Wish I found this forum before I booked my TAM air pass around brazil. Will miss Mondays at MM during my 13 days first trip to Brazil.

One question for all your experts, can u pay the boys US$ in the sauna? Could save some trouble exchanging money if they like it.

Thanks in advance.

As far as my knowledge about saunas go [...have had 8 trips to Brasil/Rio and elsewhere]--the sauna guys do not accept US. I think the guys would have difficulty exchanging it for Brasilian currency. Get some reais while at the airport, or find a location where you are staying to get this.

Hope you have a great trip, and remember to read all that is here as well as at www.daddysreviews.com and www.gaytravelbrazil.com

It is very easy to exchange money in Rio.. There are many "cambios", which are storefronts, in the main touristy areas which will give you a very favorable rate.

Less than 1/2 a block from Meio Mundo, on the Praca Pio X, opposte Candelaria Church, there is a Banco de Brasil ATM where you can take out money from a US account. Very, very safe. And on the next street over in the other direction from Meio Mundo, on the Rua Barao de Inhauma, is an HSBC, much less well-guarded, outside of normal banking hours, where funds can be withdrawn. About 1/4 block past it at, at the corner with the Avenida Rio Branco, is a travel agency, where upstairs the change money as a very close buy/sell. And they have private rooms where you can count your money, if you are at all worried. If you really want to pay the boys there in US funds, it would be impossible for them to use the money that night unless the likely lost out on an exchange with someone else. However, if they work at Meio Mundo they could change it easily the next day before heading back into the sauna.

Thank you all so much for your help. Especially ihpguy, thanks for the tip on ATMs. My first night in rio will be 29th Saturday. I am a top, more into twink type. From what I read, MM seems not so good on sat, so I should head to 117 then. Anyone else in rio that weekend want to cruise together? 40 yo Asian professional here.

117 was not so great last Saturday night from the report that I got. Also, keep in mind that ends of the month will almost always see less boys in the saunas as there will be less local clients with money left to spend. Tourists are another matter but I'm not sure how many how traveling here at the moment.

The weather has been great. Go to the beach that Saturday in Ipa and you might get lucky. It is quite inexpensive to send guys beers that interest you. Start the day at Cafeina and sit at a sidewalk table. After the beach, head to To Nem Ai. Ditto.

Nothing happens, grab the metro over one street at the end of Texeira de Melo and get off at Gloria. 117 is only steps away. Next Wednesday is a huge show at Meio Mundo with Jorge's return. If I go, I'll post if they have anything on that Saturday. Meio Mundo usually has a nice crowd when they have special shows/parties.

thank you!

Thanks for all the great advice! Have a great time at MM party next Wednesday and please give us an update!

7 days count down! Can't wait to touch down in RIO eventually.