Rio Travel Tips
Rio de Janeiro is vibrant and inviting. As with any major city, following a few simple travel tips ensures you enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind.

Packing tips
March is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F–86°F) and mild nights around 22°C (72°F). Short tropical showers may occur, but usually clear quickly, making it a great month for beaches and outdoor activities.

Sunscreen
The sun in Rio is strong so use sunscreen generously, drink plenty of (coconut) water, and take breaks in the shade.

Travel adapters
Voltage is usually 127V (60Hz), though some hotels and airports have 220V. Plugs are type C or N, so an adapter may be necessary.
Comfortable clothing
Business attire is recommended at the event venue. Rio, as a city, is casual. Light, comfortable clothing works well for most outings.
Local currency
The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at many beach vendors. We'd recommend carrying some cash for small purchases. You can exchange money at RIOgaleão Airport, banks, and authorised exchange houses. ATMs are widely available – check your bank’s international withdrawal fees before travelling.
Getting Around
Airport and event transfers will be provided from all Official Hotels for Routes Americas. We know that many of our delegates may want to explore the city whilst attending the event. Whether you use the Metro, Uber, 99Taxi, Taxi Rio, or a traditional cab, getting around Rio is simple and secure.
Using taxis and Ride Apps
Uber - the most popular and reliable choice for visitors. For added comfort, choose Uber Comfort or Uber Black. At the airports, the Uber Lounge makes pickups easy and organised.
99Taxi - works like Uber and often has competitive fares.
Traditional Taxis - Official taxis (yellow with a blue stripe) are safe and widely available. We advise you to check the company name/number on the car and make sure the meter is on.
Taking the metro
Rio’s Metro is efficient and easy to use. It accepts credit cards at ticket machines and connects major tourist and business areas, making it a convenient option.
Bem-vindo ao Brasil
Portuguese is the official language. English is spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Simple words like “obrigado” (thank you) and “por favor” (please) are always appreciated.
When you are exploring the city
Rio de Janeiro enchants visitors with its extraordinary natural beauty – from the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
Knowing when to tip
Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge, which is customary to pay. Extra tips are optional. Tipping in taxis is not expected, but rounding up is common.
Avoid the long lines
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid long lines. Exploring lesser-known spots can offer great views and unique experiences.
Our commitment to you
Routes is part of Informa, the biggest B2B event organiser in the world. Informa operates events all over the world and the safety of our attendees is at the forefront of what we do. We work closely with our hosts, their wider stakeholder group and our local Informa office in São Paulo, to provide us with knowledge and insight on travelling and attending an event in Rio. This ensures that our delegates have the best experience of their destination. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Routes team.


