I've never been to Rio during Carnival but I'm interested in doing so in the future. I know that Rio is packed during Carnival so prices go way up and hotels can be hard to find.

I'm curious if anyone has been in Rio during Carnival. What are your thoughts and advice? Thanks in advance for any responses.

Rio at Carnival,,,,,, it’s wilder then you can imagine,,,,,,, not including the week prior and the week after it’s 4 days of non stop partying,,,,, I once read that on average over one hundred people a year die over the four days due to alcohol poisoning,,,, I believe it to be true.
I have been to Rio six times and Carnival was my last and I for one will never return,,,, the partying was fun and the times and experiences are priceless but they are over shadowed by the shear danger that in around every corner. It didn’t help getting cracked across the face with a folding chair that was thrown out of a three story window and cause six steches,,,, or the beer glass expoding on our table only to find out a second later it was from a bullet….. at which time we did the stomach crawl to get out of the line of fire,,,,, just a bad guys / good guys thing going on with us in the middle……..
That only good thing to come out of Carnival was that I discovered the treasure of Argentina. The morning after the gun stuff (I had three weeks remaining on my trip), I called home and told my travel agent to get me the fuck out of there……. Ended up being my best trip ever…..
Now,,,,, if your still set on going,,,,,,, you should have booked a year in advance,,, really,,, I booked 14 months in advance and still had to fight to get on the plane. Second, contact a company in North Hollywood Ca, called Brazil Tours,,,, they specialize in Brazil and Argentina. Tell them you want to book on a tour,,,, you know,,, with all the old folks,,,, you don’t have to hang around with them while your there but it’s the cheapest way to go. Also, tell them you want to fly Varig Airlines……non-stop,, lastly,,, don’t drink the free welcome drink,,, it’s called a ciparini (bad spelling), it’s 200 % alcohol and will just cost you a day because you’ll sleep all night,,,,,, be careful,,,,, never go anywhere and I mean anywhere alone,,,,, don’t wear watches or chains and when people approach you to talk just keep walking….
If you want a safe mongering enviroment,,,,, ask someone to take you to a “thermos”,,,
Tequila_Please

Carnival in Rio is probably the worlds biggest party. Incredible parties, costumes,parades,and tons and tons of nearly naked women everywhere(and not just Brasileras) and it goes on 24hrs a day. And for that reason it does attract throngs of people from all over the world. With so many people in one area, partying, drinking, drugging, and whatever; it is definitely a bit more dangerous than usual. This is heightened by the fact that the cops seem to be on holiday as well. The bad element is aware of this and takes advantage of the crowds and confusion. Yes.. and the prices for everything go way, way up. If you want halfway decent accommodations and a reasonable flight, one should booked as far in advance as possible. I know people that have booked hotels two years in advance. I have been to carnival 3 times over the years, and have no plans on going again. I think I grown to prefer a little more peaceful experience. I never had the sort of violent experiences that Tequila encountered, but I have no doubt that it could happen. But it is definitely worth experiencing; especially if you are young (or young at heart) and love to party. Half of the fun of carnival is mingling with, and partying with the other people. Take all sensible precautions, but don't get so paranoid that you take the fun out of your trip. It really can be a blast That's why a million people drop in on that party every year.
Capirinha is sort of a sweet national drink. It's kinda strong, but even little girls can handle one with no problem.

Anyone know where to get tickets for the parades? I bought some air tickets so now I need to get tickets for the parades.

I am going to Rio 11/25-12/8, I've been there before on a package deal, I stayed at the Copa Sur. Probably a 2 star place. This time I am Flying in without hotel, would like a good hotel recommendation, something nice that you can bring girls to.. Anyone that will be there I would love to hook up for partying..

AMPM, e-mail my buddy Don at www.riotrips.com. He lives there and knows the scene.

Ampm - the hotel prices skyrocket during carnival. For example, the rio roiss hotel currently is about $65 a night but during the Carnival they are selling a 5 day package for about $850.

I'm trying to rent an apartment for Carnival. http://www.EZ-RioRentals.com is a good place to look for an apartment.

