Rio de Janeiro Reports

[Alaska1986]

As far as BBBJ, it is very common among prepagos in medellin Colombia. Beautiful prepagos for 50-60 usd for 2-3 hrs sometimes more than one round with all the services you mentioned and more.

In medellin casas you will find more rules. But wouldn't lump Colombia in with mexico thailand. Girls in medellin very relaxed and medellin presents an excellent value when compared with other mongering destinations.

Rio Branco 185- sala 1308 and 1810- no talent at all and charging 170 HR, 100-120 hh depending what day you go.

Basically, skip the salas at Rio Branco 156 and 185. Overpriced with same talent you find at prives in 13 de maio and praa olavo bilac.

Pretty much done every prive here (unless it wasn't listed on gpguia and other sites).

The best ones by far are darkroom and sala 3206 at av 13 de maio. Hottest girls with strong lineups and good value at 30 min 100 reals. HR 150.

You really get spoiled here in Brazil with the BBBJ, 69, DFK. Not sure how the Mexico / Colombia / Thai mongers do it with CBJ and rules after coming here LOL.

Also, Xpartan I agree with you.

Rio is really not that dangerous, and I have lived in NYC previously for many years. Stay out of the favelas and don't be a dummy "vlogging" and taking pictures of everything like a youtube mark and you'll be completely fine.

In my travels every time I've seen a mugging, a person is at the wrong place at the wrong time. Daylight muggings won't happen 98% of the time if you don't have your phone / Rolex / jewelry on display walking down the sidewalk.

Noobs just use your smarts and don't be alone at night, common sense.

[Bkgnj1]

I'll be working remotely from Astoria Palace mid Aug. Per tiavoyage25 trip report, the wifi is so-so. But that's the only conclusive girl friendly hotel in Copa at this time. Any more recent thoughts on someone who stayed there recently how acceptable the wifi is for full time stateside work during the day time, so one can engage in the hobby nighttime? Thanks in advance.

[TeddyT6969]

If you're staying long term you're best bet and really best choice is to go and find something in barra.

For short stays like most of us on the board being in Copa / Ipa is required so you're not wasting time trying to enter the city and going back. Time is crucial.

Apartments in Copa / Ipa are overpriced for what you get especially since you can get a really modern and sometimes fully furnished place in barra.

You can find some around the $1000 and they include a gym, pool, laundry and usually a small market or restaurant in the place so it's the perfect for long stays.

Since you'll be there for a longer period of time you'll eventually find some girls you'll click with and can invite over and you won't be so concerned about hitting the termas so much.

There are buses and a subway that you can use to cheaply and easily travel to and from copa.

At least that's what I would do if I were there long term.

Good luck.

Just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't want to live in Barra. Yes, you can probably find a better, newer apartment with gym etc, but Barra is so spread out and not designed for walking. You really need a car like everyone else living there. If you have a family and want to settle down it would be a good option. Lucio Costa was one of the designers and he was known for his work on designing Brasilia. Another layout disaster for anyone without a car! Its not like a city where you see or discover interesting things all the time, like little side streets with cool looking bars or restaurants, not great for people watching etc. It just feels artificial and a bit boring. You have to go to a big shopping center if you want that. It does have some of the best big stores, but how often will you actually need to go to buy a very expensive designer table? You can use the metro to the zona sul or bus or taxi, but you'll be spending a lot of time on public transport. As a single guy, I just think its better to pay more for more interesting surroundings, more life around you, more options within walking distance. In my 10 years living in Rio, I lived in Copa, Flamengo and 2 locations in Ipanema. No way would I even consider Barra. To each their own I guess.

[Vagabundo1]

Fuck #2 of another Friday to Jada Fire, Rita Faltoyano directed and starring Steve Holmes.

Vagabundo woke up after a sleepless night with homegirl. We fucked in the morning, and it was good. Made an omelette then headed down to pool with a ISG buddy in town. My fellow ISGer concluded that getting a bus pass is worth it. Here is the link:

https://www.associacaomediterraneo.c...-balsa/onibus/

When you reserve, you should tell your landlord (administrator) you want a pass. The landlord has to do some authorization. Then that gets passed to another office at av gastao senges 185/ loja 130, and then they give you a pass. Saving 100 reais a day -- uber to and fro -- is 40 minutes in a prive, and worth it.

