, they are there to rip you off, not to assist. they will try to organise everything for you and are quite persistent. if i choose to relax her for a few minutes, i will negotiate a chair for r6 (they are normally r3 in all other parts of the beach) and get my own drinks or if i want to speak to a girl i will go over and introduce myself. if you let the touts bring you drinks, introduce you to girls etc and you don't negotiate the price of their service upfront they will hit you for as much as they can get out of you, avoid them for everything but the chair rental. if you must use them, pay as you go or they will hit you for a bill of r80 for maybe 3 drinks......... you can get drinks yourself at the kiosk in the part of the beach. from memory beers start at r2, cans of coke r2, coconuts cut with a straw r2.50, caipivodkas start at r6. be careful drinking beers on the beach, they go straight to your head and you will get drunk twice as quickly.

***massagems***

these little places (usually 4 rooms or less) charge around r50 for 30 minutes, some charge r1 per minute. i find it takes a bit of work to find something decent here and the termas are generally a much more fun atmosphere. these places are set up for the locals and hence are much cheaper and generally less hygienic. they are open from midday or so to 8pm or 10pm at night. it is not uncommon to see the same girls here go to help at night or a beach front restaurant. best to bring you own condoms and lube, cheap and nasty describes these places. if i do a girl here i choose to do her "standing up" rather than use the bed, which may or may not be clean. the rooms are more like cubicles and hence may not have a door on them, hence other punters may well see your naked ass bouncing off the walls as they go by.

in copacabana
praca serzedelo correia 15, room 1104, r$30 for 30 minutes.
hilário de gouveia 66, apt 1103 (level11). r$ 30 for 20 minutes.
av north copacabana 583, apt. 204. r$40 for 20 minutes. no need to take the elevator just walk up the stairs next to them. try 202 when there, it is copa terma r$70 30mins.
rua siqueira campos, 22, enter from hilário de gouveia, you will see the blue entrance with a 2 on each side of the door. r$80 for 40 minutes. a bit more expensive than the rest but still not as expensive as monte etc and of course not as clean either.

in centro
see the "terma section" for 3 places in centro.

there are hundreds of other small dodgy places in centro, they are listed in the local papers if you are so inclined.

***escorts***

will run from r100 -r150 for 2 hours + taxi fare (r20-r40ish). there are heaps of them in rio. alot of girls will do anal here, ask for "completa" (cooom-ple-tah), meaning she will do everything. ordering girls can be a bit of a problem if you can't speak portuguese and do not know how to order thoroughly. basically my experience has been, good/great performers at a cheap price but the looks have left a lot to be desired. the photos on the site are quite flattering, heavily photo shopped and taken just at the right angle. don't expect a stunner but none the less it is worth a "roll of the dice". like most things in life you get what you pay for. if you are a drinking man this could be a good option for you.

you could always do what the k man does, and that is order 2 girls. that way at least one should be doable, the other one is designated the "ball licker", the kman is not and a man to let a naked gdp go to waist.

http://www.scortshow.com.br/
http://www.karlamodels.com.br/ or http://www.karlamodels.net
http://www.lindasmodels.com/ (the kman had good luck with this agency first up, second up the 2 girls were definitely not the same on the site, in fact they were so large he commented that maybe they ate the other 2 girls on the site)
http://www.barravips.com.br/

avoid:
www.viprj.com.br crappy operation with only a few girls despite having numerous photos on their site. notorious bait and switch

***classificados in o globo***

the following is written by lorenzo, lorenzo says:

"you didn't mention the classificados which appear every day in o globo and jornal do brasil. to take advantage of these you will need to read and speak portuguese. the classificados are, in a way, the exact opposite of escort services in that you can talk to the girl but don't know what she looks like. however, to me talking is more important in that i get a chance to see if there is any chemistry, if she has an attitude, and to negotiate services. but i think you can be reasonably certain that she will be attractive; if not, you can send her on her way (although ethically you should pay her cab fare)." lorenzo

***miami peep***

this place is good for a bit of a laugh. you go in the shop entrance off avinida n s copacabana and up to the second floor. you exchange you reals for tokens. you use the tokens for various activities at varying costs. i believe in the private rooms you can also touch them, however i have never taken up this option. i believe if you befriend them you could always make other plans, anything is possible in rio! all very safe in the shop. on the same corner of the street that goes to terma monte carlo.

corner of rua hilario de gouveia (same street as terma monte carlo) and avinida n s copacabana.

the following was posted by jaimito cartero (10 sept 2005), rather than edit it i thought it accurately described miami.

jaimito cartero posted on isg, jaimito cartero says:-

"miami show club. it's your basic sex shop, with porno booths downstairs. r1 works for 3 minutes. nothing too exciting there, but they did have one video that peta would have objected to. each token is r1, and the guy said you could refund them if you didn't use them.

upstairs you have about a dozen booths and one or two dancers on a rotating bed. r1 per minute. i saw three chicas, and two were pretty bad, and one was very nice. nothing too out of the ordinary here.

they have solo rooms, that you get a private show in. r5 for 2 minutes, again using the tokens. when i went, they had 10 girls there to choose from. i sat and watched the mop brigade go into action each time a guy came out. even used some air freshener too.

each of the chicas has a picture with a number. you go into the booth and put your tokens in, and then push the buttons selecting the chica. your time doesn't start until she comes into the room. there is a plexiglass window between you, with some holes for talking to her. there is also a 4 inch space at the very top, that you can just get your hand into.

the chica i got must have been working there for years, because the pic was ooooooold. she was nice enough, and proceeded to give my finger a bbbj, and then put her ass up to the top so i could finger whatever hole i wanted.

the sperm mopping guy told me that you could have a dupla in there if you put in r50.

interesting if you're bored, you can even go around the corner to the church and light a candle when you're done." jaimito cartero

***villa mimosa***

vm is worth visiting just for the experience, if you choose to do a girl there, then you are a braver man than me my friend. it is basically a collection of "bars" within a small area. security does patrol the area and hence it is relatively safe providing you do not do something really stupid. security is operated by private forces and hence is very efficient. it is not the place to be loud and brash.

girls charge anywhere from r20 and up, depending on what you want. rooms are r5 for the nasty ones, and r7 for the less nasty ones. i believe the r7 gets you clean sheets! i once went there with 2 american book ends, we had a bet who would be brave enough to fuck in those rooms. no one took the cash, i remember some one saying they would go into the rooms if a hazmat uniform could be provided. i believe if you wanted to do a girl you could take her out of the place to short term motel, this may be a preferable option. go their with low expectations.

directions to vm:
vm is located a couple of suburbs from centro, about a mile from the maracana satdium which you can see from the metro station of são cristovão. probably 12km from copa and about r25 in a cab.

you can catch the metro to são cristovão and then cab it, r9, the area is a little sketchy hence best not to walk there if it is late, during the day it is safe enough, equal to copacabana. if coming from copacabana station it involves a change from linha 1 (line 1) to linha 2 at estacio station. the change over is easy, you just follow the signs to linha 2 at estacio station, são cristovão is the next station after the change. the ticket you buy from copacabana, r2.30, will get you all the way there. on the way back just do the opposite, but remember siquira campos station is the proper name for copacabana station, hence head for those signs at the changeover at estacio, do not jump on the train to pavuna, that would be bad!

the 455 meier bus from copa runs past vm, of course you will need to know where to get off, not easy and not suggested for first time visitor. you can get the 455 from any stop along av. nossa senhora de copacabana in copacabana.

a post from doc bill on vm ( 17.11.05 )

"villa mimosa: best for last? well, maybe not, but certainly the most interesting. since there were three of us going i felt not-too-nervous about it, and i felt it was something i had to do to earn my stripes in brazil. we went at about 11 on a friday night. it has been said that “if cleanliness is next to godliness then villa mimosa borders on hell,” and i actually found that to be a gross understatement. if you’re a germaphobe or have any inclinaton to take a crap before you leave then don’t go! this was the most disgusting filthy place i have ever seen in my life – people pissing, shitting and puking everywhere, shit all over the streets. it’s also wonderful and i would definitely return. the place is like a bar scene in a star wars movie, a true show to watch. about half the girls were wolf-ugly, and about 20 percent fairly good, with a couple of stunners. price was 20 reals for 20 minutes. all covered, quick and businesslike, but what do you want for eight bucks?! as for safety that was a non-issue. heavy police presence and brightly lit, and no one bothered anyone else that didn’t want to be bothered. a true sex bazaar/bizarre!" doc bill

***cheap casas by sperto: 28.03.06***

update on cheap casas.

copacabana:
- av n s copacabana 583, apto 202
open 10-22, r$ 80/20 min, r$ 100/30 min, r$ 130/60 min
- av n s copacabana 583, apto 204
open 10-22, r$ 80/30 min, r$ 130/60 min
- azuzinho 22, rua sigueira campos 22
open 14-24, r$ 100/30 min, r$ 150/60 min
- rua hilário de gouveia 66, apto 1103
open 10-21, r$ 51/20 min, r$ 71/30 min, r$ 121/60 min
* between 5-12 girls working at each of these places. the standard of the girls are low, but sometimes there are nice exceptions to be found. a better options is taking the metro to the center. lower prices and more to choose from.

centro:
- rua da carioca 59, apto 201, 301, 302, 401, 402, 501 and c01
r$ 10/10 min and r$ 1/extra min.
take the elevator up and the stairs down and check out the girls.
lots of girls. low standard but always some cuties around.
- rua uruguaiana 24
open 10-20, r$ 18/15 min, r$ 26/20 min, r$ 36/30 min, r$ 46/40 min
several floors. lots of girls. low standard without exceptions.
- rua buenos aires 85
open 10-20, r$ 10/10 min, r$ 15/20 min, r$ 30/40 min
enjoy the narrow stairs while checking out 3-4 floors with girls.
lots of girls. low standard but you might find a nice one that's not occupied.
- rua buenos aires 113
open 9-21, r$ 10/10 min and r$ 1/extra min.
one floor with girls. cabins upstairs. low standard with very few exceptions.
- rua do ouvidor 130, apto 707
open 10-18.30, r$ 13/10 min, r$ 20/15 min, r$ 30/20 min, r$ 50/30 min
a bunch of girls. low standard.
- travessa do ouvidor 37
r$ 30/15 min, r$ 50/30 min
lots of girls. low standard with occasional beauties.
- the best option among the cheap casas in centro are the ones that have adds in the classificados with only phonenumbers (no addresses). there are several of these casas in the buildings on av rio branco 156 and 181. very discrete, no signs and with bosses that checks if you look like a ok customer before letting you in. large and clean rooms with shower possibilities. many of these casas have very high standard on the girls. r$ 60/30 min, r$ 80/60 min or r$ 105/2 girls in one hour. as it might be hard to choose among the girls the 2 girls-promoção is a good deal.

vila mimosa:
it's impossible to mention cheap casas without mentioning vila mimosa.
r$ 25/20-30 min (the time depends on the casa). r$ 1-2/condom.
r$ 40-50/1-2 h at hotel canario. r$ 20/room.
shitloads of girls. average standard is low, but there are several beauties to be found. you can tell that the business for the help girls are bad by judging from the growing numbers of ex-help girls working at vm.

***regular clubs*** (with thanks to keldeson isg for posting this list of addresses)

~~ baronetti, rua barao da torre 354,ipanema
~~nuth, av. armando lombardi 999, barra (arguably the number 1 club in rio)
~~mariuzinn, av n.s. copacabana 435,copacabana
~~00 zero zero, av. padre leonel franca 204, gavea, 24540-8041
www.00site.com.br
~~bombar, rav gal san martin, 1011, leblon, 2509-3599
~~guopo loco, right next to bombar,
www.guapoloco.com.br
~~bunker, rua raul pompeia 94, copacabana, 2521-0637
www.bunker94.com.br
~~club six, rua da marracas 38, centro (lapa), 2510-3230
~~melt, rua rita ludolf, leblon, 2540-0705

most clubs in rio are like your standard fare back home. they can be difficult to get into without a long wait. of course, like back home, if you take a smoking hottie with you, your chances are much better. taxis outside of night clubs like melt etc can be problematic in that they don't always turn the meter on.

**gay clubs**

rio has a huge gay population and the gdps often mix with them. in fact there is probably just as many gay gringos paying the bills for their boyfriends as there are straight gringos paying the bills for their girlfriends.

the most famous gay cub(s) are le boy and le girl. they are at rua raul pompéia, 94. they are owned by the same people, as well as bunker in the same complex. le boy is pretty much zero woman unless they have a special event or they open the door at le girl and let the 2 clubs mix. le girl on the other hand is half girls and half guys. the girls are like 50% terma girls, the guys are mostly gay, some tourists get dragged a long by the t girls. i have been dragged along as well a few times to le girl. i would not think it is a place to go to pick up t girls, generally they act pretty cool in the club and are there to interact with their friends, having said this i have chatted to many a t girl that i have done whilst my girlfriend of the night is mingling in another part of the club.

***2 large local clubs in zona norte***

these 2 clubs are not for the first time visitor, they are in very dangerous areas. for someone that knows his way around rio after a few visits they are definitely worth checking out.

**via show**
the following post was not by me, i cannot find the name of the poster, if you know please let me know so i can credit it.

www.viashow.com.br
for those not familiar with via show, it is a popular dance/concert hall located in via dutra, km 167 on linha vermelha (red line expressway). approx. 35 to 55 minutes north of rio in baixada fluminense. everything from live bands to funk djs play at this venue. (baixada fluminense is possibly one of the much dangerous areas of rio)

expect a crowd of a few thousand on the weekends or when a popular event is being held. lotsa honeys to be found...civilians, not on the program. many cariocas frequent this place.

if you are in zona sul, and not familiar with the public transportation system, i would get a taxi. should not cost you more that 55 reals (one way) on bandeira 2 (level 2) on the meter. it is always best to ask the taxista first for an estimate.

by bus, i would suggest going to a rodoviara (bus station), either novo rio or praça 15. catch an express bus (designated by an "r" after the line number) for nova iguacu. sit up front near the bus driver. tell him you want to stop at via show..."pare pra mi, via show por favor." also, the location will be hard to miss. right off the expressway, big signs, and crowds of people hanging out front.

things usually get going at around 10pm or so. the festa continues into the break of dawn. if you come much earlier, you can monger over at the mall across the street.

when you are ready to do the do, there are many motels in the area to choose from. i strongly rec. champion. it is the top dog of motels. like vips in vidigal but, without the ocean view and high prices.

if your mission was not completed, and need to get back to zona sul, i strongly rec. a taxi. again, ask the taxista for pricing. taking a bus back is a no no late at night.

**pyramide**
sperto - "pyramide is a large discotheque. it's located in duque de caxias. taxi from copacabana is about 40-45 reais. it lies next to the delegacia (police station). saturdays are the best. pyramide is my favourite place, for non-pro's, in rio followed by via show.

close to pyramide is a square which have forró-band playing on saturdays. lots of stands selling food and beer. mostly older crowd. after a couple of beers on the praça just head 150 meters up and you will see pyramide.

entrance 8 reais. it's a big dancehall with a top/vip section which you can access for a small fee. there is live music. mixture of axé, forró etc...

just grab a waiter anywhere and he will bring you a bucket filled of ice and a dozen of beers. people are standing with beer-buckets and dancing everywhere.

you will get lots of attention as a gringo. maybe even more than you'll like. don't overdress or flash your money around. try to keep a low profile and smile to everyone.

girls, girls and more girls! i've never seen so many cuties in rio. they maybe won't jump on top of you, as these are regular girls not very accustomed to gringos. just talk with them and share your beers with them. i found it very easy to get dates at pyramide which turned out to be good sex. i haven't seen any pro's there.

safety: pyramide itself has very good security. i saw small fights inside the discotheque, but nothing serious. anyway you don't want to get mixed up in a fight with locals in d d c. be sure you don't hit on a girl who has a boyfriend.

the second time i went to pyramide, there was a fight on the outside. police came. separated the fighters and shot one of them in the head, without any reason. very ugly! the crowd got very upset.

i can recommend pyramide if you want to meet regular girls. you better speak proper portuguese. i don't recommend pyramide for newbies or mongers who are not used to leaving copacabana. i also guess there can be a risk for muggings if you wander around in the wrong streets of d d c." sperto.

!!warning!!
when i added this report for comment, sperto sent me the following message: read it carefully and be aware of the dangers before going.

sperto says: i wrote the part about pyramide in duque da caxias. actually i deleted the report shortly afterwards. the reason i deleted the report were mainly because i think it would be a bad idea recommending the place to my fellow mongers. i didn't think that much when i first wrote it.

if you're not used to places that can be rough, and where it's not advisable to show you're a gringo, then you really should avoid pyramide.

the average monger would probably have a big chance of getting himself in serious trouble inside or outside pyramide.

i think he will be much better of going to via show, which is definitely safer. - sperto.

***gdp.net***
the first i heard of the gdp network was from reading bwana diks rio guide (btw, try and get a hold of it, it is a great guide). basically gdp workers keep in contact with each other across the city and are only to eager to tell one another where a certain gringo has been, particularly if that certain gringo is where he said he wouldn't go.

i am thinking as soon as a girl sees you somewhere, the text messages start flying. ever wonder why girls go to the bathroom so often? to do their part in the gdp network.

i get tracked because i come back to rio every few months. in the intervening time girls move from one terma to another and hence know who you used to hook up with at a previous terma. this is problematic in that it is difficult for me to keep a certain cutie happy at one terma when she is being informed i am nailing several other girls at other termas. i never lie to a terma girl, but when she asks if i have been nailing someone i just change the subject, "how about those bears, eh?"

never ever underestimate the power of the gdp network. i met up with a friend today, an ex terma girl and the first thing she said was, "you were at solarium tuesday night, and 4x4 on monday". she never worked at either, how the fuck they know is beyond me. however, always assume they will find out and will be able to track your every move!

***so a gdp has kept in contact and wants you to send her money***
i have no problem giving money to a needy cause, a gdp is far from a needy cause. quite frankly, just don't do it, unless you have money to burn.

***my rio game plan***
i posted this on a site a while back. it basically sums up my "game plan" in rio.

post by me july 01:everyone has a different game plan when in rio.

i personally like the termas and will generally have 6 or so favourites girls rep001tered across the city. each trip a few drop off the list and of course a few get added. i generally see a favourite girl every second night at a terma, the one to see depends on the mood and of course where other amigos are headed for the evening. on the other nights i look for something new. of course if this is done within an establishment that i have a regular at it can take planning.....it helps if she is busy when i arrive…... all good fun.

i personally will only see a favourite outside a terma if i really like her, maybe only 1 or 2 per trip will be invited to come to my hotel/apartment. if she does come over it will be a girlfriend kind of a deal, i will not give her any cash straight out, maybe some cab money or a couple of bucks to get her "hair done", i make this clear at the beginning. of course this means a certain amount of emotional attachment can be assumed by the girl, i also make it clear that this is a short time deal, not a long term relationship. i tend to find if i invite more than a couple over per trip they are harder to control and potentially cramp my style, some can turn into pests real quick. my average trip lasts a month or 3 and hence it is more difficult to get rid of girls than just jumping on a plane after just 6 days in rio.

i will only invite a girl over to my pad if she is genuine and not likely to cause any problems. i have no interest in a gangster chic coming to my pad, that is what motels are for. any girl that comes to my place is heavily screened for emotional stability and honesty. i have a very good "bullshit detector" and hence i have never had any problems with such girls taking shit or trying to scam me. any girl invited to my place i would consider to be a pretty decent human being, hence i also do not want to hurt her emotionally or give her false hopes of a gringo passport. i try to make this clear, sometimes it is not heard though. i like to treat all girls i spend time with like the way i expect to be treated i.e with respect.

on my first trips i grabbed phone numbers off pretty much every girl i liked. now i only get the numbers off the ones that i want to keep in contact with on another visit, hence i might only accept 1 or 2 new numbers per trip. i generally don't call them unless i need to find out where they are or need a date for a dinner party with fellow deviates. i find if you start calling them they get the wrong impression and they start to call way to much and try to pull the "you can't see other women stuff". i don't think i have ever asked for a phone number, usually a girl i have seen a few times insists i take theirs, they are not exactly shy in rio.

i actually prefer email addresses. it is easier to keep in touch and easier to control, because if they start hounding me i can slow down my replies to them. i also find this great when i am travelling through europe (where i live for half the year). it is great to have "uma amiga" (a friend) to meet in italy or spain for a few days of fun. with the ever increasing number of gdp's working in europe i tend to find it is an easy and a very enjoyable hook up.

i have many friends that do 2 or 3 girls a night, usually a new girl each time, hell one of my friends averages 5 a night although he only stays for 5 nights at a time, i tend to find 1 girl a night is a good number for me. i really like to find a girl i connect with and who i see a few times, the sex just gets better and better. often she will let me do things that no one time punter will ever get the chance to do with her. hence, i prefer quality over quantity. my point is every one is different and we all get different things out of our visits, its all good.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:52
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the bubba report, updated february, 2007. help. part 4.