Youngtom,
You can buy tickets to the Sambadromo from your travel agent.Or try Brazil Air at 800 441 8515

Sectors 9 and 11 are the best and are only sold thru travel agents. - expensive $200-$400 each. Great view, the Bateria(drum corp) stops there and the girls get a little wilder with their dancing

Sector 7 is the next best - less expensive good view

Sectors 5 and 3 ok view, but near judges area so everyone picks up the energy in these areas.
All other sectors have bad views.
Best nites to go are Sunday or Monday, when the best schools are there, usually starts at 9pm and goes until 6am

But even better is to go to Salgueiro or Mangueira, for the Samba school rehersals a few days before carnaval, Wild and you can join in or just watch, Salgueiro (my personal favorite)is in Tijuca, about 20-30 minutes from Copa by taxi. I've been there many times and have taken muitos garotas back to my apartment and paid nothing.

Albert - watching the rehersals sounds like great fun; I'm going to jet in at the last minute so I'll miss that this year. I'll try the travel agent/Air Brazil. Thanks amigo for the info.

Albert, Been to Mangueira, but not Salgueiro. Even a few months before the carnaval, it was quite wild. Did not realize pickup was possible, and made no attempts. How is Salgueiro different, and what is the pickup routine?

FOR ALL YOUR CARNIVAL NEEDS AND RIO/BRAZIL NEEDS CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SITE WWW.BLAMEITONRIO4TRAVEL.COM THEY HAVE IT ALL FOR YOU.

Are there any good CDs with Samba music that one can buy in the US?

youngtom,

ive found 2 cd's that are really good. they are both compilations. brasilified (quango records) is modern samba/dance flavored music. and brasilero; is more classic brazilain standard tunes that are also cool. hope you enjoy.

sonny

Thanks sonny. I'll try to get hold of a copy of each of those.

Hey Lofnlol,
You're right, the Samba school rehearsals get wild starting in November usually, I was at Salguerio last November, but It was kind of dead because everyone was going to the Funk Club in Barra. But in December Salgueiro was in full swing. They were having the contest to pick the Raihna de Bateria,(Queen of the Drum Corp) and I hooked up with one of the finest ones competing - 18 yrs, morena, short haircut, with incredible body and beautiful face. Her parents were with her and her mother encouraged her to talk with me!! God Damn I love Brasil!! Her father acted like he wanted to kill me, but he was only joking and was very cool.
She met me at the beach the next day. And then off to my apartment.

It was easy picking up garotas, I just let them know I was american, and I wanted them to teach me how to samba as my pickup line. Many were willing to teach, and after a few dances and cervejas we were off to the motel or had a date the next day.
Didn't have to pay, as these were not working girls, but they expect you to pick up the tab for any food, drinks etc.
-Big help if you can speak Portugese, Samba schools are always near or in the Favelas and many garotas don't speak a lick of ingles.

Youngtom,
There is a great CD you can buy at the Wherehouse or most Tower Records - its called "Samba!" and its on the Hemisphere label - it takes me back to Brasil ever time I listen to it, just like being there.
Another great CD is called "Cafe Brazil" it is a music called Chorinho, which is the precursor to Samba, and is very popular right now in Rio. It is a slower more romantic type of Samba. You should be able to find in the same stores.

I sent some email to ipanema.com (a travel agent with a good web sight on Rio) asking for information about "comfortable" hotels during Carnaval. Almost all the hotels double or triple their non-Carnaval rates and offer 4-5 day mininum packages. For example the Rio Roiss goes from about $65 a day to $200 a day (5 days required stay); some hotels aren't quite as greedy as the Rio Roiss.

For you rich guys, ipanema.com probably will send detailed information for "luxury" hotels are well :-) I'm not sure I want to know how much a luxury hotel costs during Carnaval.

Here is their response:
Thanks for the booking request! Carnival 2002 is going to happen
from February 9 (Saturday) through 12 (Tuesday). During this period
hotels offer rooms in prepayable packages, usually with 5 mandatory
nights. Prices are quoted per room per package, with either single or
double occupancy. This means that all mandatory nights are included,
and you may share expenses with a travel companion. There is always
an extra charge for the third guest, in the case of triple occupancy.
Quadruple occupancy is only allowed at all-suite hotels, with one or
two-bedroom flats. Breakfast may or may not be included, as listed.
You will find more details and insider’s reviews of all hotels on our
website, at http://ipanema.com/hotel . Some packages are quoted in
the local currency, reais (R$). The current exchange rate is around
US$1=R$2.65.

