Can any experienced travelers give some advice on what you NEED to bring to Rio in order to have a better time (rubbers are a given)? Also, can you give some suggestions on what you might not need, but may also want to bring.

My personal checklist is available at the following url:

https://www.clubhombre.com/discus/messages/1718/43222.html

Going out on a limb here... u dont need rubbers. The condoms here are great. My favorite, the Preserve Extra is the same size as magnums and I cant tell a difference--except the price. I buy them for between 1.88 to 2.5 for a 3 pack. THats 60 cents to 80 cents a 3 pack.

So you've never had one break? It's a myth about the inferior quality of the local products? Of course, they come in nice flavors....

It is a myth. All condoms are created equal, only the packaging is different. I have had only 1 Extra break, and have had 3 magnums break.

90% of the condoms in the world are made in Thailand, Japan or India. Brazil makes some, as does the United States (Trojan). The Preserve Extra is made in Thailand. Many of the condoms sold in the US are made in Thailand too. The difference is the packaging and price.

Lambskins.

Lambskins are not ideal for disease control but better than no condom at all. Right Deeg?????

Right
Except for the part where you claim they're better than no condom at all.

I personally like condoms in termas except the current ones at Centaurus which are exceptionally bad as in super thick.
After reading Xenono list:
I'd forget the adapter as Rio is 220 volt, so just plug your 110 volt razor or radio.
Other stuff one may want to bring:
multi vitamins
candles
Radio/CD player
dictionnary
rio map
flavored tic tac, my favorite gift $0.50.
extra batteries for camera

I like the Preserve Extra too and I suggest if you see them buy a bunch of 6 packs because they are not available in many pharmacies, at least where I look in Copa.

I buy Pleasure Plus and Inspiral condoms in bulk; prefer the stimulation created by their unique shape. The termas condoms are adequate for protecting the machinery but rate pretty low on the sensation scale.

Concur with Athos' additions to the list: candles are great for setting mood. I ditch the CD player and bring my iPod w/40gig of tunes, along with some powered speakers; music is essential in my book. And no list is complete w/o chocolates; I usually bring about 3 lbs.

Bwana "Bulk" - You are my hero buddy! - Hemp

Admin: Spam removed

*** is a website? or they only have the book (yes I have it, you find it at some places in Copacabana)

Personally, I am prejudiced. I used one Brazilian condom in my entire life, 20 years ago, and it broke.

Maybe they are safe, but I don't want to risk it. Definitely you don't have 100 choices like in the US, extra thin, extra strong, ribbed, all kinds of shapes and sizes etc. Buy bulk in the US.

My favorites are crown skinless for US$ 25 a hundred pack. Use lube (bring your own lube too, local variety is not as effective) and use carefully, as they are extra thin.

If you run out of condoms, I have plenty and can sell you a few. For a little profit, or if you are on low budget you can have them for my cost.

Admin: Reference to spam attempt removed.

Hemp,
Just got the newest shipment in for my trip to BKK next week: A 144-pack of Inspirals. That should do me for the 10 days there I believe CortoGringo buys in bulk from the same place: Condom Country.