***help***

entance: r22 before midnight, r32 after midnight. price the same for both sexes.
girls: all is negotiated with them. r150-r250 (max)
bar fine: r0, there is no bar fine.
location. avenida atlântica, copacabana.
http://www.discoteca-help.com (non official site )


history of help: i believe help opened in the early 80's. apparently it was a very different disco to what it is now. it was basically a place for the locals and little if any gdps were there. in the mid to late 90's as brasil lurched from one economic crisis to another it fell on harder times and gradually more gdp's started to frequent the place. now, there is nothing but gdp's and gringos looking to purchase a little fun with them.

help, pronounced helpee by the locals, (i kid you not) is a big boite, a massive boite. the latest brasilian/us techo & electronica plays hard, there can be anywhere upwards of 250 garottas, maybe more, at anyone time shaking it at help. 95% of the girls are available to be taken out of the club, they are all independent girls and there are no rooms on the premise, what you negotiate between yourself and the girls is entirely up to you and her. the remaining 5% may be there with their dates (paid for or girlfriends of gringos) or are other gdps just chilling after a nights work. there is no bar fine to take a girl from help.

it operates like a normal club except of course there are 250+ hookers in there! it is smack bang in the middle of copacabana overlooking the beach on avinida atlantica. entrance is r32 after midnight and r22 before midnight, same price for girls and guys. the crush just before the price goes up is pretty funny, the extra r10 is a lot to a gdp (garotta da programa - irl of the program). if you are lined up 10 minutes before midnight expect to be pushed and shoved by working girls attempting to jump the cue. manners are not really the same here as a western county, it is ok to push back and it is best not to give anybody an inch, you loose respect if you do. drinks are not too bad and similar to terma prices. to buy a drink you must first go to one of a few booths and hand over your cash for a drink voucher and then go to the bar. you then present your voucher to the barman and he hands over your drinks, 5% of people give him a tip of a r1 or 2, it is not expected. you can also get a vip table if you are in a group and a waiter will take care of you, enquire once inside if you feel the need for such service by grabbing a waiter. it opens around 11pm and goes to around 5am.

the girls start milling around about 9pm at the restaurant out front “terraço atlantico” (the “ç” is pronounced like an “s”), some of the girls never go into help, but i tend to find a lot of bottom dwellers hang around outside, there are always exceptions in rio and your chances of grabbing something cute outside is reasonable, just don't count on it. if you are seated at the restaurant, just call a girl that you are interested in, she will scurry over to your table. her price should be cheaper than inside help. most of the nice stuff does a lap or 2 around the restaurant and then heads straight into help, you can of course grab them at this point but why rush, in rio you are “the king” and “the king” takes his time. the super hotties get out of a cab and go straight in, they never hang outside.

an average help girl will cost anywhere from r150 to r250 for a few hours to the whole night, she almost always starts the bidding at r300 (at xmas or carnaval she will try for more), especially at the start of the night where she will almost always "try her luck". in brasil the amount of money the girl wishes to receive is more a desire to be worth that much, rather than what she will actually get. towards the end of the night (4am ish) her price will come down dramatically, especially when she realises she will be going home alone, believe it or not but most girls will go home alone because even if there is a girl to guy ratio of 1:1, most guys will not take a girl, a lot of gringos go there just to hang. you should start your bidding at 150, with a smile, or better still get your offer in first, and move up slowly if necessary. of course a cranking hot stunner (there will only be about 5 or so a night at help) will know her price and you may have to spend that bit extra, 95% of girls will take r150- r200 towards the end of the night, they will take r200-r250 at the start of the night, except of course at carnaval time where it may be more. in winter time, may-july, r150 is more the money, when it is also pointless going before 11.45 as you will be the only person in at this time in winter, at this time it is definitely a buyers market, use it to your advantage.

performance can vary a lot compared to terma girls (which are usually fantastic) and i generally find help girls are a riskier proposition in that you have to watch them more closely. definitely lock your shit up in a safe when a garotta is around, no matter how much you think she is ok.

dress code: you cannot wear shorts or flip flops, pretty much everything else is acceptable. generally casual clothes are the way to go. jeans are my preferred choice and black leather shoes, why jeans? well it is very smoky in there and they are easily washed. nikes & a t shirt is fine, you don't really have to impress the girls here with your $5000 gucci jump suit, in fact this will only serve to drive what it will cost you for your nights horizontal activities.

most nights are quite busy at help and hence you can't go wrong with your timing. having said this friday & saturday tend to have more part timers as opposed to the girls you see every night. the kman, a help expert swears by friday and saturday night for a little semi pro action.

you can exchange dollars or euros at help. they actually give you a better rate than most cambios, well they have at least been doing this the couple of years i have been going to rio. you can break a big note at the entrance, just say "dollars" and he will wave you through to the inside where a man will take you notes and give you the change in reals. you can change up to a few hundred dollars a night, however you will be carrying around a large amount of r, which you will want to be aware of. inside the boite you won't have to many problems but once outside you will be on your own and a lot of robberies do occur late within a few blocks of help.

nb, cambios are money changers, they generally give a better rate than banks and are everywhere in copa and ipanema. last exchange rate in nov2005. cambio
usd$100=r225, help usd$100=r230.
nb, towards the end of my trip in december help was giving a rate less favourable than the termas, on a par with the cambios.

security in help: there is good security within help, you will see then just standing and watching, generally they are unobtrusive and generally will back the monger in most situations but of course not all, like any club, stupid behaviour is never a good idea. any problems with a girl that is going to get out of hand, call the security over and let them deal with it. i once had a girl attempt to throw a drink over me, much to the amusement of all guys and girls around me. as security started to come over, she starts yelling at them the telling them of all the bad things i had done. security grabbed her and took her to another part of the club. it was a fairly minor incident, anything more would have got her thrown out. kman ended up buying her a drink after finding out the girl he was about to take home was her best friend. i do believe he neglected to tell her he was actually staying at the same apartment as me. i think the kman gets more amusement out of my misadventures than i do. i still don't know why she did it, i hadn't spoken to her before nor did i intend to, she just came up and started bitching and moaning, then went off. a lot of girls use coke in help, screen - screen and then screen them again, if you want a decent no hassle time.

i have never seen a guy/guy fight in help, i have heard it has happened but it is not that common. i mean who is going to fight over a gdp?. seen a guy "drop" a girl with a clean punch one night, she eventually got up, all bloodied and then came at him again - he was dragged off by the police. overheard a gdp say he will be paying "muito dinheiro" (a lot of money) to the police to get out of that one. you do see the occasional girl/girl fights, mostly they occur in the toilet, you know what has happened when girls start streaming out of the toilet laughing and telling all and sundry there was a problem in there. saw one girl slap the hell out of another on the dance floor, everybody just stood around and watched, guys and girls don't really think of it as a serious moment, more something to laugh at, adds to the entertainment of the night. there have been instances of girls being beaten by guys in hotels, and of course guys being beaten by girls and their associated boyfriends - hence the reason for caution and a thorough screening. brazil is a violent place.

if you visit help enough you will eventually get to see everything. one can get as much amusement out of watching fellow hobbiest as the girls. once saw a black guy wearing towel around his neck and shoulders (yes a real bathroom towel, worn like a boxer, not an arab), thought he was the coolest cat on the planet, hard to pay for shit that funny anywhere on the planet. there is also a midget that occasionally frequents the place, she does well, she is always busy. one could and perhaps should make a movie about the place.,… quentin tarantino?

***scam***

a few gdp's in help will know and have the cell phone number of a local policia. a popular scam, which is not common and will generally only be tried on a green newbie is as follows. the girl will go up to the apartment, then start yelling over basically nothing, causing noise, which in turn will cause a problem with your neighbours and ultimately you. she will then accuse the newbie of doing something inappropriate and call the police. the police she actually calls will be known to her and hence won't be on your side. when they turn up they will try and get as much cash out of you as possible, threatening jail etc, in short if you do talk to them and your portuguese is limited you will be in deep. you really don't want to speak to the police under these circumstances. if it does happen to you, i would turn off the lights and just not open the door to them. they cannot legally enter (for what that is worth) and they are generally not going to break the door down, that would draw to much attention. if i could leave the apartment for a few hours and get the fuck out of there, it would also be a good option. the best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place, screen any gdp heavily.

for further info on scams and police interaction see that section.

do’s and don’t of a help girl

what you get depends entirely on what you negotiate. i am sure if you walk up to girl and ask her a price, and you agree on r350 and are out of there, you will get fucked.

***do's: ***

**preparation: before leaving you hotel/apartmento for the night make sure your room is prepared for a visitor. lock all your valuables in a safe, also put everything else in your suitcase and lock it. make sure nothing is lying out that can be slipped into a bag.

**go with a buddy and look out for each other, if possible hook up with someone that speaks portuguese.

**heavily screen her. any sign she is off her head or displaying weird behaviour, get rid of her. a lot of helpee girls do a lot of coke, you really don't need the problem associated with this in rio. i think it is best to spend at least 30 minutes with her before going. buy her a drink, they are cheap as hell, have a dance with her....have a bit of a discreet fondle...(but don’t think you are in a terma, as that much groping will get your ass kicked out of the place and [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) her off), make sure there are no glowing signs she is going to cause trouble or fuck you. the key here is pay attention to any "flags", if you have any doubts ditch her and get another one.

**when it is time to leave always negotiate the time, the service if necessary (anal etc) and price in reals. write it down when you get home if necessary, one of my friends does this, i think he is nuts (and he probably is, but that is another story), but he very rarely lets any working girl get the better of him and he speaks zero portuguese. make sure the price is clear and it is in reals not dollars. if she does not stick to what is negotiated take it off what you pay her after you have banged her.

**always take a taxi from help but never from out front of help. many street kids line up around help and particularly the side streets leading back to avinida noss s copacabana. rua miguel lemos is the first street to the left as you leave help, this is the worst street to walk along late. the street kids sit in the shadows and watch for a target to turn left in to this street. they then get up and follow. miguel lemos is a little better now that the crepe restaurant and the office have opened, however both close around 2am -3 am, after that it is still just as dangerous. never walk along avinida atlantica (the street that follows the beach) late and never walk along any beach late. avinida atlantica, in my opinion, is the most dangerous street you will see in copacabana, most gringos that get mugged, get mugged there.

the taxis lined up out front of help are a disgrace and will not use the metro (meter), they will try to charge you at least double the fare, maybe more. i usually leave help, turn right, walk along the footpath that fronts restaurant terraco (which is quite safe) and go and stand outside of bobs (a brasilian mcdonalds like burger joint) or grab a cab as it is turning into the first street between bobs and restaurant terraco. before entering the cab ask "metro?" while i have the door open before getting in i make sure it is on before i enter the cab and if the meter is not put i will grab another cab, they are everywhere. this is important in that the girl will know you are not a greenhorn and an easy target. if the girl complains about why you are not taking a cab outside of help just say "outro taxi" (english - other taxi) ----and point to the cabs out front and say "bandidos" (bad men, bandits) and you are walking quickly towards bobs. she will know what you mean and that you are not a greenhorn.

**do remain relatively sober, rio is not the place to be wandering around blind drunk.

***don'ts***

**never pay a girl over r230. when she says r300+, looked shocked and wave your finger, and smile, its all part of the fun. maybe 5% of help girls will get more than r200, don't be a sucker.

**never ever, ever pay the girl upfront when back at your hotel/apartmento. if she protests, point to the door. every experienced monger will never pay upfront, a brasilian guy will sooner die than part with his money before sexo. the problem is once you have cum, any time factor you have negotiated may go out the window. if she has your reals she may well head off. if you haven't paid her and she takes off early only give her a proportion of what is agreed, a deal is a deal, surprisingly they except this ok! if you really must do her and she absolutely insists on the cash upfront, show her the cash but don't give it to her. this is the last resort, if she still won't come to the party something is wrong, tell her to go away. every person that i have spoken to that has paid upfront has had a lousy experience, the girls that insist on this are the worst performers without exception.

**never ever pay the girl upfront. am i repeating myself here? yes because this is the most important point. don't do it under any circumstances. i will guarantee you 90% of the time the girls that ask for cash up front will be a lousy fuck, could be a good screening question while negotiating, asking fro cash upfront is a bad, bad sign.

**never take a taxi that is waiting directly outside help. they are fuckers. there are signs inside help that basically say they have nothing to do with the taxis out front because they know they are a problem. just ignore the taxi touts as you leave help and go and hail a moving. point to the meter before you are getting in the door and make sure it is put on before closing it, if it he doesn't put it on you are about to get fucked, hence don't get in. grab another, they are everywhere.

**if the girl tries to negotiate when you get back to your pad, ditch her. i will guarantee you she will be a dud, is going to cause you further problems and will be a pain in the ass. write it off to experience, go to sleep and grab another the next night.

**always watch and get your own drink when back at your apartment. i have personally spoken to guys that have been drugged and ripped off by accomplices , not common but not a good thing to go through.

**never ever negotiate in usd$, always make sure the price is quoted in brasilian reals and both parties are clear on this. the “r” in pronounced more like an “h” in portuguese hence reals is pronounced more like “heais”.

**never give the girl an inch, she will take a mile. be very firm with the girl when negotiating, smile but let her know you are not an easy target. brasilian men are very hard on their women, much harder than they we could get away with in western countries, don’t let her interpret western politeness as a sign of weakness.

**never ever think of doing the girl without a condom, these girls are not tested like terma girls and there are a constant rumours by local guys that i know, of a few girls working there while being hiv positive. two of them are well know porn stars that pop up from time to time. bareback action is more common than your average monger will admit to. having said this, aids is only slightly more common in brasil than it is in the us. it is not like africa where a large proportion of the population has exposure. a lot of these girls are uneducated and some will do you without a condom if there is a connection. if she is doing it with you, she has done it with someone else. don't let that 1 hour of pleasure fuck up the rest of your life. bbbj is standard for most and imho less of a health risk.

**never ever let your guard down………under any circumstances……you are not in kansas anymore……….rio has 12m people, of which ¼ live in favellas (slums), poverty causes crime…..try to minimise your chances of becoming a target.

use the negotiation period as a further screening measure, if she is really going hard for the $ or turns into a pain in the ass while negotiating it is not a good sign, this is very important, if you get any bad vibes or she gives you any unfriendly attitude your chance of a good experience will be reduced greatly and i would personally ditch her. the best girls i have had actually make the negotiation experience fun, with plenty of laughing etc (especially when asking what services she provide) if she wiggles her finger and calls you a safado with a big smile on her face when you ask if she does anal you know you will be in for a good sign. (tip: if interested in a particular service ask 1) if she does it & 2) if she likes it, if she says no to the second - may be time to ditch) the best girls tend to get the negotiation over quickly and painlessly and are less concerned with extracting every possible dollar. one further point, all the girls talk to each other, they will more than likely know who you fucked last night in help and they may how much you paid. if you pay one girl top dollar it is going to be harder to get the next girls down to a reasonable price.

i personally very rarely take a girl from help, i have been there 80+ times and just go to hang out with friends both male and female after i have had a terma session. having said that i have negotiated a number of times for friends that speak zero portuguese. generally speaking, guys that i do know well and are very experienced at help tactics, usually take out a fresh part timer from help and again generally have a good time. if she is a hardened help pro, she is much more likely to give a lazy fuck, munch on your mini bar, grab her cash and leave.

**is help going to close?**

there have been a number of rumours that help will close any day. these rumours have been going on for about 4 years. the story is the lease has finished, the consortium of spanish owners have exhausted all legal means of keeping the place open and are not paying bills any more. apparently they are looking at another location so that could be an option. the locals would probably resist this because the sex industry, well at least the visible places like help and the restaurants along avinida atlantica are always in the news and very unpopular. who knows what will happen. one thing is for sure, the last night would be one hell of a party.

**pricing: is a very steep pyramid at helpee. (sample 250 gdp)**

musings by me, posted isg

1)at the very top of the pyramid, girls will ask and get r400 - r500. these girls know their shit and can work a crowd, do not let them talk in dollars, you are in brasil, the brasialian currency is reals. maybe 3 girls here per night at the top of the heap.
2)near the very top: girls will try to get r400, will settle on 250-300. less than 10 girls per night.
3) young and cute. these girls will all start with a bid of r300. will take r180-r230 ish. at the end of the night they will take r150-r180. the top 10%, maybe less.
4) the rest: all shapes, sizes and age. the bulk of the herd. r150-r175ish. at the end of the night they will take less. the majority of these girls will go home alone, use this to your advantage.
of course a lot of girls will think they are 1 level above what they really are. on your first visit, take a little time to work out the different levels. only takes a few minutes.

nb: the average pricing is for april - november. in the busy periods (dec-mar) pricing will step up a bit, think an extra r50 for each group.

**miss 9.5**, a fantasy sometimes should always remain just that.

more musings by me, posted isg 28.10.05

the fantasy:
i have been watching a certain gdp in help most nights. she is stunningly beautiful, long brown hair, a models face, athletic dancers legs, tan lines that go way up and man can she dance - think the hottest girl in the hottest chic nightclub in any big western city. this girl has it all.

each night we watch her arrive, just before midnight, this girl knows how to play the game, she doesn't do a lap of the restaurant out front, she goes straight in. it would be beneath her to get picked up at the restaurant, she is after bigger fish. she is at the very top of the helpee food chain and knows her place.

once i am inside i like to just grab a beer and comment on her actions with "meus amigos" (my friends), we just all love to watch her do her thing. she nearly always dances on the top stage, in front of the tables - prime real estate. as i rarely take a girl from help, there is plenty of time to just chill and observe. we have nicknamed her miss "9.5", she is almost perfect. we sort of cringe when a poorly dressed gent tries to speak to her, we know he will be walking away shaking his head just a few minutes later. politely, but firmly shot down in flames. when she is taken out, it is usually by someone sitting at a table drinking expensive drinks, surprisingly she is only taken out 4 or so nights per week. although none of us have ever bothered to speak to her in detail, we know her price, she is asking and probably getting big dollars for a helpee girl.

the realty:
every night i have been to help this trip, maybe 15 nights in the last 45 days, i have seen her miss 9.5 there, she is never absent. she never gets repeat business. if she were great in bed and generally fun to be with, she would get snapped up for several nights by some wealthy gent, maybe for a week or 2 or more. there are heaps of high net worth mongers that regularly go to rio. this leads me to believe that she will charge big $ and be a 1 pop and out of there girl. in this case the fantasy is better than the realty.

the irony is, she notices us checking her out. she knows we are there all the time and know the score. she even gives us the odd wink or smile as she is passing, we do likewise but neither parties stop and dwell, a sign of begrudging respect between 2 parties with diagonally opposed objectives.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:53
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the bubba report, updated february, 2007. part 3 -termas. cont


***centro termas***
centro is a great place to go and see where the locals work. i actually spend more time in the centro termas now than the more tourist orientated ones of zona sul. best way to get there is by metro (urugaiana station) during the day (about 17minutes) and then a 10minute walk. i just love the hot balmy walk through the narrow streets to the termas. a cab back to copacabana at night will be about r19. all centro termas are closed on the weekends and on all public holidays of which brasil has plenty. most are open from 2pm to 12pm but don't get going until 3 or 4pm.

although most downtown termas will let you pay for services in usd, they will give you a poor rate. maybe 10% -15% less than money changers. they will slug you for using a credit card by about 10%. girls fees must be paid in cash on way out to the receptionist. generally, the city termas have less girls working on monday nights, tuesday and thursday can be the busiest.

**directions for 4x4,65, 502 from the uruguaiana metro station**

for more on how to use the metro system, look in the general section (part 6)

you will get on the metro at copacabana, s campos. when the train stops at uruguaiana you will get out on the right side of the doors. you then go up the steps and through the exit turnstiles. head for the signs saying "uruguaiana exit", follow them, they are to the right side of the train (if you are travelling from copa etc). when you go up the stairs or escalator exiting the station onto the street continue to walk straight ahead. the first street you hit will be rua uruguaiana running perpendicular. turn right at this point and cross the street. the next 3 streets, if you continue to walk to the right are listed below in order. you turn left off uruguiana into each of them to get to a terma.

first street will be *) rua de alfandega (502)
second street will be *) rua buenos aires (4x4)
third street will be *) rua do rosario (t65)

to go to terma 502, take rua de alfandega, walk down about 400 yards and you will see the blue awning at number 65 on the right, just before a major intersection that is av rio branco. go up the stairs to grab a piece of ass.

to go to 4x4, take rua buenos aires. go down 400 yards and over the major intersection that is av rio branco. 4x4 is another 150 yards down on the left and a must see when in rio.

to go to terma 65, take rua do rosario, go over the major intersection that is av rio branco, it is about 500 yards down on the right. terma cancun is very close to t65.

i find the area quite safe to walk back to the metro on the way home. i guess the later it gets the more chance you will take, but i have walked to the metro at 10pm many times without a drama. actually felt a lot safer than walking around copa at this time. however, as always be aware of your surroundings, if you do not feel comfortable grab a cab, make sure the meter is on and head home.