*Aeroporto Othon - budget hotel in the Downtown area; 3-night
packages including breakfast;
standard - US$210 + 15% tax; triple - US$294 + 15% tax
deluxe (view to park) - US$280 + 15% tax; triple - US$392 + 15% tax

*Everest Park - sold out, sorry;
*Ipanema Inn - sold out, sorry;
*Arpoador Inn - sold out, sorry

*Everest Rio – sold out, sorry

*Novo Mundo - comfortable hotel in Flamengo; 4-night packages
including breakfast;
standard - US$400 + 15% tax
deluxe - US$500 + 15% tax

*Castro Alves Othon - budget hotel in Copacabana, two blocks from
the beach. 5-night packages with breakfast.
standard - US$600 + 15% tax; triple - US$840 + 15% tax
deluxe (oversized, with view to park) - US$700 + 15% tax; triple -
US$980 + 15% tax

*Savoy Othon Travel - budget hotel in Copacabana, two blocks from
the beach. Recently renovated. 5-night packages with breakfast.
standard - US$600 + 15% tax; triple - US$840 + 15% tax
deluxe - US$700 + 15% tax; triple - US$980 + 15% tax

*Rio Roiss - comfortable hotel one block from Copacabana Beach. 5-
night packages including breakfast.
standard - R$1,820 + 5% tax; triple - R$2,340 + 5% tax

*Trocadero Othon Travel - budget hotel along Copacabana Beach,
with privileged corner location. 5-night packages with breakfast;
standard (side view) - US$700 + 15% tax; triple - US$980 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$800 + 15% tax; US$1,120 + 15% tax;

*Lancaster Othon Travel - budget hotel along Copacabana Beach. 5-
night packages with breakfast;
standard - US$700 + 15% tax; triple - US$980 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$800 + 15% tax; US$1,120 + 15% tax;

*Majestic Rio - comfortable 3-star hotel in Copacabana 4 blocks from
the beach. 5-night packages. Breakfast included.
standard - US$750 + 10% tax; triple - US$938 + 15% tax
deluxe - US$800 + 10% tax; triple - US$1,000 + 15% tax

*Mirador - comfortable 4-star hotel 3 blocks away from Copacabana
Beach, with pool, sauna and business center; 5-night packages with
breakfast included;
standard - US$800 + 10%; triple - US$1,000 + 10% tax
deluxe (sauna & Jacuzzi) - US$900 + 10% tax; triple - US$1,125 + 10%
tax
suite - US$1,100 + 10% tax; triple - US$1,375 + 10% tax

*Real Palace - comfortable 4-star hotel located 2 blocks from
Copacabana Beach, with pool and sauna on the top floor; 5-night
packages including breakfast;
standard - US$800 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,000 + 15% tax
deluxe - US$875 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,100 + 15% tax
superluxe - US$975 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,220 + 15% tax

*Augusto’s Copacabana - comfortable hotel in Copacabana, two
blocks from the beach. 5-night packages with breakfast.
standard - R$1,800, including taxes
jr. suite - R$2,520, including taxes

*Astoria Copacabana - comfortable hotel in Copacabana with pool
and sauna, 4 blocks from the beach. 5-night package including
breakfast.
standard - US$750 + 15% tax; triple - US$937.50 + 15% tax

*Debret - budget hotel on Copacabana Beach; rates quoted include 5
mandatory package nights and breakfast;
superior (side view) - US$957; triple - US$1,195;
oceanfront - US$1,125; triple - 1,405;
oceanfront suite - US$1,460; triple - US$1,560;

*Olinda Othon - traditional art-deco hotel along Copacabana Beach. 5-
night packages including breakfast.
standard - US$900 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,260 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$1,000 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,400 + 15% tax

*California Othon - traditional art-deco hotel along Copacabana
Beach. 5-night packages including breakfast.
standard - US$900 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,260 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$1,000 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,400 + 15% tax

*Leme Othon Palace - budget hotel along Copacabana Beach. 5-night
packages including breakfast.
standard - US$800 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,120 + 15% tax
side view - US$900 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,260 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$1,000 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,400 + 15% tax
suite - US$1,100 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,540 + 15% tax

*Mar Ipanema - comfortable hotel one block from the beach; 5-night
packages including breakfast.
standard - US$990, including all taxes

