Rio de Janeiro Reports

Ground Transportation.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is commonly divided into four areas: City Center (Centro), South Zone (Zona Sul), North Zone (Zona Norte), and West Zone (Zona Oeste). Centro, the business and commercial area where the USA Consulate General is located, separates the relatively more affluent South Zone from poorer neighborhoods in the North Zone. Due to safety concerns, few travelers see much of the North Zone except while en route to the international airport.

Light rail, subways, restricted bus routes, and dedicated Olympic road lanes will carry people between the four Olympic zones (Barra the Tijuca, Copacabana, Deodoro, and Maracanã), South Zone tourist areas, and the two major airports- Santos Dumont (SDU) and Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG; popularly known by its original name Galeão International Airport). To ease traffic congestion, city officials have declared three public holidays during the Games: August 5, the day of the opening ceremony; August 18, the day of the Olympic triathlon; and August 22, the day after the closing ceremony. City authorities have noted the possibility of declaring further holidays at the last minute. Authorities will also expand cargo delivery limitations in the South Zone and Centro to help with the flow of traffic.

While the following provides an overview of ground transportation options, personnel are encouraged to use a number of web and smart-phone apps to identify accurate estimates on travel times and suggested routes.

Public Transportation.

Subway (MetrôRio).

Rio's subway system (MetrôRio) consists of three lines: Line 1, Line 2, and Line 4. Line 1 serves the South Zone, including the Copacabana events cluster, and is an option to reach Maracanã Stadium. Line 2 connects the North Zone to Maracanã and the city center. Line 4, scheduled to begin limited* service on August 1, connects the General Osório station in Ipanema to Barra the Tijuca in the West Zone. From the Jardim Oceânico metro station, passengers will have to use a special Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line to reach the Barra the Tijuca competition venues.

*In an effort to limit Metro Line 4 ridership during the Olympics, authorities have suggested that Line 4 will be accessible exclusively to individuals who have a special Olympics fare card (Cartão Olímpico) and either a valid event ticket or Rio 2016 credentials.

MetrôRio will run Olympics-only trains to Maracanã stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies. Transit capacity for both ceremonies will be divided among the three stations closest to the stadium to accommodate the large audience. For more information about Rio's subway system, visit [URL]www.metrorio.com.br[/URL].

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Rio's Olympic transportation strategy relies heavily on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes – dedicated lanes on existing and separate roads for limited-stop bus routes. Operating lines during the Games will include the TransCarioca, TransOeste, and TransOlimpica. Each line runs two different services: Expresso (express) buses skip some of the stations, shortening the travel time between destinations. Parador (stopper) buses stop at all marked stops on their route. For more information about Rio's BRT system, visit [URL]www.brtrio.com[/URL].

Many of the BRT routes are also serviced by city buses (Ônibus). Travelers also have the option of the standard service (Municipal) or premium service (Executivo, or frescão). While these premium buses may have luxury seats and air conditioning, they often have fewer routes and a higher fare that varies from route to route. Subway buses (Metrô na Superficie) are blue, grey, and white and have routes that start and end at subway stations.

Light Rail (VLT).

The Light Rail (VLT) is a system of trollies intended to revitalize Rio's port and downtown area by integrating many of the city's existing transportation networks (air, bus, train, subway, and boat). Upon completion, the system is expected to have three lines, comprised of 28 kilometers of rail and 32 stops. Although the VLT project does not connect to any Olympic sporting venues, it will improve access to many hospitality sites, including an Olympic Live Site, and guest accommodations established in the port area.

As of July, only a portion of Line 1 (between Santos Dumont and Parada dos Navios) is operational. Early test runs suggest that trips will take around 30 minutes, though that could change depending on volume. For more information about Rio's VLT system, visit [URL]www.vltcarioca.com.br[/URL].

Private Transportation.

Individuals in private vehicles, especially those without Olympic credentials, should expect significant congestion and extended travel time. Rio's mountainous terrain results in multiple choke points throughout the city, including at the intersection of major thoroughfares and at the entrances / exits to tunnels.

