Finding Accommodation, Flatsharing, Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

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Cost of Living

South America is relatively inexpensive and travelers can survive on about R$100 a day - paying around R$40 for accommodations, R$30 for food and drink, plus bus travel, admission to sights and the occasional entertainment activity. However, Rio is one of the more expensive places in South America and one of the most expensive cities in Brazil.

Brazil suffers from a lack of middle class. It is often said in Brazil: "You either have a housekeeper or you are a housekeeper." Even middle-class working families usually have a maid or housekeeper in Brazil. This can be tough for those at the lowest economic spectrum, but for people able to secure a regular income, Brazil can be the land of plenty.

    Some examples of prices:
  • Loaf of bread R$1.50
  • 5kg rice R$17.00
  • 1kg potatoes R$2.48
  • 12 eggs R$5.89
  • 1.5 litre of bottled water R$2.50
  • Big mac: R$ 4 - 5; a comparable local sandwich goes for about half that price
  • Beer: R$ 2 - 3 per 600 ml bottle; R$ 1 - 2 per 350 ml can
  • Internet Cafe: R$3 - 5 per hour
  • Taxi: R$ 3 - 6 per km
  • A cinema ticket: R$ 5 - 15
  • Packet of cigarettes: (20 pieces, king size): from as low as R$1 (local brands) to about R$4 (international brands)
  • Litre of petrol: R$3.10
  • Studio apartment: $300-$500

Short Term Accommodations

For short term housing before you settle into a more permanent place, there area variety of hotels, sublets, and short term housing. Pricing varies widely to accommodate the high season where prices can triple. Desirable hotels and holiday apartments can rent for as little as US$ 100 to US$400 per night. If you are willing to sacrifice some comfort for price, dorm rooms can rent for as little as US$20 a night in the backpacker neighborhood of Catete.

The Copa Apartments & Tour is a vacation rental agency dedicated to short term apartment rentals in Rio de Janeiro, especially in Copacabana and Ipanema. They provide fully furnished apartments These tend to be more pricey, but are very convenient and comfortable for a stay of undetermined time.

Some other options include:
www.copacabanaholiday.com.br
www.sublet.com/state_rentals/brazil_rentals.asp

Flatsharing

An important trait in any roommate situation is having boundaries and a clear understanding of what each roommate requires. To protect yourself against potential problems should the worst happen, try to arrange it so that your roommates co-sign the lease. This makes all the roommates responsible for whatever happens to the property. If the worst was to happen, such as your roommate losing their job and not being able to pay rent, they will be held financially responsible- not you.

Hostel

Hostel Jarmonia - located in Ipanema, this location offers three dormitories with maximum of 6 in each room. Bedsheets are provided and all rooms have fans. Guests share two bathrooms with hot showers. There is a modern kitchen with a large fridge, freezer, microwave and a big stove. Breakfast is served from 9:30 until 11 30 and includes coffee, juice, bread, marmalade, fruits, cheese and ham. Internet costs 1R$ for 10 min. A dorm bed is 50 R$ all year round except during New Years and Carnival.

Lighthouse Hostel - A cute, quiet hostel owned and run by a New Zealander and a Brazilian. Located within Ipanema, this hostel offers a mixed dorm. Prices are R$50 per person.

Mango Tree Hostel - this is a newly renovated 1930's colonial style house. It offers 8 double rooms (3 triples, 5 with en-suite, all air-conditioned) and 26 dorm beds. Prices range from R$50-$150.,/p>

Rio Hostel - This hostel has two locations, on in Ipanema and one in Santa Teresa. They have a unique feel with the Ipanema hostel offering a laid-back beach vibe, and Santa Teresa featuring a lively city buzz. Ipanema - Dorms are R$40 and double rooms are R$130. Santa Teresa - Dorms ar R$37 and private/double rooms R$90-180.

Search Engines

If these hostels don't meet your needs, there are several excellent search engines to find the perfect hostel for you.

Update 29/05/2010


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