Learn some language basics. Rio really is an extremely friendly city, so take as many opportunities to chat to locals as you can. It’s wise to brush up on some Portuguese before you arrive to make interactions smoother, plus locals will appreciate it.
Understand local flirting customs. Unlike men in London, who might make eyes at you from across the bar but never make a move, Brazilian men are as forward as forward gets.
You may have even heard of the three-second rule from past visitors, where if a man holds your gaze for three seconds, they’ll likely approach you and ask for a kiss. If you decline, they’re generally respectful about it — it’s just something to keep in mind.
Give back to blocos. Like any good tourist, giving back to the local community should be a priority. “Blocos [which don’t charge attendees] face high costs to take Carnival to the streets,” Bezerra says. “For this reason, they hold raffles, virtual fundraising and plenty of other initiatives to raise funds. It’d be great if revellers could do some research [Instagram is a good start] about how they can help out. After all, everyone’s support is essential for these parties to happen.”
And finally… Try the local delicacies, dance to the local music you may not have ever heard before, and, importantly, have fun. That’s what Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro specifically, is so loved for. You can sleep on the flight back to Heathrow!
