Time to start saving!
If you´re a budget traveler with plans to visit Rio, it might be time to start putting some extra money aside for your trip. With spiraling inflation and an increasingly strong economy, Brazil is no longer a cheap destination, and Rio´s popularity as a tourist destination means that prices in the city are rivaled only by those of Sao Paulo. Compared with neighbouring South American countries, and even North America, prices for accommodation, food, drink and clothes are high, and as a result many locals pay for almost everything - from the weekly food shop to electrical goods - in monthly installments.
Increasing global food prices are, of course, not helping the situation, and President Lula has called for greater food production to try and keep inflation pressures under control. In a statement that must have come as something of a surprise to those who can afford neight food, clothing nor shelter, he also tried to justify the ever-increasing cost of living by stating that the country had become ´nearly a Paradise´.
However, a trip to Rio doesn´t have to break the bank - there are myriad opportunities for low-cost or no-cost fun, and a few smart choices can make a big difference to your budget. Firstly, think about where you want to stay. Ipanema and Leblon may be Rio´s most glamorous suburbs, but prices for accommodation, not to mention eating a drinking, reflect this. Copacabana, while slightly seedier, is much cheaper, and within easy reach of Ipanema. Cheaper still are Botafogo and Flamengo - you´ll need to take a bus or Metro to the best beaches, but there´s good local nightlife.
Hostels are a good bet for those who like things lively and want to save money by self-catering, and if you value privacy over a party atmosphere, then there are plenty of companies offering apartments to rent at every level from basic bedsitters to luxury Leblon penthouses. One good company is Gringo Management (www.gringomanagement .com), which has some very good value apartments to rent in Ipanema and Copacabana. The beaches, of course, are free, and there are many opportunities for walking and sightseeing that cost little or nothing - Parque das Ruinas, in Santa Teresa, and Parque Catacumba, in Lagoa, are both free to enter and offer some of the best views in the city.
At night, those on a budget should steer clear of bars and restaurants in Ipanema and Leblon. Head instead for Lapa (at weekends), Botafogo and Laranjeiras, where you´ll find a lively atmosphere and reasonable prices. Street parties are always a good bet for finding bargain cocktails- if you want to go to a club in Lapa it´s a good idea to grab a couple of caipifrutas from a street vendor to drink before entering, as prices will be much higher inside.
If you´re plannign to be in Rio for carnival, be aware that hostel and hotel prices literally quadruple during the festival, and you´ll need to book months in advance to avoid paying through the nose for the most basic accomodation.
When food shopping, look out for branches of Mundial and Sendas, where prices are significantly lower than the upmarket chains Pao de Acucar and Zona Sul.
At lunchtime, por kilo restaurants (where you pay for your food by weight) are generally good value, particularly in Centro, and offer every kind of food from hot meat dishes to salads.
Of course if money is no object and you´re happy to splash the cash then there is every opportunity to enjoy luxury accommodation, fine food, and expensive nightlife. Either way, if you´re in Rio, you´ll have fun, regardless of budget.