When I first moved to Rio I used a driver service quite often to get around. Now I either walk, cab or drive myself, and many people think I'm crazy. Driving here is not really that bad if you know where you're going and are used to it.
However, when you first get here and need to get around (and if you are not here with a company that provides driver services) it can be great to hire a driver by the day. I frequently did this with guests as well, to send them off sightseeing, etc.
Last week, when I was at the airport picking up Sogra DRL (Mr. DRL's mom) I ran into a driver we used a lot when we first arrived. It was so good to see him and it reminded me of how much those first few people we met when we moved here mean to us. He helped me so much! I hadn't seen him in well over a year.
If you are looking for reliable hourly or daily driver service in Rio de Janeiro give Alternativa Turismo a call. 4453-3390 If you want someone English speaking, ask for Marco. But be warned, once you get the details figured out, he will then make you work on your Portuguese!!
Great tip!
Posted by: Rachel | December 06, 2010 at 08:51 AM
I just wanna say that I find your blog sooo good! I don't know if you have many brazilian readers, but I am one of them... It's so interesting to read about your experiences here, see things (our reality) from a different perspective and, many times, learn a lot!
Thank you!
Posted by: Fernanda | December 07, 2010 at 04:00 PM
Thank you for posting this! I just moved to Rio for work and your blog has helped me more than you know:)
Posted by: carolyn | December 11, 2010 at 07:19 AM
Great tip. Thanks.
Posted by: Angie B | December 11, 2010 at 07:59 AM