*Plaza Ipanema - new and very comfortable hotel in Ipanema on the
beach block. 4-night packages with breakfast;
standard - US$1,000 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,250 + 15% tax

*Praia Ipanema - very comfortable hotel on Ipanema Beach. Rooms
with view an balcony. 4-night packages with breakfast;
standard (side view) - US$1,000 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,250 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$1,200 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,500 + 15% tax

*Sol Ipanema - very comfortable 4-star hotel on Ipanema Beach with
pool and bar on the top floor. 5-night packages, breakfast included;
standard - US$1,375 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$1,750+ 15% tax

*Luxor Continental - comfortable hotel one block from Copacabana
Beach; 5-night packages with breakfast;
standard - US$986 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,258 + 15% tax
deluxe - US$1,162+ 15% tax; triple - US$1,335 + 15% tax

*Rio Othon Palace - 5-star hotel along Copacabana Beach with pool,
sauna, fitness center, etc. 5-night packages, optional breakfast not
included.
standard - US$1,200 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,680 + 15% tax
side view - US$1,400 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,960 + 15% tax
oceanfront - US$1,500 + 15% tax; triple - US$2,100 + 15% tax
junior suite - US$1,700 + 15% tax; triple - US$2,380 + 15% tax
executive suite - US$1,900 + 15% tax; triple - US$2,660 + 15% tax

*Luxor Copacabana - comfortable hotel along Copacabana Beach; 5-
night packages with breakfast;
standard - US$1,208+ 15% tax;
oceanfront - US$1,560 + 15% tax; triple - US$1,975 + 15% tax

*Luxor Copacabana - comfortable hotel along Copacabana Beach with
pool and sauna; 5-night packages with breakfast;
standard - US$1,348 + 15% tax;
oceanfront - US$1,736 + 15% tax; triple - US$2,200+ 15% tax

*Carlton Rio Atlantica - very comfortable 4-star hotel on Copacabana
Beach with pool, sauna and business center. 5-night packages,
optional breakfast not included;
standard - US$2,225 + 15% tax
superior (side view) - US$2,405 + 15% tax
standard suite - US$2,645 + 15% tax; triple - US$3,307 + 15% tax
superior suite (side view) - US$2,945 + 15% tax; triple - US$3,682 +
15% tax
ocean suite - US$4,630 + 15% tax; triple - US$5,787.50 + 15% tax

*Copacabana Palace - luxury hotel on Copacabana Beach, optional
breakfast not included; 5-night package with mandatory period from
Feb 8 to 13, 2002. Currently on a waiting list.
standard - R$6,350 + 15% tax
pool view - R$6,750 + 15%
superior sea view - R$8,300 + 15% tax
deluxe oceanfront - R$10,250 + 15%
oceanfront executive suite - R$13,850 + 15% tax
oceanfront penthouse suite - R$26,200 + 15% tax

*Caesar Park - luxury 5-star on Ipanema Beach. 4-night packages with
breakfast; mandatory dates for check-in: Feb. 8 or Feb 9, 2002.
standard - R$4,840 + 15% tax
superior - R$5,456 + 15% tax
oceanfront - R$6,000 + 15% tax
jr. suite - R$8,783 + 15% tax
executive suite - R$11,545 + 15% tax
third guest - add R$1,320 + 15% tax to the rates above

FLATS SORTED BY PRICE:

*Real Residence - all-suite hotel in Copacabana three blocks from the
beach; ensuite rooms (no kitchenette); apartments with one
bedrooms, living room, kitchenette and bathroom; two bedroom units
have two bathrooms. 4-night packages with breakfast included; fixed
dates from Feb 9-13, 2002.
ensuite - R$1,200 + 5% tax
one-bedroom - R$1,440 + 5% tax
two-bedroom - R$2,640 + 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

*Rio Flat Service - all-suite hotel in Leblon two blocks from the beach;
apartments with bedroom, living room, kitchenette and bathroom. 4-
night packages with breakfast included; fixed dates from Feb 9-13,
2002.
standard - R$1,440 + 5% tax
penthouse - R$1,576 + 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

*Monsieur Leblond- all-suite hotel in Leblon 4 blocks from the beach;
apartments with bedroom, living room, kitchenette and bathroom. 4-
night packages with breakfast included; fixed dates from Feb 9-13,
2002.
standard - R$1,440 + 5% tax
penthouse - R$2,640 + 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

