How to Pack for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Safety Essentials to bring to Rio

Discreet camera bag

I hate to be a downer, but unfortunately safety is something you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip to Rio.

The silver lining is that it’s an opportunity to get a cute bag for your camera!

I don’t bring my camera out with me most days in Rio — just in extra touristy areas like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, aka Pão de Açúcar, or the Botanical Garden.

But when I do, I make sure not to use a traditional camera bag (I only bring mine while I’m flying to keep it protected) and instead, I keep my camera in a normal bag that can close entirely, like with a zipper or buckle.

I use a bag really similar to this, which is smaller than a regular backpack. (Carrying a normal-sized backpack could also make you a target. I’d suggest wearing it in front of you if you do this). But, it still fits my camera and wallet, is cute, and secure.

A day-to-day bag (not just any one!)

When you don’t have your camera with you, you’ll still need a bag to carry your wallet, phone, etc. (You don’t want to be walking around with your phone in your hand either — it should be kept hidden away when you’re not actively using it).

You may be thinking “duh, of course I’m going to bring a purse.” But I do just want to point out that you shouldn’t bring any old purse you have.

For safety reasons, you want to make sure to bring a bag that can close securely. Since you want to avoid carrying too much stuff with you, it’s best to avoid bringing a larger bag that looks like it may have a lot in it (or that’s easy to grab off your shoulder).

I recommend a crossbody style, and skip bringing anything that looks designer or particularly expensive.

I have one similar to this leather-style one that I use all the time.

I also purchased this little crossbody fanny pack for my last trip to Rio, and it’s become super handy for hikes, even when at home.

Affordable jewelry

You’re probably getting the gist by now — Rio is not the place for your best jewelry. While some people say you should avoid jewelry all together, I personally don’t take that approach.

I just avoid anything valuable (sentimental or price-wise), or gold (or that looks like it could be gold). I tend to stick to beaded choker-style necklaces (like this or like this) and silver jewelry when I’m there.

(I’m serious about this one — I was given this advice before my first trip and ignored it. Let’s just say that I regret it.) With that said, you’ll see most people wearing jewelry, locals and tourists alike — so just go with your comfort level, and only wear something you’d be ok with potentially losing.

Waterproof bag

This is definitely something to consider if you’re traveling solo.

If you want to go into the water, you don’t want to leave your things unattended at the beach in Rio.

While I’ve people suggest all kinds of things like asking a stranger to watch your stuff or burying your stuff in the sand, something a bit easier and probably more foolproof is just getting a little waterproof bag that fits your phone and your wallet, and just take your things with you into the water!

Portable charger

Especially if you’re traveling solo, you don’t want to be in a situation where your phone dies when you’re out. Being able to use Maps to get around, call an Uber, and contact people is essential. I’ve been using this one for a while now and I’ve been super pleased with it.

It charges pretty quickly, doesn’t take up much room in my bag, and charges my phone quickly when I’m out.

Weather gear

Sunscreen

Perhaps another obvious one, but one still worth mentioning. The sun in Rio is strong.

On more than one occasion I’ve put on sunscreen before heading to the beach, only to get horribly burned everywhere I missed (which one time unfortunately included a splotch right across my forehead and the tops of my feet).

No matter your skin tone or desire to tan, please wear sunscreen! This Paula’s Choice sunscreen is what I use literally every day on my face, regardless of where I am (including on days that I never leave the house). It feels both light and hydrating, which is great for my somewhat oily, acne-prone skin.

For my body, I’m not nearly as picky with brands, but I typically use this Neutrogena one.

Rain gear

While Rio’s summer months (December through March) tend to get the most rain, it’s a tropical climate, meaning you’re likely to get some rain no matter when you travel.

I always bring this umbrella, and it’s definitely come in handy a number of times. It’s pretty compact, meaning it won’t take up too much space in your carry-on or in your purse.

Shoes and clothing to pack for Rio de Janeiro

Ok, we’ve handled the basics, but what about what to wear when you’re in Rio de Janeiro?

Of course, it can be hard to blend in completely when traveling to a foreign country, and I’m not suggesting you buy a whole new wardrobe for the trip (definitely don’t do that).

But if you’re interested in sprucing up your wardrobe for the occasion, here are some ideas. In general, Cariocas dress pretty casually, and you’ll see a lot of beachy, tropical influence. If you’re looking for some style inspo, check out @streetstylebrenda on Instagram. She posts a lot of “what people are wearing in Rio today” videos.

While I don’t think the outfits she shows are representative of everyone in Rio (I feel like she tends to spotlight wealthier neighborhoods), I think it gives you a good idea of the overall vibe. Here are some essentials to bring:

Flip-flops

Flip-flops aren’t just for the beach in Rio. These are practically part of the Carioca (a.k.a. someone from Rio) uniform, especially in the summer. While I typically opt for sandals apart from the beach when I’m at home or in other countries, they actually made me feel a bit overdressed in Rio.

So now when I go to Rio, the majority of the time, I reach for my flip-flops instead. If you really want to embrace the Rio aesthetic, go with Havaianas — that’s the brand that practically ever local will be wearing. (You can also totally buy them there, if you want to cut down on your Rio packing list — Havaianas are more affordable in Brazil, and you’ll find store locations all over the city!)

Sneakers

When you’re looking for something a bit sturdier than flip-flops, try sneakers like these, which are super versatile and comfortable for a day of sightseeing and exploring Rio’s neighborhoods.

If you’re planning on visiting Tijuca Forest on your trip (which you should! click that link for my favorite hiking trails), you’ll also want to bring shoes that you can hike in.

