Arrival
Immigration : The queues can be lengthy so try and get off the plane ASAP.
Map : A free map is given out in the arrivals hall. Take one as they are very useful.
Taxi : Use one of the 3 radio taxi companies (Transcoopass, Cootrama, etc) located slightly to the right as you exit from customs. Fixed fare of R56 to Zona Sul. If you buy something in the duty free ask for the taxi discount voucher. This knocks 12-15% off to bring down the fare to R45. If taking a yellow cab from the airport ignore the touts and take one owned by “Aerocoop” (usually written on side of the trunk). This firm is used by AA in VDB situations so should be reputable.
I find that Rio cab drivers are much better than those in BA, and Dublin for that matter. They don’t tend to rip you off and will sometimes round fares down rather than up. However, the airport and central bus station are two places to exercise caution. Always take a moving cab rather than one that’s waiting for a fare and always ask for the meter “relógio” to be put on. A higher fare, band 2 on the meter, starts at 9pm, also all day Sunday and all of December. If using one on the way back to the airport from Copa it should cost R26-30 on band 1. There are no supplements for luggage or extra people.
Accommodation
Not sure why you picked the Intercontinental either as it’s out in São Conrado. It’s only a R10-15 cab ride from Copa/Ipanema but it is a nuisance. In addition it’s got two large favelas (slums) Rocinha and Vidigal close by. Not a problem for security but not exactly picturesque.
Personally I would stay in Ipanema or Copa. The problem is most decent hotels in Copacabana and Ipanema are pricey. If budget isn’t an issue I would go for Caesar Park in Ipanema or JW Marriott in Copa.
If it is and you want to reduce costs then these two offer good value.
Princess Copa : Rua Xavier de Silvera, 5. Copacbana
http://www.promenade.com.br/aparthot...hotel=princess
New hotel with nice rooms and reasonable rates ($70-80) although a bit close to some of the less salubrious bars and clubs.
Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza, Farme de Amoedo 34, Ipanema
http://www.ipanemaplazahotel.com/
Avoid the Rio Othon at all costs.
Security
Generally Rio is a lot safer than it used to be and you shouldn’t have any problems if you use your commonsense. I was there for over 12 months and despite walking home drunk at all times of the night in Copa/Ipanema/Leblon never had any real hassle, apart from a failed armed robbery on a bus. Given the poverty I’m surprised there isn’t more crime and I would say there is less petty crime e.g. pickpockets, bird**** scams etc than in BA.
The problem is that when crime happens it happens big. If you are mugged they may well have a knife or gun and are not afraid to use them so just give them whatever you have. If you’ve used your commonsense this will be R100 or less and no credit cards or jewellery.
Tips
Ipanema is generally safer than Copacabana but the further you go back from the sea the dodgier it gets. 3-4 blocks should be fine apart from late at night. I’ve only ever seen two muggings and both of those occurred mid-afternoon in Ipanema, so go figure.
The Ipanema end of Copacabana is safer than the Leme end although take care in Arpoador between the two.
Stay off the beaches at night.
Don’t wear watches as there are big clocks all over the place and it will make you more of a target. I don’t subscribe to the casual clothes theory although they will be more comfortable if it’s hot there. I’m a 6’4” Irish guy with red hair so I’m not going to blend in anyway. Despite overdressing by Rio standards, smart shoes etc. I’ve never had any problems. Wearing jewellery and looking clueless are much more likely to get you targeted IMO.
Other
Don’t take an organized tour to Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) as they are overpriced. Just jump in a cab to the bottom of the cable car located in Botofogo. The cable car ride was R18 in 2001 so presumably is R20-25 now.
Enjoy!