Rio de Janeiro Reports

[Xpartan]

For sim cards including registration (cadastre) just go to the popular mercado / street market at Uruguiana metro. $15 reais.

Great tip, thanks!

This is good advice.

Further, while you are on the map, you can sneak into the pool from the Southwest side. Just walk on the street, and hop the 3 foot fence at its lowest point. You can thus check out the talent at the pool without a bracelet. I've become adept at crashing pool parties in Barra to scan bunda.

I am paying 20 USD a night at Transamerica. As related before, my landlord, who is a decent enough guy put me through some gringo tax drama, but after I protested about wanting a bigger bed and a safe, he gave me a suite grande with a big bed and two sofas. True to form, the safe won't work, but that's Brazil.

Not only is Transamerica the best place IMHO but the 'hood is worth knowing. One would if he settled in Brazil pick a apto at the Riviera del Fiori condos (the 7 25 story buildings just East of Transamerica), where I looked at a place asking 4400 r per month (I am paying 3000 r).

Lets put it this way, the towel boy at Terma 65, who used to be the towel boy at 4 x 4 lives in Transamerica. Need I say more?

After reading you for months, I just must check out this place when it's safe to travel. Will probably split my stay for a week in Copa and 3 days in Barra or, perhaps, the other way around. By the way, for anyone who's searching, they call it Mediterraneo Flat on Airbnb.

[Vagabundo1]

For sim cards including registration (cadastre) just go to the popular mercado / street market at Uruguiana metro. $15 reais.

I'm just relating my own experience.

Tried a Lojas Americanos once, and they sent me to a TIM store because they couldn't activate it without CPF. Was it because they didn't know their shit? Maybe, I don't know.

When I go to a phone store, they always ask for my passport. If I'm not mistaken, they also make a copy of it. Maybe if you're convincing enough it'll work over the phone, but it's hard to be convincing with my limited Portuguese. For most tourists using the phone shop is just easier, IMHO. I got my SIM card at Rio Sul a couple of times and one time at a standalone TIM store when I stayed in Centro. Worked without a hitch every time.

Just my $0. 02.

[Vagabundo1]

Lapa Irish Pub is a option. The address is below.

Are. Evaristo the Veiga, 147 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro. RJ, 20031-040.

I went there with a friend who get us in after hours and we had Irish Whiskey -- Jamesons -- all night.

I haven't gone there yet during normal working hours, but I think they have music events there a few nights a week.

I stand corrected. Thanks.

[Rio Bob]

Any recommendations on a sports bar that has a good array of Tv's to watch USA football and the master's etc.

King V. Does that Transamerica have a bar with Tv's as I'm sure some halftime hyjinx would be easy with all the talent around.

Wheels up. Cheers.

I don't really watch sports but 2 times I was at Mabs and they had the super bowl on large tv's outside. Also a real old favorite would be Lord Jim's pub in Ipanema. Occasionally youll see working girls in these places.

[Vagabundo1]

This is good advice.

Further, while you are on the map, you can sneak into the pool from the Southwest side. Just walk on the street, and hop the 3 foot fence at its lowest point. You can thus check out the talent at the pool without a bracelet. I've become adept at crashing pool parties in Barra to scan bunda.

I am paying 20 USD a night at Transamerica. As related before, my landlord, who is a decent enough guy put me through some gringo tax drama, but after I protested about wanting a bigger bed and a safe, he gave me a suite grande with a big bed and two sofas. True to form, the safe won't work, but that's Brazil.

Not only is Transamerica the best place IMHO but the 'hood is worth knowing. One would if he settled in Brazil pick a apto at the Riviera del Fiori condos (the 7 25 story buildings just East of Transamerica), where I looked at a place asking 4400 r per month (I am paying 3000 r).

Lets put it this way, the towel boy at Terma 65, who used to be the towel boy at 4 x 4 lives in Transamerica. Need I say more?

Google the location of Transamerica. Then on Airbnb do a zoom in on that location and a search for apartments. You will get many options in Transamerica that are much cheaper than booking sites. They won't name the building as Transamerica but you will recognize it from the pictures of the Pool, the building itself if included in the pics, and by the style of room.

You can find very cheap options, like 30-40 bucks a night.

[Xpartan]

Nope.

Nope.

No need for buying your SIM card at Rio Sul or a e.g a TIM/Vivo shop. You can buy your SIM card at a reseller, Lojas Americanas, many pharmacies or from a street seller (btw the TIM/Vivo shops often are out of stock of their SIM cards and recommend you to get them somewhere else).
As said before, no need for a CPF.

If I feel lazy I buy my SIM card at Lojas Americanas and let the TIM guy/girl activate it in the store. Otherwise I just buy the SIM card and activate it when I get home by calling TIM/Vivo. If you happens to have a CPF it's very quick to activate your SIM card by calling TIM/Vivo. If you don't have a CPF (or doesn't want to give your CPF number) you'll have to speak with one of the staff, explaining that you're a tourist and have no CPF. This can be solved very smoothly by phone, or it can be time and patience wasting if you doesn't speak portuguese or are onlucky to speak with one of dumb ones (both TIM and Vivo have quite a few really dumb ones attending).

I never tried a tourist SIM card. I've just bought regular SIM card and they works just fine. Personally I prefer to use TIM in Rio. However, in some parts of Brazil TIM works very badly and you might want a VIVO.

I'm just relating my own experience.

