Brazilian Saunas

[ncc1701d]

So how much are the cabins these days?  is 100 or 150 the standard? And how safe is one's cell phone in the lockers, or should i keep my clothes on with my phone (and lube/condoms)?

[mvan1]

1 hour ago, ncc1701d said:

 And how safe is one's cell phone in the lockers, or should i keep my clothes on with my phone (and lube/condoms)?

Although it does not happen often, sauna lockers get robbed.  Sometimes by a client with a pass key to the cheap locks that are on the sauna lockers.  Sometimes by an employee of the sauna.  Theft at the saunas just goes with the territory.  

Even at Lagoa I had my locker burglarized once.  All that was taken was money.  The thief was nice enough to leave enough for me to pay my sauna fees.   I did not see the thief.

However, at a different sauna in Sao Paulo (that later went out of business) I happened to go to the locker room at the same time a sauna employee had my locker door open and had already stolen most  of my money that was in my locker.   I looked at the sauna employee and asked him why he was in my locker.  He said he had entered it by mistake.  

Incredibly, the employee that had unlawfully entered my locker, now works at Lagoa.  I am sure the thieving employee recalls the incident and remembers me.    

Whenever he sees me at Lagoa, he nevers speaks or says hello.  Instead, when he passes me, he puts his head down and looks at the floor.  The scoundrel!

So, to answer your question, you take a chance on leaving anything of value in your locker at the saunas.  I still leave money in my locker but I do not leave my phone there.  I never pay by credit card so I do not have any credit cards in the locker.

As they say in Brazil, Cuidado!

 

Edited July 3, 2019 by mvan1

[Actionforyou]

I have been fortunate.  I have never had a problem in either of the saunas I visited while in Rio.  The locker areas are generally quite active with people either coming or going, so I would think it would be difficult to pull off a theft.  I typically return to my locker after an "engagment" to obtain the funds to pay for the encouner and my impression was that many follow that same routine.  I would expect management to take an interest when a theft from a locker is reported to them ... so that they can make certain that it did not happen again.  My guess is that most people would inform the management if money were removed from their wallet when they expect to pay for their visit from those funds.  I think it is unusual to leave enough to pay for that evening and not take all the funds.  I would worry more about the loss of my billfold (credit cards) than my cell phone while out of the country.  I typically pay my bill with a credit card ... the boys in cash.  My cell phone can be permanently locked as soon as I make it to an internet connection.  I do have the advantage of not buying new cell phones yearly ... so my phone is older and not worth much on the open market.

I am most sorry to hear of mvan1's experience.    

[mvan1]

35 minutes ago, Actionforyou said:

.

I am most sorry to hear of mvan1's experience.    

Hi, actually, my locker- theft experience is not so unusual when you factor in that I have been visiting Brazil for sixteen years many times each year. 

This equates to more than 100 visits to the country.  I cannot recall how many visits I have had to the saunas.  

To have only two thefts from my sauna locker in that much exposure is really quite remarkable. 

 

[ncc1701d]

thanks...I will likely bring a "decoy" cheap phone and use cash and leave CC in hotel 

[sydneyboy1]

About 10 years ago (at a guess) I was in the locker room at Lagoa getting changed preparing to leave. At the same time one customer opened his locker and was in a highly agitated state. He showed his empty pants pocket to all in the room and talking in Portuguese which I do not understand. He then asked everyone the phone number of the police. That I did understand. I came to the inescapable conclusion that his locker had been broken into. On leaving the premises the victim was on his cell phone I suspect ringing the police. I reported this incident on the old Gay Travel Brazil website at the time and provoked discussion with others reporting having been robbed in the saunas (particularly Lagoa) or having heard of similar episodes.

 

[sydneyboy1]

A further point. The overwhelming consensus was that the robberies were inside jobs, which comments on this thread confirm. When you hire a cabin you are “advertising “ (for want of a better word) that you are not by definition in the change area and are a sitting duck.

[mvan1]

9 hours ago, sydneyboy1 said:

The overwhelming consensus was that the robberies were inside jobs, which comments on this thread confirm.

When you hire a cabin you are “advertising “ (for want of a better word) that you are not by definition in the change area and are a sitting duck.

As you implied, when you go to a cabine, your locker is vulnerable for theft.  You must give your locker number to get a cabine.  The front desk employees know that you will be away from your locker for a while.  

As Oscar Wilde said in one of his plays (which applies to some of the sauna employees) "I can resist everything, except temptation." thus the temptation to steal easy money is irresistible to some.