**quatro por quatro**, (or in english: 4x4 aka 44)
tier 1 terma
address:- rua buenos aires 44, centro. (can get there easily from uruguiana station)
hours:- 2pm-12am m-f (up to 120 girls, girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
break down of prices:-
r40, entrance. (waived to nil of you take a girl to a cabine before 5pm, reduced to r30 if you session after 5pm)
r170, room hire 60 minutes + girl (room has a shower in it, 40 minute rooms don't)
r200 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 60 minutes.
nb: the 40 minute rooms are r150, hence go the extra r20 for the extra r20 for more time and a shower in the room.

this terma is great, it is by far the biggest terma in rio, it has 50 cabines – lúomo and the others by comparison have about 12. the girls can be described best as having a "gangsta" look with plenty of ink. it is set up primarily for the locals, hence the predominant shape is big asses, but all shapes and sizes are present, and many touristas do go there. on some trips i sometimes struggle to find a girl i like here because my taste leans more towards a slim clean look - sem (without) tatoos, however with over 100 girls, one can always find something, quality by quantity i have heard it best described. the atmosphere here is great, local brasilain and us funk plays hard. i find the best time to get there is around 3.30pm where i relax a bit and then grab a girl by 5pm, before the r40 fee, but primarily before the crowds get really thick. having said this you will want to experience the terma in full swing, after 8pm, when it is so crowed you can't move, akin to a fucking zoo and the music so loud you can't think. if there were to be a fire in there you would surely die, not a chance in hell of getting out. just remember amongst the 200 odd heaving bodies, half will be wearing a g string and a smile, hence the rewards are there.

if you are a fan of big asses, this place will rock your world. a lot of our american brothers, who tend to like a generous bunda (ass) love this place, they all rate it a not to be missed attraction. 44 also has a small fraternity of "body builder" type chics present, pure gansta!. an interesting point, many t girls will do “bomba”, ie they take steroids to give them that thick thighed, big assed look that the local guys love. each to their own i guess. watch you head when going up the stairs, it is built for people less than 6 feet tall.

i banged this great girl there in dec 05. she passed the screening process with flying colours. when i asked her if she was good in bed she just looked at me and said "sim, eu faço todo, todo" (yes, i do everything, everything). the last "todo" was emphasized by her outstretched arm sweeping the horizon….and she did! after, as we were walking back to the subway, meu amigo (my friend-male), the kman, noticed she was on the cover off a porno being sold by a street vendor. i brought the porno but they put the wrong dvd in it, hence i did not see "minha amiga" (my friend - female) getting banged, but the girl that appeared in the other dvd, that they mistakenly placed in the cover, i had also banged, can only happen in rio!! how many countries in the world would this happen? have a told you lately how much i love brazil?

they have now opened a whisky bar that has 2 entrances, one from the street and one from the main club. you can and remain in your clothes if only using the whisky bar. they have also installed a “firemans hole” in the boite where girls can open a door, grab the pole and go down to the whisky bar. there is no way you could get away with this in a western country, due to safety regulations, but this is brasil after all. they also have a shower in the main boite that girls do a show in.

they also have a relax room upstairs which is less crowded and you can order food etc. it is way at the back of the club up a level via a spiral staircase.

an interesting point: the locals guys tend to go to termas, primarily to drink and maybe grab a cheap feel, the majority won’t take a girl to a cabine at all, they can’t really afford it despite them being young upwardly mobile professionals and probably in the top bracket of wage earners, the salaries in brazil are really poor compared to western standards. i make this point because even when 4x4 is crowed as hell, and it does get crowded, pushing and shoving is accepted (don't be offended if you get nudged - it is an acceptable part of the culture) there are still plenty of girls available, and generally the girls will know you, being a gringo, are there for sexo. interestingly a lot of the local clients at 4x4 are police, did i mention this place is underworld or what?

a further point: there is a lovely old black lady that works as a locker attendant in the first changing room after the reception area. she has been there every since i have been going there. i always give her r5, she speaks no english, throw her a r1 or r2.

**termas 65** (aka meio cinco)
tier 1 terma
upto 40 girls.
address:- rua do rosario, 65, centro. (can get there easily from uruguiana station)
website:- http://www.termas65.com.br/
hours:- 2pm-12am m-f (up to 40 girls, girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
break down of prices:-
r235 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

one block from 4x4, this place is slightly more expensive than most in centro. quality at my last visit was quite good. the boite is very small though. girls tend to be a bit more classy (although not much!) than the gangstas at 4x4.

note, for numbers, particularly phone numbers or places, seis (6) is usually not used in the spoken sense. rather "meio", as in half a dozen, is more common. hence it is generally referred to as meio cinco (65).

**termas cancun**
tier 1 terma
address:- rua do carmo, 64, centro
hours:- 3pm-12am m-f .
break down of prices:-
r30, entrance, waived if you take a girl before 5pm.
r170, room hire 60 minutes + girl (r150 is for 40minutes, hence 60 minutes is a better option)
total price: r200 in total, plus drinks (identical price to 4x4)

this is a brand new terma. apparently a former partner of 4x4 decided he would go and open his own terma and hence cancun was born. now the facilities at this place are top notch, easily better than any other terma in centro or zona sul. having said that, the talent of late has been hit and miss. sometimes there are some nice girls, at other times the talent lacks a little. the normal signs of a new terma. if you do check it out make sure you do so tues – thur after 7pm, there you will see the terma in full swing, if you go earlier you may be one of the only people there.

if you don’t want to put on a robe, you can visit the whiskeria (whiskey club – normal boite) at the base of the club. entrance is r20 or r30, and the girls go back and forth between the boite and the whisky club. 4x4 put in its whiskeria in reponse to cancuns.


**termas aeroporto**
tier 1 terma
address:- 216-c beira mar av. centro. (can get there easily from cinelandia station)
website:- http://www.termasaeroporto.com.br/
hours:- 2pm-12am m-f (up to 30 girls, girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
break down of prices:-
r50, entrance.
r200, room hire 40 minutes + girl
r250 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

i finally visited this place in early 2005. i had tried a few times before but it was closed for renovations. quality of the rooms is great with small wash basins. the boite is tiny, the size of a lounge room, maybe only 30 girls and by far the smallest of all major termas. if you are over 6 foot tall, as i am, you have to watch you head in the boite.

if they don't know you they will ask you to pay r50 for your entrance on the way in. the rest is paid on the way out. located about 1500 yards away from terma rio antigo and named after the local airport which is less than an 8 minute walk away and one hell of a hairy landing. hence, could be a good spot to "grab something to eat" on a layover.

like centaurus, they assign a girl to you when you enter the locker room. the girl will help you with your clothes etc, but is primarily there to attach herself to you. assigned girls are never good, the best girls are up in the boite, which is upstairs, hence i try to politely ditch her and hang my own clothes up.

this place has the distinction of the weirdest suite location. one time the love of my life (or at least she was for the next 60 minutes) led me inside the mens locker room, which i thought was strange. she opened a further door inside the locker room which in turn opened up to a nice suite. in brasil nothing surprises me anymore.

i find this area really dodgy when coming home at night. even though it is only a mile from rio antigo, there are many little parks where the homeless hang. best to get a cab from the door and not walk to the metro on your way back. during daylight hours i find it safe with heaps of people around.

of all the major termas i would probably visit this place last, primarily because it is so small and the choice of girls limited. one could not swing a cat in there without beating the poor thing to death on very wall.

stopover from the domestic airport? you can actually walk there from the domestic airport, if you know the way of course. directions: you leave the terminal and walk more less straight ahead (a bit to the right) which will lead you to the pedestrian overpass. terman aeroporto is on the main road that you will walk over. when on top of the overpass, look to your left, you will see a row of buildings that contains t aeroporto. when you reach the other side, take a very hard left, and walk through a building, most pedestrians will be going this way. when through the building, continue straight ahead and cross the road (do not turn right when you leave the building, as most people will be). the road is usually busy and you need to wait for the cars to stop at the lights. once across the street and hopefully unrep001hed, you will see aeroport not far ahead, about 300 yards. i have used this stopover a few times and it takes exactly 8 minutes from when you leave the terminal until you reach the inside of the terma. be careful not to miss your flight! and be careful walking back to the airport at night. it is a dangerous area 9pm+.

**termas 502**
tier 1 1/2 terma
address:- rua de alfandega, 65, centro
hours:- 2pm-12+am m-f (up to 40 girls, girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
break down of prices:-
r15, entrance. which includes 2 local drinks (national), is waived if you do a girl.
r102, room hire 40 minutes + girl
r102 in total, plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

this place is a bit different. you do not change into a robe. upon entry the receptionist gives you a plastic card where your drinks are recorded by a swipe, they don't speak english here, just nod your head and grab the card. entrance is r10 and this includes 2 local drinks (i hear this may now be r15). i used to go to this place only to grab a water, relax, look around pay my r10 and then head over to 4x4 or terma65 which are within a block or 2. now i know a couple of girls there and there are a few real cuties, there is one 9.9 that i see occasionally. the price for 40minutes is r102. that is not a misprint and they even wave your r10 entrance. may well be the best deal in town. an hour was around r112 from memory. my r102 room had a shower and was as good as any of the other termas like l'uomo. all the prices are marked on the wall to the left of the reception. why do some girls work here when they could work at the bigger and more expensive places? because the expensive places will sack girls very quickly if they don't turn up to shifts or are late. my 9.9 used to work at monte carlo but didn't like the strict hours and no off days policy, hence she takes less money at 502 but is happier. this place is more flexible with the girls hours hence the girls like the relaxed pace.

one point, check your bill closely on the way out, they tried to pad me a few drinks last time, i would like to think it was a mistake but in brasil one should always get into the habit of checking the bill thoroughly.

**terma mv 30**
tier 2 terma
address:- rua mayrink veiga, 30, centro tel: 2233-6865
hours:- would assume m-f only, up to midnight.
break down of prices:-
r10, entrance.
r90, room hire 30 minutes + girl
r100 in total, plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

went here once, early, didn't find anything i liked and the facilities were a below average. i initially didn't think enough of it to include it in this report, however i have read a few half promising reports over the year, hence it may be worth a try. a second tier terma that is frequented by brasilians. el austriaco swears by this place and says of late there can be up to 25 woman working on a busy night. early on there are not many woman there.

**terma aquárius**
tier 2 terma
address:- rua do acre, 61, centro tel: 2516-3535
website: http://www.termasaquarius.com.br
hours:- would assume m-f only, up to midnight.
break down of prices:-
r10, entrance.
r90, room hire 30 minutes + girl
r100 in total, plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

this place is not far from mv30. nice clean rooms, girls can be hit or miss. the night i went there i found a cutie. best to get there after 6pm, can be quiet before. for r10 there is nothing to loose by dropping in.

be careful when walking around this part of centro late at night. the area deteriates very quickly. grab a cab.

**cheap and nasty**

if you are feeling adventurous you may wish to check out the following well known "cheapies" on the way to the 4x4, t502 or t65. they are all very easy to find and you can just wander into and have a look around, none have cover charges, you can buy a coke or beer for r2-r3. some have little stages, some just have women hanging around. you can negotiate anal etc for a little more, or if it is a slow day try to get it thrown in for free. cbj's is standard, due to the sanitary conditions this may be the preferred option. the places are best viewed early afternoon to early evening. they generally close earlier than the big termas. they generally charge a little over r1 per minute with a 15minute minimum, yes i know, it is not the ritz.

rua uruguaiana 24: this place has a narrow entrance and you go up some dodgy stairs and stop in at each floor to have a quick look. about 4 floors from memory. you can find an occasional cutey amongst the less than cute girls. 20mins approx r25. some places you have to negotiate, but if they try and charge more than r2 per minute, you are being fucked.

buenos aires 113: this place has a long narrow walkway leading up to one medium sized floor. i briefly chatted to "o gordo"(the fat) security guard who said there is only one floor, all upstairs is cabines(rooms). some of the girls were topless. one was very cute. most looked youngish 18-22. on the corner of uruguaiana & buenos aires, virtually next to the metro stop (uruguaiana). 20mins approx r25.

buenos aires 85: this place has the narrowest stairway in all of rio. 2 people cannot pass while on it. having said this there are 4 or so level of clubs. about 100 yards down from 113, towards 4x4. 20mins approx r25.

***barra da tijuca & recreio***

**cafe 400 (formerly praia club 400)**
tier 1 terma
avenida do pepe, 400. barra da tijuca.

this place girls are cheap but drinks expensive, a r25-r30 cab ride from copa. opens about 6pm, and closes late. not open on the weekend. entrance is now a r20 minium consumption, could be more if you arrive a bit later, we always get there early, girls + room r158 (for cash do not pay by cc, it is 10%-30% more depending upon what you buy). i believe they have swingers nights on the weekends. the best nights to go is wednesday or thursday, we went a friday and a monday and both sucked.

barra da tijuca is a nice change for a break. it is a very middle class, crime free area about 30minutes ride south of rio. the drive down the coast road is quite spectacular as is the view to rocinha, rios biggest favela (slum) on the way, lock the door when passing through! about 30- 40 girls are there, some were very nice as well. predominantly locals visit this place but surprising the girls were nice and slim. to session with the girls was nice and cheap r158 for girl and cabine if paid in cash, but look at the price of the drinks carefully, a red bull and vodka r$30, some other drinks were reasonably priced like local capirinha’s $r8, beers are r5, coke etc r4, all are clearly marked on the menu. one more thing, do not pay for any of your bill by credit card, they slug you hard, 30% on top of your bill! in summary pay everything in cash, drink local drinks and it works out slightly less than zona sul termas even with cab fair if you can find a fellow amigo to split with. they have a locker facility to put any bags etc in upon entrance if required, it is located behind the reception. if travelling down to barra and coming back at night take your passport with you, the police sometimes set up roadblocks on the way back into town, if you don't have id they may try to get a bribe out of you (not pleasant).

**termas âncora do recreio**
av. das américas, 13.081 km14
recreio das bandeirantes, rio de janeiro.
http://www.ancoradorecreio.com.br
tier 2 terma

20 entry fee and about 30 girls on site. r130 for a session. has some cure girls and nice facilities, if you don’t find anything, paris café is just down the road, although i did find the talent better here than paris cafe. no robe is worn.

**paris café**
av. das américas, 15.105
recreio das bandeirantes, rio de janeiro.
http://www.pariscafe.com.br
tier 2 terma

recreio is about 10 minutes past past barra. cheap prices, r$140 for a girl. you do not use a robe, stay in your street cloths. they have some nice girls. you can always catch a bus most of the way to save the cab fare if time is not an issue.

***niteroi***

**termas excentric in niteroi**
tier 2 terma
address:- rua da conceicao 132, niteroi
hours:- 6pm until late, would assume m-f.
break down of prices:-
r20, entrance + 5 beers.
r125, room hire 40 minutes + girl
r145 in total, if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

i had heard of this terma many times before. pelicano (23rd jan, 07) posted most of the info on this t. i have yet to go there but intend to one day.

to get there from rio (niteroi is located across the bay from centro), take the barcas (ferry) at praca 15 and once in niteroi go across the avenue in front of the barcas and one block to the left the street begins and about 2 blocks ahead, it is on the right side of the street. the entrance is a little difficult to find as it is a narow stairway going up to the second floor.

no robes are required, has a great party atmosphere, playing funk, live strip show with guests participating and about 20 or more non pushy garotas, which will actualy tell you no if they do not feel like going with you (my local friend actualy got turned down by a fake loira). mostly morenas and mulatas only a couple of fake blonds. patrons are mostly middle class brasilians and i didn't notice any gringoes around except myself.

we got there about midnight and stayed until 5 am, spent several hours just trying to finish off the 5 choppes allowed with the entrance fee.

there are heaps more termas in rio. this is just a list of the more popular ones. i find the termas the safest, best quality sex and most fun of all the sex options in rio. they don’t pad the bill and the staff are usually just great. they are an institution!

a tip: always check your bill thoroughly. sometimes i have items on my bill that i did not order, they were taken off without problem. sometimes i had items that i had but did not get billed for. i think it is more a matter of errors rather than anything untoward. always a good tip to check your bill thoroughly in south america, some places will try it on, others are simply inefficient.

***general musing on termas by myself***
***bbfs***
not much is spoken about t girls and bareback full sex (bbfs). a lot more of it goes on within a terma than is usually discussed here. i personally know of a small number of girls that will bb most guys without much encouragement. i am thinking the percentage is relatively small, maybe 5%, but then i don’t seek this out. i am thinking for guys that do seek this out one could find it is higher. it would be even higher again for guys that are well known in a t, regulars get more freedoms than tourists on a first time/one time visit.

it would not be a good idea for a first time visitor to ask for this before going to the cabine. the girls that offer bbfs will try to slip it in without a condom in the cabine itself, they don’t advertise the fact before, specifically asking for bbfs would probably cause offence and would be quickly relayed from girl to girl within the t, hence you would quickly become a pariah within that t.

what i do know more about is bbfs by t girls outside the t. i have found that once you see the same girls a few times within the t, they will assume some connection exists. this will invariable lead to meeting you outside the terma. now as i explained below, i do not pay t girls to come to my place, hence she assumes i am now her boyfriend. some times i get offered bbfs on the first date outside the t, other times it will be offered after a couple of visits. usually they just try to slip it in sem camisinha (without condom) i do not accept their offer of bbfs as i don’t see the relationship in the same light that a t girl wishes it to exist. that is not to say i have never done a t girl without. i succumbed on my first visit because i was under the illusion there was something between us, now that i have more experience i see the situation a lot clearer. i have also had a couple of relationships with t girls that weren’t working at the time and the relationships lasted 6+ months and hence bbfs was eventually practiced.

i am sure that i could bb pretty much 80% of t girls if i wanted to. would involve doing then 2 or 3 times in the t, then a couple of “dates” outside the t, maybe 10 days from meeting them for the first time to being bb. relationships progress very quickly in brazil, but this would be playing a numbers game, and it would eventually catch up………

***taking a t girl home or catch and release?***
if you are a frequent visitor to rio and know a few ladies at each t, it is actually very easy to have them come over for free, but there is a cost. in fact they hound you to take them to your hotel for freebies. they of course are hoping you fall in love and marry them, take them to the promised land where the roads are paved with gold.

the cost: i have seen many a fellow monger take a t girl back to the hotel and then, for various reasons not want to see them again, usually because they want a different girl etc each night. your average brasilian girl does not take rejection well. she will usually call 100 times over the next few days. may stake out the entrance to your apartment and generally stalk you. this is very, very common in rio. sometimes it is better not to have them over to your place – catch and release is the way to go.

***jealousy – (ciumes)***
one thing i found surprising on my first few visits to brasil was the incredible amount of jealously displayed between couples. it is expected from each partner. normally a brasilian male or female will not let his or her partner out of the house alone for social occasions. coming from a relatively calm western background i found this absurd. however within brasilian culture if you do not display extreme jealousy and i do mean all consuming ridiculous jealously to your partner, it means you do not love them. i have also found out, after spending a lot of time in rio over the last 3 years, that the jealousy is well founded. pretty much every brasilian will cheat on their partner if left alone. 100% of brasilian girls that have gringo boyfriends will eventually cheat on them if you are not with them 100% of the time. i have had this happen to me and every one of my friends in rio. even with some girls that you would think would never cheat on their boyfriends eventually do so.

i think the reason goes like this. if my partner does not have extreme jealously of me, they do not love me. hence if they leave me a lone for 1 second, they do not love me, hence i can cheat on them because they do not love me. not logical by western standards but perfectly logical under brazilian culture.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:54
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The Bubba report, updated February, 2007. Part 3 -Termas.

Termas: There are 3 major tier 1 termas in Copacabana: L'uomo, Monte Carlo and Centaurus (its located in Ipanema but its on the border). L'uomo and Monte will cost you approx R60 to get in, R190 for 40 minutes in a room with a girl (a total of R250 or USD$120). Drinks are very reasonable by western standards with most being less than R10, a beer will set you back around R6, a red bull R12, the local cocktail- Caipirinha R7. Girls drinks cost the same and there is no pressure to buy them drinks but you will want to anyway. There will be up to 40 girls at Monte or L'uomo at anytime. Centaurus costs more, at least 30% more for everything, they have a few more girls to choose from but nothing else really to justify the extra Reals. About a R20 cab ride south over to the beautiful Jardin Botanica (Botanical Gardens) area will see you at Solarium, which is virtually identical in price and atmosphere to the other termas. It is slightly smaller though, but worth the trip if just to see the Lagoa (lagoon) and Statue of Christ in the distance at night, Spectacular!

There is also a heap of Termas in centro (“center of the city” - about 8kms or 5miles north) area. Quatro por Quatro (4 x 4) is the biggest Terma in Rio and has 100+ girls at peak time, a sight to see. Centro Termas are about 30% cheaper than L'uomo and Monte Carlo, with the exception of Terma 65, which is now the same as L'uomo etc.

A Terma works like this: You get greeted by a receptionist at the entrance, they will speak English at the places mentioned above, some in Centro may not speak as much but you will get by. She will give you a key to a locker. You go in to the locker room and put everything in there and change into a robe that is provided. That’s right a bath Robe. You can elect to wear your Calvin Kliens under the robe or you can go commando and let your boys be free. Flip flops are provided for your feet. I have only heard of 1 thing ever being stolen out of the lockers, for the most part they are quite safe. You can have a shower and sauna etc at anytime, genuine non sexual massages are also available, but I have found them to be pretty average compared to what one would expect in the Asia, in my opinion the best place for a “normal” massage. They also have various razors, toothbrushes etc that you can use to make you look and smell your best, this of course being a relative term!

When you want to interact with the girls you make you way up to the Boite (Pronounced: Bo ar- chi) which is the bar. Be prepared for the size of the Boite, most people say that they are a lot smaller than they expect. It can be like a big lounge room with 50 - 100 people squashed into the one space. Of course half are wearing a G, hence it isn't all that hard to get used to. The girls will be hanging around the bar looking to interact with you. The girls do not get paid to just hang around, they only earn Reals (the local currency) when they take you to the room (cabine – pronounced cabine-ee). There will be music playing and it is just like a normal bar although you are wearing a robe. If you wish to order a drink, and you will, the locker key number is like you credit card, you will be asked to show it and your bar tab will be credited towards it. No money changes hands when you are inside the Terma, you settle the bill at the end (unless you go to Centaurus where they want everything upfront). Do not loose your locker key! The portion of the bill that is for the girls has to be paid in cash!