My husband who’s from Rio will literally just wear flip-flops, but if you’re normal like me, it’s better to bring actual shoes. I don’t have actual hiking boots, and just wear regular sneakers like these.

But you have room in your suitcase, hiking shoes like these would definitely come in handy, especially if you plan on doing a more challenging hike. Either way, definitely bring shoes that you’re okay with getting muddy!

Athletic clothing

Rio is one of the best places to visit if you love hiking and spending time in nature, so you’ll want to make sure to pack some sporty clothing for the occasion.

There are also lots of places that are ideal for running or biking, like the beach paths in the South Zone, to the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, which is in Ipanema.

I have these leggings in a couple colors and love them. Same for these tops.

Dresses

Airy dresses with tropical or floral style prints are super popular here. Just take a look at Farm Rio if you need to get a sense of the style.

If you’re thinking Farm Rio is too expensive — I’m with you on that. Luckily, there are some great affordable alternatives out there. Check out this dress on Amazon, or this one if you’d rather skip the bold prints.

Basically just think light, beachy, and comfortable when it comes to your clothing overall in Rio.

I also love checking out @streetstylebrenda on Instagram for Rio style inspo — just keep in mind that she tends to go to fancier neighborhoods and obviously highlights really stylish people, haha. A lot of people in Rio dress way more casually.

Shorts

The temperatures in Rio during the summer are high. Combine this with the fact that Cariocas keep things pretty casual, and shorts will be one of the most important staples of your wardrobe while in Rio.

If I’m not wearing a dress, I’m probably wearing denim shorts like these. It’s not uncommon to see women walking around in shorts and a bikini top even off the beach during the summertime, which brings me to my next point…

Swimwear 

This one’s probably obvious, but worth mentioning anyway.

If you’re traveling to Rio, no matter the time of year, that means at least some mandatory beach time.

If you want to do as (most) locals do, pack your tiniest bikini, but don’t feel like you need to go too out of your comfort zone if that’s not your thing. I have this one and find it super flattering and comfortable.

However, this is also something super easy to pick up when you’re in Rio. Not only are there plenty of stores dedicated to bikinis, but you’ll also see lots of vendors selling them on the beach. (As someone a little picky on sizing though, that feels a bit risky to me!)

Layers (depending on the season)

If you’re traveling to Rio in the winter (May to September), the weather is usually warm (winter temperatures are generally from the high 60s into the high 70s fahrenheit) and you should still get some nice beach days. But, I’d make sure to bring some layers just in case.

On one five-week trip to Rio in July, I brought a couple pairs of jeans and a couple sweaters with me, which I ended up wearing on repeat. I definitely wished I’d brought at least a light jacket and a couple long-sleeved tops with me. (I kept getting told that it was unusually cold for Rio, but whether or not that’s true, I’m not risking it again!)

On the flip side, if you’re visiting in the summer, from November to February, I’d probably pack one sweater just in case, but I’d leave the jeans and heavier layers at home. They’ll just end up taking up space and I promise you won’t want to wear them. It is seriously hot and humid during this time, and you’re not always going to find air conditioning wherever you go.

More about what to expect in each season can be found in this guide.

Other Rio travel essentials

International travel adapter

Brazil uses two plug types: C and N. If you don’t know what this means, don’t worry, neither do I lol. But what matters most is that it’s different from the plugs we use in the U.S.

Instead of buying a charger specific to Brazil, I recommend getting one that’s international, meaning it has all the different plug options you could possibly need, so that you can reuse it on every trip. I have this one. 

Important documents

Of course, you also can’t skip basics like your passport, and your visa! If you’re from the U.S., Canada, or Australia, Brazil started requiring a visa back in 2025. You can apply for it online — I share everything you need to know about applying in this Brazil visa guide.

Beach towel or canga

Speaking of the beach, you’ll definitely need something to lie down on. Depending on your accommodation, this may be provided, but in case it’s not, I usually try to bring my own, since it doesn’t take up much space anyway.

While of course you can just bring a normal beach towel (or I prefer a travel/camping one that’s extra light and quick-drying), what’s way more common in Rio is a canga.

If you’re familiar with a sarong, this is essentially the Brazilian version. Instead of a typical towel material, they’re usually made of something lightweight like cotton or polyester, so that they can double as a beach cover-up or skirt. They’re typically wider than a regular towel and sand doesn’t stick to it in the same way as a towel, which is great!

These also make a cute souvenir, if you’d rather buy one in Rio. These are easy to find, especially around the beaches in the South Zone. Just know that the vendors there will typically offer you a “Gringo price,” aka a more expensive price.

Final tips for packing for Rio de Janeiro

As for how much to pack, I always try to bring lots of neutrals that I can easily mix and match. Keep in mind that dryers aren’t common at all in Rio (I don’t think I’ve ever seen one) so if you plan to do laundry, you won’t be able to immediately re-wear your clothes.

Whether you’re traveling just to Rio or exploring more of Brazil as well, Rio de Janeiro is an unforgettable city with so much to offer, and I hope that you love it as much as I do!

And if you don’t want to miss a bit of local culture — from the best street art to locally-loved samba bars — then check out “A Cultural Guide to Rio de Janeiro.” It’s designed to help you experience the city like a Carioca, from someone who’s been traveling to the city for years.

Head to one of these Rio guides next

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• 6 Best Museums to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
• Best Weekend and Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro
• Best Rio de Janeiro Restaurants: Botecos, Samba & More
• 15 Brazilian Foods and Drinks You Have to Try in Rio de Janeiro
• How to Pack for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Tips From 6 Trips
• Is Rio de Janeiro Safe? My Honest Thoughts After 6 Visits
• 8 Best Places to Visit in Brazil, Based on 6 Trips