So there you have it.  The very people who are supposed to protect you from theft of your valuables, know exactly where you are - away from your locker and valuables.  

Statistically, you will not be burglarized.  So, continue to have fun.

[Riobard]

Small gym bag or knapsack, often doubles as flight carry-on ... double slider zipper with holes large enough in the sliders that the shackle of a small padlock can fit through. Most everything put in except shoes that might be a little soiled. 

No employee is likely going to try to cut open the bag with a knife or take and stash it for the remainder of his shift.

Edited July 6, 2019 by Riobard

[Praguedude]

Guyss.. Thanks so much for the useful information.. Guest Tomcal particularlyy

[tassojunior]

Where is the best place or method to change money ?

 

Any luck with escorts off RentMen? 

[Streptomy]

On 1/17/2020 at 10:01 PM, tassojunior said:

Where is the best place or method to change money ?

 

The best way to get reais is off an ATM that can access your foreign account.  The exchange rate is more favorable than anywhere else.  There are a number of such ATMs in every big city; when I go back home (I'm from Rio) I stay in Botafogo and there's a bank 1/3 of the way up Botafogo beach (in the downtown-to-Copacabana direction) with such an ATM in the basement.  I forget the bank's name.

If you're looking to sell dollars you have in cash, or to buy dollars back before leaving, go to any of the big travel agencies on Av. Copacabana.  Look for signs saying Cambio. There is one right in front of Rua Inhanga -- that street is easy to recognize because it runs diagonally unlike all other cross streets of Av. Copa.  Be prepared for a big spread (as much as 20% between buy and sell); there may also be a flat fee but probably negligible (compared to the hit on the exchange rate) if the transaction is for any substantial amount.

Some large banks also offer cambio, but there is no particular advantage to them; IIRC fees are higher even if the exchange rate is marginally better than at the travel agencies. They're also more time-consuming cuz you have to fill in forms and often wait in line.

Edited January 23, 2020 by Streptomy
clarification

[Latbear4blk]

On 1/18/2020 at 1:01 AM, tassojunior said:

Where is the best place or method to change money ?

 

Any luck with escorts off RentMen? 

I would avoid Rentmen. It is not used by he locals, and you will have fees higher than hiring from Grindr or Vivalocal. You should not have any problem hooking up from the saunas and hook up ups. If you o, send me a DM and I will send you the number to contact Wagner, a muscular guy from Copacabana in his late middle 20s. I think you may like him. 

[tassojunior]

On 7/3/2019 at 1:43 AM, mvan1 said:

Although it does not happen often, sauna lockers get robbed.  Sometimes by a client with a pass key to the cheap locks that are on the sauna lockers.  Sometimes by an employee of the sauna.  Theft at the saunas just goes with the territory.  

Even at Lagoa I had my locker burglarized once.  All that was taken was money.  The thief was nice enough to leave enough for me to pay my sauna fees.   I did not see the thief.

However, at a different sauna in Sao Paulo (that later went out of business) I happened to go to the locker room at the same time a sauna employee had my locker door open and had already stolen most  of my money that was in my locker.   I looked at the sauna employee and asked him why he was in my locker.  He said he had entered it by mistake.  

Incredibly, the employee that had unlawfully entered my locker, now works at Lagoa.  I am sure the thieving employee recalls the incident and remembers me.    

Whenever he sees me at Lagoa, he nevers speaks or says hello.  Instead, when he passes me, he puts his head down and looks at the floor.  The scoundrel!

So, to answer your question, you take a chance on leaving anything of value in your locker at the saunas.  I still leave money in my locker but I do not leave my phone there.  I never pay by credit card so I do not have any credit cards in the locker.

As they say in Brazil, Cuidado!

 

One good thing at Point 202 is that the metal lockers are out in public view in the main hallway. Easy to watch. At Club 117 they are downstairs in a room and are cheap plywood.

[tassojunior]

Thursday....Went to 117 but not until 9pm. There were 25 people. It was hard to tell clients from providers a little. 2 beefy Russian-looking big muscle twins seemed to be clients but were the best looking by far. I should have given my 2 yesterday my WhatsApp. Another week to go.

[Latbear4blk]

1 hour ago, tassojunior said:

Thursday....Went to 117 but not until 9pm. There were 25 people. It was hard to tell clients from providers a little. 2 beefy Russian-looking big muscle twins seemed to be clients but were the best looking by far. I should have given my 2 yesterday my WhatsApp. Another week to go.