*Leblon Flat Service - all-suite hotel in Leblon two blocks from the
beach; apartments with bedrooms, living room, kitchenette and
bathrooms; two bedroom units have two bathrooms. 4-night packages
with breakfast included; fixed dates from Feb 9-13, 2002.
one-bedroom - R$1,440 + 5% tax
two-bedroom - R$2,640+ 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

*Residencial Apartt - budget all-suite hotel in Copacabana, in a
walking distance from Ipanema. 5-night packages including breakfast;
standard - US$800 + 10% tax (single or double)
extra guests - US$168 + 10% tax (max. 4 per apartment)
penthouse - US$1,960 + 10% tax (up to 6 people)

*Villa di Palma - all-suite hotel in Leblon on the beach block;
apartments with 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchenette and 2
bathrooms. 4-night packages with breakfast included; fixed dates from
Feb 9-13, 2002.
standard - R$2,640 + 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

*All suite hotels in Barra I - one or two-bedroom units with
kitchenette. Properties with pool, sauna and one parking spot:
Barraleme, Barrabella, or La Reserve:
one-bedroom - R$1,440 + 5% tax
two-bedrooms - R$2,640 + 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

*All suite hotels in Barra II - ensuite (no kitchenette); one or two-
bedroom units with kitchenette. Properties with pool, sauna and one
parking spot: Sunshine Drive, Sunset Drive or Ocean Drive:
ensuite (no kitchenette) - R$1,440 + 5% tax
one bedroom - R$1,576 + 5% tax
two-bedrooms - R$3,016+ 5% tax
extra guests - add 25% (max. 4)

Prices quoted do not include airfare. If you have not secured your
tickets yet, click on
http://citynet.com/request?13924e and fill out the form to get a free
quote (no obligation). This company offers discount airfare to our
clients coming from the U.S. and Canada, and they deliver tickets
without any extra costs.

Hotels request full prepayment of all mandatory package nights to
secure your room(s). For prepayment purposes they take major credit
cards, mostly Visa and AmEx. Additional nights, if applicable, are
payable directly at the hotel. Rates are much lower, as quoted on our
pages. Hotels do not “break” packages or give a discounts if you
need fewer nights - choose a property with a package suitable for the
period of your stay and your budget. Keep in mind you may use extra
nights in your favor (if applicable) for an early check-in or a late check-
out.

I also sent them some email asking about Samba Parade tickets. Anyone know what the face value on Samba tickets is (ie. prior to a travel agent adding their markup)? Especially in section 7.

Here is there response regarding Samba Parade tickets -
The Samba Parade will happen at the Sambodrome on February 10 (Sunday) and 11 (Monday).
This samba marathon, considered by many people the greatest show on
earth, lasts about 10 hours each night. It starts at 9 p.m., and ends
only with sunlight on the next day, around 6 a.m. Seven Samba Schools
will march on each day, as follows:

*Feb 10 (Sunday) - Sao Clemente; Caprichosos de Pilares; Unidos da
Tijuca; Grande Rio; Tradição; Acadêmicos do Salgueiro; Beija Flor;
*Feb 11 (Monday) - Porto da Pedra; Mangueira; Imperio Serrano;
Mocidade de Padre Miguel; Imperatriz Leopoldinense; Unidos do
Viradouro; Portela;

The most reasonably priced tickets are for bleacher seats, sometimes
euphemistically called "grand stand" (arquibancadas). Our courtesy kit
includes a Carnival T-shirt that you may wear at the Sambodrome, and
disposable seat cushions. Bleachers do not have chairs, and we don't
want you sitting on concrete. Sector 9 and 11 are VIP bleachers, with
numbered seats. Bleachers have an eleveated position, giving you an
excellent view to the Samba Runway from all rows. We cannot
predetermine rows, but we guarantee seats next to each other for
parties of two or more. Standard bleachers tend to get much more
crowded, and seats are not numbered. Here are the prices of individual
bleacher seat tickets, good for one night (Sunday or Monday).

Sector 3 (standard) - US$120
Sector 5 (standard) - US$150
Sector 7 (standard) - US$200
VIP Tourist Sectors 9 and 11, with numbered seats - US$250

Runway boxes come with six chairs, and a small coffee table. They are
at street level, so you will not have to climb any stairs. It's the
right place to be when you want to take close-up photos of people,
costumes, details of a float, etc. Individual tickets good for one
night start at US$500. Individual tickets for catered mezannine boxes
traditionally start at about US$1,000 per person, but so far
wholesalers have not confirmed prices for Carnival 2002.

