What budget for activities and outings Rio De Janeiro?
In monuments, public transport and museums, admission is free for people over 65 (60 in some states) and children under 5. One of the biggest expenses is often the price of a plane ticket or tickets to see as much of the country as possible. For those who want to cross this vast country in a short space of time, while neglecting their carbon footprint, the "Brazil Air Pass" is a good alternative. Of course, we recommend taking the bus, but inter-city distances are sometimes so great that air travel is a last resort. Azul and Gol offer passes at US$ 399 and US$ 505 respectively for 4 coupons. These must be taken from France or the countries of departure as soon as you have your ticket for Brazil.
Exercise and sport in general are widespread in all Brazilian metropolises. Almost every type of sporting activity is on offer. The cult of the body is omnipresent. You can stretch your legs, ride a bike or rollerblade for no money at all, as there are many free facilities in Brazilian cities. Rio's southern zone (Lagoa, Ipanema beaches, Copacabana, Leblon, as far as Barra da Tijuca) is very well equipped for bikes, rollerblades and jogging. The Roller Rio association (www.facebook.com/rolleriorj/) offers group roller tours. Belo Horizonte's parks and bike paths are great for getting into shape or getting back into shape. In Rio, certain roads are closed to vehicles on Sundays and dedicated to "soft transport". Rio's famous Avenida Atlântica is "abandoned" to joggers, rollerbladers and other cyclists.
Rio's botanical gardens are the perfect starting point for forest walks. The Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest, but we don't recommend it, as there are many assaults on the paths leading to Corcovado. Many of the morros and mountains are equipped with climbing routes. Of course, if you prefer to relax and enjoy the passing of time, the beach is a free option... Surfboards are available for hire. For other extreme sports activities, such as rafting, canyoning or paragliding, you'll need to budget accordingly.
In Brazil, local products (clothing, Havaianas, food, alcohol...) are generally cheaper than in France and Europe. Electronics and other imported products are often more expensive than in Europe. Credit cards are now widely used. Even street vendors selling swimwear in Copacabana have card terminals. The banks charge a commission for the exchange and transaction, but it remains safe and efficient.
Entrance fees rarely exceed R$60 or R$100 (except for very select clubs). Credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
What budget to eat Rio De Janeiro?
Restaurant prices vary widely. You can eat a few salgados for a handful of reais, a PF(prato feito or prepared dish) for around 20 reais or break your piggy bank eating at "Claude" (Claude Troisgros in Rio), where the bill will happily exceed 100 euros per person, and much more at Lasaï. On the whole, you can eat well for around 100 reais. A mid-range kilo will cost 45 reais a kilo, as at the Rancho in Mariana (Minas Gerais) or 85 reais at the Catete Grill restaurant in Rio, but prices tend to be highly inflated.
Brazil is no longer a cheap country. Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are relatively similar to those in Europe. Savoury and sweet snacks are perhaps a little cheaper. On the other hand, some things are more expensive: wine, for the same quality, will be a little more expensive than in France. The price of a basic 600 ml bottle of beer varies between R$9 and R$12 in the bars of Belo Horizonte and Rio, and R$15 for a mug, and R$5 to R$7 for a shrimp pastel. Nowadays,happy hour is becoming increasingly popular in Brazil's major cities. It's an opportunity to mingle with the local bonita at a lower price. Of course, the crowds are busier at this time, so it's a bit more complicated for a romantic tête-à-tête.
What is the budget for accommodation Rio De Janeiro?
Budgets vary enormously, from hostels to luxury hotels in Rio's southern zone. Prices range from 20 to 100 euros per night per person, from a bed in a dormitory to a room in a well-stocked pousada. For a night at the Copacabana palace, you'll have to pay over 500 euros for a room. Airbnb has now extended its network to Rio, and numerous rentals are on offer. Card payment is available in almost all establishments. In Rio, it is strongly recommended to stay in the South zone, which is safer in terms of security. The Oeste zone, far from points of interest, is of only relative interest for accommodation.
During Carnival, New Year's Eve and Easter in places like Ouro Preto, prices can be multiplied by 2, 3 or 4. What's more, during these periods, customers are often subject to a "pacote", i.e. the obligation to book a certain minimum number of nights.
Travel budget Rio De Janeiro and cost of living
Budget. Brazil is no longer a cheap country. The current collapse of the real is making the cost of living cheaper for European visitors, but the budget for a trip to Brazil is still quite high. You should expect to pay 50 euros for a small daily budget per person, 80-100 euros for a medium budget and 150 euros for a comfortable budget. In the big cities, accommodation can be a major expense. As everywhere, rates for hotels and other tourist services vary according to season and event. During the summer vacations, from December to February (including the Carnival period) and the July school vacations, prices double or even more in Rio or Paraty, for example. Prices also vary depending on the event. In "conventional" restaurants, the bill can quickly become steep. It's possible to eat by the kilo, but for a moderate price. Prepared dishes (PF, prato feito) are generally inexpensive.
In the low season, if you travel only by bus (or book your flights in advance), stay in decent but simple hotels and eat in inexpensive restaurants (self-catering by the kilo), you can travel more cheaply. In high season, you'll want to avoid the tourist spots, unless of course you've made them your preferred destination. Don't go to Ouro Preto at Easter, or to Paraty during the FLIP book festival. An airplane flight, the occasional car rental and a guided tour can add significantly to the average budget, while solo excursions (not just anywhere!) and lazy days in a hammock on the beach can lighten it. Don't hesitate to haggle over all the tourist services on offer, especially in low season when customers are scarce. For example, the price of guided excursions (national parks, etc.) can be discussed. It's important to remember, however, that quality service comes at a price, and that very low market prices can sometimes be at the expense of safety and/or respect for communities and the environment. Furthermore, you must respect the work of others and negotiate within acceptable limits.
The Gol and Azul airlines offer attractive pass systems for domestic flights, which can only be purchased in France or in the traveller's home country after the purchase of a round-trip ticket to Brazil.
Tipping. In restaurants, 10% is added to the amount you pay, which goes to the waiters. This means you don't have to leave a tip, with the exception of a few restaurants where the 10% is not included. But there's nothing to stop you leaving a tip if you enjoyed the service.
Haggling. Negotiating the price of goods, which has skyrocketed in recent years, is a common custom, especially in street markets. Resist the merchants' talent for making you feel guilty for offering a lower price, and take your chances by asking for up to 20% off. For even juicier bargains, opt for cash payment and bulk purchases. In small shops struggling to get by, and in certain places far from tourist areas, it's best to refrain from haggling.
Taxes. Displayed prices may sometimes be taxed, but the practice is not uniform, and displays are not always self-explanatory. In some hotels, you may have to add 5% ISS or 10% service tax (or both!) to the posted price; ask at reception. In bars and restaurants, the 10% service charge is not indicated on the menu, but is always included in the bill.
