I am a frequent traveler to Europe and my first trip to Brazil planned for May. Are ATM's available in Rio, or do you bring currency and exchange at cambios?

I just got back from Rio on Wednesday. Yes, there are ATM's that take US cards. But not every machine will take them and sometimes the same machine may not take it everytime. We had good luck at Banco Real branches in Copacabana, Ipenema and Barra. The only time you may want to exchange currency is for the taxi ride into town from the airport. Change only about $50US (or even less) since the exchange rate is only about 2 to 1 there. Elsewhere in the city, you can get better. But as usual, your best bet is the ATM.<BR><BR>You will enjoy the city and if you have any questions, post them. I might be able to answer and believe me, there are some great Rio experts here too!!!

There is a Citibank in Copacabana, it shares the building with blockbuster video on Ave Copacabana. I know alot of americans use that ATM machice and they give a good rate. As far as a taxi is concerned out of the airport take the red or blue cars from the desk outside the customs, they take dollars about $22 to copacabana. There are cambios in Rio, there are jewelry stores too that will change your money and give you a slightly better rate. Go down the block of the Rio Othon Palace on the 2nd block on the right hand side there are 2 jewelry stores starting from the corner and in the middle of the block a cambio travel agency, they all give a great rate.

Just returned yesterday from Brazil, had the same luck as the other posters, some ATMs took the card, some didn't. There are plenty around, so not really a problem and most everyplace will accept US dollars.<BR><BR>We took the a/c bus from the airport right to Copacabana, just tell the driver where you want to get off. Nice, safe, cheap (about $3, they took US dollars), not crowded, took about 40 minutes and got a preview of the city.

Thanks everyone for the tips on ATM and the bus from airport. Had been wondering about that.

I am arriving in Rio with 25 people young and old, need advise on what hotel areas to stay at and how to get to and from the airport to our hotel. I would suspect taking a a/c bus from the airport and should we stay in a hotel or appartment? I understand that hotels are safer?? and apartments may be cheaper??

Regina,<BR>I'm brazilian and live in Rio since I was born, so I can recommend you to stay in Copacabana (most famous although a little bit decadent), Ipanema, Leblon. In these areas you will find good restaurants, shops, and beaches you can go by foot. I don't know much about prices but the hotels are safer, unless you look for an apart hotel with all the facilities of a regular hotel (concierge, security, room cleaning, etc), with the advantage of having a kitchen, which can save you some money. A nice place to stay is Barra da Tijuca, but it's a little bit far from the turistic spots (Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, etc). The beach of Barra da Tijuca is very nice (my favourite is Ipanema), it's worth a visit. The a/c bus is a very good choice, although you can trust on the taxi service at the airport (you buy a ticket and pay at the counter after telling where you want to go - there's a visible list of the prices according to the different destinies). You don't have to pay anything else to the driver, only a tip if you want. Hope you enjoy a lot!!!

Try this website: www.blameitonrio4travel.com