The magnetic cards and paper passes you need to gain access to the
Sambodrome are only distributed on Carnival week, to avoid frauds. You
will collect your tickets at the complimentary Feijoada & Samba Lunch
on Carnival Saturday, at 2 p.m. At luxurious Rio Othon Palace Hotel,
on Copacabana Beach, you will enjoy a delicious Feijoada buffet, with
assorted salads, side dishes, desserts - and free Caipirinhas, the
favorite Brazilian cocktail : ) The special attraction is a group
samba lesson with a Carioca instructor. It's your chance to meet other
travelers from all parts of the world, and make new friends who you
will soon meet again at the Sambodrome. Please confirm how many
tickets you need for each day, and we will send you all prepayment
details.

Tickets for Carnival balls are not available yet. Most tickets can be
purchased at the box offices of venues, you do not need to buy them in
advance. Prices have not been confirmed at this point. You may reserve
all your tickets with us, and pick them up in a neat package. Please
confirm the balls you would like to go to, and we will send you the
prices as soon as they are available. We offer this service for a
nominal fee of R$20 (about US$8) per ticket ordered, in addition to
the face value.

Best regards,
Silviano
travel@ipanema.com

Yongtom: The prices during Carnival are a scandal. But in Rio and elsewhere, they consider it payolla-time. Not much gets done during that time, and not many companies would be duped in agreeing to send their folks for W/shops,presentations,seminars during that period.

Unless I'm a house guest of my local buddy - I doubt a Carnival is in the plate

I'm arriving in Rio on Feb 8. Anyone know if the banks and/or cambios are still operating? What is a good plan for exchanging money? I've heard that once the banks shut down for Carnaval that the cambios start giving out terrible exchange rates. Sounds like one needs to get enough cash to last until the following Wednesday. But is it business as usual on Friday Feb 8?

I think you need to bring your cash with you and exchange it. I heard that I am not getting the best rate from the ATMs.

The banks will be open on Friday, MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE YOUR MONEY!!! You will be royally fucked by the cambios if you wait until saturday, trust me, I found out the hard way. Change enough money to last you until wed. or thursday.

Thanks Thumper. That would suck to not have any cash in Rio for a few days. No Help, no independents. Thumper - I'm curious what you did when you discovered that the banks were closed, did you just tough it out until after Carnaval?

Basically, I just bent over and grabbed my ankles, LOL. There really isn't much you can do except get screwed by the cambios, I just had to suck it up until wed. I tried not to change too much money during that 5 day period, but it was difficult because the prices for everything go up about 300%.

If your staying in a hotel, you may have better luck because they MIGHT exchange money at a reasonable rate for you. If I rememebr correctly, the American Express office was closed, so travelers checks weren't any good.

ATMS? Forget about it! Once the 40,000 other american tourists realise that they are getting screwed, its a mad dash to the citibanks in Rio, within a couple of hours, the ATMS are maxed out. NO more money until the banks open and restock them. Plus I think you can only withdraw about 1000R/day.

Be safe and change your money before Carnival begins, hell you might even want to change more than what you think you might need, just in case.

Help ( inside where you order drink) usually exchange for dollars and damned it is the best rate you can have in Rio. Second best is the cambios at the airport. ATM and hotels are ripoffs worse than credit card...
if you don't have time to change the money then use the credit card. prices are in reais but the rate is fairly good.

ATM (Citibank) was OK fr moi. I do not pay any fees since I have a Citibank account. Similarly I have an HSBC card. I do agree it you go to an affiliate ATM you are likely to get a poor rate

a funny story about ATM\Banks...

