Beach etiquette is crucial in Rio and can make the difference between being spotted as a tourist (and therefore a more tempting target for thieves) or blending in as a native. All you really need to go to the beach is a towel, a few reals, some heavy-duty suntan oil (especially if you’re a pasty European) and a pair of skinny Speedos or a tiny bikini — which you can pick up from any of the beachwear stores along Rua Santa Clara in Copacabana.