Rio de Janeiro: The Marvelous City

• HelloOi
  [oy]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doh]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/deh-scoo-peh]
• How are you?Como vai?
  [koh-moh vah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now ehn-tehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo cahr-dah-pee-oh/pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehn-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-mee ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-mee oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doh-ehn-tee]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [eh-stoh soh oh-yahn-doo]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-seh poh-deh bahy-shahr oo preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [may-ah oh-rah (deh-ees)]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-dee]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-chee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehn]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde é o/a...?
  [ohn-deh eh ooh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwal eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-seh poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwan-doh eh ooh proh-kshee-moh (ohn-ee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-chee (pah-rah)]

Rio de Janeiro was officially founded on March 1, 1565, by the Portuguese, led by Estácio de Sá. The city was established to defend against French privateers who had occupied Guanabara Bay. The initial settlement was named São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro in honor of King Sebastian I of Portugal.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Rio de Janeiro became an important hub for sugar production. The fertile lands surrounding the city were ideal for sugarcane plantations, which relied heavily on African slave labor. This period saw the growth of colonial architecture and the establishment of numerous churches and monasteries.

In the early 18th century, the discovery of gold in the neighboring state of Minas Gerais led to an economic boom in Rio de Janeiro. The city became a key port for exporting gold to Europe. This influx of wealth led to the construction of grand buildings and the development of the city's infrastructure.

In 1808, the Portuguese royal family, led by Prince Regent Dom João VI, fled to Rio de Janeiro to escape the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. The city became the de facto capital of the Portuguese Empire. This period saw significant urban development, including the establishment of the Royal Library and the Botanical Garden.

Brazil declared its independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822, with Rio de Janeiro becoming the capital of the newly established Empire of Brazil. Emperor Pedro I and later his son Pedro II ruled from the city, overseeing an era marked by economic growth, the abolition of slavery in 1888, and the influx of European immigrants.

The proclamation of the Republic in 1889 marked the beginning of significant changes for Rio de Janeiro. The city underwent extensive modernization efforts, including the demolition of colonial structures to make way for wide avenues and public parks. The early 20th century saw the rise of samba culture and the establishment of famous neighborhoods like Copacabana and Ipanema.

The mid-20th century was a time of cultural renaissance for Rio de Janeiro. The city became a global symbol of Brazilian culture, known for its vibrant Carnaval, bossa nova music, and iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer. The construction of modernist architecture by figures like Oscar Niemeyer also left a lasting impact on the city's landscape.

In recent decades, Rio de Janeiro has continued to evolve as a major global city. Hosting events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics showcased its rich culture and natural beauty to the world. Despite facing challenges such as social inequality and urban violence, Rio remains a city of dynamic energy and cultural diversity.

Rio de Janeiro is served by two main airports: Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). Galeão International Airport handles most international flights and is located about 20 kilometers from the city center. Santos Dumont Airport primarily handles domestic flights and is conveniently located near downtown Rio. You can reach the city from the airport by taxi, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttle buses.

Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro includes buses, the metro, and VLT trams. The metro is a reliable and safe option for getting around the city, especially for visiting popular tourist spots like Copacabana, Ipanema, and the downtown area. Buses cover extensive routes but can be crowded and less predictable. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available and recommended for late-night travel or reaching areas not well-served by public transport.

The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Rio de Janeiro. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful and can be found in malls, banks, and other public places, but be cautious when withdrawing money, especially at night.

While Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant and beautiful city, it has areas with high crime rates, particularly concerning tourists. Some neighborhoods to be cautious of include Centro, Lapa, and some parts of Copacabana at night. Avoid displaying valuables, be mindful of your surroundings, and stick to well-lit and populated areas. Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch to carry important documents and money.

In case of emergency, dial 190 for the police, 192 for medical emergencies, and 193 for fire services. Major hospitals and clinics are available throughout the city. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. For consular assistance, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Rio de Janeiro.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, especially due to the tropical climate. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches in public. Religion: Do respect religious sites; many churches require modest clothing. Public Transport: Do keep an eye on your belongings and avoid using your phone or other valuables openly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, which is common in Brazil. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to street food, but ensure it's from a reputable vendor. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Rio de Janeiro like a local, visit the open-air markets such as Feira de São Cristóvão for authentic Brazilian food and crafts. Enjoy the local samba and bossa nova music in places like Lapa. Take a walk or bike ride along the beachfront promenades of Copacabana and Ipanema. Don't miss out on trying açaí, a popular local fruit dish, and join in a game of beach volleyball or football with the locals.