Early Exit EXPLORER

As I prepare to leave Rio this Thursday, I can honestly say I’ve learned so much during my time here. I’ve met some amazing people, experienced things I never imagined, and gained a whole new perspective on life and travel. That said, this post isn’t really about me — it’s for anyone who’s thinking about coming to Brazil, and Rio specifically. Before you book that ticket, there are a few important things you should know.

First, Brazil does not use the same wall connectors as the United States. They use a Type N wall plug, which means if you come unprepared, you won’t be able to charge your phone, laptop, or anything else that needs power. It’s much smarter to buy a few adapters before you arrive. You can find them in Rio, but depending on where you’re staying, they aren’t always easy to locate.

Next — and this is a big one — learn Portuguese before coming to Rio, even if it’s just the basics. It will make your experience ten times better. Unlike many tourist-heavy destinations, almost everyone here speaks Portuguese. You may run into a few people who speak broken English, but that’s rare. Knowing even simple phrases can help you connect with locals, navigate daily life, and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Another thing people don’t always talk about: Rio isn’t cheap. Be prepared to spend money, especially if you’re not from here. There’s also something very real called gringo prices, meaning tourists often get charged more. Yes, you will get overcharged at some point — it’s just part of the experience.

One major lesson I learned from living here is that it’s much better to stay close to the beaches. The beaches are where everything happens — restaurants, gyms, nightlife, social life — and everything is more accessible. However, that convenience comes at a cost. Airbnbs and hotels near the beach are expensive, especially for monthly stays. Think American-level prices or higher.

To make things more affordable and enjoyable, I highly recommend either coming with a group or already knowing someone in Rio. I honestly can’t imagine how different my experience would have been if I didn’t already know someone or meet the people I met here. Without that, I probably would’ve been bored and unsure of what to do most of the time.

Also, if you’re planning to stay long-term and do things like go to the gym, rent an apartment, or handle other everyday tasks, you’ll need a CPF number. It’s basically a Brazilian ID number. Without it, you’re very limited in what you can do. Thankfully, I was able to find a workaround, but it’s definitely something you should plan for ahead of time.

Overall, Rio was a vibe. It was an adventure. Never in my life did I think I’d actually make it here — I’d been trying to get to Rio for three years, and I finally did. This isn’t goodbye. I’ll definitely be back. Rio is a place everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.