Once you spot a cutey, just basically look in her direction and she will be on you, they look to engage in eye contact, if this does not work use a hand signal, don’t worry once she knows you are interested she will be more than keen to sit next to you. You can play around with her for a while, there are generally 2 or 3 times as many girls as there are guys, although in peak times this may be reduced to 1:1, so generally you have time on your side. You will be treated like "a King", one can punch well above ones weight division in Rio. She will laugh at your jokes, stroke your ego and maybe you inner thigh, and probably grab your dick and put her tongue down your throat within the Boite. They are not shy inside the Terma. After 30 minutes or so of fooling around you will probably be ready to "rumble". During this time you should have asked her if she is prepared to do whatever kinky deviate act you desire. I will always kiss a girl before going to the cabine. This is important because if she does not use tongue it may indicate she has a boyfriend etc and will not be overly passionate. I also always ask if she is going to provide BBBJ (Bare back blow job), virtually every Terma girl will, if she says she doesn't, you might want to ditch her and grab another because it is not a good sign that she wants to please you. Also a good time to ask if she does anal. Rio is probably one of the best areas in the world to find greek. Maybe 50% of Terma girls will provide it and they do not ask extra cash for this, straight up, 75% will do it once you get to know them, and overcome them with your charm ;-). She will often agree to do anal as a deal clincher, to get you into the room. If you are smart you can leverage this. A lot of girls will also do CIM (Cum in mouth), think 75% once you get to know them, maybe 30% straight up. This is all part of the screening process and will cut your chances on getting a dud. See the screening ditching process below.

Once you have decided she is one you want to get to know better, decide on how long you want to spend in the cabine (room) and give her your locker key and she will take it with her to get prepared. 40 Minutes is the standard and I won’t go longer unless it is a girl I know, not much point getting stuck with a dud for a longer time, although duds are not overly common. She will come back in about 5 minutes wearing lingerie or some other bedroom attire and whisk you away to one of the rooms, where you will do your best impression of a porn star and she will generally fuck like only a Rio girl can, and believe me THEY CAN! In really busy times, you may have to wait for a cabine to become available, this will give you another few minutes to fool around with the girl in the Boite before sexo. I never mind the wait, after all I am on holiday and it is not as if I have to rush to a business meeting, waiting in the Boite, hanging with your friends and drinking is actually half the fun, some would say it is more than half.

After you interlude you can go back to the boite and grab another one or just hang out (thank you lord for Vitamin V & C), it is not unusual to have the girl you have just fucked come back and chat to you, she wants the repeat business. It is not unusual to spend 3 or 4 hours at a terma just drinking and chatting with girls or fellow deviates. In any night a busy girl will only see 2 or 3 clients maximum over an 8 hour period, unless it is Carnaval or another busy time, hence there is a lot of down time built into the equation for fooling around. Less busy girls will only do 1 a day, if they are lucky. These girls work 6 days a week and it is part of their social life, hence fooling around is fun for them to. Most fellow mongers are quite friendly within a Terma, I have had many a good conversation over a few beers, just remember if you speak to a fellow monger try to keep who you nailed at other Termas quiet in front of the other girls, they are severe gossipers. If a girl asks you where your fellow monger has been over the last few days, the correct answer is I DO NOT KNOW.

One thing to note if you intend to see the same girl more than once be prepared for her to consider you her boyfriend. You don't believe me? Just wait! She will often be way more intimate during subsequent encounters, perhaps doing things she doesn't normally do with one time punters. I have often had new comers give me their virgin ass or try CIM for the very first time, you can tell these things. However the downside to this is she will be jealous as hell if you dare look at another girl within the terma. She will also ask where you have been when you are not there etc. I kid you not , these latin girls are very passionate. Some have a definite "Fatal attraction bunny boiler - stalker complex". You don't believe me? Just wait!

You cannot officially take a girl out of a terma, but you can do deals with her to see you after the Terma closes or before it opens. Be discreet when hooking up with them, they can officially get sacked for seeing clients although I have only heard of this being enforced a couple of times and I think it was due to Politics rather than the actual act itself. I have had many a girl hangout with me for gratis after or before work, but then I had seen these girls a few times in the Terma and intended to see them again within the Terma and of course there has been some kind of connection there. They also like going out with Gringos because we can actually afford to take them to places the local guys cannot afford, and I don’t mean ultra expensive places, just normal restaurants and entertainment (a young local guy will only earn US$3000 per year if he even has a job, which is difficult to live on and leaves nothing for entertaining dates). The girl will only agree to see you after work if she feels comfortable with you, this will be based on your past behaviour within the Terma and the amigos you associate with. If you can get her to agree to take the day off from work she will be fined at least R100 (up to R500 at some Termas on some days) from the Terma so you will have to build this into the equation if you are negotiating on purely price basis, which could be up to R150-R400+ her fine (think R200 as a good number). For girls at Centaurus allow for more, they tend to have it driven into them that they are worth more than other Termas, which of course is not the case. To work in a Terma, a girl has to agree to work 5 or 6 shifts in the week so you may get her to play with you on a night off, surprisingly I have found they are almost always available to fool around on their day off. Some of course, never see any clients out of the Terma, however this is the minority. Generally speaking Terma girls are a lot more stable than girls you will meet at Help etc, this will mean they are much less likely to take shit out of your room or generally cause problems. Never drop your guard though. I always lock my passport etc in the safe, and lock what won’t fit in there in a suit case (she won’t be able to carry the whole case out of the joint without someone noticing). Yes it is true that she could cut the lock but generally most thefts I have heard of have been ones of opportunity, cameras and phones left on tables are most likely to disappear.

In general I love the Termas, they are my favourite part of Rio. The girls tend to be better sexual performers in a Terma than any other venue, perhaps in the world.

The screening process: It is very important to get a good feeling with a girl. I always ask the following questions and listen to the response. I ask the questions with a smile and try to make her laugh a bit, if she thinks you are fun she will usually reciprocate.

My questions:
1) Are you good in bed? She will of course say she is the best. This is the ice breaker, a chance for her to relax and loosen up.
2) Why are you the best? What do you do? This is a more serious question, hopefully she will offer up exactly what she will be like in the sack. I will let her answer a bit, and if she doesn't offer up what I want to hear I will then directly ask.
3) Do you do everything? Again I will let her speak and watch very carefully for the response. If she says she does do anal, I will then ask if she likes it and carefully watch for her answer, if she says she really likes it and smiles, well then I am thinking you are going to have a good time.

The above 3 questions will give her a chance to tell you what she likes and what she doesn't like. Usually the above the questions are enough to get her to say whether she does anal or not, without you having to explicitly ask. If she hasn't offered whether she does it or not then I will then explicitly ask. The way she answers is more important than what she actually says. If she says "I do anal but it depends on how big your are", well that is a red flag, more than likely she doesn't want to do it. Again if you have a fetish for CIM and she says "I will let you do it if you only have a very clean dick", again a red flag, good chance she is going to turn her head away during the money shot. On the other hand if she says "I will do everything you want, baby" and says it with a smile, then sticks her tongue down your throat, then that is a very positive thing and you are probably in for some serious fun. I look for the positive responses, said with fun and a big smile, personality goes a long way.

I will also look for negative signs, including;
~If the first thing a girl asks is "buy me a drink" I will be immediately on the defensive, if she is anything less than smoking hot she will be dumped immediately. Yeah I want to buy a girl a drink, but only after a few questions and only after I have decided there is a good chance I am going to take her to the cabine.
~If when offered a drink, the girl tries to order the most fucking expensive thing on the menu, then that is a huge negative thing. I will always ask "what would you like to drink", I will order for her. Doing this shows you are not an easy target. Red Bull and a mixed drink together from a girl I have just met, R20 - which is what a local guy earns in a day, is taking the [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140). On the other hand an ex "Brasilian girlfriend", ordered just that when we met, I was with a buddy and he was with her friend, what saved her was the following - she says "I know red bulls and vodka are expensive, but if you buy one red bull, we can order 2 vodkas separately (between the 2 girls) and that will be a little cheaper". I don't mind buying an "expensive drink" for a girl, I can afford it. I just don't like the idea of being taken for a mug. There were also a few other positive things which led us to relax a little, we knew we were going to have a good time with those 2, sometimes everything just clicks and it did!
~No kissing with tongue before going to the cabine: Just before I go to the cabine I will make sure she kisses passionately, I don't particularly want to kiss a girl with tongue in the main boite, but I do want to know if she is passionate. If she does not use tongue it is a sign she is not going to be passionate, big enough negative to ditch her in some cases.
~Additionally: I always make sure you get a good look at the girl, sometimes lighting can be a bit ordinary, sometimes a girl looks completely different when sitting down, particularly in Brasil when you really need to look at the complete package while standing. Another friend of mine was sitting with a girl, and she did look cute, when he decided to take her to the room she gets up and says "so, you like a girl with a big ass do you", to his horror he looked down and saw a massive Bunda (ass). This catch phrase has become part of our vocabulary, as in when a friend says "what do you think of this babe?" to which you reply, "so, you like a girl with a big ass?" IE her ass is a bit on the heavy side.

The ditching process: Some first timers can get trapped by an overly aggressive girl. I always find these girls are the worst in bed. The most popular girls tend to not approach you, they don't have to. A lot of western guys are sometimes too polite to get rid of the overly aggressive girl. Remember you are a paying customer, you are there for the purpose of banging the girl you want to bang, hence be polite but firm in the ditching process. If you get trapped, try the following.

~Get up and go to the bathroom, when you come back stand at the bar for a while. If she comes back and tries to grab you again, just say I want to relax a bit or keep moving, a moving target is hard to hit, move around.
~Of course it is more difficult if you have already groped her, hence I try to be a little distant until I know there is going to be a good chance of going upstairs.

***Zona Sul Termas***
Zona Zul is “the south zone”, an area anywhere south of Central and is where you will stay for your first visit to Rio. It includes Ipanema - Leblom, Copacabana - Leme. All Zona Sul termas with the exception of Centaurus are open on the weekends and most public holidays. The only days I can think of them closing is Easter Friday (they are open Easter Sunday) and maybe Xmas/New Years Day. All Centro Termas are closed on the weekends and public holidays. Centaurus closes on all public hoildays and Sunday.

I have rated the Termas. Tier 1, being the best and if you have time you should visit all the top tier T’s. Tier 2 T’s are best visited only when in the area.

**L'uomo**
Tier 1 terma
Rua Siqueira Campos, 143. Copacabana.
http://www.luomo.com.br/ Open 7days from 4pm until 1am-ish. (up to 60 girls). Gets busy from the get go. Closes at midnight-ish on Saturday and Sunday (last bang is 11pm-ish).
Break down of Prices:-
R60, Entrance (reduced to R50 if you take a girl, reduced to R30 if you do 2 sessions, nil for 3 girls).
R60, Room hire 40 minutes
R130, girl for 40 Minutes
R240 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

They sometimes have specials and early bird deals if you get there before 7pm. May save R20 or so.

I always make this my first stop on any trip to Rio. If my plane arrives after 4pm, I just throw my bags down in my Hotel Room and start the walk to Rua S Campos, with anticipation, I travel the escalator up to the second floor, round the corner, and I am usually warmly greeted by the doorman. I just can’t wait to greet old friends, and see who are going to be my new friends. Had my first girl here in Rio, who is sadly married now, she was just great and I wish her all the best.

L'uomo is by far the friendliest Terma in town. You very rarely have duds here and quite often you can arrive at 5pm and stumble out at midnight wondering where the time went. You can also buy the music that plays there, great souvenir to remember the place by, just see the DJ or get a girl to ask him for you. DJ Carlos, who has been there for a couple of years speaks some English, he is not there every night. Cost R30, expensive compared to the CD’s you can buy on the street for R5, but they are not from Lúomo.

Interestingly this is the only Terma I have seen women as customers frequent. I have only seen this 3 times, never seen it at other any other Terma. It is always in a couples situation where they will take an extra girl back to the cabine. Most of the other mongers are quite cool about it, hell there is 50 other semi naked women in there, a "civilian" in a robe is not likely to draw much attention.

Directions to L'uomo:
L'uomo, can be a little hard to find because it is tucked away in a shopping mall (for antiques), next to S Campos Metro station entrance. If you are walking up Rua Siqueira Campos from the beach (against traffic - it is a one way street), after 4 blocks (just over the street of Tonelero) you will see a fork in the road, follow it around to the left. You will see the Metro station entrance on the left and then next to that a large building which contains L'oumo. Before entering the mall, hang back on the street and look up to the second floor, half way along, you may have to do this from the other side of the street, but it is worth it to get your bearings. You will see the neon sign welcoming you. Then simply enter the shopping centre, find the nearest escalator and you will find it. One thing to note if you get a cab there, the driver will get a R20 commission for taking you there. I find all cab drivers/commissions distasteful and hence simply ask to get dropped at the Metro station next door and don't mention where I am going. Metro Siqueira Campos.

**Solarium**
Tier 1 terma
Address:- Rua JJ Seabra, 21, Jardim Botanica.
Website:- http://www.solarium.com.br/ .
Hours:- 3pm-2am M-F, 4pm-11pm Sat-Sun. (up to 40 girls).
Break down of Prices:-
R60, Entrance.
R60, Room hire 40 minutes
R130, girl for 40 Minutes
R250 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

Solarium is smaller in size than most Termas. When I was here in November 04, I found the mongers tended to be mostly local Brazilians, who actually prefer a generous bunda (ass), as opposed to *this white boy* who likes them nice and slim, hence I tended to struggle to find someone who appealed to me here. On a visit in Feb05, the girls had completely changed and there were a number of nice young slim girls. One girl was cranking hot, but alas my amigo (the Kman) nailed here (twice) and unfortunately I did not get her. She will be there on my next visit and if she is not I am sure there will be another replacement.

Further update from my trip in Late 05, the cranking hot chic was not there but we did bump into her in Sao Paulo. How did she look? Well, the K Man suggested she had been on the "dessert 2 hours before dinner diet", IE she was carrying a lot of extra weight, 8 months is along time for a GDP. She is a nice chic though and we hung with her a while in Bahamas. The talent was pretty good on this trip, a nice selection for all but one must remember, there are fewer ladies to choose from compared to other Termas.

My last visit the girls were only allowed to drink alcohol on Sundays, made for a more relaxed day.

NB1: If you take a taxi over to Solarium avoid the peak traffic times like 5pm -7pm. Try to get there by 4.30pm or after 7pm, the trip is short but the traffic very ugly in peak times, think 40minutes for a normal 15 minute trip.

NB2: Sometimes they have specials for their newsletter clients, hence you may wish to enter your email address at their website. The special has been a no charge for the room on certain days to the value of R60. If you get this sent to you and want to use it, make sure you read it carefully, the coupon is usually only valid with a 40 minute booking and on certain days. Monte Carlo is owned by the same people and offers the same deal on a different day.

**Monte Carlo**
Tier 1 terma
Address:- Rua Hilario De Gouveia, 19. Copacabana.
Website:- http://www.termasmontecarlo.com.br/.
Hours:- 3pm-1am M-F, 4pm-11pm Sat-Sun. (up to 50 girls, all their by 5pm ish).
Break down of Prices:-
R60, Entrance.
R60, Room hire 40 minutes
R130, girl for 40 Minutes
R250 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

The staff here tends to turnover fast, hence if you don’t like the selection one day, give it a few days and you might see some new faces in the line. Great location, nice and close to ground zero.

Note, of late maybe 35% of girls have been doing CBJ here, best to ask the girl if needed. It doesn't take much effort to get the girls to give BBBJ, even when they normally give CBJ.

The same people that own Solarium own Monte Carlo. I have heard a few complaints about the management here in regards to disputes. Generally they will back the girl in such a situation. I have told the manager exactly what I think of him and refuse to acknowledge his presence when I go there. Maybe pedantic on my part but I am a paying customer and expect to be treated like I treat the girls IE with respect. They have also lost a lot of their top girls to Centaurus, again because many people do not like the current managers.

NB: Sometimes they have specials for their newsletter clients, hence you may wish to enter your email address at their website. The special has been a no charge for the room on certain days to the value of R60. If you get this sent to you and want to use it, make sure you read it carefully, the coupon is usually only valid with a 40 minute booking and on certain days. Solarium is also and offers the same deal on a different day.

**Centaurus**
Tier 1 terma
Rua Caning 44, x Rua Rainha Elizabeth, Ipanema . On some maps Rua Caning does not appear as it is relatively small, no problem look for Rua Rainha Elizabeth and you can’t miss it. On the border of Copa and Ipanema.
Hours:- 4pm-2am ish M-F, 4pm-12pm Sat. (up to 70+ girls, starting in staggered shifts, all there by 7pm ish, they start to leave at midnight).
Break down of Prices:-
R90, Entrance.
R220, Room hire 40 minutes+girl (girl gets R130)
R310 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

They ask you to pay for R310 upfront, a tacky practise that many mongers do not like. You can get around this by just saying you prefer to pay for the entrance of R90 on the way in and they will allow this. It is the best option because you will not get a refund if you leave without taking a girl. They speak English quite well so you will have no problem relaying to them that you only want to pay the entrance upfront. Of course when you do grab a girl you will have to go back down to the boite and pay for the girls fee before nailing her unless you are known to them, then they will let you pay everything on the way out. Also be careful to ditch the "welcoming girl", girls that latch onto you suckerfishlike when you enter the locker on the premise of helping you change, these girls are always the least popular and should be ditched quickly. The best girls are so busy they are always in the boite, which is upstairs.

This place polarises people. Some guys swear by it because of the quality of the girls looks, and they generally do have the most attractive girls. Other guys refuse to go there complaining that the management has a poor attitude, which is generally conceded that they do. The girls tend to be a lot more pushy about upgrades for suites, getting you to do 2 girls at the same time etc here, and this places absolutely kills you on the upgraded price - think R220 for 40 minutes vs R400 for the 60 minute suite option (nearly double the price for an extra 20minutes is taking the [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140)) . Don't be afraid to say no, they are so pushy (instructed by management) that you may have to say it twice or three or four times, in many respects they are like pesky beach vendors. I use this to my advantage by basically holding auditions, any sign she is not passionate enough (a very common complaint here) and I ditch her, another will quite eagerly dive into her place, they are quite shameless here. I ask them a lot of questions before going to a cabine, any CBJ shit will get her ditched pretty damn quick. Remember: when you are in Rio you are the *king* and the king never hurries for anybody.

The bar staff have an annoying habit of asking for a tip. They get a napkin and ask the amount you want to tip them and put your key number next to the amount. First time they got me, now I just wave my finger to signify I do not approve and walk away. No other Terma allows their bar staff to do this. I refuse to tip any establishment that has bad management, Barabarrellas is another place I refuse to tip anyone due to their attitude.

40minutes in a cabine is not always such: Most girls, unless they know you, will allow one shot and then it is out of the cabine regardless of how much time you have actually spent in the room, may only be 20 minutes or. This is the only terma that allows their girls to do this, well at least on a regular basis anyway. If the girl really knows you she may spend more time, I had one cutie there that used to not let me leave the cabine for an hour, I ended up dating her for a while, in the end it cost me more than any working girl, but that is the irony with “dating”, it is almost always more expensive than taking a 40 minute ride.

An aside: No show Fines at Centaurus for the girls taking the day off: The day after a holiday will incur the girl a fine of R500 for a no show, Saturday it is R300, R100 for other days. They do this to make sure a full shift is present. Hence, any bargaining for a girl to take the day off will have to work the fine into the total amount. I have found that Cent girls ask way to much to see them outside the Terma, way more than other Termas despite the fact that they only earn the same rate as other girls in other Termas for a 40 minuite session.

Locker Keys: Once by mistake I used my key to open my friends locker. We then checked to see if our keys could open other lockers, we managed to open every 3rd or 4th locker with our keys. Hence, I am thinking they only have 3 or 4 different keys for 100 lockers. That is not a very secure place to leave your stuff. I take a money belt now and wear it in the boite.

A further update, a day before New Years Eve: Two friends of mine decide to go to Centaurus. Both have been there a number of times. Both wish to just pay the upfront entrance fee. They noted it was very busy because there were guys lining to pay and there were no girls in the "welcoming pen" - a sure sign all the girls are occupied. The K Man has his R90 and puts it down like always, the receptionist says today they require everything upfront (the first time in a year we have seen this). The K Man looks around and says "no thanks, and leaves". His friend decides to go in, pays the full R310 and goes upstairs. The place was packed with guys, he grabs a girl he knows and they find out there is a 30minute wait on cabines (which is not abnormal in busy periods), after 30 mins they tell him there is still a 30min wait. Then after another 30mins they tell him there is still time to wait. He has to get back to his real girlfriend who is coming home from work soon hence he can't wait any longer. He cancels the cabine and goes down, gets dressed and goes to reception. He asks for his bill, they say the total bill is R390. Ie R310 entrance and R80 in drinks. He argues with them for a while but this is Centaurus, the management does not relent, he has to pay the full R390 despite not even taking a girl. Can you see why a lot of experienced mongers detest this place! I would never enter if I had to pay the full R310 upfront, R90 is more than enough.

A great post by Mangera 14th March 06, which sums up my views on Cent.

Mangera wrote: I was there one time, and never will go back again, unless there are major changes. In nov. 2005, I entered for the first time, was not impressed with all of the hype I had read about or heard about beforehand. Paying upfront already made me uncomfortable. As soon as I enter to get my robe and sandals, I am crowded by two gals that were arguing with each other as to who was there first to greet me. They looked like two pigeons in a McDonalds parking lot fighting over a french frey. The dressing room was about the size of a closet. Got stepped on and elbowed by other guys trying to change clothes, while the garotas were in the way trying to help them change. For Gods sake, they are grown men, not little mamas boys that need help putting on a Polo shirt.

I walked into the main area, and there was a live band playing music, not bad. The selection was not impressive at all compared to other Termas I have visited. There were 2-3 babes, but the rest of them, just average. I must say there were about 40-50 girls. I don't know, I guess my expectations were too high. The women were extremely aggressive, which gave me the impression that they just wanted to get you in the room as quickly as possible, shoot your load, and bye.

I would talk to one, and in less than 2 minutes, they were suggesting it was time to go upstairs. Jesus, I had just finished ordering a drink. The place was packed with men that night, not all, many were loud and rude. I just did not get good vibes in that place. It just did not compare with L'uomo or Solarium. I am sure there are some cool garotas in Cent., but I did not see any during my visit. Then once you add the price factor, it was a no brainer for me, I was not coming back to this place anytime soon.

