The World Cup in Rio is going to be quite an event, with all the locals and tourists interacting and creating a special energy to make this the, as President Dilma likes to put it, "Copa Das Copas" or in english words "the World Cup of all World Cups". Brazil is getting ready to receive vast quantities of people from all over the world, and all fronts are working against the clock to make the Marvellous City the best of all the World Cup’s host cities.

The Maracanã Stadium, which will be hosting the matches in Rio, is ready to go, but are you? Read our guide below to find answers to World Cup in Rio frequently asked questions and ensure you’re fully prepared ahead of this year’s most important sporting event.

The first thing for getting ready for the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro is being your Brazil's jersey and joining the crowds The first thing for getting ready for the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro is being your Brazil's jersey and joining the crowds / source

Q: Will prices during World Cup in Rio be higher for tourists?

A: Every tourist city in the world suffers from “tourist prices”, ie. prices charged to tourists only, particularly during high season. However, it has been ruled that every commercial establishment in or near the tourist areas of the city must present an official pricing list of their products and services where everybody can see. This is to prevent vendors from charging normal prices to locals and inflated prices to tourists visiting the city- good news, eh!

No "Tourist-prices" allowed in Rio de Janeiro during the World Cup / source No "Tourist-prices" allowed in Rio de Janeiro during the World Cup / source

Q. What will be open in Rio during World Cup game days?

A: During World Cup in Rio, businesses either take half the day or the entire day off. All of them will close, but the areas near tourist attractions tend to remain open until the game and re-open right after. Many restaurants and bars treat their customers to a widescreen TV displaying the games. Stores usually close, but shopping malls remain usually open, although expect to find shop attendants glued to the TV. All public services, such as hospitals, the police and public transport will continue as normal. Public buildings, however, will be closed during the entire period.

The Brazilian passion for football is legendary, so prefer to do everything before or after the game The Brazilian passion for football is legendary, so prefer to do everything before or after the game / source

Q. How safe will be during World Cup in Rio?

A: Major investment has been put into better equipment, training and improvements of the police force in Rio de Janeiro in order to reduce crime during the World Cup. More policemen were added to the force and were trained on how to deal with foreign visitors, as well as being given lessons in English speaking. You should be aware that a few protests are scheduled to take place during the World Cup but, after last years demonstrations, the police force have been instructed on how to prevent violent outbreaks from them. The area surrounding the Maracanã Stadium will also be controlled by the police to prevent protesters from causing trouble and harassing people going in and out, but our advice is to stay away from the protesters to avoid confusing situations.

The The sign says "FIFA standard-like education and public health". The woman kiss says "let me see if I can make you uncomfortable". The police officer's face says "#uncomfortable". / source The sign says "FIFA standard-like education and public health". The woman kiss says "let me see if I can make you uncomfortable". The police officer's face says "#uncomfortable". / source

Q. Will it be easy to move around during the World Cup in Rio?

A: Rio de Janeiro has seen much improvement to public transport but traffic is still a big issue. The subway has new stations, covering most of the tourist areas and reaching the World Cup event spaces, such as the Maracanã Stadium. The bus routes have also been reviewed and optimized and nearly all the buses now contain air conditioners. The prices are as follows: R$3,50 for the subway, and R$3,00 for the bus. The City Hall have also decided to officially make all World Cup’s game days in Rio de Janeiro a holiday. This will improve usability of all public transport, as it won’t be so busy during what is normally rush hour.

New bus fleet, renewed subway stations and cars and official holidays during game days: Rio de Janeiro's public transportation for your at your service / source New bus fleet, renewed subway stations and cars and official holidays during game days: Rio de Janeiro's public transportation for your at your service / source

Q: Will there be parties for the World Cup in Rio?

A: Indeed! Rio de Janeiro has a tradition of closing some of its streets, painting them and decorating them before throwing a party to watch enable tourists and locals to watch Brazil’s games together. Nearly every neighborhood has it’s core street celebration centre, and it’s all paid for by the residents. There’s even a competition for the most visually appealing and best organised street party!

As well as the World Cup celebrations, there is a beautiful and culturally fascinating city waiting for you to explore! Book your tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro with RdJ4U!

By: Pedro Rocha - Community Manager
Edited by: Camilla Day – English Content Manager