About to go on that much awaited vacation to Brazil’s Marvelous City?
You have bought the flight tickets, made the accommodation reservations, planned the itinerary and booked the activities.
Now, it is time to pack for Rio de Janeiro!
🏖️ For a diverse destination such as Rio, while packing, you need to account for beach days, nice dinners, jungle hikes, city walks and safety precautions.
That is why we have created this comprehensive guide on what to pack for Rio de Janeiro to help you come prepared for everything this city has to offer.
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✓ Essentials on Your Rio de Janeiro Packing List
💵 Anti-theft Money Belt for phone, little cash and one card
Safety Gear
➡️ Related Reading: How to Stay Safe in Rio de Janeiro
Anti-theft Money Belt
As much as we would not want it to be true, Rio de Janeiro is a city where you need to be extra careful about protecting your belongings. Particularly your phone.
When going out, use an anti-theft money belt like this one to put your cash (small amount), card (only one) and your phone. Wear it hidden under your clothing.
🔐 Leave valuables in a safe place at your accommodation. Carry only the essentials and hide them from plain sight.
This money belt has a sleek unisex look, reliable security features, and a spacious design that can hold your cash, card, keys, tickets and a phone up to the size of iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Anti-theft Cross-body Bag
When you need to carry more things on you, you would want a bigger bag.
To keep your belongings secure and close to you, opt for an anti-theft cross-body bag with slash-proof design and RFID technology.
Apart from its security features, this cross-body bag in a classic design has multiple secure compartments, and mesh spaces for water bottles on either side.
📃 Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We use:
- Heymondo Travel Insurance (get 5% discount, auto applies), OR
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
* Discount not applicable for US residents
Footwear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Bring lightweight, breathable comfortable walking shoes with good arch support for exploring Rio’s varied topography and lively neighborhoods.
Hiking Sandals
For different types of activities like walking in residential neighborhoods to strolling on the beach to hiking waterfall trails in hot and humid places, our go-to footwear is hiking sandals in water-resistant and durable materials.
Flip-flops
Of course, you will need flip-flops for Rio. There are so many good beaches in the city for spending fun beach days.
Here’s an idea: You can buy your pair of trendy flip-flops after you arrive in Rio de Janeiro.
🩴 Go shopping at Havaianas, the classic Brazilian brand for flip-flops.
From shopping malls to sovenir shops to standalone stores, you will find Havaianas stores everywhere.
Clothing
Light, Breathable Fabrics
To stay cool and comfortable in Rio’s tropical warm climate, pack clothes made from light and breathable materials like cotton and linen.
Opt for bright colors to reflect the sun. Indranil brought some shirts with prints and I brought this pink floral dress.
👗 Tip: Save some space in your luggage. Go shopping in Rio. You can find nice, stylish and colorful clothing here.
Dry-fit Athletic Clothing
If your Rio itinerary takes you on jungle and mountain hikes, or if you are one who enjoys running by the beach on the boardwalk, then pack some quick-dry moisture wicking shirts and shorts.
Swimwear
Pack multiple swimsuits for Rio de Janeiro. You will want to hit the beach multiple days, if not everyday.
For beach days, I like to keep a sarong too, although I have hardly seen anyone else in Rio wear a sarong at the beach.
Evening Wear
Pack a stylish outfit or two for those evenings out in Rio, whether you’re headed to a samba club or for a fancy meal at a fine-dining restaurant.
For the Beaches and Waterfalls
Microfiber Towel
In Rio, or anywhere else in the world, this one is a must-have in our bag for days spent by the water, whether on the beach, at the waterfalls or on a boat.
A quick-drying, fast absorbing, lightweight, easy to pack microfiber towel like this one. It comes in different colors and sizes, along with a mesh bag for packing it.
Water Shoes
For waterfall adventures, always carry water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and slippery surfaces.
Check these water shoes for women and these water shoes for men.
Dry Bag
For waterfall visits and island hopping boat trips, bring a dry bag and stop worrying about your belongings getting wet. These bags are completely waterproof.
💦 Your dry bag will keep all your things dry even if you swim in the water with it.
Check this roll-top dry bag from Earth Pak. It comes in different volume capacities, such as 5 liters, 10 liters, 20 liters up to 55 liters.
🆓 Now, you also get a free waterproof phone case with this dry bag.
Personal Care Items
Sunscreen
With Rio’s abundant sunshine, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Choose a high SPF, water-resistant formula to protect your skin.
This SPF 50 sunscreen from Reef Repair is 80 minutes water resistant, reef safe, kids friendly and biodegradable, and comes in travel friendly size, in a pack of 2.
Another 80 minute water resistant and reef safe option is the SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen from Badger.
Insect Repellent
When hiking in the jungles of Rio, remember to apply insect repellent.
Check these long lasting repellents against mosquitoes and other insects, with DEET and without DEET.
First-aid Kit
This is an essential on any packing list, not just for Rio: a small first-aid kit with items like band-aids, cleansing wipes, antiseptic creams, pain relievers, and personal medications, if any.
Wet Wipes for Face
There is one item you will always find in my bag, that is, wet wipes for the face for cleansing skin and feeling fresh.