I was told by a few people that you can get money later at night.last night I was returning from LuOmo,what a FUN place! I remembered that I had no more money.(I have exclusivly used plastic at the 5 termas I've been to)(hooked up with a guy who has been here 5-6 times in the past year and has never had a problem using plastica at termas).Although LuOmo asked that the entrance fee be paid in cash but I told her that I had none,she said OK.The second time at Monte Carlo (so far my fav...although 4x4 is pretty good too) they asked for cash for the girl, I had cash so I paid but my amigo said "no, put it on the card.She argued briefley (blew her tip, btw) then said OK.
anyway the älways open atm at block buster"now closes early. I think the sign and the guy there said it was due to the "power rationing"that is goin on. I finally found a bank that had lights on and my card opend the door BUT the "fucking machine ate my cärd". I was pissed. I had a hottie from LuOmo coming over at midnight for an all nighter and I had no money and no card. This was about 11:30. I had another hottie from Monte Carlo coming over in the morning for an all dayer before work and had know money!!!! what to do I thought? I would call Bruna and tell her I had no money and that I would either pay her in the morning (I was pretty sure I would get my card back, and I did although that is a story initself)or would see her the next night. I really couldn't call her because she was at work, so I decided to go to sleep and hope that she call. She called me at 12:00 and I told her that I had no money and of course she understood but also said I'll see you when you have money.

The moral of the story? If you plan on using an ATM to get cash, Bring some ëmergency money in $100 bills (exchange at Help) and or bring some traveler checks...

BTW, the women here are incredible....

Wow, glad you got your card back! What a nightmare! Thats is one of my biggest concerns is that the machine will eat my card. I love citibank ATMs because you only have to swipe your card, so no chance that it won't be returned when you finish your transaction.

I have a question for you, you said the Citibank ATM at Blockbusters was closed by 11:30pm? I always thought the entrance thru the store was open till midnight and that you can enter the ATM thru the side entrance after that. THX for the update!

Quick sidenote- you can get money off of your card by going to Help, the problem is that now they will only give you 50R cash:-( It wasn't always like that. I knew a guy who used to go to Help and charge 300R on a 100R drink bill. The management at Help could take a an extra 50R and then kick back 150R to him. He would then have 150R to give to the young lady of his choice for the evening. Plus when he got back home, he could write off 50% of his bill as a entertainment expense.

Hey Thumber,

That makes two of us,(lol).

I went to the bank in the morning and didn~t realize that the doors to get inside were ^metal detected. I had keys and my cell in a pocket, so the alarm went off, the door stopped opening and 2 guards came towards me with hands on their guns! I was like WTF(question mark goes here, can~t find it on the keyboard!). It took about two minutes before the guard realized I wasn~t there to rob the bank!

Yes, BlockBuster was open BUT the atm wasn~t. I think the sign said it closes at 10.

Thanks for the tip about Help kicking back 50R on the tab.

I still think that travelers checks would be a good source of emergency money. You don~t have to use them and they^ll come in handy if there is a power outage.

I'm here for Carnaval. I have tickets for 2 nights of samba parades. I got my 1st ticket thru ipanema.com (very pricy but they had a party with food & caprirena for us to compensate us for overpaying for our tickets). They also had some samba lessons at the party; funny thing was they had this gorgeous woman helping out with the demonstrations - I saw her later at Solarium & too bad I'd already picked my girl cuz I really wanted to get to know my dance instructor. I got the other ticket at a stand in front of Meia Pataca ( at 1/2 the ipanema.com price).

For those of us who are suffering from Rio Carnaval-envy (and YoungTom-envy), O Globo has nice photos and sound files of Carnaval. More than likely all Brazilian media web sites will have them, as well.

Terra had a good link last year - http://portal.terra.com.br/carnaval2002/. In fact, the main reason that I am here today is because I watched the daily updates last year during Carnaval & dreamed of being here.

I probably took 10 photos of the woman from Unidos da Tijuca - she would not stay still.

I've gone to the Sambodrome the last 2 nights. Incredible. It really is something that I'll never forget. It goes from 9pm until 7am. 7 different groups that have a combination of floats, marchers in incredible costumes, the bateria, the Queen of the bateria, lively music, topless women, etc. Too much fun. I'm stilling trying to figure out how that women samba without falling down.

Youngtom,
How much were the tickets you bought? Did you get a spot in one of the skyboxes or were you sitting in the concrete bleachers. I am definately going to Carnival next year and I just wanted to know if it was possible to purchase a seat in the sky boxes.

Thumper - I was in section 7 with the concrete benches. You can purchase tickets in the boxes; I sent an inquiry to ipanema.com & they send me an email with some info - see Dec 2 post up above in this thread.

Was the ticket you bought in front of Meia Pataca any worse than the one you bought through Ipanema.com? Did the stand have tickets for Section 9? Muito obrigado.