Although a number of express lanes will be specifically designated for those traveling to the Olympic events, only vehicles with a special Olympics Vehicle Access Pass (VAP) will be permitted to use those lanes. Non-accredited vehicles entering these lanes will be subject to a are $1,500 (USD $460) fine. The establishment of these express lanes may actually lead to more congestion for regular (non-credentialed) vehicles, particularly if non-express lanes are required to absorb the additional traffic.

In addition to delays and disruptions, private transportation may also have direct implications for security. Random criminal activity may occur, and those driving or traveling in private vehicles are encouraged to have tinted windows, keep windows rolled-up, lock doors, and secure valuables out of sight. If confronted with the threat of carjacking, drivers are advised to surrender the vehicle without hesitation. Previous incidents in which individuals have offered resistance have resulted in the rapid escalation of violence.

Finally, major roadways can run through, or next to, favelas (Brazilian slums or shanty towns), which creates the potential for protests or criminal activity to spread onto adjacent roadways. While authorities claim that the saturation of security forces should deter much of this spillover, travelers to Rio are encouraged to remain vigilant and cognizant of unanticipated security incidents, and to consider potential alternatives should impediments to travel arise.

Taxis.

Public and private taxis will also be available. Travelers are advised to use only accredited, well-marked taxis. Taxis are yellow and feature a blue / green stripe with the company name in white, red license plates on the front and back, and a functioning meter. If a vehicle does not have all of these characteristics, or if a taxi already has a passenger inside, individuals should refrain from using it.

Most drivers only accept cash, and it is possible that they will not be able to give change for large bills. Tipping is not required. Some drivers may propose a prepaid rate; this is illegal and generally more expensive than the real rate. If this happens, passengers should get out and flag another taxi. One exception, however, are trips to and from the airport, for which some companies may have a prepaid rate.

As travelers arrive at Galeão International Airport (GIG), after leaving baggage claim but before exiting the airport, there are booths with salespeople trying to connect individuals with a taxi driver. It is best to ignore them, as they are working for commission. Immediately upon exiting the airport through the glass doors will be a taxi queue with an official attendant putting travelers into reputable taxis.

Private taxi services include 99 Taxis, Easy Taxi, and Uber. Travelers should look for proper signage and arrange transportation using the official app, rather than hailing vehicles off the street.

Useful Transportation- Related Apps with Olympics Info:

Google Maps.

Integrates with Rio's public transit network. Also includes indoor maps of venues, as well as Explore and Street View functions.

Apple Maps.

Integrates with Rio's public transit network.

Moovit.

Provides Rio transportation information specific to the Olympics.

LiveSafe.

Includes a SafeWalk and SafetyMap feature.

Rio Companion.

Provides transportation advice, info on Olympic event locations, Portuguese phrasebook, and security advice.

Crime Victim Assistance.

In the event of an emergency, individuals should first contact the three-digit number for the respective department. There is no automatic tracking of calls, so individuals should stay on the line to provide location information:

Military Police: 190 Ambulance: 192 Fire: 193.

Federal Police: 194 Civil Police: 197.

For non-life threatening emergencies, individuals are encouraged to contact the Rio Tourist Police:

Special Police Station for Tourist Support – Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turista (DEAT).

Rua Humberto de Campos, 315 – Leblon.

Phone: +55 (21) 2332-2924.

Police Battalion for Tourist Areas – Batalhão de Policiamento them Áreas Turísticas (BPTur).

Rua Figueiredo Magalhães, 550 – Copacabana.

Phone: +55 (21) 2332-7928/2332-7937.

Contact information for the police precincts in areas typically more popular among tourists can be found below. The State of Rio de Janeiro has also published a useful Public Safety Guide, which includes additional safety contact information as well as a visual guide to differentiating between the various security services.

Credit and Debit Card Fraud.

ATM and Points-of-Sale Skimming.

ATM skimmers enable criminals to clone cards or break into bank accounts. Criminals install hardware onto a machine's credit card reader, which grabs data from the card's magnet strip when swiped by the victim. Brazilian criminals are adept at ATM skimming and use a variety of tactics to continuously exploit cash machines. This ranges from basic schemes like imitating ATM receipts to portray legitimacy to installing entirely fake ATM terminals in some locations. Brazilian cybercriminals have been observed developing ATM-specific malware to use in combination with overlay skimming devices, which enables them to compromise the screen and technical interface of an ATM. The malware creates a fake display to mimic that of the financial institution but sends data to the criminals instead of the bank. This tactic leads to the theft of both user-input data and card information.

