Rio de Janeiro Reports

**Jake993** · 10-20-23 20:39

I am pleased to report that the NOVOTEL PRAIA DE BOTAFOGO is "Girl Friendly". In fact, the staff seems to be "Girl Indifferent". I have walked in with different girls on different nights and the staff has not batted an eye. No fee, no document check, nothing. Maybe it's because they just assume these girls are my daughters! Ha ha ha ha.

**Jake993** · 10-20-23 20:34

Originally Posted by Chicago85 [View Original Post]

Yes. I did Uber to and from there in early September. Another option is InDriver.

Quite right. Uber app will direct you upstairs to the departures level where Uber drivers are permitted to pick fares.

**The Cane** · 10-20-23 16:08

Originally Posted by HoustonPlayer [View Original Post]

I can verify from personal experience that all senior discounts and other priviieges are applied to all seniors not just Brazilians. I've never used free travel but I have used parking privileges, preffered lines at banks and checkout counters, and discounted entry to cinemas and other entertainment venues.

This is what the respected travel advice guide Frommers has to say about it: https://www.frommers.com/destination...nior-travelers.

So, seems the truth is somewhere in the middle. It's supposed to be for citizens only, but if you ask you might get lucky and get somebody who lets you have the discount anyway.

**Houston Player** · 10-20-23 14:58

Originally Posted by Turgid [View Original Post]

I am not in Brazil but it seems you are. Nevertheless from my research I have not found anything to confirm your experience. I see blogs where senior tourists have been refused free travel on buses. There is one I came across that stated that foreigners residing in Rio can access free travel but none that suggest that an over 65 tourist can travel free. Perhaps the free travel is capricious and depends on the particular person in authority. Apparently, senior citizens in Brazil have free or discounted access to many attractions but availability to tourists is iffy at best. I will certainly be exploiting possibilities on my next visit. BTW, one blogger stated that the law allows foreign residents same discount rights as Brazilians; I have not verified this.

I can verify from personal experience that all senior discounts and other priviieges are applied to all seniors not just Brazilians. I've never used free travel but I have used parking privileges, preffered lines at banks and checkout counters, and discounted entry to cinemas and other entertainment venues.

**Turgid** · 10-20-23 13:24

Originally Posted by JimmyBoy99 [View Original Post]

Incorrect. I am not a Brazilian, but over 65, and don't pay. Just show my ID (copy of passport page with picture).

I am not in Brazil but it seems you are. Nevertheless from my research I have not found anything to confirm your experience. I see blogs where senior tourists have been refused free travel on buses. There is one I came across that stated that foreigners residing in Rio can access free travel but none that suggest that an over 65 tourist can travel free. Perhaps the free travel is capricious and depends on the particular person in authority. Apparently, senior citizens in Brazil have free or discounted access to many attractions but availability to tourists is iffy at best. I will certainly be exploiting possibilities on my next visit. BTW, one blogger stated that the law allows foreign residents same discount rights as Brazilians; I have not verified this.

**Chicago85** · 10-19-23 21:57

Originally Posted by HKS11 [View Original Post]

I am going to be in Rio next month. Is uber possible from Galeao? I seem to remember that they try to not allow uber at Tom Jobim Airport but maybe things have changed? I might just take the bus. Can anyone comment if taking aerotaxi from zona sul to Galeao is still the great deal it was in years past?

Yes. I did Uber to and from there in early September. Another option is InDriver.

**Rio Bob** · 10-19-23 17:44

Originally Posted by HKS11 [View Original Post]

I am going to be in Rio next month. Is uber possible from Galeao? I seem to remember that they try to not allow uber at Tom Jobim Airport but maybe things have changed? I might just take the bus. Can anyone comment if taking aerotaxi from zona sul to Galeao is still the great deal it was in years past?

Check out this video https://youtu.be/jOnp-S4dq7o?si=j30GyA9ink6ZfCMA.

**Rio Bob** · 10-19-23 17:34

Originally Posted by JimmyBoy99 [View Original Post]

If you are over 65, bus, VLT, and metro are free for you to use in Brazil. Just show ID with date of birth on entering the bus, VLT, or metro station.

I was waiting for my flight home in gig and they made an announcement that if you're over 60 you can board first. I got on line and the agent stopped me and said sir this is for people only 60 and over, I said yes I know.

**Nounce** · 10-19-23 17:31

Originally Posted by HKS11 [View Original Post]

I am going to be in Rio next month. Is uber possible from Galeao? ...

You can google "Can you get an Uber from GIG?" to find answer. You can also try to reserve it to see if it works.

**Nounce** · 10-19-23 17:18

Originally Posted by Explorer8939 [View Original Post]

...I think I still have one of them.

It likely would be blocked because you have not used it for a few months. I was riding it and I was thinking it was so comfortable that I don't want to get out. Haha.

**Jimmy Boy 99** · 10-19-23 15:57

Originally Posted by Turgid [View Original Post]

That would be for elderly Brazilian citizens.

Incorrect. I am not a Brazilian, but over 65, and don't pay. Just show my ID (copy of passport page with picture).

**Turgid** · 10-19-23 14:00

Originally Posted by JimmyBoy99 [View Original Post]

If you are over 65, bus, VLT, and metro are free for you to use in Brazil. Just show ID with date of birth on entering the bus, VLT, or metro station.

That would be for elderly Brazilian citizens.

**HKS11** · 10-19-23 11:14

I am going to be in Rio next month. Is uber possible from Galeao? I seem to remember that they try to not allow uber at Tom Jobim Airport but maybe things have changed? I might just take the bus. Can anyone comment if taking aerotaxi from zona sul to Galeao is still the great deal it was in years past?

**Jimmy Boy 99** · 10-19-23 04:33

Originally Posted by Explorer8939 [View Original Post]

It looks like the VLT uses the "RioCard Mais". Great. I think I still have one of them.

If you are over 65, bus, VLT, and metro are free for you to use in Brazil. Just show ID with date of birth on entering the bus, VLT, or metro station.