So glad I can pass this info on. You will need all new $100 bills in order to exchange currency. 4 of us did not know this and were scrambling. We were able to use our charge cards in most places and 2 of us had several new bills so live and learn. We stayed for a week in 2 studio apartments and were able to have the staff order us a Radio cab (dirt cheap and government controlled) to pick us up at the port (CELEBRITY ship) and drop us at the hotel and finally airport when we completed our trip. Loved Buenos Aires.
Sorry to say this but RIO is very very dangerous. We hired our own guide who kept the car doors locked at all times. DO not surrender your passport for a discount (supposedly if you are a certain age, you are entitled to a discount but you need to surrrender your passport as evidence). Many cruisers complained that they had to fight to have their passports returned. They also encourage you to pay with a credit card for obvious reasons. They have ALL your info at one swipe. Best advice- get your Brazilian money before leaving the U S and book a tour with the ship, if possible. If you must use a credit card pre load a "gift card" american express or other. That way, you will not be out of pocket if the worst occurs. Since our cruise did not terminate in Rio ( Thank God) I can't help with transportation from the ship. I might contact the hotel and have them send reliable transportation from the port to their hotel. Truly, you cannot be too cautious in Brazil. That being said, have a wonderful time knowing that an ounce of prevention..
The Breens and MCCarthys