Similar to ATM skimmers, Brazilian criminals also compromise Point-of-Sale systems with malware to obtain the information stored in the magnetic strip of a credit / debit card as it is swiped for payment. Because this scheme often requires access to the payment hardware, it is often perpetrated by those on the inside. In one case, waiters at exclusive restaurants were given a share of stolen money for using compromised point-of-sale machines with their customers. While it is common practice in North America and Europe to hand credit cards directly to wait staff, wireless electronic payment terminals are typically brought to the table or check-out counter in Brazil. Personnel should maintain physical control of credit / debit cards and request that point-of-sale transactions are processed in-sight of the customer. While chip-and-PIN cards are not immune to skimming, they are generally more secure and harder to clone and should be used when possible.

Best Practices.

Personnel should be aware of the heightened risk to their debit and credit card information, particularly when withdrawing cash. Employing the following best practices can help protect against fraud or theft:

 Use an ATM located inside of a bank branch, mall, or hotel lobby rather than one located on the street.

 Be aware of the ATM's surroundings and any possible loiterers.

 Do not accept help from strangers when using an ATM.

 Do not use ATMs that show possible signs of tampering.

 Inspect the machine for items that may have been installed over or around the PIN pad. Avoid ATMs with attachments pointed in the direction of the PIN pad. This may be used to house a camera and record your PIN.

 Use your free hand to guard your PIN while entering it on a keypad to prevent recording by pinhole cameras.

 Lightly pull the card slot. Signs of tampering include a loose or detached card slot, or the presence of double-sided tape (used by many "skimmers" to ensure quick and easy removal).

 If the credit or debit card is retained in an ATM, press the "Cancela" or "Anula" buttons to cancel the operation and contact the bank immediately.

 Routinely monitor bank records during and after your visit.

 PC Magazine has published a useful reference guide on how to How to Spot and Avoid Credit Card Skimmers.

Health and Medical.

Rio de Janeiro has a modern system of hospitals and clinics with extensive experience in handling major events which draw millions of visitors. The Rio 2016 organizing committee is installing treatment capacity for demand twice as high as what was seen during the London Games. The city, state, and federal governments are combining to increase staffing at hospitals and control potential outbreaks of communicable diseases. Health monitoring is being stepped up to avoid outbreaks of infectious disease or other illnesses.

Emergency services are responsive, and travelers may call a private ambulance company or dial 192 for ambulance transport to a public hospital. Callers must stay on the line to provide their location, as there is no automatic tracking of phone calls. Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in public hospitals, which will admit and treat all foreigners as if they were part of Brazil's national health system (SUS); this benefit does not extend to Brazil's private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals, however, tend to be crowded.

Some health care practitioners have had training in the USA And speak English. Most local physicians do not accept credit cards and require cash payments. It is advisable that travelers carry with them proof of health and medical evacuation insurance. The USA Department of State recommends visitors purchase private air medical evacuation insurance before traveling.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available and, in most cases, comparable to the United States, though brand names are more difficult to find. Many pharmacies are open 24 hours daily. If you require particular medicines regularly, travelers should bring a supply with them or make arrangements to have them mailed. Consult a physician about necessary medications before travel.

Brazil requires no specific vaccination for entry into the country but all travelers should have routine immunizations: yearly flu shots, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), varicella (chickenpox), and polio. Most travelers should also consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and Typhoid. If traveling outside of Rio de Janeiro and depending on the length of stay, hepatitis be, malaria, rabies, and yellow fever, may also be needed in the form of medication or pre-vaccination. For vaccine and health guidance when traveling to Brazil, please visit the CDC website.

Hospitals.

Medical services in Rio are provided by multiple public and private hospitals. The following list has been compiled by USA Consulate General Rio de Janeiro. It is an advisory guide and does not represent either a guarantee of competence or endorsement by the USA Department of State. Additional information about doctors and hospitals commonly used by expatriates is available on USA Embassy Brasilia's medical information page.

