I'm going to be in Rio/Ipanema for the month of Oct. and wonder if I should rent a local cell phone or just use the payphones for local calls and buy a long distance $10US? phone card for an emergency-only if I need to call home-California?
There's no phone in the apt. I'm renting.
Thanks to all,
Vince---([email protected])

Vince here is a typical charge for the cell phones which I find to be valuable.

PREPAID TELEPHONES
Rental Fee: R$ 15.00 Per Day (3us dlrs)
Local Calls: R$ 1.00 Per Minute $.30c us)
Calls to USA: R$ 1.25 Per Minute -$.40c
Calls to Europe: R$2.17 Per Minute$.75
Incoming Calls: R$ 0.00 (FREE)

Where can I rent a prepaid telephone and what Brazilian telecom provides these phones? Thx for any info on this..

Cellular service is up to date in Latin America (including Brasil) as it is in the USA. There are several companies in each country providing service. Just wait till you get there and shop around. I am sure renting is lot more expensive. Even with a cell, using calling cards is a lot let expensive...again calling cards is a big business in Latin America. One more, there are internet cafes all over, some provide long distance service at very low prices.
Lucky you.a month in Rio...

Short term rental is aout 5 dollars a day for a phone. Take a look at the internet cafe tudo facil down the block from the Othon Palace hotel or www.gringomanagement.com or www.blameitonrio4travel.com.