For the record, I did meet one brunette, she had a nice smile and big tits, so I took her upstairs, but was somewhat disappointed in performance. I am sure Cent must have been a great terma a couple of years ago, but not now. I will be in Rio second week of April, and Cent. has not even crossed my mind. But I will visit other termas, that is for sure. Just my two cents.

** Phoenix formerly Boronia**
Tier 2 terma
Address:- R Min alfredi Valadao No 36, Copa . 2 streets past the shopping center where Lúomo is located on S Campos.
Hours:- 5pm-1am M-F, 5pm-12am Saturday. (up to 15 girls).
Break down of Prices:-
R30, Entrance. (price was R50, they reduced it to R40 and now R30)
R130, Room hire 40 minutes + girl
R160 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

New terma, formerly a gay sauna, of which there is quite a few in the same area. It opened in early 2006 under the name of Boronia, was then closed down, possibly for not paying enough protection money and then reopened July 2006 under the name of Phoenix.

I finally checked this place out in Oct, 2006. Entrance was R30. They also had another special where you got 2 free beers after purchasing your first drink. Girls were R140 for 40mins(maybe 50mins?). That was the good news, the bad news is that the talent sucked badly. They only had about 6 woman on at about 7pm. 1 of them was about a 7.5, the others collectively would not have been a 7, they were horrid beasts. They were also really hard to get rid of, my wingman took the 7.5 and left me to fend off the scary woman. Having said this, it may get better, it may be worth checking out again after it has more time to establish itself. Worst case you can always go to Lúomo after. Definitely a second tier terma.

**Rio Antigo**
Tier 1 terma
Address:- Joaquim Silva, 2, Gloria. (can get there easily from Gloria Metro station)
Website:- http://www.rioantigo.com.br/
Hours:- 2pm-12am M-F (up to 30 girls, Girls are more or less all there by 5pm.).
Break down of Prices:-
R30, Entrance. (was R50, reduced after they were raided to stimulate business)
R140, Room hire 40 minutes + girl (R200 for 60 minute suite inc girl)
R170 in total plus drinks if you session for a girl for 40 minutes.

Not far from Centro but still in Zona Sul. I had not really visited this place much until my visits in Jan05 and Feb05 due to it being relatively small. However it has become a favourite of mine because I found a couple of girls that were outstanding. Rooms are very new and nice, with little wash basins for cleaning up afterwards (one girl dropped her pants right in front of me and pissed in the basin, as I smiled to her thinking "what the fuck", she just laughed, I love the attitudes of these girls). Very much a locals place, English is spoken by at least one of the receptionists.

Best time to arrive is around 5pm, maybe just before, any earlier and not everyone has arrived yet and you will be most likely the only guy there. Generally does not get packed by men at any time, mostly Brasilian men as clients who tend to grab one girl and sit on her for a couple of hours. Much better Tues-Wed-Thur, I have found Mon & Friday to be very quiet and not all girls are present.

A young black waiter has worked there for a while, he speaks excellent English and is a good guy. I usually give him R5 or R10 on the way out. Remember most of these guys are earning R500 a month, that’s R20 per day, R5 can go along way to making some ones day. I also give the locker attendant R2 or so, once I gave her R20 after a lady had an accident while letting me bang her ass there, you can well imagine the robe was not the prettiest when returned and she earned the R20 tip!

Many travesti's are lined up on the main street directly outside Antigo at night, not my thing but a spectacle none the less. It is kind of cool to see lots of normal people just going about their business when there is literally a tranny every 10 yards wearing a G. One warning and this applies to all streetwalkers in Rio, they are notorious pickpockets, hence be very aware of where your cash is if you do get enticed for a chat. I have generally found the surrounding area to be safe for me, I catch the metro back at night.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:55
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the bubba report, updated february, 2007. index. part 2.

1. intro
2. index
3. termas, zona sul termas
7. luomo
8. solarium
9. monte carlo
10.centaurus
12. phoenix, rio antigo
13. centro termas
14. quatro por quatro
15. terma 65
16. terma cancun, terma aeroporto
18. terma 502, terma mv30, terma aquarius
19. cheap and nasty
20. termas ancora do recreio, paris café (recreio), niteroi, terma excentric
23. help
31. boites, barbarellas
32. beach restaurants
33. balcony bar, beach, hooker beach
34. massagems, escorts.
35. miami peep
36. villa mimosa
37. cheap casas by sperto
38. regular clubs
39. via show, pyramid
43. são paulo.
48. general stuff, airports, taxis.
50. accomodation.
54. metro, buses, white vans, driving.
56. common ailments, pharmacy and health, viagra, cialus.
58. money, changing, banks.
60. shopping, barra shopping and rio sul, modern sound, cigars.
61. supermarkets, movies and food.
65. mobile phones, internet.
68. carnaval
69. cpf, passport.
70. favelas
74. security, police, scams.
83. tourist stuff, stature of christ, sugar loaf.
86. language
91. real estate.
98. brasilia.
100. the end.

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 03:57
=============================================================
The Bubba report, updated February, 2007. Intro. Part 1.

Rio De Janeiro: Brasil

Time flies by, another year has passed and it is time to refresh this guide for Rio, the greatest place on the planet for woman. I have of course updated prices, but I have also tried to make this guide more user friendly and better organised. Hence there is now an index.

In the future it will be easier for me to update, this will benefit the reader in that it will cut down on my time and hence be updated more frequently.

I have also deleted a lot of posts that I included in this report last year. I have done this because there is now a great section on http://www.internationalsexguide.info called “reports of distinction”. I would suggest every first time visitor to Rio read this forum thoroughly. I also deleted a lot of these quotes because the guide was getting well over 100 pages. I would like to keep it to 100 pages.

Current exchange rate as of February 19 is USD$1=R2.09, basically 1 dollar equals 2 reals.

An excellent resource for general facts about Rio is here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro

Bubba Boy
02-21-07, 04:11
Here is the full report in PDF format. It is 347.2KB. It is easier to print.

To save use your right mouse button and click "save link as" and save it to the apropriate folder.

Gladiator
03-03-07, 14:57
Great report as usual, Bubba!

Thanks for taking the time to update it.

Are you planning the study of other Brazilian cities too?

Bubba Boy
03-03-07, 15:27
I will add other cities, maybe 1 or 2 a year. I am planning a 2 month stay in Fortaleza at the end of the year.

We should all beg sperto to put together a guide on the other cities around Brazil, O Spertinho gets to places that are not on any mongers map.

Gladiator
03-03-07, 20:32
I will add other cities, maybe 1 or 2 a year. I am planning a 2 month stay in Fortaleza at the end of the year.Well, that’s good news – I’m looking forward to reading the outcome of your future research.

Ejam06
03-05-07, 20:27
Just got back from Rio and your report along with others made the trip so easy. I had a great time.

Thank You so much.

World Travel 69
03-08-07, 21:30
In Copacabana

Casas/Termas

Praca Serzedelo Correia 15, room 1104, R$30 for 30 minutes. Closed.

Hilário de Gouveia 66, apt 1103 (Level11). R$30 for 20 minutes. Closed. The guy that answer the door gets upset.

Av N. S. de Copacabana 583, apt. 204, between Rua Siqueira Campos and Rua Figueiredo de Magalhaes. R$60 for 20 min, 80 30 mins, 150 hour. No need to take the elevator just walk up the stairs next to them.

Av N. S. de Copacabana 583, apt. 202, between Rua Siqueira Campos and Rua Figueiredo de Magalhaes. when there, it is copa terma R$70 30mins. No answer.

(Was Wrong) It is Praca Serzedelo Correia 22 at Rua Siqueira Campos, you will see the blue entrance with a 2 on each side of the door. R$75 20 mins. 105 for 30 min. 145 hour.

Massagens

Copacabana, Lovely Rio, Massage, Av N. S. de Copacabana 583, apt. 203, between Rua Siqueira Campos and Rua Figueiredo de Magalhaes. R$20 mins. 95, R$115 30 min., R$135 40 mins, R$175 hour. 2257-2172 Open 11:30am to 9:30pm. Closed Sundays.

Bubba Boy
03-08-07, 21:45
Thats for the feedback, I corrected them in the guide. I will be back in Rio soon and will put up an update in a few months. It is hard to keep track of the little cheap places, they come and go quickly.

World Travel 69
03-09-07, 22:18
CENTRO:
(In this place I felt safe. The place was really crowded, it was late in the afternoon. I guess it is best to go early. The place is a dump though.)
- Rua da Carioca 59, apto 201, 301, 302, 401, 402, 501 and C01
R$ 10/10 min and R$ 1/extra min. (They had a special R$10 for 20mins.)
Take the elevator up and the stairs down and check out the girls. (Close the Doors when you get out.)
Lots of girls. Low standard but always some cuties around.


(In the area around these places below, I felt like a "'Pigeon in a sky of Hawks'')
(Bubba did fuck there? If you did you got to have BIG Balls!)

- Rua Uruguaiana 24
Open 10-20, R$ 18/15 min, R$ 26/20 min, R$ 36/30 min, R$ 46/40 min
Several floors. Lots of girls. Low standard without exceptions.

- Rua Buenos Aires 85
Open 10-20, R$ 10/10 min, R$ 15/20 min, R$ 30/40 min
Enjoy the narrow stairs while checking out 3-4 floors with girls.
Lots of girls. Low standard but you might find a nice one that's not occupied.

- Rua Buenos Aires 113
Open 9-21, R$ 10/10 min and R$ 1/extra min.
One floor with girls. Cabins upstairs. Low standard with very few exceptions.
(They serve alcohol. Too many drunks hanging around to feel comfortable. I guess they cannot afford the pussy.)

- Rua do Ouvidor 130, apto 707
Open 10-18.30, R$ 13/10 min, R$ 20/15 min, R$ 30/20 min, R$ 50/30 min
A bunch of girls. Low standard.

- Travessa do Ouvidor 37
R$ 30/15 min, R$ 50/30 min
Lots of girls. Low standard with occasional beauties.

Bubba Boy
03-10-07, 00:21
I have banged at some of these places. It is not a preferred choice but one must get out and about to experience new places. The trick is not to take your shoes off. You take a small back pack with an extra towel and perhaps a bottle of water in it. In the room you take your shorts off, slipping them over your shoes, which are most certainly left on, and then lie your shorts on your bag. You also put your shirt ontop of the bag and do her standing up, making her lean on the bed with her hands. You try not to touch anything. Then when you are done, you wash your nuts using your bottled water and dry everything off with your extra towel. Then you put you shorts back on and towel into your backpack and go and vist 4x4 or some other big t. Then you grab a nice shower there and maybe another piece of ass. There are some surprisig cute girls at these places from time to time, easily as good as some of the better ones at the big T's.

Gladiator
03-10-07, 01:20
If you want to find diamonds in the rough, you have to explore rough places.

Java Man
03-10-07, 01:29
Bubba Boy:
That technique sounds like it was learned in Vila Mimosa. LOL

Ace512
03-10-07, 15:40
Thats for the feedback, I corrected them in the guide. I will be back in Rio soon and will put up an update in a few months. It is hard to keep track of the little cheap places, they come and go quickly.Hey Bubba im planing my trip to Brazil would you recommend any good map that shows detail of where would some of these tremas would be thanks

Bubba Boy
03-10-07, 20:23
I have actually been working on a map, or maps for our favourite spots. Your post has reminded me to get it finished. Hopefully by some time next week.

Tavares
03-11-07, 00:15
thanks for this outstanding report! definetely heading for Rio in a few days...any chance of meeting you there, Bubba?

Anyway could you elaborate a little bit more about hotels?

Babylonia
03-11-07, 00:40
Hi, Bubba (Hi, all readers)

Before. English is not my mother tongue. I may not be clear enough. So do not hesitate to ask for more details or explanations

First of all. I have read your guide before going to Rio, and it is really a VERY GOOD guide. Many thanks for your advices, tips and address!

Then, what could be added.

A) mobile telephone: I came with 2 mobiles, one with home line I kept this one in my hotel room.

And an old one to be used in Rio street, I bought a TIM chip (You need to have your passport with you) for 19 are$ and credit can be bought anywhere in the street, subway etc. With this phone, cariocas can call you and also home or office! And in case of emergency you have a phone you can use to call or send sms.

B) phone home: I bought a low cost card I could use in any public phone to call home.

C) At your arrival at the airport: don't change money in "banco do brazil" office near luggage belt (euro-are$ rate was 2. 63 + 4%).

When you find yourself in the arrival lobby (after customs control) ask luggages porters (dressed in a grey blue suits) currency exchange.

The guy who explained me this go directly to them and ask for the rate. Because my brazilian is so so, I ask for any usual name (I. E. Andrei) and they will understand you are looking for are$. Then ask the rate and they will lead you to the seats to do the business (euro rate was 2. 60). Change enough for taxi and first day.

Next day I went in centro and I changed for 270.

D) Where to change euro to are$: in centro (near urugaiana or carioca) you have travel agencies or in the shopping center in lago de marchado

E) Taxi from airport to Copacabana, I asked to the porter (see point see) show me a good taxi not a "bandido", he laughed and introduced me to a cab. Cab meter was on, it was in the early morning high traffic it cost me 50r$ (to be considered as a good price).

F) Taxi from Copacabana to airport, it was 8 pm I asked to a taxi a "fixed price". First one asked 35r$ (luggages included) but second one asked for 25 are$.

G) From airport to Copacabana, I have been informed. But did not test. About a bus called "Réal" that goes everywhere for 6 are$, the driver put your luggages in and out the bus. Frequency is 3 per hours both ways.

Hope this will help.

Again many thanks and BRAVO for your guide

Baby Lonia

EDITOR'S NOTE: I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Bubba Boy
03-11-07, 22:20
Here are 3 maps that outline the basic layout of Rio

SlickdySlick
03-12-07, 03:51
Awesome Maps Bubba I have one showing all the subway stations I will post it tonight (I am in the UAE so that will be in your morning).

SlickdySlick
03-13-07, 16:41
Here is the subway map its a PNG sorry about that.

Bubba Boy
03-14-07, 05:02
Just would like to state that if you have a general question about Rio, can you post it in the appropriate section and not PM me. While I appreciate the thanks I receive, I don't have the time to answer Private Messages as a tour guide service, I am tending to get more PM's than I would like of late.

This message of course does not apply to any Senior Members that have a decent amount of posts, IE 100+. Those that have taken the time to help others are always welcome.

SlickdySlick
03-14-07, 05:08
Sorry file was too big reducing it today will repost.

Bubba Boy
03-14-07, 06:44
If you really want to know about the metro go here. It looks like the new station is now open Contagalo, nice an close to Help.

http://www.metrorio.com.br/english/index.htm

SlickdySlick
03-14-07, 16:01
Thanks Bubba it looks like the one I was trying to post. Cause if people are like me I like to know which stop is before mine and more importantly which stop is after.

Tavares
03-14-07, 16:54
Bubba,

Not "contagalo" but "CANTAGALO" meaning literally: Sing, rooster!

El Austriaco
03-14-07, 21:33
And why is it called Cantagalo? Well, that's the name of the favela right next to it...

EA

Tavares
03-14-07, 22:03
Probably because favela dwellers raise poultry there to feed themselves: don't forget most of them are migrants from the poor countryside and they always try to reproduce in their new habitat previous living conditions.

Tavares
03-14-07, 22:11
If Bubba wants to see where most brazilian girls end up in Europe he should travel to Portugal and write one of his comprehensive reports about it: Literally hundreds of night clubs, bars and discotheques across the country with THOUSANDS of brasileiras in all forms and shapes.

If anyone interested, I can help out.

Veterano
03-14-07, 23:24
Thanks for the offer, Tavares, how do I find out more about this, I am thinking of going there this summer (and there is no thread in ISG on Portugal)

Bubba Boy
03-15-07, 00:39
Tavares, can you post in another, more appropriate thread. This thread is designed for the guide and questions relating to it. Your questions have little to do with this and should be posted in maybe "rio reports" which seems to be the more general "chat type" thread.

Hojeobrigado
03-20-07, 00:50
So Bubba- your advise, what is your opinion of- Mercure Apartments Rio De Janeiro Botafogo, Rua Sorocaba 305, obviously in Botafogo as opposed to staying in Zona Sul. Obviously a little off the beaten path, but still an Accor property.

Please Advise

Ace512
03-22-07, 13:27
I have actually been working on a map, or maps for our favourite spots. Your post has reminded me to get it finished. Hopefully by some time next week.Hey BB, thanks for putting up the Maps for me i greatly thank you for that but im having one problem each time i open the map and the screen of the map shuts down fast. wondering if you could help me on that o yeah thanks for the PDF version of your brazil travel guide kick ass and cant wait to go in June.

Bubba Boy
03-23-07, 04:15
Ace, I am sorry but I don't think I can help you with that. It sounds like a problem with your computer specifically. The maps open on my computer fine and I tried them on a friends, same thing, fine. Can anyone else report that they have the same problem? If they do there may be a corrupt file.

Hojeobrigado, can you please post your question in the appropriate section, that being Rio de Janeiro - Hotels & Apartments.

Trippleecks
03-23-07, 12:32
Speaking of the Metro.... now there is a Metro stop in posto 5. Cantagalo Station just opened about 1 month ago. From the beach just walk up Rua Xavier da Silveira about 3 blocks and you can't miss it. Beats having to walk all the way down to Sigueia Campos.

Fun And Sun
04-21-07, 16:52
Bubba Boy,

Just wanted to write you a note of thanks for the great guide that was a really good help during my Rio trip back in February. Gave me all the facts I needed to have a good trip, and kept me from having to learn about the place the difficult way.

Still a newbie mongerer, but have tried to add my bit on the main Rio board.

The only thing I would add to your guide, if I may be a bit bold, since this one is important for the newbie mongerers that use the guide: Some of the mix drinks in Help and other places are extremely strong, not nearly the same as in Europe or US. (Not only talking about the caperhinis (spelling?), but also the Cuba Libres, Tequila Sunrises, and so on.) First couple of nights I got much drunker than I was planning to, thought it was because of jet lag, but then figured this out. Had one, well one and a half, close calls because of this that could have ended up badly if it wasn't for hotel security bailing me out. Once I figured out the strength of the mix drinks I kept out of trouble.

Regardless, thank you again for having written the guide.

Fun and Sun

Bubba Boy
06-01-07, 20:11
Centaurus now R330, they want R100 to enter.

Buses R2.1.

Currency $1(The US Peso) = R1.92,

Jan 156
06-03-07, 00:33
Bubba´s report mentions a restaurant called Tia Palmira (top food experience)which is a bit of a hike (Barra d.Guaratiba). I am a fan of top cuisine however and don´t want to visit just to impress a garota. If anyone else is heavily (no pun intended) into food and would like to share a cab out there some time in June let me know. We could do a terma in Recreio or Barra on the way there or back.

This is more one for someone who is taking it easy than dashing in and out.

Steffl Roemer
06-03-07, 05:06
Hello,

A few days ago I was at the Centaurus and got a cell phone number from a girl. Once I left, I could not found the paper with the number on and I searched on my bathrobe in the room where you change your clothes. The assistance lady always asked me what I'm searching for and whether it is a cell phone number. Finally I said yes and told her even the name, because she promised me to inform the girl to wait outside. Unfortunately the girl was not outside.

Do you know, does the girl get into trouble at Centaurus if somebody finds my paper or if the assitance lady tells it to the management? I have a bad feeling now, because I liked the girl and want to visit her again at Centraurus.

Your answers are very appreciated.

Best regards,

Steffl Roemer

Tigers787
06-11-07, 07:49
Just wanted to take a minute to thank you on the 100 page report you wrote. I am sure it took hours and hours to complite, so thanks for all that hard work. For me i would of been lost with out it. I had it loaded in my notebook and of course my notebook was with me in RIO. It was the best tool for the job. There is so much important information in there that you should read the whole thing twice so you wont forget what not to do. I had no problems what so ever with this valuable tool in hand. I am sure I will read it once or twice again before i go back in November.

Tiger

Edward M
07-01-07, 02:47
Hello,

A few days ago I was at the Centaurus and got a cell phone number from a girl. Once I left, I could not found the paper with the number on and I searched on my bathrobe in the room where you change your clothes. The assistance lady always asked me what I'm searching for and whether it is a cell phone number. Finally I said yes and told her even the name, because she promised me to inform the girl to wait outside. Unfortunately the girl was not outside.

Do you know, does the girl get into trouble at Centaurus if somebody finds my paper or if the assitance lady tells it to the management? I have a bad feeling now, because I liked the girl and want to visit her again at Centraurus.

Your answers are very appreciated.

Best regards,

Steffl RoemerI cannot speak for Centaurus but girls at other termas have told me to be VERY careful not to leave their number or emails in the robes because they will get into trouble.

Madd Love
01-13-08, 07:28
Bubba,

I wanted to know during carnival are there places besides club help to meet girls that wear fantasy outfits and have a club atmosphere of dancing like Help?

I would appreciate any info.

Lonzof
02-10-08, 22:08
Bubba,

I wanted to know during carnival are there places besides club help to meet girls that wear fantasy outfits and have a club atmosphere of dancing like Help?

I would appreciate any info.

Madd Love, I was wondering the same. I have a gdp friend that recently went to a fantasy party somewhere in Rio but she has yet to reveal the name. She and her friends were dressed in carnival attire which is practically nothing but body paint and maybe something resembling clothing. They were attending parties from the Friday before carnival up to carnival day. Being from New Orleans I've had my share of carnivals but would like to experience the weekend prior to Carnival. Maybe next year.