At the pool, we met some german girls, wish us luck, maybe we take them to olegario maciel 7, and maybe to vitorino.

Then Vagabundo came back upstairs, and homegirl was in the mood, so we fucked again, this time to Jada Fire and Rita Faltoyano with Steve Holmes and 2 other studs, kind of a eastern European meets LA porn negra vibe. We had another great fuck. Homegirl informed Vagabundo that she like blondes, so Rita being at least somewhat brunette was picked because Annette Schwartz and Jada Fire's superb scenes together had all been watched! Again, for you rich world Puritan Pussy PatroBitches, go get fisted at the closest weed dispensary, thanks very much! And, referencing another post by the always genius Ojeito on another thread where he referenced inflation, Vagabundo suggests looking at inflation protected government bonds, because gentlemen and rio negras prefer bonds and blonds.

Wish we ISGers luck in turning the german girls at the pool into our little aryan harem!

[WyattEarp]

For short stays like most of us on the board being in Copa / Ipa is required so you're not wasting time trying to enter the city and going back. Time is crucial.
Apartments in Copa / Ipa are overpriced for what you get especially since you can get a really modern and sometimes fully furnished place in barra.

This makes sense. Any major tourist area particularly near popular beaches is going to drive up rental prices long term as well as short term. Sometimes we also forget that there are a lot of affluent Brazilians who also visit Rio.

[Bearsi]

My plan is to move to Rio and May or June of next year. To be honest I'm working at Thailand also but I absolutely love the beaches of Rio and the all over vibe of the city. In Thailand for $1000 a month I can find an 80 m apartment modern with nice furniture facing the ocean. And a few websites I found for Rio I really can't find much for $1000 it looks like a 50 year-old apartment that's never been remodeled and furniture that's almost as old. If I'm looking in the Copacabana and surrounding areas what's a realistic budget for a decent apartment? Are there any websites and if you can suggest? I'll be going on a student visa so I get everything lined up so I have the Proper documentation to rent.

On a sidenote on the topic of safety since it was brought up I must've had beginners luck because I was stupid and walked around centro late at night on my own and never had any trouble but I'll just chalk that up to beginners luck. I'm American but I could definitely pass his Brazilian so I don't think I stick out like a gringo. And on both trips I would walk around Copacabana and Ipanema very late at night a total of almost 6 weeks combined and never once had an issue.

If you're staying long term you're best bet and really best choice is to go and find something in barra.

For short stays like most of us on the board being in Copa / Ipa is required so you're not wasting time trying to enter the city and going back. Time is crucial.

Apartments in Copa / Ipa are overpriced for what you get especially since you can get a really modern and sometimes fully furnished place in barra.

You can find some around the $1000 and they include a gym, pool, laundry and usually a small market or restaurant in the place so it's the perfect for long stays.

Since you'll be there for a longer period of time you'll eventually find some girls you'll click with and can invite over and you won't be so concerned about hitting the termas so much.

There are buses and a subway that you can use to cheaply and easily travel to and from copa.

At least that's what I would do if I were there long term.

Good luck.

[Vagabundo1]

I had a nice afternoon bang, watching Annette Schwartz and Jada Fire lesbo scenes. Since homegirl likes lesbian porn, I figure give her what she wants.

I was glad to see an ISGer who is staying here at Transamerica / Mediterraneo down at the pool, which is beautiful on these winter sunny days.

Between banging, we smoke some ganja, and listen to Maria Gadu.

[JohnnyWalker55]

Rio Branco 185- sala 1308 and 1810- no talent at all and charging 170 HR, 100-120 hh depending what day you go.

Basically, skip the salas at Rio Branco 156 and 185. Overpriced with same talent you find at prives in 13 de maio and praça olavo bilac.

Pretty much done every prive here (unless it wasn't listed on gpguia and other sites).

The best ones by far are darkroom and sala 3206 at av 13 de maio. Hottest girls with strong lineups and good value at 30 min 100 reals. HR 150.

You really get spoiled here in Brazil with the BBBJ, 69, DFK. Not sure how the Mexico / Colombia / Thai mongers do it with CBJ and rules after coming here LOL.

Also, Xpartan I agree with you.

Rio is really not that dangerous, and I have lived in NYC previously for many years. Stay out of the favelas and don't be a dummy "vlogging" and taking pictures of everything like a youtube mark and you'll be completely fine.

