Excerpt from my July 2002 Rio Report

1. Always keep plenty of small denominations in Reals for cab rides.
2. Cambios close at end of the business day and on Sundays. Make sure you take care of money matters during the day, or better yet, one or two days in advance.
3. There is a Citibank ATM in Copacabana, but not very close to the Help area. I never tried the local banks' ATMS but the two I looked at didn't have the Cirrus or Star symbols. In general, I found ATMs harder to find. Another reason to take care of money matters at least a few days in advance.
4. In Thailand, most of the places I stayed had plenty of currency for change. At Rio Roiss, they had very little and usually have a bellhop run to a cambio instead and you might not get a good rate(and should tip). I don't know about any of the other hotels.
5. There is a cambio at Help with reasonable exchange rates, but it doesn't open until around 11pm and didn't have much change anyways until later in the evening. Also, you'll probably have to buy a ticket for change.
6. If you forget to change money, popular sit-down restaurants or cafes are good places to get change when buying drinks or meals.
7. Keep your wallet as empty as possible, no more than your current days' allowance. See sections on crime.
8. Don't go broke. If you've never been to Rio, you'll really be amazed at the quality available. I had previous experience in Tijuana, Costa Rica, Thailand, Philippines, and Cambodia, and I was still in awe at the available talent.

There is an US-friendly ATM (accepts cirrus, plus, and star) on the fourth floor of the Meridian Copacabana (outside the restaurant). I looked all over Copcabana for another ATM that accepted the above-referenced networks, and couldn't find one.

Does anyone remember what denomination does the blockbuster citibank give you?

I think it was;
$R40
$R100
$R400
$R700
$R1000
$R2000

Please correct me if I am wrong

Thanks
CN

I think 1000R is the highest you can take out, you have to make multiple 1000R transactions.

Thumper is right..the most is 1000R.

1000R is the most you can take out each withdrawal, but I was able to get 2000R by taking out 1000R back to back.

d'Artagnan,

Great suggestions. You may also suggest to take two ATM cards. In my last RIO trip my magnetic strip on my ATM card ripped off. Lucky for me it was my last day. If that is not possible, place your card in one of those protective sleeves.