Tried a Lojas Americanos once, and they sent me to a TIM store because they couldn't activate it without CPF. Was it because they didn't know their shit? Maybe, I don't know.

When I go to a phone store, they always ask for my passport. If I'm not mistaken, they also make a copy of it. Maybe if you're convincing enough it'll work over the phone, but it's hard to be convincing with my limited Portuguese. For most tourists using the phone shop is just easier, IMHO. I got my SIM card at Rio Sul a couple of times and one time at a standalone TIM store when I stayed in Centro. Worked without a hitch every time.

Just my $0. 02.

[The Critic]

Shenanigan's is closed (since the beginning of 2019 ?). There were a new owner and a new bar. When we went to the new bar there were almost no guests, terrible service and awful food. I can't recall if they showed any sport, but I think not.

I stand corrected. Thanks.

[Sperto]

I recall in Ipanema close to General Osrio Metro (Subway)/ Park is Shenanigan's Irish Pub Sports Bar.

Shenanigan's is closed (since the beginning of 2019 ?). There were a new owner and a new bar. When we went to the new bar there were almost no guests, terrible service and awful food. I can't recall if they showed any sport, but I think not.

[The Critic]

Any recommendations on a sports bar that has a good array of Tv's to watch USA football and the master's etc.

When you ask for recommendations it would be helpful to indicate the area your located at or interested in going to.

You may get more information from Mongers currently on the ground about other venues.

I recall in Ipanema close to General Osrio Metro (Subway)/ Park is Shenanigan's Irish Pub Sports Bar.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...e_Janeiro.html

If in Barra da Tijuca try the New York City Center (part of the BarraShopping Complex).

Beyond that I got no clue, when I go to Brazil there is only one sport I am interested in. And it doesn't involve watching TV.

I forgot....use your phone or tablet and stream from any location (hotel, restaurant, beach) with Wi-fi access or data plan. Just make sure your stream can be accessed in Rio/Brazil.

[Sperto]

You sure about that?

100% sure. I've done it on every visit to Brazil.

Note: Some TIM/Vivo staff doesn't know you don't need a CPF to activate the SIM card. If that's the case, speak with their supervisor or someone else more experienced.

[ThatDudeThere]

Can anyone recommend something in these areas. I want to hit up Transamerica, what is the nightly rate there? They seem to be juicing the price on the booking sites.

Google the location of Transamerica. Then on Airbnb do a zoom in on that location and a search for apartments. You will get many options in Transamerica that are much cheaper than booking sites. They won't name the building as Transamerica but you will recognize it from the pictures of the Pool, the building itself if included in the pics, and by the style of room.

You can find very cheap options, like 30-40 bucks a night.

[Exec Talent]

You sure about that?

I arrived on Thursday, bought a VIVO SIM card from a reseller. When I arrived at the Vivo store in Copa, there was a note in the sign in saying all foreigners need to go to the Vivo shop in Rio Sul with their passports. At the Rio Sul store, I gave the Vivo representative my sim card I bought from the reseller, he said I couldn't use that one unless I had a CPF. He sold me one in the store I didn't need a CPF for and activated my phone.

Cheers

Yeah, I always believe a merchant with an incentive to sell me something over someone who spends months at a time in Brazil, has been doing so for years and speaks Portuguese fluently.

My friends all have me buy their cars for them. Over and over again when they go themselves they are encouraged to spend thousands more, pay all the extra fees, buy add-ONS they don't need and get taken on financing. Then they ask me to see what I can do. I happen to have a special set of skills. Sperto does also. If you don't, then overpay. Regardless, we really are not talking about a lot of money, especially considering the exchange rate.

[BeenBob]

Nope.

Nope.

No need for buying your SIM card at Rio Sul or a e.g a TIM/Vivo shop. You can buy your SIM card at a reseller, Lojas Americanas, many pharmacies or from a street seller (btw the TIM/Vivo shops often are out of stock of their SIM cards and recommend you to get them somewhere else).
As said before, no need for a CPF.

You sure about that?

I arrived on Thursday, bought a VIVO SIM card from a reseller. When I arrived at the Vivo store in Copa, there was a note in the sign in saying all foreigners need to go to the Vivo shop in Rio Sul with their passports. At the Rio Sul store, I gave the Vivo representative my sim card I bought from the reseller, he said I couldn't use that one unless I had a CPF. He sold me one in the store I didn't need a CPF for and activated my phone.

Cheers

[TrueGent]

I have been in Rio for about a week but had yet to venture out as bogged down with work.

I took a trip to Club 163. This place is pretty cramped with the rooms being in partitions in a larger room. You hear every noise from neighboring partitions. I forget her name but was presented with a tiny mulato with such lovely curves. Damage was 170 for an hour. She was very enthusiastic.

Later in the day took a trip to Copa 583. This place it quite large with several big rooms with shower, massage table and double bed. I selected Miuke as she reminded me of an American actress. The bonus was she spoke good English as my Porto is not there. She gave a good massage and was pretty passionate. For 1 hour it is 130. The lineup was rather nice.

[LoveLongTime]

They gave you a ocean front balcony room on the 3rd floor? WTF? I would have marched right back downstairs and let them know I want to be on 10 or higher! That's the only reason why we would pay for a ocean front room is to have the amazing view!

As I was only staying for one night and wanted the balcony to smoke relax and fuck on it was not a concern. It might also not help I left a negative review regarding the Sky bar staff. I have already booked an airbnb for my new years weekend trip. Rio is calling again already, given the impending lockdown in USA sometime after Jan 20.