In my travels every time I've seen a mugging, a person is at the wrong place at the wrong time. Daylight muggings won't happen 98% of the time if you don't have your phone / Rolex / jewelry on display walking down the sidewalk.

Noobs just use your smarts and don't be alone at night, common sense.

[TeddyT6969]

My plan is to move to Rio and May or June of next year. To be honest I'm working at Thailand also but I absolutely love the beaches of Rio and the all over vibe of the city. In Thailand for $1000 a month I can find an 80 m apartment modern with nice furniture facing the ocean. And a few websites I found for Rio I really can't find much for $1000 it looks like a 50 year-old apartment that's never been remodeled and furniture that's almost as old. If I'm looking in the Copacabana and surrounding areas what's a realistic budget for a decent apartment? Are there any websites and if you can suggest? I'll be going on a student visa so I get everything lined up so I have the Proper documentation to rent.

On a sidenote on the topic of safety since it was brought up I must've had beginners luck because I was stupid and walked around centro late at night on my own and never had any trouble but I'll just chalk that up to beginners luck. I'm American but I could definitely pass his Brazilian so I don't think I stick out like a gringo. And on both trips I would walk around Copacabana and Ipanema very late at night a total of almost 6 weeks combined and never once had an issue.

I think $1000 per month is a realistic budget for an apartment in Copa or Zona Sul. But it might not be furnished or facing the ocean. You can buy decent cheap furniture in places like toqueacampainha.com.br. Rent is one thing, but then there are condomínio fees and IPTU you'll have to add on top, but all for $1000 is still possible if you shop around. It's not really a cheap place, especially compared to Thailand. You could try sites like zapimoveis.com.br, vivareal.com.br or quintoandar.com.br. Or call into one of the many imovel / I'móveis agencies dotted around the city and tell them what you're looking for. Make a list and be sure to see the apartments in person before deciding anything. Go with a Brazilian friend if possible. Personally, I think living in Ipanema or Arpoador is the best option. Leblon is good too, but generally a bit more expensive. Don't rule out Flamengo either. It's a good location and good deals can be had.

On the topic of safety and walking around Centro at night. I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you're drunk. Don't carry what you can't afford to lose. If you're drunk, get a taxi. There are guys hanging about, looking for easy prey, in Copa too. Just keep your wits about you and you'll be fine as you've already experienced. If you're leaving 4 x4 in the early hours and full of drink and one of the last ones out, it can be a bit of a walk to get a taxi. Have them call you one. Good luck with your search and moving there.

[UniversalX]

My plan is to move to Rio and May or June of next year. To be honest I'm working at Thailand also but I absolutely love the beaches of Rio and the all over vibe of the city. In Thailand for $1000 a month I can find an 80 m apartment modern with nice furniture facing the ocean. And a few websites I found for Rio I really can't find much for $1000 it looks like a 50 year-old apartment that's never been remodeled and furniture that's almost as old. If I'm looking in the Copacabana and surrounding areas what's a realistic budget for a decent apartment? Are there any websites and if you can suggest? I'll be going on a student visa so I get everything lined up so I have the Proper documentation to rent.

On a sidenote on the topic of safety since it was brought up I must've had beginners luck because I was stupid and walked around centro late at night on my own and never had any trouble but I'll just chalk that up to beginners luck. I'm American but I could definitely pass his Brazilian so I don't think I stick out like a gringo. And on both trips I would walk around Copacabana and Ipanema very late at night a total of almost 6 weeks combined and never once had an issue.

Personally in this day an age of the internet, I wonder why people don't take a few minutes to "Research" sometimes before asking questions. Then ask a more informed question. "Copacabana and surrounding areas" is so large its ridiculous, since you been there for 6 weeks you should know better. It would be better to either find or PM the expats on this forum like Vagabundo or look at Airbnb (https://www.airbnb.com/rio-de-janeiro-brazil/stays)/VRBO like sites and ask if they would take $1000 USD per month for a longterm rental or contact local real estate agents or web sites like https://www.expatexchange.com/ctrygu...ving-in-Brazil may help.

Rio Real Estate Agents

Example: https://remaxrio.com.br/vender/AP0573-GIO7

https://remaxrio.com.br/

https://www.rjardim.com.br/imoveis/p...-locacao=~5500 approx $1000 usd monthly rental.

