Brazilian Banks Are A Mystery!

Don't be fooled by Visa and MasterCard signs as they mean nothing!!

This is my second trip to Brazil in 12 months and on my first trip I spent half a day in Rio trying to find an ATM that would except my bank card! 

Finally I found an HSBC (The Worlds Bank) and it worked, So When I arrived on my second visit I of course headed straight to the HSBC at São Paulo airport.

Imagine my confusion when it didn't work and the confused look on my face as after a long flight I stood there thinking "I am sure it was HSBC"

After a few minutes of confusion and thoughts of oh shit! I tried Bradesco Bank and the ATM happily gave me cash so thinking I must have got it wrong with HSBC next time I needed cash I headed to Bradesco Bank which is where the mystery begins......

Depending on the bank, The ATM, The way you put in your details or simply the mood the machine is in depends on whether or not it will give you cash at what ever bank you try! even if it displays the Visa/MasterCard sign.

This mystery is so confusing that if there are 4 ATMs at one bank try them all as one might just work. 

There are 3 main banks in Brazil that except international cards HSBC, Bradesco and Banco Do Brazil and I suggest when you find one that works and draw more money than you need as it might take a day or two to find another.

In one town I visited during this trip there was a Banco Do Brazil branch with 4 ATM's none of which worked, Neither did the HSBC or the Bradesco which led me to find out this is a common problem and I was tipped off about a small Banco Do Brazil ATM in a shopping mall that worked.

If you are reading this and thinking you will be fine because you bank at HSBC think again because you wont! as I met one guy who speaks Portuguese and has a UK HSBC account and he couldn't even get the bank in São Paulo to explain why his card wouldn't work in Brazil.

Be warned if you travel to small towns there may only be one bank that wont give you cash!

 #maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings  

Copacabana Vs Ipanema

When thinking of Rio you will of course think of its famous beaches as the top place to stay during your World Cup trip.

The most famous beaches are of course Copacabana and Ipanema! 

Both are Long, Both have songs written about them (well one about its women) So whats the difference when trying to decide where to stay? 

Copacabana 

Probably the most famous beach in Brazil never mind Rio, Very busy with a great view of the equally famous Sugar Loaf Mountain. It has bars/restaurants (cabañas) every 100 meters which are busy until late in the evening, plus even a night market every evening until midnight.

The Suburb

The suburb itself is also very busy all day and all night with people and lots of traffic. This is where you will find a good mix of local and more upscale restaurants and bars, but like many suburbs in Rio there is a favela (slum/township) very close by which gives it its local flavor but also its edge at night.

Accommodation Options

Hotels, Guest Houses, Apartments, Hostels 

Transport

The transport links are good with many buses to the city centre and other attractions in Rio and of course the main bus station.

Copacabana also have metro stations that will link you with The Maracana stadium with only one change of trains. 

   

Ipanema

Is basically connected to Copacabana by a 200m stretch of main road ( so you can easily walk and enjoy them both ) The beach isn't as long or as busy as Copacabana but still has bars (cabañas) every 100m. They are less developed than the ones on Copacabana with a local feel (they don't offer food) and where you can buy a cheap beer or a caparihina and enjoy on of the most famous sunsets in the world.

The Suburb

This is where the rich and famous hang out! The streets are tree lined with good expensive hotels and restaurants on every block not to mention the designer clothes shops and boutiques.

Expect to pay more for everything in Ipanema as its definitely not as local as Copacobana as the local bars are replaced with designers shops.

You will feel safer in Ipanema at night but still be cautious.

Accommodation Options

Hotels, Guest Houses, Apartments, Hostels 

Transport  

The transport links are the same as Copacabana with lots of buses but as you need to fight your way through the Ipanema and Copacobana traffic any journey to other parts of the city will take longer.   

They are currently extending the Metro so by the time of the World Cup Ipanema should have metro stations.

The Verdict

Depending on your budget and considering everything is already expensive expect Ipanema to be stupid money and over priced but if you can afford it and want to live like the rich and famous Ipanema is my top choice over Copacobana. BUT! Thats'  if you can afford it.

Having stayed in both I can say there is nothing wrong with Copacabana if you want a more of a local experience and better value for money, although it is expected to be still over priced.

Regardless of which one you choose you can enjoy all that both can offer as they are so close to each other and both are expected to have big screen public viewing areas.

We strive to work with locals to get you the best prices and give you the best Brazil experience.

Please contact #maninbrazil for all your World Cup needs and follow @simlewis via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

#maninbrazil is a project by Travel Concept Solution

Contact Us for all your World Cup Bookings