Brazil - Car Rentals in Rio

While spending time in rio, is it worth renting a car? Taxis don't seem to be cheap like Asia.. would i save more money by renting a car than taking cabs? How is the public transit in rio.. like the subway or busses? Is safety an issue?

Where are you going? How do you know taxis are expensive there? Would you take a bus? Subway is pretty good. Keep in mind when considering a car rental:
-Rates are expensive (at least compared with thsoe in the U.S.).
-Insurance can be high. Do you have insurance from home that would cover you?
-Gas is expensive compared to that in the U.S.
-You may find, like we did, that all but the more expensive rental cars have no air bags at all. None. That applies to cars for sale, as well.
-Brazilian drivers are insane (I live there). I would not consider renting a car without air bags.
-Traffic in Rio can be bad, signage confusing and you'd have to pay--formally or informally-- for parking (assuming you can find it) in many places.

If you're talking about renting a car just to get around Rio, I would say don't do it. To get to outlying areas, perhaps. I've always gotten around Rio quite well using mainly taxis, but also the subway (generally clean and efficient) and "executive busses" (air conditioned busses). I've only taken regular busses for short distances during off-peak hours. If you're used to driving in Asia, maybe Brazil wouldn't be intimidating. But I still don't think it would be cost-effective.

I was thinking about renting a car for a couple days to go to Petropolis and Teresopolis, at first I was considering a car rental for driving around the city, but that does seem like it would turn into more money and more effort than not.
Would I have an easy time just catching a bus to those two places?

for single traveler it does not make sence.
There will be 5 of us, and we will save a ton by renting a car. Definitely worth it for a group. : )

Would I have an easy time just catching a bus to those two places?
Definitely! Comfy buses leave to Petropolis and Teresopolis from the bus terminal in Rio several times an hour. No seat, save yourself the hassle of going by car.

If you're between Petropolis and Teresopolis, choose Teresopolis, which has much more tourist appeal.

I was thinking about renting a car for a couple days to go to Petropolis and Teresopolis, at first I was considering a car rental for driving around the city, but that does seem like it would turn into more money and more effort than not.
Would I have an easy time just catching a bus to those two places?

Driving in Brazil is hair raising! I'm in Brazil several times a year and have avoided driving every time.

Public transportation is great and more comfortable than driving in a car. Even when friends offer to drive me for long distances I prefer to go by bus.

for single traveler it does not make sence.
There will be 5 of us, and we will save a ton by renting a car. Definitely worth it for a group. : )

I actually doubt you'd save a ton by renting a car that would comfortably fit 5 plus luggage, given the high rental costs, insurance and gas, but it would definitely make more sense than for a single traveler. If you arrange your rental beforehand, so you know what kind of car you're likely to get (do get a relatively upscale car and make sure it has air bags), and you feel comfortable driving on Brazilian roads and in Brazilian traffic (I've been in Brazil for 5 years and still don't like driving here), and have good directions, then sure, it could make sense. Even if it doesn't save you a ton of money, or any money at all, you would gain some flexibility. I'm talking of excursions outside the city (e.g., Petropolis, Tiradentes, Paraty). I still wouldn't recommend renting a car for excursions within Rio. Public transportation, including taxis and subways, just too good, and the traffic, parking and signs just too bad.

Remember, Teresopolis sufered a lot of damage from floods. It's further away, but I'd suggest Tiradentes for historic and natural attractions. Not really practical as a day-trip by bus, however (well, even Teresopolis is a bit far for a day trip). Petropolis is just outside Rio and can be easily reached by bus', or a tour, if you don't have a car.

Definitely! Comfy buses leave to Petropolis and Teresopolis from the bus terminal in Rio several times an hour. No seat, save yourself the hassle of going by car.

If you're between Petropolis and Teresopolis, choose Teresopolis, which has much more tourist appeal.

How is Teresopolis since the floods?

How is Teresopolis since the floods?

Destroyed.

I agree with all the comments about car rental in Rio and am quite happy visiting almost anywhere in the city on bus/metro but would recommend renting a car for a day to visit a few places.

Places like Vista Chinesa, the Tijuca Forest and Prainha can be done by hiring a taxi for the day but I prefer the independence of having my own car. This is the circuit that I do with friends who have never been to Rio before.

I agree with all the comments about car rental in Rio and am quite happy visiting almost anywhere in the city on bus/metro but would recommend renting a car for a day to visit a few places.

Places like Vista Chinesa, the Tijuca Forest and Prainha can be done by hiring a taxi for the day but I prefer the independence of having my own car. This is the circuit that I do with friends who have never been to Rio before.

hey mate
can you give a few more details on where exactly do you go to those places? I will have a rental coming up and would like to use the car to the fullest extent. I tried to find more info but its too vague/big...

hey mate
can you give a few more details on where exactly do you go to those places? I will have a rental coming up and would like to use the car to the fullest extent. I tried to find more info but its too vague/big...

Have a look at these and the como chegar/mapa links

http://www.cycity.com/rio-de-janeiro/lazer/passeios-ecologicos/mirante/alto-da-boa-vista/vista-chinesa

http://www.cycity.com/rio-de-janeiro/lazer/passeios-ecologicos/praias-lagos-e-rios/recreio-dos-bandeirantes/prainha

http://www.cycity.com/rio-de-janeiro/lazer/passeios-ecologicos/parques-e-pracas/alto-da-boa-vista/parque-nacional-da-floresta-da-tijuca

All are to the south of Ipanema and will appear on any tourist map

How is Teresopolis since the floods?Destroyed.not true

not true

OK, I'm exaggerating a little bit.

OK, I'm exaggerating a little bit.The city is fine, only one region in the outskirts was affected (which I didn't see when I was there last weekend).

It's horrible what happened, whole families were wiped out and are still unaccounted for, over 1000 people are supposed to have died. There was a demonstration on Monday asking to impeach the mayor because he does not want to account for all the missing and thus give control back to the Red Cross, who he pushed aside earlier. The people I spoke to are saying that he is corrupt and is profiting from the disaster relief, the needy are going without as they not getting the promised supplies and housing allowance.

It's a very sad but isolated situation...