Are you visiting Rio and wondering what’s the best way to get around? In this post, we’ll go over all the necessary & helpful information on how and why you should use Uber in Rio de Janeiro as a traveler.
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I’m sure we’ve ALL been here before… Just landing in a new country and wondering what’s the best way to get into the city center as cheaply as possible.
While you can always organize transportation ahead of time, some of us don’t always plan that well! Luckily catching an Uber from the airport and around Rio in general is super easy, cheap, and safe.
Whether you need a ride to and from the airport, to a destination an hour away, or to get back to your hotel after a night out on the town, keep reading! Here is everything I learned about using Uber in Rio de Janeiro that will help you out!
How To Use Uber in Rio de Janeiro
Uber in Rio works just the same as in the States. So if you’re used to the app at home, you’ll be just fine in Brazil. The only main difference is the several car options and the prices are in Reais – the local currency.
Tip: I always have a tab opened on my phone to convert the local currency to US dollars, for quick use. Google does this super easily. You can save this one here so you’re ready to go when you land!
For reference, right now in October of 2023, 5 Brazilian Reais equals 1 US Dollar. So if a ride costs R$30 it’s more or less $6. An easy way to remember is to just double the first digit.
There are different car options such as UberX, Comfort, and Black – just like in the US. However, they also have UberMoto, which gives you the option to ride on the back of a motorcycle, if you’re feeling adventurous.
It’s Easy
Uber is the easiest way to get around a foreign country, in my opinion. Because everything is done through the app, you don’t have to worry about the language barrier between you and the driver. And trust me, not as many locals speak English as I thought they would.
You have the option to pay via your credit card directly through the app. However, you also have the option to pay in cash if you prefer. Just be sure to click the cash option so it doesn’t charge you twice.
There are also common taxi scams such as quoting you one price just to change it and demand more before you get out. Or even driving you a longer way to be able to run the meter.
It’s Cheap
The best part about using Uber is that it’s the most affordable option next to using public transportation. The app shows you the total cost before you ride so there are no surprises. The driver cannot decide to charge you more along the way.
For example, from Tom Jobim Airport (GIG), one of the two airports in Rio, to Copacabana costs about R$50 or about $10. Rides around the city range from as low as $1 for a quick trip to about $14 for an hour-long trip. That’s an amazing price!
Tip: If you happen to be traveling with friends or get to meet people at your hostel, you can even split the cost. I did this a few times with hostel friends and ended up spending about $2 to get to the beach. Plus UberMotos tend to be half the price! More on that, a little further down.
It’s Safe
Perhaps the best part about using Uber while traveling is that it tracks your entire ride. With options to share your ride with a loved one or friend and even call 911 at the press of a button.
I felt completely safe on all of my many Uber car rides while in Rio. Most drivers don’t speak English but I got by on my basic Portuguese and found people to be friendly They were always asking about me and how I liked Rio.
I even noticed that the drivers ask you for a 4-digit code as confirmation before they begin driving. This is something that I haven’t experienced even in the US yet. That extra safety measure made me feel more secure as well.
It’s Adventurous (If You Want It To Be)
So one of the coolest parts about Uber in Rio de Janeiro, for me anyway, was the UberMoto option! I know this might seem scary to some and it is certainly more dangerous, but riding on the back of a motorcycle is the most efficient way to get around the city – hands down.
While I’m not sure if lane splitting is legal in Brazil, it’s certainly permitted and common. Lane splitting is driving in between lanes, especially during slow traffic.
Rio is notorious for having bad traffic. It could take you an extra 40 minutes to get around the city if you’re riding during rush hour. Using UberMoto cuts the time in half. Yes, there is a higher risk but it’s also more thrilling.
I love adventure so I would only recommend trying this if you do too and don’t scare easily. They weave in and out of traffic haphazardly and go pretty fast while doing so. I had gotten used to this while traveling in SE Asia as it’s also a common way to ride-share so I wasn’t as nervous.
I decided to take the bus to a tour I had booked about an hour away. Of course, the bus took so long that I had no option but to hire an UberMoto just to get there on time. It was an exhilarating experience, to say the least. I got there in 40 minutes and paid less than $7. It’s even cheaper if you are on a budget.
Alternative Ride Share App in Rio de Janeiro
While Uber works just fine and is already pretty cheap, I found the alternative ride-share app, 99, to be even cheaper. It might be smart to download both apps just in case.
Kind of how Lyft vs Uber works in the US, sometimes it’s quicker to get a ride through one app than the other. Plus it’s a good tool to compare surcharges during peak times as well.
Just be mindful when using 99, you must choose how you want to pay before hailing a ride. You can’t change it later which I found to be a little inconvenient.
Hopefully, you found this information from my experience using Uber in Rio de Janeiro useful! Uber has changed the ease and safety of traveling in foreign countries. More people should utilize this convenient method of getting around the city without the worry and hassle of using a normal taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take Uber in Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, Uber is likely the safest way to get around most foreign countries, but especially Rio de Janeiro. With the app’s in-tracking feature, you can safely share your location with others and call 911 at the push of a button in case of an emergency,
How much is Uber from Rio Airport to Copacabana?
On average, an Uber from Tom Jobim Airport (GIG) to Copacabana costs about R$50 or USD$10. Of course, it depends on the time of day and demand. The price can range from about 8 US dollars to 14 US dollars. This is still much cheaper than taking a taxi.
Is Uber expensive in Brazil?
Not at all! Compared to US Uber prices, Uber in Brazil is pretty affordable. A one-hour ride costs roughly $14 or even as low as $7 if you’re enough of a daredevil to ride on the back of an Uber motorcycle.
How do I pay Uber in Brazil?
Just like in the US, you can pay directly through the app via your credit or debit card. However, you also have the option of paying in cash if you prefer.
Can you take an Uber to Christ the Redeemer?
Yes! Taking an Uber is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get to Christ the Redeemer. Your Uber will take you up to the visitor center where you will purchase your ticket. From there, you will take a complimentary van up to the statue and back down once you are finished.
For more helpful posts on Brazil, you may also like:
- 5 Simple Reasons Rio de Janeiro is Safe Despite What You Hear
- Astonishing Climbing in Rio: Topping Out at Christ the Redeemer