Wilma - section 7 is first come, first serve so both tickets were exactly the same. I believe that the stand in front of Meia Pataca only had section 7 and below.

What a great time; it really is some that you have to experience to believe.

Do you think the difference between 7 and 9 is worth $50 (or $150)?

In 9, you'll have a reserved spot/seat whereas 7 is first come, first serve so if you can get a seat up front then 9 would probably be worth it. The comfort fact (ie a real seat in 9) probably isn't that great since everybody stands except between schools. It is definitely worth an extra 50.

I saw a bunch of people in the stands with full costumes from sambas schools that had performed earlier so it looks like you can get into the parade. I'm toying with the idea of trying to get into one of the schools next year.

If anyone is interested in seeing the samba parades but still avoid the masses during prime Carnaval time, the Saturday after Carnaval (Feb 16 this year) there is the Parade of Champions. The winners from previous weekend all march again. At this point, you should be able to get a hotel at non-Carnaval prices. I don't know how to get tickets but they are available locally.

YT,

I'm planning on going to the Parade of Champions with two other guys from work on Saturday. Email me if you want to join us.

Cell phone in rio is: 021-11-9509-0682. I arrive on Saturday, call around 12:00 or later.

Moondog

Moondog - sounds good. Wilco & I will call you this afternoon.

Parade of Champion tickets are available thru the hotels for 120 reais for Section 5 and 140 reais for Section 7.

I bought a CD called "Sambas de Enredo 2002" which has the theme song for each of the 14 finalists in this years samba parade.

I read/saw somewhere that you (foreigners) can join the parade with the full costume for about $300.

A native told me that he and a lot of Cariocas leave town during Carnaval. In his opinion the rehearsals are a lot more fun for him. Well, if I were a Carioca, maybe I would get a little jaded about Carnaval too, but once or twice in a lifetime...just trying to talk myself into taking the plunge next year.

YoungTom: What kind of apartmento rates/length of time did Kenn or anyone else quote you? Thanks.

I paid $600 for the 5 prime days of Carnaval; prices go back to normal after that. It was a modest comfortable apt. When I was initially looking for a place to stay a couple of months ago, it seeemed like everything (hotels & apts ) were 3 times normal rate. Maybe you can avoid that rate if you come for a month but otherwise prepare yourself to pay more. It probably is too early to book an apartment but maybe booking early might help on hotel prices. Wilma - look up above in this thread for some email that I got from ipanema.com regarding prices for comfortable places; it lists all sorts of hotels/apts and the rates that they wanted.

The bad - hotel & apts prices are outrageous, some of the termas close for a few days, lots & lots of people (might as well skip Help - too many people - I went one night and got burned twice by cigarettes in just a few minutes so I left), ticket prices are kinda high for samba parades (but you gotta do it - section 9 is probably the way to go).

The good - the samba parades are awesome. I went twice with carioca dates & it was fun watching them dance and sing along. One of the girls had never been before and it was the time of her life; she can't stop talking about it. The Street parades are also lots of fun. All the normal Rio things that we all love.

I've heard that crime was down for this carnaval.

Next years Carnaval is still a long way away but I think that after the great time that I have had this year that I'll be back in next year.

Youngtom, Good to hear you had a great time at Carnival.Did you see a girl that looked like Julia Roberts at Solarium?Still got her on my mind.Ah those termas girls.

During New Years the prices were similar to the Carnaval prices, except that for New Years you had to do 3 or 4 day hotel packages. Apartments had 5-10 day pacakges at double or more the normal rate. I booked a 3 day hotel package (2x) through Ipanema.com for Revellion and through Bobby for the days before and after at the normal rate. The termas were closed for 2 days: New Years Eve and Day. According to the Holiday Festival Finder, Carnaval is Feb. 28-March 4 in 2003. Your comments have me seriously thinking about going already.

So, it appears 2 tickets (yourself and a namorada) for one night in Section 9 will cost $500. Another night in Section 7 will cost $100 each at the ticket booth (assuming there are any left to sell).

I initially bought 2 tickets through ipanema.com (you have to guarantee yourself a seat for Carnaval) then after I arrived another one thru the ticket stand in front of Meia Pataca (at 1/2 the ipemana.com prices - they only had section 7 and cheaper on the street).