Lonzof

El Greco
02-11-08, 01:17
Madd Love, I was wondering the same. I have a gdp friend that recently went to a fantasy party somewhere in Rio but she has yet to reveal the name. She and her friends were dressed in carnival attire which is practically nothing but body paint and maybe something resembling clothing. They were attending parties from the Friday before carnival up to carnival day. Being from New Orleans I've had my share of carnivals but would like to experience the weekend prior to Carnival. Maybe next year.

Lonzof

Usually "Scala" in Leblon opposite the tourist police offices are having a dance like that every day during carnival weekend. Small place for such an event.Lots of people and TV monitoring the event.

Club Sirio and Lebano is holding a dance or two also.

Back in the 80s dances at Sirio e Lebano as well as the one at the Flamengo"s stadium "Vermello e Preto" were the best places to go.

Also the Gay one was good fun but I never had the chance to go.


El Greco

Bubba Boy
05-11-08, 15:56
I haven't updated this for a while. R$400 at Centaurus, holly shit batman! It was $70.00 4 years ago, now $240.00, thats inflation!

I don't intend to update the " Bubba guide" in the near future. If someone would like to update the prices and then reload it feel free! If you want to do this you would need to have a decent amount of Rio experience, not a job for a first time visitor.

Any takers?

Bubba Boy
05-12-08, 13:29
Wiki could be a great part of this forum, would be the best way to keep everything up to date. I am not just talking about my guide, but on all sections.

Fitnfun
05-18-08, 20:21
Hi,

Thanks all for the great information.

I will be in Rio next week, I was wondering , what is the best time to go to the termas?

1 weekdays
2 weekends
3 in centro
4 in a place like 4x4

From what I gather, some of these are dead at the wrong time or are filled with too many men at others

What is a good balance?

Thanks, and I will post my report once I have done my mongering,

Orebell
05-19-08, 10:02
Dude, the answer is simple. The best time to go is when they are open. I don't think any of them open before noon. Do some searching on this site and I am sure you can find that out. I remember 4 x 4 opens around 2 or 3 in the afternoon and closes I think about midnight. Asking when the best time to go is sort of silly. Different strokes for different folks. Before the evening hour gets going, most termas in the afternoon are gonna be slower and less girls. Some guys like that. If you wait until the busy time comes, there will be a lot more girls but a lot more guys and not as much chill out time. Some guys like that. It just really depends on what you like.

If you like less people, guys and girls, go early when they open or later after say 7 to 8 pm. If you like lots of choices and don't care about the crowd, then go between 5 and 7 pm.

I have been to 3 termas in Rio. 4 x 4, Solarium and L'uomo. Hands down 4 x 4 was my favorite. Why, because there were so many girls. I was not really thrilled when the crowd came in but it still is an amazing place. Solarium and L'uomo maybe had 20 to at the most 30 girls at peak time. 4 x 4 had well over 100. I don't think there is another place like 4 x 4 on the planet. I still need to slap myself to remind myself that I really was there and had an awesome time.

So go, have a good time and write about your experience.


Hi,

Thanks all for the great information.

I will be in Rio next week, I was wondering , what is the best time to go to the termas?

1 weekdays
2 weekends
3 in centro
4 in a place like 4x4

From what I gather, some of these are dead at the wrong time or are filled with too many men at others

What is a good balance?

Thanks, and I will post my report once I have done my mongering,

Hughdad
01-04-09, 06:21
Bubba,

Did you chop the Viagra into 1/8's -- or did you cut all four tablets into halves making 8 pieces? Can't see cutting that tiny pill into 1/8's?

Allforrio
02-03-09, 03:17
Greetings everyone,

Bubba Boy sent me his 2006 Brazil Guide to post in the Forum.

I'll be the first to say "Great Report".

Thanks,

JacksonThis is a great guide. I'm going on my first trip to Rio in March and was wondering if there is a adobe PDFf guide of Bubbas for me to download.

Thanks in advance

Allforrio
02-03-09, 10:13
Greetings everyone,

Bubba Boy sent me his 2006 Brazil Guide to post in the Forum.

I'll be the first to say "Great Report".

Thanks,

JacksonThis is a great guide going on my first trip to rio in march and was wondering if there is a adobe pdf guide of bubbas for me to download

Thanks in advance

Bubba Boy
02-03-09, 19:23
Yes, here it is in PDF form

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?t=2191&page=4&pp=15

Allforrio
02-03-09, 22:54
Yes, here it is in PDF form

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?t=2191&page=4&pp=15Wow that was a quick response

Thanks a lot and I will use it as my bible of Rio

You are the man!

Mwgmwg
02-04-09, 00:34
Yes, here it is in PDF form

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?t=2191&page=4&pp=15I clicked on the link, but did not go to the pdf file.

Jan 156
02-05-09, 00:06
Bubba,

Did you chop the Viagra into 1/8's -- or did you cut all four tablets into halves making 8 pieces? Can't see cutting that tiny pill into 1/8's?

I think Bubba was not being very literal, just ´divide into 8´would do. It´s a while since I tried V - I prefer Cialis if I´m doing a marathon - but I recall trying a cutter and wasting lots of the pill. They don´t cut easy.

With cialis - although it is not quite the same type of tablet physically - an easy way is just to have a nibble of the corner when you want a boost - and so on.

Eros74
02-05-09, 01:53
I never tried C even if I have it from Russia in october, cause till now I have never girl with me longer than one night and V worked for me even too much.

I just checked now the box with 4 pills 100 mg and I bought it on 22 may 2008, now already finished as I have the last little part of the 4th pill, however I guess I break it into smaller pieces than just 1/8.

Bubba Boy
02-05-09, 13:23
I buy the biggest pill, 100mg, because it is most cost effective. I then indeed cut it into 8 pieces. I do this with my swiss army knife. Firstly I cut it into quarters then divide the quarters again. To cut these pills effectively you need a good quality knife, a cheap knife will just crush the pill and make a mess. I then have a pill container where I put in the 8 pieces and carry it around. If you do get stopped by the Police in a road block they know it is viagra, hence you are not at risk of being accused of carrying around illicit drugs.

I am young hence don't need a huge amount. In fact if I take too much, like a whole pill, I find it difficult to cum. Hence, I just take 1/8 when I am tired or want to do a second round ir if I have had a few drinks. A lot of drinks and I may take 2 1/8 pieces.

I suggest everybody should experiment with how low a dose they actually need. I whole tablet is overkill for most people and taking the lowest dose possible has to be better for your health and ultimately how you want to perform.

Jan 156
02-06-09, 04:02
thanks for clarifying that, bubba, and my apologies if i had seemed to second guess you. i´ve often thought of getting a swiss army knife - at least for when i use checked in baggage. so useful for peeling fruit out in no man´s land countries.

i agree with you about viagra. it could give me such a boner that it was painful. cialis is much gentler. but the reason i´d suggest anyone, even young people, might want to try it is for continuous staying power or multiple repeats over a few days. viagra is quite short action - a few hours - whereas cialis can keep you going for two days or more. this is great if you like doing non-stop action. although i think other things like good exercise and diet are equally important.

Strike 69
05-14-09, 08:16
Guys where can I dance Lambada in Rio??? Does anyone knows'????

Xavier
05-14-09, 12:48
Guys where can I dance Lambada in Rio??? Does anyone knows'????Wherever you want!

Nor Viking
06-19-09, 22:42
***Massagems***

In Copacabana

Praca Serzedelo Correia 15, room 1104, R$30 for 30 minutes.

I did go there today and a lady came out. It is her appartement now she said, the girls have moved out long time ago. Friendly enough she gave me her number and said call me after 21:30 and we can go for a dinner or something, and then leaning up to me she said, I'm really good in massage to.

Not sure if it was a girl trying to make a shortcut and keep the cake for herself and that the business actually still was going on. But most likely the address is dead.

The lady next door came out as well and she was very annoyed.

Member #3439
06-26-09, 04:32
I am young hence don't need a huge amount. In fact if I take too much, like a whole pill, I find it difficult to cum. Hence, I just take 1/8 when I am tired or want to do a second round ir if I have had a few drinks. A lot of drinks and I may take 2 1/8 pieces.

I suggest everybody should experiment with how low a dose they actually need. I whole tablet is overkill for most people and taking the lowest dose possible has to be better for your health and ultimately how you want to perform.Here are C experiences from my trip that ended this week:

I took 4 50 mg Cialis during a span of a little over 96 hours, nibbling off and on at a whim except for the last one which I chewed whole. It has a cumulative effect on me for the first 2 days, but I seemed to build tolerance to nibbling after that.

0 hours, I sessioned one vaginally and then decided to try C for durability on any anticipated tight culo sessions that might occur the next day. Spending a long time time trying to force my way into no-gape culo while losing sensation due to rubber has given me troubles in the past that caused me to miss some culo opportunities. Not this time.

24 hours, I found it extremely difficult to cum. Extremely.

48 hours, I made my dick fast dance to the beat of the music in the boite at L'uomo, to the amusement of Ane who had her hand on it under my robe. It was actually lifting her hand up and down for the better part of maybe 3 minutes. I felt bionic.

72 hours, it seemed to have no pronounced effect. But I was very tired, so the offset/help was probably the only reason I was able to session multiple times that day.

96 hours, it seemed that I built a tolerance and cumming was less of an issue. I chewed one up in the late afternoon just between sessions, the effect really hit that night on the plane and it was flying at half mast all the way to the Estados.

Next time I'm trying V for the predictability and short term effect it seems to offer.

If the GDP's don't realize that we are using this stuff; they probably think we gringos are just extremely horny to be popping such duro wood. Actually, even if no culo was expected, I'd still use it cause I am so jaded from about 95% of girls globally doing the same suck and fuck routine and get bored during the act, especially on round 2 of the day. It lets me get my full minutes worth of the session without having the mind totally in the game.

I literally almost cat napped during a first round session with a hot Japanese chick in Osaka, because the suck was relaxing and I'm used to it. Now imagine how boring it is for the GDP's, after about the 500th stranger is doing the same porn star routine. The fact that they can get naturally wet from 2 minutes of me rubbing the clit, 80% of the time after taking several sessions in a day is astonishing to me. Must be all the hydration (Skol) or some female version of Vitamin C?

Safadinho
06-26-09, 12:32
well. what an experience! sensational!

just spent 10 days in rio and used the bubba boys guide. massive thanks to bubba for such a fantastic document loaded with detail, tips and incredibly helpful.

started off at helpeee. not really my scene or music but certainly good fun for people watching.

another time checked out the balcony bar. ehhhh. i'm no oil painting, but the quality of babes there waaaaay down.

checked out barbarellas and that was packed with stunners and priced to match.

then tried out luomo at 6pm and that was such a great time, used bubbas test list and picked sofia, stunner, 26 yrs old, great ass. bbbj, great kisser and took her time, great care and service! what a fuck.

next day to 4x4, the taj of termas! impressive establishment and what became my favourite as i revisited. there is bulk choice babes there with great attitude and smiles. got a gorgeous little one called julie, love the ones that are "not in your face". took the 1hr option, again great service, passionate, bbbj, all sorts of positions, and after the money shot, have a smoke break, 10 min left and wanted she wanted to go again. why not? luved it all!

in between all this, checked out the sites, the views, the beaches, great food and service.

as a new one to rio i agree that the termas are the go!

all up, rio is the go, top shelf babes and service, how can one even compare to anyother place on this planet.

again, thanks to bubba, you were the silent guide!

editor's note: i would suggest that the author or another forum member consider posting a link to this report in the reports of distinction thread. please click here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

Sprite13
06-27-09, 06:36
Gents,
On the topic of Cialis and Viagara, I would like to know is it safe to use them? I mean, what are the dangers/risks involved with using them? Is there an age limit not to use it (ie too young or too old?). Is it true that one should not drink alcohol while taking the C or V pill?

Is it too early for someone in their late 20's to start using it? And if one starts using it, are they not going to build an addiction to it in the sense that from then on, they must take either the C or V pill in order to perform? Speaking of performance enhancer, does the C or V pill help in both endurance and hardness?


Looking for feedback on this please.

Thanks.

Member #3439
06-27-09, 09:53
Gents,

On the topic of Cialis and Viagara, I would like to know is it safe to use them? I mean, what are the dangers/risks involved with using them? Is there an age limit not to use it (ie too young or too old?). Is it true that one should not drink alcohol while taking the C or V pill?

Is it too early for someone in their late 20's to start using it? And if one starts using it, are they not going to build an addiction to it in the sense that from then on, they must take either the C or V pill in order to perform? Speaking of performance enhancer, does the C or V pill help in both endurance and hardness?


Looking for feedback on this please.

Thanks.See my Cialis report just below. You should have the same experience on the same dose level. My dosing of 1 per day was excessive. I should have cut back to half a pill per day and take that in the morning, instead of nibbling the pill at irregular intervals.

I wouldn't get dead-ass drunk and use it. It has the effect of lowering blood pressure, so you could pass out due to the combination...then you wake up and all your stuff has been stolen.

C definitely helps in both endurance and hardness. If you're tired, sick, half-drunk, have just fucked a girl and want another, etc..this stuff will still make you perform despite the odds.

As far as addiction, I fear that there is probably some psychological addiction that can happen fairly easily. If you're a normal guy and not a hardcore monger; i.e. you just stop by for foda cause you feel horny, you shouldn't have a problem. If you're a scoring guy who likes to count how many times and how many girls, (like me), that's a psychological addiction to start with and, due to personality, the power of C might be psychologically addictive for you.

I bought C in the first place because I was tired as hell on the first day and didn't want my jimmy to fall asleep during session. I do most of my mongering at the end of strenuous business trips when my body is really telling me that should really be resting on the beach instead of squat spotting for Brasileras. But, hey, going to Rio and scoring Brasileras is everyman joe blow's dream so it would be tragic to waste a night in Rio without pumping bunda. I think, I'm a lucky guy and have to maintain stewardship of the bucetas for all the poor bastard gringos who will go to the grave without ever getting the head in some exotic chicks. and I get free travel to do it! Therefore, to ensure maximum performance of my duty to God and Country, I hit the drogaria and bought some assurance, namely the Vitamin C.

After using C that first day in Rio, I didn't want to go to a session without being on C so I bought more. It gives you a certain feeling of invincibility. I could stand back off a GDP unstimulated and totally disinterested, thinking about where to eat lunch or something, for 5-7 minutes and still be like a rock while she's changing my condom, adjusting pillows, finding her stuff in the kit, tying her hair back for the money shot and all the other stuff GDP's tend to do at the latter part of a long session...

Pelongera
06-27-09, 15:54
Both are toxic have caused blindness in some and strokes and heart attacks in others. Ever consider trying herbs? Horny goat weed, rockhard, muira puama(brasil herb) maca, yohimbe bark.I don't know anything about Horny goat weed, rockhard, muira puama mace, yohimbe bark, but if you're under the impression--as your logic implies--that because they are herbs they are not toxic, you're mistaken.

Jan 156
06-27-09, 17:42
As with any drug there's always side effects listed. But millions of guys are using them with no probs. and mostly with little or no side effects. Don't mix the two - they cancel each other out. I personally ignore the alcohol warning if I use them but I don't drink a lot anyway. Main thing, as someone already mentioned, is getting a boner that won't go away or not being able to come. Try a small dose (part of a tablet) first. This is easy with cialis cos the effects last a long time. V, on the other hand, gives you a pole that willl poke an octagenarian with bad breath and no teeth or anything else, even when you're jetlagged and haven't eaten for a week. Cialis is more gentle, less side effects if any of the two, nice for those sessions when you want to do lots of girls one after the other all night at somewhere like VM then bone a couple at Copa when you get home in the morning. It's usually cheaper than V. V wears off in a few hours but cialis lasts a few days and you can just nibble the end off a pill when you flag a bit.

Gents,
On the topic of Cialis and Viagara, I would like to know is it safe to use them? I mean, what are the dangers/risks involved with using them? Is there an age limit not to use it (ie too young or too old?). Is it true that one should not drink alcohol while taking the C or V pill?

Is it too early for someone in their late 20's to start using it? And if one starts using it, are they not going to build an addiction to it in the sense that from then on, they must take either the C or V pill in order to perform? Speaking of performance enhancer, does the C or V pill help in both endurance and hardness?


Looking for feedback on this please.

Thanks.

Prosal
06-27-09, 19:07
Don't mix the two - they cancel each other out.
Just curious. Is it a personal experience or does it comes from some scientific test ?

I regularly mix the two with - I think - good results.

Pelongera
06-27-09, 19:35
Gents,

On the topic of Cialis and Viagara, I would like to know is it safe to use them? I mean, what are the dangers/risks involved with using them? Is there an age limit not to use it (ie too young or too old?). Is it true that one should not drink alcohol while taking the C or V pill?

Is it too early for someone in their late 20's to start using it? And if one starts using it, are they not going to build an addiction to it in the sense that from then on, they must take either the C or V pill in order to perform? Speaking of performance enhancer, does the C or V pill help in both endurance and hardness?


Looking for feedback on this please.

Thanks.I think the question to research is, What does the active ingredient do to your body?

My understanding--and like others on the internet, I'm not to be relied upon--is that the drug merely consticts the blood flow to one's cock.

Indeed, I've heard of health care professionals advice men to use cock rings instead, as they are less expensive and do the same thing.

If that's true, i.e. that the drug does nothing more than constrict blood flow, then the drug cannot explain these reports about difficulty cuming.

And you can imagine that since alcohol mucks with blood flow, mixing the two is not wise.

Jan 156
06-27-09, 21:54
Just curious. Is it a personal experience or does it comes from some scientific test ?

I regularly mix the two with - I think - good results.
That's interesting. No, I'm not acquainted with any papers on it. The official bumf that comes with them just says they should not be mixed. my background involves familiarity with medical literature, but being a time warped hippie type I've always experimented personally with any interesting drugs. I've tried a cock ring once or twice but found drugs
much more pleasant ;) We're a bit off thread btw - there's a whole ISG section on the subject. But at the end of the day each person follows their own inclination on what to put down their throat or whatever.

Eros74
06-27-09, 23:32
I share my experience too.

Never used C, I used yohmbee but even a bit made my heart run too fast, so I stopped till then 2004 when in Moscow I was curious to try V but afraid about the effects, so I cut the pill to get 1/16 of 100mg whole pill, yes more or less, however I cut 4x times every part of the pill, so in this way I take a very little part and funny enough I feel it including a bit harder to cum but with no side effects at all.

If I use it, I do not use it everytime, I never took bigger piece or 2 pieces and one box of 4 pills 100mg last me easily almost one year.

In this way I think I am not gonna to damage my precious brother ;) and the only time I felt bad, was in september 04 in Piter when I was tired, a bit drunk and after sex in sauna I felt blood pressure go a bit down, I sit down for a while and it was ok, but maybe was for the sauna too.

However another interesting thing, I have the feeling the V original one from Pzifer I have from Brazil works a bit less than the one I order from net from UK, I know that so far as they are both original one, there should no be reason for that but even that one from UK tastes more bitter than the brazilian one that seems just white powder with no taste at all.......maybe they ripped me off in copa LOL

Lorenzo
06-28-09, 06:47
My understanding--and like others on the internet, I'm not to be relied upon--is that the drug merely consticts the blood flow to one's cock.
These drugs don't constrict blood flow, they increase it. That's what causes an erection, i.e., the penis becoming engorged with blood. The more blood that flows to your organ, the harder you get. The purpose of a cock ring is not to constrict blood flow into the penis, but to keep blood from flowing out so that you stay hard.

Why are we posting about this on this thread anyway? There is another thread dedicated to these drugs.

It Travel
06-28-09, 08:15
Go thre.

You will find a lot of info.

By the way some considerations...

Both V and C (but C is far better in my opinion) are coated pills so do not cut them! Take lower dosage instead!

Tehre is also a Brazilian version called Vigamed you'll find it under Viagra reports at #1250.

Just my two cents..

IT

By the way... in my anal weekends and vacations (I'm a third hole enthusiast) I always use Cialis... and devastate poor pink Russian rear holes (some times Brazilian too.... no "completa" = no money!).

Euro100
06-28-09, 14:59
... here it is: http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=65086 (BTW, I had no part in writing this guide; I just want to make sure that it is easy to find ... All the credit goes to Bubba Boy!)

Guys,

please keep this thread free of random chit-chat. It is extremely frustrating for Rio newbies to have to browse through pages and pages of musings that are not really connected to Bubba's Guide.

If you are really interested in C&V (last couple of pages were dominated by this topic), then I suggest to go here: http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=272

Thanks
euro

Sprite13
07-05-09, 07:17
Thanks guys for the feedback and informative posts, much appreciated.
I will take your wise advice and read more on the appropriate forum for that.

Thanks again!:)

Allforrio
07-16-09, 21:31
Greetings everyone,

Bubba Boy sent me his 2006 Brazil Guide to post in the Forum.

I'll be the first to say "Great Report".

Thanks,

JacksonI also think this is a great guide to Brasil.

I have a question is ther a pdf for this guide.

Thanks in advance

Drfeel Good
07-17-09, 15:57
I also think this is a great guide to Brasil.

I have a question is ther a pdf for this guide.

Thanks in advancePost #46 in this thread.

Bad Boy Billy
08-29-09, 06:53
Guys is there a more recent update to the guide than this? - http://www.internationalsexguide.in...91&page=4&pp=15

Yoshineman
09-01-09, 05:32
Guys is there a more recent update to the guide than this? - http://www.internationalsexguide.in...91&page=4&pp=15Can you repost the link? The url doesn't work thanks.

Rikkit2
07-19-10, 17:26
Hi all,

I RTFF, and can't find an address for Club 53 in Copa. It's not on the bitchmaps either. I am willing to give a full report (where, pic of outside, prices, selection, etc. for this thread once I have a chance to investigate.

