Often called cidade maravilhosa, or "marvelous city", Rio de Janeiro is filled with flamboyant charm. Home to saucy samba, sandy beaches, steep mountains and the famous Carnival (which happens in February), Rio is a vibrant place populated by cariocas> (what the residents call themselves) who know how to have fun.

Getting There
There are no direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from Asia. Travelers must stop over in Europe, the USA, or Canada and take a connecting flight onward to the city. Ask your local travel agent for further details.

Weather
This is the summer season, so expect plenty of sun and an average temperature around 30^oC in January and February. In March, there is a chance of scattered rain, and the temperature cools down to 28^oC.

Transportation/Getting Around
Although Rio lacks a unified public transportation system, getting around the city isn't too much of a problem. You can travel by Metro, bus, or taxi. There is now only one city train route, which runs to Santa Teresa from the center of the city.

The underground, called the Metro, is air-conditioned, clean, fast and safe. It is, however, rather limited, as there are only two lines, which operate Monday-Saturday (6am-11pm): Line 1 runs from Copacabana to Tijuca and Line 2 runs from Centro to the north of the city (Pavuna) - it does not run to Ipanema, Barra or Leblon as of yet. Tickets, available at the subway stations, cost about R$1.50 for a one-way trip. (For more information, call 55-(0)-21-3982-3600.)

Connecting all parts of the city, buses are a popular, inexpensive alternative and operate 24 hours a day. Buy the tickets on the bus from the cobrador (conductor), who sits behind a turnstile at the back collecting money. Exact fare is not needed. Air-conditioned buses generally cost R$1.30-1.50. (For more information, call Transbrasiliana at 55-(0)-21-2253-4787.)

Taxis are everywhere around Rio de Janeiro. Bright yellow and striped blue, they are hard to miss, but hail only those that have an official ID sticker in the window. The minimum meter fare is about R$2.70. When getting in a taxi, make sure the flag, called bandeira, is at '1' (except after 9pm and on weekends, when it goes to '2' - a price hike of 20%) and that the taxi doesn't charge extra for air-conditioning. (For radio taxi information, call Transcopass at 55-(0)-21-2560-4888.)

Important Numbers

Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.

The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.