10 minutes of search.

[TravelGuy79]

My plan is to move to Rio and May or June of next year. To be honest I'm working at Thailand also but I absolutely love the beaches of Rio and the all over vibe of the city. In Thailand for $1000 a month I can find an 80 m² apartment modern with nice furniture facing the ocean. And a few websites I found for Rio I really can't find much for $1000 it looks like a 50 year-old apartment that's never been remodeled and furniture that's almost as old. If I'm looking in the Copacabana and surrounding areas what's a realistic budget for a decent apartment? Are there any websites and if you can suggest? I'll be going on a student visa so I get everything lined up so I have the Proper documentation to rent.

On a sidenote on the topic of safety since it was brought up I must've had beginners luck because I was stupid and walked around centro late at night on my own and never had any trouble but I'll just chalk that up to beginners luck. I'm American but I could definitely pass his Brazilian so I don't think I stick out like a gringo. And on both trips I would walk around Copacabana and Ipanema very late at night a total of almost 6 weeks combined and never once had an issue.

[Xpartan]

Crime in Brazil. Is it really that bad?

https://youtu.be/1Wj1MvlvpYE

Vagabundo reports the facts. A ISG friend did use a stun gun to defend himself a month ago. The above youtuber is good.

Man, I don't doubt you report the facts. My apologies if it sounds like I do.

First, I think you can prevent like 90% of trouble in Rio by not being stupid.

But we've all been stupid, and that totally includes me. So let's say you find yourself on a street in Centro in the middle of the night like you friend.

Let me ask you a dumb question. What would happen if he just handed them the money?

Would they try to murder him or just let him go?

They would let him go, wouldn't they?

I never carry more than 100-150 reals and a shitty phone on me. They can have my cards, I'll cancel them and owe nothing.

So what's the point? To save 100 reals? To prove a low-life Brazilian thug that you're the Man?

Just admit that you love this shit, LOL.

[Vagabundo1]

Crime in Brazil. Is it really that bad?

https://youtu.be/1Wj1MvlvpYE

Vagabundo reports the facts. A ISG friend did use a stun gun to defend himself a month ago. The above youtuber is good.

People who haven't read this really great post should have their travel-to-Brazil license confiscated.

No, I won't say that Rio is as dangerous as any other big city. That's bullshit. Rio is more dangerous.

But none of us would be coming back year after year if it was as dangerous as some people feel.

[Xpartan]

I received some worthwhile help also, and I greatly appreciate it. However, after reading posts about muggings and stun guns etc. , I decided to switch gears and head back to Colombia instead. Was going to be my first time in Rio, but I have no interest in spending my vacation dodging physical harm. I realize some of the ISG members like to exaggerate the dangers to make themselves look like tough guys, but the reality is that many visitors get mugged, and some of them more than once. It would different if I had a wingman, but I'm traveling solo. I've been to Santa Fe in Bogota, so I know what grungy South America looks like. I've enjoyed visiting girls in dozens of developing countries around the world, but Rio still sounds like it is not worth the risk, when so many other options exist around the world. Someday, Venezuela will be safe to visit. That will be wonderful. Rio and Caracas remain at the bottom of my list for now. Medellin has moved to the top of the list.

Just an FYI. I've been to Bogota. It can get quite rough in some neighborhoods. I didn't feel at all that it was safer than Rio.

If you've been to dozens of developing countries like you claim, Rio will exceed your expectations by leaps and bounds. About muggings and stun guns, just laugh it off. I suspect that Vagabundo as an ex-commando or something just loves the lifestyle. No, you don't need a bombeiro t-shirt or tasers or water bottles, what you need is a simple t-shirt and shorts. That and not being drunk / wasted on public wouldn't hurt either.

Go to Rio and have more fun than you can imagine. You won't believe you were scared of this place.

[Xpartan]

THIS IS FOR THE NEWBIES.

A shame that some newbies are getting turned away from the splendors of Brazil because like everywhere else in this world: CRIME EXISTS.

People who haven't read this really great post should have their travel-to-Brazil license confiscated.

No, I won't say that Rio is as dangerous as any other big city. That's bullshit. Rio is more dangerous.

But none of us would be coming back year after year if it was as dangerous as some people feel.