Habediaehre
08-08-10, 10:28
Hi all,

I RTFF, and can't find an address for Club 53 in Copa. It's not on the bitchmaps either. I am willing to give a full report (where, pic of outside, prices, selection, etc. for this thread once I have a chance to investigate.I Just googled "Club 53" an found at Bwanda Dik´s Rio Guide, on page 33:

"Club 53 (Rua Sá Ferreira, 53, Copacabana) is centrally located in the home turf of most Rio visitors and, thus, very convenient when you just absolutely have to get laid immediately! This place opened in April of 2008. It’s located one the block just above (away from the beach) Av. NS de Copacabana. Club 53 opens at 2pm and closes at midnight, Monday through Saturday. Entrance is generally 20 reais and includes three beers, although they’ve had lots of specials, with a 12 reais entrance before 5pm. They typically have a sign on the dorr if there’s a special going on. The talent is mixed, as is the case with all termas in this classification, but some cuties have been spotted here."

Hope that helps?

Habediaehre
08-08-10, 10:30
See Bwana Dikßs Rio Guide, page 33:

Club 53 (Rua Sá Ferreira, 53, Copacabana) is centrally located in the home turf of most Rio visitors and, thus, very convenient when you just absolutely have to get laid immediately! This place opened in April of 2008. It’s located one the block just above (away from the beach) Av. NS de Copacabana. Club 53 opens at 2pm and closes at midnight, Monday through Saturday. Entrance is generally 20 reais and includes three beers, although they’ve had lots of specials, with a 12 reais entrance before 5pm. They typically have a sign on the dorr if there’s a special going on. The talent is mixed, as is the case with all termas in this classification, but some cuties have been spotted here.

Golfinho
08-08-10, 17:54
See Bwana Dikßs Rio Guide, page 33:

Club 53 (Rua Sá Ferreira, 53, Copacabana) is centrally located in the home turf of most Rio visitors and, thus, very convenient when you just absolutely have to get laid immediately! This place opened in April of 2008. It’s located one the block just above (away from the beach) Av. NS de Copacabana. Club 53 opens at 2pm and closes at midnight, Monday through Saturday. Entrance is generally 20 reais and includes three beers, although they’ve had lots of specials, with a 12 reais entrance before 5pm. They typically have a sign on the dorr if there’s a special going on. The talent is mixed, as is the case with all termas in this classification, but some cuties have been spotted here.The talent in that place is direct from the nearest favela. Better off standing around in front of the steps on Sa F going up the hill and find something there. Cut out the middleman.

Exec Talent
08-09-10, 00:33
The talent in that place is direct from the nearest favela. Better off standing around in front of the steps on Sa F going up the hill and find something there. Cut out the middleman.
Just an extremely overpriced dive.

SlimHoleDrill
08-11-10, 13:46
Hi all,

I RTFF, and can't find an address for Club 53 in Copa. It's not on the bitchmaps either. I am willing to give a full report (where, pic of outside, prices, selection, etc. for this thread once I have a chance to investigate.

It is a clone of 22. See my posts in the Rio Section on both 22 and 53. Definitely lower tier but not so pricey. 12 for entry which included 3 beers. 20 mins is 55, 30 mins 75 and 40 is 95. But they will increase that if you are a gringo and don't know what the real price is. As I have said before, the neighborhood is pretty creepy since, as said below, it is right across the street from the Cantagalo favela entrance. The main problem you might have is lack of garotas. I went there a few weeks ago and there were only 3, only one of which I considered doable. The owners sometimes shuttle girls from 22 over there but I don't know what triggers this.

Quality is pretty low but I wouldn't characterize it as faveladas, necessarily. Whatever that is.

Bubba Boy
08-11-10, 16:19
I am in the process of updating this guide, things have changed a lot since the last update. Mostly the prices but also things change over time. Hope to have this update out in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Standy by............

My Friend
08-11-10, 17:29
Hi,

I will go to Rio in few weeks and I've never been there.

My friend were used to go To Help but now help is closed so what I would like to ask you is:

Could you tell me where is now the right place to be?

Where are parting all the help s girls? I mean where is right now the Movida?

Thanks

My Friend
08-11-10, 17:30
I will live in Copacabana Avenida Atlantica.

I heard about Barbarella what is it? Do you know it?

Could you suggest me a good termas not too expensive but at the same time with pretty girls.

Is it there any disco as help in town with a lot of girls?

I mean Balcony looks like a normal Bar

Thanks

The Watcher
08-11-10, 17:37
I am in the process of updating this guide, things have changed a lot since the last update. Mostly the prices but also things change over time. Hope to have this update out in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Standy by............

I appreciate the time and effort you put into making your very informative and useful guide. Thanks.

Jan 156
08-12-10, 12:39
I also think this is a great guide to Brasil.

I have a question is ther a pdf for this guide.

Thanks in advance

You can save it from a Word doc as pdf. And for iphone users - save the pdf to read in Stanza or iBooks. Before you do all that there's nothing to stop you editing your own copy, omitting any bits you don't need, adding Sperto's maps or your own notes for instance, and then saving it as a pdf.

Once it becomes a pdf it's harder to customise it to individual needs. So an open format, rather than pdf, is probably of potential benefit to the maximum number of people Allforrio.

El Greco
08-12-10, 17:34
I will live in Copacabana Avenida Atlantica.

I heard about Barbarella what is it? Do you know it?

Could you suggest me a good termas not too expensive but at the same time with pretty girls.

Is it there any disco as help in town with a lot of girls?

I mean Balcony looks like a normal Bar

Thanks

Barbarella's is a night club with girls dancing on the pole and ready for take out.

IMHO best brothel, sorry I meant Termas, is 4x4 (QUATRO POR QUATRO) downtown Rio (centro) on #44 of Rua Buenos Aires. Downstairs is a Bar (whiskeria) and upstairs, using the glass door on the side, is the entrance to the Termas. Same girls circulating between the two.

Balcony is a bar and restaurant with lots of girls (garotas) for take away.

You owe me a beer LOL

Kind Man
09-04-10, 05:20
Visiting Brazil and Rio for the first time where is best hotel to stay clean and near club where you can bring the girl to the hotel, thanks

Eric Cartman
09-04-10, 08:02
I am in the process of updating this guide, things have changed a lot since the last update. Mostly the prices but also things change over time. Hope to have this update out in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Standy by............

An update to the Bubba Boy Guide is like finding Commandments 11-20 :)

Mr North
09-19-10, 22:03
Bubba Boy's Rio Guide mentions stocking up on medicine (suggested remedies and costs). As I awoke with the early signs of a cold, I wandered down to the the local Copa Farma. Here is an update of prices (Sept 2010):

Azitromicina (Antibiotic) - R$20.

and I also bought some 'monger' medicine.

Viagra, 4 pack of 100 mg - R$105.95
Xylocaina - R$14.

Ricker
09-22-10, 01:48
Bubba Boy's Rio Guide mentions stocking up on medicine
... and I also bought some 'monger' medicine ...

Viagra, 4 pack of 100 mg - R$105.95
Xylocaina - R$14.

Generic Viagra is now available.
I saw in SP, a pack of 8 / 50 mg for about 50R or so.
The guy working the pharmacy told me the prices should get even lower as the supply gets better.

Still more expensive than in BA or Colombia, but much better than before the generics arrived.

Bubba Boy
09-22-10, 02:44
Generic Viagra is now available.
I saw in SP, a pack of 8 / 50 mg for about 50R or so.
The guy working the pharmacy told me the prices should get even lower as the supply gets better.

Still more expensive than in BA or Colombia, but much better than before the generics arrived.

That is really expensive, in most other countries generic stuff is a maximum of $1 per 50mg, some countries like Paraguay you can get 20 tablets for $5.

Ricker
09-22-10, 15:14
That is really expensive, in most other countries generic stuff is a maximum of $1 per 50mg, some countries like Paraguay you can get 20 tablets for $5.

I agree, I usually buy in Colombia for less than a buck per 50mg, but it beats the huge price before the generics became available in Brazil.

Oralover
09-24-10, 19:59
Generic Viagra is now available.

I saw in SP, a pack of 8 / 50 mg for about 50R or so.It's true that there is generic viagra available now.

I was only able to find boxes of 4, not 8. They do have 100mg tablets also, but didn't have any in stock at the pharmacy I went to.

Still no generic Cialis.

Drogaria Pacheco. Rua 7 de setembro:

Generic Sildenafila (Viagra) 4 50mg tablets = R$26. 39

Cialis 8 20mg tablets = R$227. 35

I was able to bargain another 7% off the total price (tried for 10%)

Wonderguy
10-23-10, 14:40
I am in the process of updating this guide, things have changed a lot since the last update. Mostly the prices but also things change over time. Hope to have this update out in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Standy by............First I want to thank you for the wonderful Guide! I don't know what I'd do without it. Then I'm curious as to when you're update will be available to us mortals?

Bubba Boy
10-24-10, 20:20
First I want to thank you for the wonderful Guide! I don't know what I'd do without it. Then I'm curious as to when you're update will be available to us mortals?

Lets say by the end of November. I will schedule to spend 1 day per week on it until then. Living in Rio, one gets lazy, hence this will be a good motivator to get it done!

Bubba Boy
10-24-10, 20:21
Barring an act of god, next update will be before November 30, 2010

The Watcher
10-24-10, 23:16
Barring an act of god, next update will be before November 30, 2010

I thank you in advance for your wonderful work.

BootyTapper
10-25-10, 00:05
Barring an act of god, next update will be before November 30, 2010

Thanks Bubba Boy! This fresh info will come in very handy because less than a week later, I will be back in town. I am trying to decide if I want to stay in Copa or come downtown to Centro so I can explore more. I know if I am in Centro, I will be in 4x4 everyday.

BootyTapper
10-25-10, 00:08
See Bwana Dikßs Rio Guide, page 33:

Club 53 (Rua Sá Ferreira, 53, Copacabana) is centrally located in the home turf of most Rio visitors and, thus, very convenient when you just absolutely have to get laid immediately! This place opened in April of 2008. It’s located one the block just above (away from the beach) Av. NS de Copacabana. Club 53 opens at 2pm and closes at midnight, Monday through Saturday. Entrance is generally 20 reais and includes three beers, although they’ve had lots of specials, with a 12 reais entrance before 5pm. They typically have a sign on the dorr if there’s a special going on. The talent is mixed, as is the case with all termas in this classification, but some cuties have been spotted here.

I usually stay at that end of the beach and its like a block or 2 away from the apartment, so will visit for sure. How much they charge to play?

Bubba Boy
11-10-10, 13:31
Pretty much finished updating the Rio guide. Just need to read it through and edit it. Should be up by next week.

Jsm1393
11-10-10, 19:10
Pretty much finished updating the Rio guide. Just need to read it through and edit it. Should be up by next week.
Excellent news! I'll arrive in Rio 21-November, so your timing couldn't be better for me. Thanks much!

Bubba Boy
11-16-10, 16:07
The latest edit. I shall probably edit it again in the new year when Jackson rolls over the threads.

Sailor 222
11-16-10, 17:06
The latest edit. I shall probably edit it again in the new year when Jackson rolls over the threads.Thank you so much about this extensive work. I have 2 weeks to study and analyse your report before I depart for Rio.

Sperto
11-16-10, 18:28
The latest edit. I shall probably edit it again in the new year when Jackson rolls over the threads.
Mestre Bubba, what a fantastic work!

Sem C Yo
11-16-10, 20:12
The latest edit. I shall probably edit it again in the new year when Jackson rolls over the threads.Hi I'm new, thank you very much for the best guide

I found this place accidentally and read the guide of 2004 or 5 thinking it was most recent.

Then I saw you going to do the update, and today finally posted it, so today I had to register and read the whole thing.

Very interesting and detailed thank you.

But can I please ask for some advice?

The five of us are travelling to Rio soon, I think either Copa or Ipanema is where we staying.

And the thing is: We are not the Termas type.

We actually preffer to take a girl at night, and spend time with her all night or what ever.

When Help was open, was the ultimate place for us

But now its closed, I read about the Barbarella and the other club, and a bit not so sure.

So basically

Ca any one advise me a good place to find nice hot gdp's with the actual intention to bring back to the apartment?

Really appreciate for any advice and Thanks in Advance

Exec Talent
11-16-10, 21:19
Mestre Bubba, what a fantastic work!
Well done! As a small token of appreciation, may I suggest that members buy Bubba a beer should they see him out and about.

Sem C Yo
11-16-10, 23:11
Well done! As a small token of appreciation, may I suggest that members buy Bubba a beer should they see him out and about.Thankyou very much again,i hope this post comes through (last one didnt)

BTW I tryed those sites you mentioned under escort section in the guide. Only karlasmodels.net works, none others do.

Any other good sites i can trust?

Golfinho
11-16-10, 23:17
I usually stay at that end of the beach and its like a block or 2 away from the apartment, so will visit for sure. How much they charge to play?Walking around this neighborhood this week, have not seen any cards being handed out for this place, which makes me think it's no longer open.

Fun And Sun
11-16-10, 23:55
Just finished reading through it, really great with an updated version of the guide for the "post-Help, now more expensive Rio". Thank you very much for putting it together, sir.

Bubba Boy
11-18-10, 18:23
Thankyou very much again,i hope this post comes through (last one didnt)

BTW I tryed those sites you mentioned under escort section in the guide. Only karlasmodels.net works, none others do.

Any other good sites i can trust?

Ok, I will note that and edit it in the new year.

Thank you to all for your comments. If anyone else has found errors please let me know.

Kyrawz
11-18-10, 20:14
Awesome!

This guide is really complete and so in detail!

I read many this topic, because I preview to go on Rio soon, and this guide will really help me!

Just a question:

You say, it's important to speak portuguese for go on 4*4, Luomo,., and you say there is many us gringos here.

But they certainly don't speak portuguese?

I speak a good espanol, and it's a little easy for me to read and understand portuguese, but very very difficult to hear and understand!

Golfinho
11-18-10, 22:06
The latest edit. I shall probably edit it again in the new year when Jackson rolls over the threads.This labor of love is a never-ending work-in-progress. Already the Viagra info is ready to update as generics have arrived in Rio. and, with appearance of generics, the price of the branded med has dropped about 50%.

Bubba Boy
11-20-10, 01:14
This labor of love is a never-ending work-in-progress. Already the Viagra info is ready to update as generics have arrived in Rio. and, with appearance of generics, the price of the branded med has dropped about 50%.

Post what you know about the generics. How much and how widely available they are!

Golfinho
11-20-10, 13:17
Post what you know about the generics. How much and how widely available they are!Widely available. At the chain pharmacies. Some actually had the prices posted on sign in front of the store. Branded V: about 26 reales for two 50 mg. Generic priced about 50% less. Also had available 25 mg, and 100 mg. Sold in 2 and 4-pack. The branded V effective, haven't yet tested the generic. Still twice the cost as in Colombia, though dawn of a new day in Brazil. Procured small stock when leaving town for Paraguay as wasn't sure what would be available in Asuncion.

Bubba Boy
11-20-10, 16:43
Widely available. At the chain pharmacies. Some actually had the prices posted on sign in front of the store. Branded V: about 26 reales for two 50 mg. Generic priced about 50% less. Also had available 25 mg, and 100 mg. Sold in 2 and 4-pack. The branded V effective, haven't yet tested the generic. Still twice the cost as in Colombia, though dawn of a new day in Brazil. Procured small stock when leaving town for Paraguay as wasn't sure what would be available in Asuncion.

Thanks for that. The reason I haven't purchased any in Rio is that I have a decent supple from ---- oddly enough PARAGUAY. The price in Ciudad del este is about $4.00 for 20 x 50mg Vitamin V's. Cheapest I have seen it anywhere and works great!

Golfinho
11-20-10, 22:58
Thanks for that. The reason I haven't purchased any in Rio is that I have a decent supple from ---- oddly enough PARAGUAY. The price in Ciudad del este is about $4.00 for 20 x 50mg Vitamin V's. Cheapest I have seen it anywhere and works great!C.d.Este -- the as-hole of Paraguay. you''re living dangerous if you ingest things from there :). where are they purported as being made?

BootyTapper
11-21-10, 01:09
Walking around this neighborhood this week, have not seen any cards being handed out for this place, which makes me think it's no longer open.

Thanks for the info! I was reading Bubba Boy's excellent update and did not see any mention of it either.

BootyTapper
11-21-10, 01:10
The latest edit. I shall probably edit it again in the new year when Jackson rolls over the threads.

Thanks a million for the excellent report Bubba, its good to know what is going on before I hit the ground running.

Drunk Irish
11-22-10, 05:07
Thanks for all the information, very helpful. I was wondering what time L'uomo opens? I found closing time, but not opening time.

As for directions, its a bit misleading as you need to leave the metro and walk up the street about a 100 feet, then go into the indoor "mall".

Also, you can leave through either exit, just don't cross any streets and turn left or right respectively and then go into either entrance into the mall. Go look for the escalators and then go up. Hope that made sense.

If you walk out and entrance and it spits you out onto a "point" turn right.

If you walk out and its a street with stores all around and to your left is what looks like a mini prison or something, then go left, past the little bit of construction and then into the mall.

Bubba Boy
11-22-10, 11:09
Thanks for all the information, very helpful. I was wondering what time L'uomo opens? I found closing time, but not opening time.

As for directions, its a bit misleading as you need to leave the metro and walk up the street about a 100 feet, then go into the indoor "mall".

Also, you can leave through either exit, just don't cross any streets and turn left or right respectively and then go into either entrance into the mall. Go look for the escalators and then go up. Hope that made sense.

If you walk out and entrance and it spits you out onto a "point" turn right.

If you walk out and its a street with stores all around and to your left is what looks like a mini prison or something, then go left, past the little bit of construction and then into the mall.

**Lúomo** Tier 1 terma
Rua Siqueira Campos, 143. Copacabana.
http://www.luomo.com.br/ Open 7days from 3pm until 1am-ish. (20 - 40 girls).

Jan 156
11-22-10, 13:06
**Lúomo** Tier 1 terma
Rua Siqueira Campos, 143. Copacabana.
http://www.luomo.com.br/ Open 7days from 3pm until 1am-ish. (20 - 40 girls).
I also found the official instructions a mystery first time I went, and wandered about it before finding it. A number of helpful posts on the forum gave me the clues to actually locate (including looking for it from the outside of the building at the time); and also asking someone actually in the shopping centre, which I was a bit reluctant.

Torgoch
11-22-10, 16:04
It is not listed on the list of shop names and loja numbers on the board as you go in the mall.

Hoever, if you look on the L'uomo website there are now very clear instructions how to get to the Sigueira Campos mall and then how to find L'uomo in the shopping mall. Follow the link that Bubba Boy provided.

Jsm1393
11-23-10, 03:56
Speaking of V, I think I need a new generic (or the branded stuff) or a higher dose (i'm at 50). The last 4-5 sessions, I've been unable to hold a second boner after one shot, including today's session with a chica at T22 where she literally sucked me for 25 minutes nonstop trying to make a go again. I actually think she ended up sucking me soft, if that's possible, because I was semi-hard when she started and sort of went all mushy by the end. Gotta love these Brazilians for their passion and effort!

Anyway, I've had the same stuff for a few months, so either I'm getting a tolerance (hope not) or it's losing it's potency. I've never tried C - may give it a shot.


Widely available. At the chain pharmacies. Some actually had the prices posted on sign in front of the store. Branded V: about 26 reales for two 50 mg. Generic priced about 50% less. Also had available 25 mg, and 100 mg. Sold in 2 and 4-pack. The branded V effective, haven't yet tested the generic. Still twice the cost as in Colombia, though dawn of a new day in Brazil. Procured small stock when leaving town for Paraguay as wasn't sure what would be available in Asuncion.

Golfinho
11-23-10, 04:16
Speaking of V, I think I need a new generic (or the branded stuff) or a higher dose (i'm at 50).

Anyway, I've had the same stuff for a few months, so either I'm getting a tolerance (hope not) or it's losing it's potency. I've never tried C - may give it a shot.
Haven't seen the gelcaps or the chewable V yet in brazil. Try that before increasing dose.

Ricker
11-24-10, 03:21
Widely available. At the chain pharmacies. Some actually had the prices posted on sign in front of the store. Branded V: about 26 reales for two 50 mg. Generic priced about 50% less. Also had available 25 mg, and 100 mg. Sold in 2 and 4-pack. The branded V effective, haven't yet tested the generic. Still twice the cost as in Colombia, though dawn of a new day in Brazil. Procured small stock when leaving town for Paraguay as wasn't sure what would be available in Asuncion.

I got an 8-pack of 50mg for 40R, generic of course.
That's 5R each or right about $3 US each.
You can readily buy the generic in Colombia for about $1 each, sometimes less and in Argentina for about $2 each.

Golfinho
11-24-10, 12:32
I got an 8-pack of 50mg for 40R, generic of course.

That's 5R each or right about $3 US each.

You can readily buy the generic in Colombia for about $1 each, sometimes less and in Argentina for about $2 each.You're a real shop 'til you dropper ricker.

Yes. The cheapest sildenafil in S. A. Is found in Colombia.

Some of the generics work better than others. Then again, could be the girl they're working with.

Bubba Boy
11-26-10, 00:56
The V from Paraguay is made by the Paraguay Government generic program, hence decent enough quality. They also have Generic Cialus and Levitra for the same price. Works great at 20c a pill, can't beat that. I have also spent 6 months in Medellin, the v from there is also Ok, slightly more expensive at 50c a pill. The Argentina stuff works out at about $1 pr pill, spent over a year in Arg testing it out. I believe the compound is very simple and cheap to make, hence most of the SA generic programs make it at a decent quality and of couse cheaply. Most are actually made by big international drug companies locally. All the generic V I have tried has worked very well, even better than the original stuff because they give less side affects IE no flushing or headaches (don't know why the original does this and the generics don't).