These alcohol-free gentle wipes from Neutrogena remove dirt, sweat and oil from the skin, and also helps remove waterproof makeup.
Hand Sanitizer
Practice good hygiene with a small bottle of hand sanitizer, especially useful in crowded areas of Rio.
Hair Care
For both of our curly and wavy hair, we usually find suitable hair products to buy in Brazil during our long stays.
But for your vacation in Rio, bring along your haircare products and consider the elements you will face in Rio, such as humidity and saltwater.
Skin Care
Do not forget your skin care routine and if possible, give your skin some extra care to help combat the effects of sun in Rio.
Toiletries in a Bag
For you skincare and haircare products, and other toiletries like body wash, dental care products, pack small portions in travel-sized containers.
This transparent waterproof toiletries bag has travel-sized bottles, spray bottles and cosmetic boxes for organizing all your toiletries and personal care items.
Accessories
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the glaring sun with UV-blocking sunglasses with polarized lenses.
Hat/Cap
Pack a wide-brimmed hat or cap to shield your face and neck from the sun.
Weather Gear
Rain Poncho
🌦️ Remember, Rio’s summer months between December and March, are also when it’s the rainy season in Rio.
Carry a compact, foldable rain poncho and be prepared for sudden downpours.
Light Jacket (if visiting in winter months)
If you are visiting during Rio’s winter season, between June and August, pack a light jacket to keep you warm when the temperatures drop.
Everyday Electronics
eSIM vs. Local SIM
Before getting into the everyday electronics items, first things first. You need to get a SIM card to stay connected while vacationing in Rio.
Between the two of us, we have used local SIM card as well as eSIM. Read our comparison on which one is better, eSIM or local SIM card?
📲 Among eSIMs, Airalo provides excellent coverage. Read our Airalo review here and use the coupon codes below to get discount on your Airalo eSIM data plan.
📶 Always stay connected while traveling. Buy your eSIM for the Latin America region here →
💲 New Users: Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% discount on first purchase.
💲 Existing Users: Use code AIRALOESIM10 for 10% discount on your next purchase.
** Offers valid until end of the year
Mobile Phone + Charger + Waterproof Case
If you are going snorkeling or swimming and do not want keep your phone away from you (you shouldn’t), then protect it with a waterproof phone case.
Travel Adapter
Brazil uses a mix of voltages and plug types, and you never know which ones you are going to get at your place of accommodation.
So, bring a universal travel adapter to make sure all your gadgets get charged.
Kindle + Charger
When lounging on the beach or during transit, there is nothing like a good book to keep you company. Keep your Kindle stocked with your favorite books.
Camera Gear
📷 Given the safety concerns about carrying valuables on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, we advise against bringing heavy photography gear, like mirrorless cameras and lenses.
🤳🏽 Your phone camera should suffice.
But there are two types of photography gear we would still recommend for Rio:
- Drone for aerial footages
- Action Camera for underwater use and for use in busy places
Drone + Remote + Chargers + Batteries
Rio’s landscape looks mind-blowing. If you get the chance, capture aerial shots.
⚖️ Drones weighing less than 249 grams do not require any additional registration.
Two excellent options in this category are DJI Mini 4K and DJI Mini 3.
For both options, you can get the Fly More Combo to get the remote control, all additional accessories and the bag.
Action Camera + Accessories
We have been using GoPro for many years and like how they continuously fine-tune their product over the years.
For the most recent editions, get the GoPro HERO 13 – the Accessory Bundle or the Creator Edition, based on your needs and preferences.
Memory Cards
You will be taking many photos and videos, so bring several high-capacity memory cards to store all your precious memories.
Documents
You already know about all the essential documents you need to carry for your upcoming trip. We are still going to list them all so that this is your one-stop reference list for everything you need to pack for Rio de Janeiro.
🛂 Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
💮 Visitor Visa for Brazil: Check the visa requirements for Brazil based on your nationality and apply for one well in advance prior to your travel dates.
🔖 Read our complete guide on Brazil Visa for Indians
📂 Travel Insurance: This is a non-negotiable. We use Heymondo for our trips and are satisfied with their products, service and customer support.
Paradise Catchers Readers: Get 5% off on Heymondo travel insurance (discount automatically applied)
* Discount not applicable for US residents
🪪 Driving License: Bring this if you plan to rent a car. Although we do not recommend renting a car for just Rio, but there are some excellent places near Rio that you can plan as self-drive getaways.
✈️ Air Tickets: Digital copies of inbound and onward travel tickets.
🏨 Accommodation Reservations: Digital copies of hotel or Airbnb bookings.
🌆 Tour Bookings: Digital copies or QR codes of tour bookings.
Plan Your Rio de Janeiro Trip
➡️ Rio de Janeiro 5-Day Itinerary
➡️ How to Stay Safe in Rio de Janeiro
➡️ Best Areas to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
➡️ eSIM vs. Local SIM in Rio de Janeiro
➡️ How to Visit Christ the Redeemer – one of the 7 Wonders of the World
➡️ Practical Tips for Visiting the Sugarloaf Mountain
➡️ Is it worth taking the Maracana Stadium Tour?
➡️ Little Africa – Our Favorite Cultural Tour in Rio
Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
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Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