Hospital Samaritano (private) Rua Bambina, 98 – Botafogo Phone: +55 (21) 2537-9722.

CLínica São Vicente (private) Rua João Borges, 204 – Gávea Phone: +55 (21) 2529-4422.

Americas Medical City (private).

Av. Jorge Cury, 550 – Barra the Tijuca Phone: +55 (21) 3263-1000/3263-2000.

Hospital Quinta the'Or (private).

Rua Almirante Baltazar, 435 – São Cristovão Phone: +55 (21) 3461-3600.

Hospital Barra the'Or (private).

Av. Ayrton Senna, 2541 – Barra the Tijuca Phone: +55 (21) 2430-3600.

Hospital Rios the'Or (private).

Estrada dos Três Rios, 1366 – Jacarepaguá Phone: +55 (21) 2448-3660.

Hospital Adventista Silvestre (private) Ladeira dos Guararapes, 263 – Cosme Velho Phone: +55 (21) 3034-3000.

Hospital Copa the'Or (private).

Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães, 875 – Copacabana Phone: +55 (21) 2545-3600.

USA Consulate General Rio de Janeiro.

Av. Presidente Wilson, 147 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro. RJ, 20030-020 Phone: +55 (21) 3823-2000.

American Citizen Services (ACS): +55 (21) 3823-2000.

After-Hours ACS (5:00 pm – 8:00 am): +55 (21) 3823-2029.

[QUOTE=Jubby007;1904450]I entered Terma Monte Carlo around 10 pm yesterday. I must say that I have never seen such a great talent offered by Monte Carlo as long as I can remember. One girl told me that Centaurus will remain close. There were nearly 8 girls for every man inside as I noticed only 8-10 guys vs. 80+ girls. I felt like I was in a playboy mansion as there were hotties everywhere. I had a hard time deciding who to pick. I end up picking a model type, 21 years old, tall girl name Jenny who's completa. She was new to the business but gave me a great time in cabin. I promised to repeat her within few days. Someone mentioned on the board that they don't give out numbers at MC. Well I got her number. I highly recommend MC to whoever is in Rio right now. They do waive the 110 reals entrance fee once you spend 1000 reals. I was told that my next entrance will be waived. I calculate it in a different way. The 40 minutes program including entrance at MC is 470. After 3rd visit, you get 110 off. Thus, your average program price will cost you around 430. Solarium cost now 465 reals for 40 minutes plus entrance but you get 40 reals off every Monday, therefore it cost you 425. I still can't complain with 3.30 exchange rate vs. US $. Rio is so addictive as I'm already planning my next trip right after Olympics.[/QUOTE]Great Monte Carlo report!

Thanks!

I went on a different adventure to some boates in Centro last night.

Had 3 wonderful programas at 3 different places, 40 min each time, 80 reais each time, 240 reais total, beautiful girls, and yes, I got their phone numbers too.

I asked the best one of the night how much she'd like to spend the night soon at my hotel. She asked if 150 reais was too much, LOL.

I'm in Rio for a while, I can't afford 400 plus reais per programa.

50-80 reais will do perfectly!

As promised, here it is. Newbies, if you've ever been told to RTFF or search Rodeo's Rio Cheat Sheet, this is the place. I went back the prescribed 50 pages of posts in this thread and compiled the info in this attachment. Hopefully, you can print it in a wallet size document or save it as a photo on your smartphone for reference. I know its a bit inconsistent as far as addresses and prices, but, most importantly, the names of the places are pretty accurate. I hope this helps somebody save time and worry in planning an awesome Rio trip. Monger safe, monger hard, or stay home!

Rodeo

[QUOTE=Balboa;1905152]Great Monte Carlo report!

Thanks!

I went on a different adventure to some boates in Centro last night.

Had 3 wonderful programas at 3 different places, 40 min each time, 80 reais each time, 240 reais total, beautiful girls, and yes, I got their phone numbers too.

I asked the best one of the night how much she'd like to spend the night soon at my hotel. She asked if 150 reais was too much, LOL.