Brazil is the most expensive SA country at present, really don't find any bargains here, hence generic V at $3 a pill is just typical Brazilian pricing right now. Things move in cycles.......one day Brazil will be cheap again! As an aside, Argentina was one of the most expensive countries in the world as little as 50 years ago, now is great value! Cycles.....

Interestingly enough our local Medellin phamarcy would sell us anything, and I do mean anything without a prescription. Even stuff that you would need a doctor, priest and judge all to sign the prescritption in the US, he would give it to us no questions asked. Would even suggestively sell stuff with the most potent stuff IE "just 2 boxes of xxx, come on take 4 boxes, will last you longer, save you a trip". We would just walk out shaking our heads.

Brazil is more difficult to buy hard stuff without a prescription, having said that some pharmacys still sell anything without a prescritpion. These are mostly the smaller non chain places. The big chain places are quite strict now.

Golfinho
11-26-10, 05:16
Brazil is more difficult to buy hard stuff without a prescription, having said that some pharmacys still sell anything without a prescritpion. These are mostly the smaller non chain places. The big chain places are quite strict now.See if you can pick-up Tramadol in Brazil. like a months supply, sans scrip.

Yes, the legal narcotics trade is interesting -- to say the least. it sure took Brazil long enough to put generic V in the hands of their people (and us).

Price is one thing; source another: always check manufacture date on meds in these tropical countries: 6 months or fresher -- max. keep the informative first-hand reportage coming.

Ryjerrob
12-04-10, 19:31
Interestingly enough our local Medellin phamarcy would sell us anything, and I do mean anything without a prescription. Even stuff that you would need a doctor, priest and judge all to sign the prescritption in the US, he would give it to us no questions asked.

Brazil is more difficult to buy hard stuff without a prescription, having said that some pharmacys still sell anything without a prescritpion. These are mostly the smaller non chain places. The big chain places are quite strict now.

How's that work when you end your vacation? Do you simply trow out any unused medication that you purchased w/o a prescription? Can you actually take this medicine back to your country of origin in your luggage?

ryjer

Bubba Boy
12-05-10, 00:41
How's that work when you end your vacation? Do you simply trow out any unused medication that you purchased w/o a prescription? Can you actually take this medicine back to your country of origin in your luggage?

ryjer

I don't take anything other than necessary drugs. Sometimes in a foreign country it is just more convenient to buy with out a presc. To answer your question I would not take "hard" prescitption drugs accross the border. Z pac and borderline presc stuff I don't have an issue with. Most customs guys in western countries are very reasonable if you treat them with respect. Taking hard presc drugs accross a border, that are commonly used for recreational drugs, is just too risky.

Othon
12-08-10, 10:30
I was the first time to Rio, I want to find a girl to relex, please give me a advice.

I am from asia, and just say english.

Sperto
12-08-10, 17:57
I was the first time to Rio, I want to find a girl to relex, please give me a advice.

I am from asia, and just say english. How about reading post no 149 in this thread?

Gringo147
12-11-10, 03:28
Are we ok taking cialis into Brazil? Hardly a hard drug, but thought I'd ask.

Gringo147
12-11-10, 04:27
By the way Bubba, that is beyond a joke that report, errrm you should be selling on ebay or something. Absolutely incredible and I've only read a few pages so far and scanned a few more.

Genius.

Sailor 222
12-13-10, 20:39
I have been to Rio last week and benefitted a lot from what I read in Bubba report. I would like to contribute with the below minor points if anyone else intends to beat a similar path.

&304; and General I found Tier 1 termas as extremely expenvive for this kind of sports so I spend most of my time in Tier 2 Centro establishments.

Most of them are extremely popular amongs Brasilien mongerers. We never saw any place empty after 12:00 mostly very busy all days in the week Sat and sundays are dead silent.

1. Avenida Rio Branco 181, Commercial Sala 1006 Flavias used to be very popular and highly rocomended. But they are out of business. There is a Lawyer there now. Who opened the door when we knocked.

2. Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana andº 583 sala 203. Mamasan of this place was very tricky. She quoted 140 Real for 40 min. She even showed us some printed tariff hide away in somewhere on the wall to show her stupidly high prices. But no such thing in other places. I believe she tried to rip off.

One last point I would say is that even in copacabana in Rio very few people speak decent english. Same applies in tier 2 and tier 3 establishments. So we had to fight our way with our very limited latin speaking skills. Which we did at the end of the day. Taxi drivers, Waiters etc tried to rip off pennies in every possible opportunity.

Sailor 222
12-13-10, 20:40
I have been to Rio last week and benefitted a lot from what I read in Bubba report. I would like to contribute with the below minor points if anyone else intends to beat a similar path.

&304; and General I found Tier 1 termas as extremely expenvive for this kind of sports so I spend most of my time in Tier 2 Centro establishments.

Most of them are extremely popular amongs Brasilien mongerers. We never saw any place empty after 12:00 mostly very busy all days in the week Sat and sundays are dead silent.

1. Avenida Rio Branco 181, Commercial Sala 1006 Flavias used to be very popular and highly rocomended. But they are out of business. There is a Lawyer there now. Who opened the door when we knocked.

Bubba Boy
12-15-10, 18:43
Thanks Sailor and all others that have given mini updates to the Rio Guide. I have noted all corrections / updates and will update everything in January. In fact the January update is going to be the best, most accurate Rio Guide ever.

Keep all the info coming. The more the better!

The current latest guide is here (updated mid November) , it is a cumulative effort.

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?2191-Bubba-Boy-s-Rio-Guide&p=1092906&viewfull=1#post1092906

Euroboy67
12-20-10, 20:44
Bubba Boy, thanks for the excellent guide for Rio termas. Been very useful to me. So fare I have visited the Luomo, Monte Carlo and 4x4. All nice places, but I do find the 4x4 the most fun, even though I speak very little Portuguese.

However, as mentioned in the guide, most of the girls are the big-ass gangsta type. I did found one 10'er there my first visit, but second was not that good (much more guys than girls).

But mu question is:

I am more into the slim, cute, classy type of girls. What would you recommend as the best terma or place to visit for me? I always value quality much more then price.

John Cluster
12-26-10, 12:51
Hi Euroboy,

Its been over a year since I was last in Rio, and I am not the most experienced Rio-monger, but I have managed to get around to some of the Zon Sul Termas, and of course Help (back in the days). Since prize is not a big issue for you, I would suggest Centaurus, even though their prizing policies are debatable, as they have been here on the forum.

But, in my experience they do seem to have more of the spinner, slim type of girls than Monte Carlo and Luomo, even if you also find some gems at these places.

PS. Would also like to send a much overdue thanks to Bubba Boy for the excellent giude, that has made my trips to Rio so much easier!


I am more into the slim, cute, classy type of girls. What would you recommend as the best terma or place to visit for me? I always value quality much more then price.

Exec Talent
12-26-10, 15:37
Bubba Boy, thanks for the excellent guide for Rio termas. Been very useful to me. So fare I have visited the Luomo, Monte Carlo and 4x4. All nice places, but I do find the 4x4 the most fun, even though I speak very little Portuguese.

However, as mentioned in the guide, most of the girls are the big-ass gangsta type. I did found one 10'er there my first visit, but second was not that good (much more guys than girls).

But mu question is:

I am more into the slim, cute, classy type of girls. What would you recommend as the best terma or place to visit for me? I always value quality much more then price. Christmas time is not the best time to visit the largest Catholic country in the world. Termas are closed and when open do not have the best selection of girls since many are with their families. Those not with their families are wishing they were or had families with whom to spend the holidays.

If you are going to be around in January, I would suggest you revisit L'uomo. I was there before the holidays and there were a number of spinner types. As suggested by another poster, Centaurus also is a good place to find that body type. Most will be fair skinned blonds (at lease up top) since Centaurus caters to wealthy Brazilians.

GeneralOpinion
12-28-10, 15:04
Just finished reading this guide and wow, great job. I particularly found the Tier 2 Termas section full of great information. Nice job!

There are a couple little churrasco's that I found of great value in Copa that you didn't mention in your guide and that's Monchique located on Av. NS Copacabana. 796 and Kilograma on Av. NS Copacabana 1144. I like these buffet style spots to refuel without paying a lot. If memory serves me correctly it was around R$9-R$10. Kilogram weighs the plate though so the price may vary. I never eat on the beach-muito caro!

Also I have found the folks over at www.rioapartments.com To be excellent! I was surprised to see that you didn't mention them in your guide. They have the largest selection of apartments in the area. They are very professional and provide all of the services a monger would need.

Once again, great guide and maybe my contributions might add to its value.

Bubba Boy
12-28-10, 15:23
Just finished reading this guide and wow, great job. I particularly found the Tier 2 Termas section full of great information. Nice job!

There are a couple little churrasco's that I found of great value in Copa that you didn't mention in your guide and that's Monchique located on Av. NS Copacabana. 796 and Kilograma on Av. NS Copacabana 1144. I like these buffet style spots to refuel without paying a lot. If memory serves me correctly it was around R$9-R$10. Kilogram weighs the plate though so the price may vary. I never eat on the beach-muito caro!

Also I have found the folks over at.

To be excellent! I was surprised to see that you didn't mention them in your guide. They have the largest selection of apartments in the area. They are very professional and provide all of the services a monger would need.

Once again, great guide and maybe my contributions might add to its value. Monchique is one of the worst places in Copa. Would not recommend it to anybody.

Kilograma closed down like 2 years ago.

R$9. R$ 10 will not get you fed at any Kilo place now. Think R$ 15. R$ 20 as a minimum.

There are tons of rental places in Copacabana, the one you listed is nothing special.

Before you post you need to have better more up to date info otherwise your posts will not garner positive responses.

Exec Talent
12-28-10, 15:37
Monchique is one of the worst places in Copa. Would not recommend it to anybody.

Kilograma closed down like 2 years ago.

R$9. R$ 10 will not get you fed at any Kilo place now. Think R$ 15. R$ 20 as a minimum.

There are tons of rental places in Copacabana, the one you listed is nothing special.

Before you post you need to have better more up to date info otherwise your posts will not garner positive responses. Kilograma is now Frontera. Popular place with the semi-affluent locals. Kilo and all you can eat pizza. Several locations around Rio.

http://www.frontera.com.br/

Monchique is a get what you pay for place. The Rodizio is not worth the money. The meat selection is limited and of poor quality. Check out the kilo offerings and if you see some things you like, stay and eat.

Nearby is 686 (NS & Santa Clara). A good place but as Bubba says R$20 is about the minimum these days.

GeneralOpinion
12-28-10, 16:52
Monchique is one of the worst places in Copa. Would not recommend it to anybody.

Kilograma closed down like 2 years ago.

R$9. R$ 10 will not get you fed at any Kilo place now. Think R$ 15. R$ 20 as a minimum.

There are tons of rental places in Copacabana, the one you listed is nothing special.

Before you post you need to have better more up to date info otherwise your posts will not garner positive responses. No worries man. Just trying to help. I have not been to Rio in awhile so yeah the information that I provide could be (and in this case, is out of date)

The place that I mentioned isn't anything special but that wasn't my point. Just thought it deserved to be mentioned among the good apartment rental joints. But it's your guide. Your call.

GeneralOpinion
12-28-10, 16:57
Kilograma is now Frontera. Popular place with the semi-affluent locals. Kilo and all you can eat pizza. Several locations around Rio.

http://www.frontera.com.br/

Monchique is a get what you pay for place. The Rodizio is not worth the money. The meat selection is limited and of poor quality. Check out the kilo offerings and if you see some things you like, stay and eat.

Nearby is 686 (NS & Santa Clara). A good place but as Bubba says R$20 is about the minimum these days. Thanks for the info on Frontera. I'll be sure to check it out the next time that I am in Rio.

GeneralOpinion
12-28-10, 20:02
Not sure if this has already been pointed out but in guide 3 pg. 10 you have the phrase "do you know" mis-translated. It should be "você sabe".

Bubba Boy
04-10-11, 00:47
149247

149248

149249

Bubba Boy
04-10-11, 00:49
Please don't post comments in this section so the latest report will stay at the top.

Please post any comments in the Rio Reports section.

This report will be updated from time to time. All info, particularly prices change very quickly in Rio.

Bubba Boy
04-15-11, 14:09
I get a lot of private messages, often seeking quite detailed info. I am sorry but I don't have the time to answer them. If I did answer all of them I would be working like 2 hours a day doing the function of a tour guide, which I am not. Hence I apologize for not replying to Private Messages. The one exception is where there is a question from a senior member that has a lot of posts under their belt, always willing to help those that make an effort to share info.

Any corrections sent through I do note.

Bubba Boy
04-22-11, 20:07
Just a further tip for anyone going to Rio. If you haven't already, it would be worth you while to print Spertos guide as follows.

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?2192-Rio-de-Janeiro-Reports&p=1143546&viewfull=1#post1143546

Bubba Boy
07-02-11, 07:52
I just love this place. The entrance is now different.

Tigresas Tijucanas (http://www.tigresastijucanas.com)

Rua General Roca 340/114 Tijuca (3872-5268)

Monday – Friday 10:00 ás 20. 00, Saturday 10:00 ás 18. 00.

30 Minutes R$ 50. 00, 40 Minutes R$ 60. 00, 60 Minutes R$ 80. 00.

NB: Entrance is actually through the main entrance of a garage, next to the church, about 30 meters down you will see a staircase to your right. Go up, at the top you will see 2 large water tanks, turn left at top. It is the first door you will see

Badboymcl
07-03-11, 22:42
I just want to thank Bubba Boy and Sperto for their knowledge and playbook. I was in Rio last weekend (solo) and my wingman couldn't make it down so I had to make the trip solo for a couple of days. I decided to print out the BB guide and read once I got to my apartment in Copa. I unpacked, went for a misto quinche and cafe con leite and then got ready for the subway trip from Ipanema to Uraguay station. The subway worked like a charm and I navigated the cetro part (thanks to Bubba boy) with no problems at all. I also appreciated the times at which different termas offer specials. I arrived at 4 x 4 around 3:30 and robed up and grabbed a frosty beverage. I have only been to 4 x 4 about 10 times but I love the prices and the selection of women there. Had a couple of beers and relaxed as a couple of garotas passed by and kissed and chatted. Then as it started to get around 4:30, I thought it was time to make a move to save the entrance fee (yeah I'm a cheap bastard, but with the Rio prices, you have to take advantage).

Then came Cintia. I saw another monger post some pics, looks like the same outfit so it could have been the same day I was there. She stuck her tongue down my throat and then we proceeded to just make out until the little general told me it was time to rock and roll.

She told me she was 30 and I didn't believe it but guys, if you get a chance, you need to sample these goods. She was nothing short of awesome! After the session, I hung out at the bar until around 8 and then took a taxi back to the apartment.

Saturday decided to try out Monte Carlo after a nice day at the beach and tiki huts. Got in there around 6:30 and there was about 15-20 girls and one other guy. Talk about getting a lot of attention. Holy shit, I was having to push them away. Anyway, had a couple of beers and then another couple mongers joined the party and it started to liven up. I ended up talking with another guy at the bar for a while and he was pointing out some of his favorites and then a newbie came up and started chatting and rubbing on me. She was new, only been ther for a couple days (yeah, I know, they all say that) but she was serious. When I told her lets go, she took me upstairs and said, what do we do next? I said tell them 40 mins and get us a room? Hello! I guess the OJT wasn't part of the hiring process. Anyway, she came out in like 30 seconds (that was a first as well) and we went to the room and had a blast. She told me that it was her second day and I was her first date. Ok, whatever. Then after the great sex and everything, we were just sitting there talking and the phone never rang. She finally said how long are we in here for? I said 40 minutes, didn't you tell them that? She said she told them she needed a room and that was it. Ok. Time to dress and get out. All in all was a good experience and the manager totally understood and only charged me for the 40 mins.

Sunday was tired and needed a little rest after walking all of leme, copa, ipa and leblon. But then I thought, last day here, got to go to one more robe club. After all the recent talk of Luomo, decided to make a last minute quick run to Solarium. I got there around 4 and there were two girls in the boate and one other guy. I had a couple of beers, then a couple of other hot girls came in and I had to jump on one just out of principle. Can't remember her name but she was great!

That was all for that trip. It was a great trip and I really appreciate BB's guide and stories. Thanks again!

BB

Bubba Boy
09-01-11, 23:47
Can you please keep your posts out of this section. Please post any of your reports in the main section and pm me any corrections or updates. I am trying to keep the guide on the top of the section and not bury it under a number of posts. Thanks

MoneyShot
02-01-12, 00:03
Ok, so it is that time of the year ago. Prices keep going up, addresses change and some places simply fade away. So in January I believe an update is due!

If anyone has any suggestions or has picked up any mistakes in the previous report please PM (Private message) me.That would be Cool & thanks for the Last Guide it was Very Helpful on my first trip to Brazil.

Bubba Boy
03-11-12, 03:49
The Bubba Boy Report 2012. Please post any comments to the Rio de Janeiro reports section as to not bury this report. Thank you.

HoleRanger
03-11-12, 19:46
Having some issues with word and a conversion also. If anybody has or will be converting the word file to pdf, could you please post it.

Thanks

Auriflama
03-19-12, 07:20
Bubba, any thing you can add on sao paulo for your guide?

DoofDuff
03-19-12, 13:04
Having some issues with word and a conversion also. If anybody has or will be converting the word file to pdf, could you please post it.

ThanksHere are the files in PDF format as requested.

Bubba Boy
03-31-12, 15:12
Hi I will go in Mai to Mariana-joinville and Rio do yoiu have adresses of massageparlours with prices etc. Thanks it will be my firts visit

HotdinoBelieve it or not I receive quite a lot of these requests via Private message. Some people just don't get it I guess!

Bubba Boy
05-13-12, 17:29
Can people please refrain from posting in this section, it is for the BB guide that I update once a year. There are 20 other sections to post in, please select any one of these to continue your discussions.

Bubba Boy
05-13-12, 17:34
I really didn't need your smart comment or your help. I just got back from Rio and my cabdriver took me to Rio De Janeiro state university. Here is a pic.Execs point was why would you post totally off topic posts in this section. Please post in the correct section / topic, this is not the correct section for you to be posting anything.

Admin
05-15-12, 23:34
Greetings Everyone,

I moved the last several pages of general discussion regarding "Rio de Janeiro" to the thread "Rio de Janeiro".

http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showthread.php?2192-Rio-de-Janeiro-Reports

Everyone please refrain from spamming Bubba Boy's thread.

This "Thread Splitting" process is not perfect, and it's possible that I may have inadvertently moved / did not move a few reports. If you find that your own report was also moved / not moved, please don't take it personally.

Thanks,

Jackson

Sebastiane
10-14-12, 14:28
The Bubba Boy Report 2012. Please post any comments to the Rio de Janeiro reports section as to not bury this report. Thank you.I've never been to Brazil (yet) but am possibly considering a job in Rio so I just wanted to thank you for an amazing document!

Marcenite
12-26-12, 02:22
Here are the files in PDF format as requested.Need I pay for download this documents? Please! I need it.

Mexidan
12-26-12, 18:04
Need I pay for download this documents? Please! I need it.Its not so much that you need to pay for the document as much as you need to be a paid member of the site. That said, it is the most up-to-date and in depth guide for Rio. Also, with a paid membership, you can send private messages to other members which may help you connect with other members while in Rio.

Manoon
02-28-13, 09:44
Can anyone please upload the report it the rapidshare or any other hosting site. I could not download it.

EmilioTheGreat
03-16-13, 19:59
I will be headed to Rio on 03/20. Can someone verify that the info on Bubba's 2012 guide still holds true? If not, maybe an update will be posted sometime this week.

Thanks

Bubba Boy
03-18-13, 00:26
Just FYI I don't spend much time in Rio anymore, hence not much chance of an update anytime soon. I can say the info is still basically up to date with the exception of luomo that is closed for good.

Please don't bother sending me PM's anymore, I only log on once like every 3 months or so.

If anyone else would like to update the guide, feel free. Cartman? Sperto?

Brazil Specialist
10-28-13, 08:32
You can find Bwana Dik's Rio guide when googling. I think 2012 is the last one.

Bwana Dik is willing to post it here in exchange for membership. Admin here agreed.

I started intermediating this but somehow it never got finished. Maybe someone wants to finish this?

ForceSteeler
10-28-13, 14:54
I'm in Rio De Janerio right now, I can tell you all the action is in the Termas, and there are hardly any gringos (Tourist) in town, Balcony is pretty much a wash.

I'm heading to the 4x4 right now, it opens at 2:00pm, I will keep you guys updated.

Vagabundo1
06-07-21, 14:23
As BB suggested, these files could be updated.


Here are the files in PDF format as requested.

ShawMan74
06-07-21, 18:39
As BB suggested, these files could be updated.IKR! Where's world travel 69 when you need him? Haha.

Seriously though, I want to know if there are any termas other than centaurus in ipanema. I want to try a high-end hotel this time because I'm only there for 6 days, I was in copa last time, so maybe have a different experience. But not if it means I am untenably far from the action. Convenience was the key to my experience last time and that's the part I like the best.

Nounce
06-07-21, 18:48
As BB suggested, these files could be updated.It seems Bubba Boy is back.


........................................

My old account had 1000 posts. I kind of got disenchanted with all the nonsense you have to deal with from time to time. Tend to have to search through a lot of coal to find the odd tiny diamond. Anyway, decided 1 night to enter a jumbled password and then did the same with a new email by blindly hitting keyboard. Old account dead for good I guess. No real regrets either.

My old account was "Bubba Boy" , even had my old Rio de Janeiro thread.

http://www.internationalsexguide.nl/forum/showthread.php?2191-Bubba-Boy-s-Rio-Guide