I'm in Rio for a while, I can't afford 400 plus reais per programa.

50-80 reais will do perfectly![/QUOTE]Would you mind sharing the names and locations of these three boates? Thanks.

[QUOTE=BackDoorD;1904979]There aren't too many hotel options in Leblon. The best hotel is the Ritz Plaza (no affiliation with the Ritz Carlton brand). Stay away from the Marina Hotels, as they are shit. The Ceasar Park in Ipanema is alright, but it's a business hotel.

If you want to be in Leblon, the best bet is Airbnb. You'll probably be able to pick up a great apartment for about are $300/ night (less than USD 100).

Not all massage places are FS. You can usually tell by the pictures of the girls on the site. If they're fully clothed doing stupid yoga poses or wearing white lab coats, it's generally a rub&tug. If they're wearing tiny skirts, showing lots of cleavage, you'll likely get FS.

From Leblon, the best terma option is Solarium in Jardim Botanico. About a 20 minute walk from central Leblon. No options directly in Leblon as it's the most expensive residential neighborhood in the city.[/QUOTE]Hey,

Thanks so much for the options. By options, I meant FS options only, not hotel options: the Sorry, should have clarified. I am in fact staying at a Hostel in Leblon during the Paralympics. Can't wait to visit your beautiful city with beautiful sights, people and of course, women.

At Rodeo9112, thanks so much for the info posts mate, will definitely get lots of pointers from there. Hopefully, police presence will keep Rio streets safe during the Paralympic games as well.

Cheers!

4 days here. Went to Vila Mimosa twice. In late afternoon I found an 85 lb black spinner with a smooth body of steel. Just my type, or one of them, but at her young age she was already a hardened hustler. 75 R. Went back the next night and found nothing attractive. Only see and the teams. It's incredible what huge asses are displayed. Some very revolting women (there. How can they make any $ at all. Still, cheap beer and interesting people watching. Taxi driver warned us not to wander from the 50 meter center of activity. We didn't. Taxis always available for escape. One young black guy there offered to find me a real girlfriend, which I would love, but he is probably having trouble connecting with my smart (phone. I have a love / hate relationship with it.

Very disappointed that Brazil Specialist hasn't responded to my 2 PMs, I guess he has his reasons.

Tried 4 x 4 in the late afternoon on Friday. Disappointing. Mostly the be and see teams there, and not so many of them. Finally sessioned with Flower. Very accommodating and sweet. BBBJ and 3 holes without complaint. 1 child, but still in pretty good shape.

Monte Carlo in Copa on a weekday. Not too impressed until I met Samila. Lovely girl and great GFE. Prettiest girl in the shop. One child but it doesn't show. Beautiful smooth skin. Gave her 3 orgasms and she took good care of me. Seemed grateful. No anal. After that and some overpriced drinks for her and her friend I left $US 250 lighter. Watch out for those 40 R drinks for girls. I'm sure they get a cut.

Arranged to meet her at my hotel the next day at 1300 for another go at it. She arrived punctually. Lots of sincere kissing and a great repeat of previous day. Then she headed off to work. Put $US 100 in her purse. Arranged for her to repeat 4 days later. Looking forward to it.

I'm not great with my smart phone. Google Maps is marginal. Can't trust WhatsApp. It's probably me.

Hotel Royal Rio Plaza is pretty nice in Copa. Fabulous buffet breakfast included for about $100/ night by booking on [URL]Booking.com[/URL]. Walking distance to Barbarilas. Strong WiFi, but slow. Didn't see anything irresistible at BS. Went to Mabs late at night. Nothing irresistible there until one sophisticated, slender, fluent English speaker showed up. Carolina. Hope I can make my smart phone work to connect with her with the # she gave me.

Heading to Lapa tonight, Saturday. I truly want a lovely young GF. Much more pleasant going down on a GF than a GDP. Luck will determine. I'll keep my eye out for a procurer.

Happy hunting.

Guilty Feet out.

Staying in NE Copa and I've heard that the massage places are the best deal. Any specific recommendations with hours of service?

For that matter any recommendations for procurer (who can introduce lovely, young Cariocas to visiting sponsors? I know they're out there.