Are you having a good time? It is hard to tell.

[Tomcal]

1 hour ago, tassojunior said:

Thursday....Went to 117 but not until 9pm. 

the saunas in Rio open at 3:00pm! ...by 9:00 pm 1/2 the customers have already left except those there for the the shows.unless there was something unusual going on that day!

[SolaceSoul]

7 hours ago, Tomcal said:

the saunas in Rio open at 3:00pm! ...by 9:00 pm 1/2 the customers have already left except those there for the the shows.unless there was something unusual going on that day!

Not to mention, Thursdays are notoriously slow days at both 117 and 202 — which has been well documented at this site and others for years. 
 

So, he gets there on a slow day and at a late hour, then complains about the size or quality of the crowd? Egads.

[tassojunior]

2 hours ago, SolaceSoul said:

Not to mention, Thursdays are notoriously slow days at both 117 and 202 — which has been well documented at this site and others for years. 
 

So, he gets there on a slow day and at a late hour, then complains about the size or quality of the crowd? Egads.

Not complaining, just telling how is. I knew Thurs were slow so I started not to go but decided I may as well get the lay of 117. My 1st two days are fine and I have another week. My regret is not getting contact with my first two very nice dates.

[tassojunior]

Friday update: went to 117 at 4 and stayed until 6 then Ubered to 202 from 630 to 8. The chart above says 117 very good while 202 is only good but free cabins. In fact 117 also had free cabins. I met my 1st 2 guys in Rio at 202 but they dont hold up looks wise 2nd sight. 202 had 24 guys, half and half. None good looking. Nada.

At 4pm 117 had about 30 people...half providers. It had free cabins. About 10 of the guys were exceptionally good looking. A few bodybuilders and a few muscle twinks. The 2 big Russian looking twin guys were there but again I didnt make contact. I did hook up with a muscle bottom, Zander, who has visited the US and Europe a good bit. Adorable face. Perfect teeth and smile and personality. Nice tats and pectorals and arms, tho we need to firm up the glutes (buttocks).

Ive realized that 117 gets the cream of the crop while 202 gets the 2nd tier guys. Muscles v. Twinks are evenly divided at both, except the twinks at 117 also have muscles. Unfortunately I got my beach hotel because its right by 202 while 117 is 22km downtown in the Center. The Uber there is only 22 br ($6?) but it takes 20+ minutes in light traffic( which is rare). *No, not doing subways in Rio*. The Center area around 117 is nicer than Copacabana around 202. But hotels there seem much cheaper. 

Zander. Hopefully we're a thing now.

 

[tassojunior]

Correction: 202 and 117 are 10km apart. 22 minutes in light traffic by Uber. 

Observation: Admission to sauna is $20, cabin for 30 minutes is $20. Sex for 30 minutes is $25.  Bizarre.

Edited January 25, 2020 by tassojunior

[tassojunior]

Saturday. Spent the day from 4 until 10 at 117 even though the chart says 202 is better today. After just 2 visits to 202 I am already getting very skepical of seeing anything outstanding there. Both clients and providers at 117 have told me they stopped going to 202 because 117 is so much better. There definitely are both more and better paying clients st 117. In comparison to 117 the two blonds I met the first night at 202 are way inferior. Another thing I now notice is that half the providers at 117 walk around constantly with huge rock hard cocks out on view while I havent seen that at 202.

At 117 today I met one very young American football type with perfect face and body. Incredibly perfect but no bottoming or oral so just joked around with him and gave him a different tip than I had wished (and my Whats App . ..just in case). Name may have been Fernando??

Next met a model-looking guy with beatiful chiseled face and chisled muscle bod. Perfect clothes btw. A&F look. So nice, so eager to please anyway sexually. A clear winner. His names Elton, we exchanged WhatsApp and like Jander he immediately texted . Ill try for more photos.

117 had about 50-60 customers, about 2/3 providers. Its bigger than 202 but packed full.

[brockmiller]

True, just as @tassojunior said both Friday and Saturday were pretty packed at 117 and on both days really great looking guys. 

Edited January 26, 2020 by brockmiller

[SolaceSoul]

27 minutes ago, tassojunior said:

A bad pic of Elton who is amazing model material. Perfect bod with 12 pack abs and huge endowment. Need better pics.

@tassojunior: Why are you posting face photos of sauna garotos on this and other publicly-accessible websites and message boards without their advance permission and approval?

I know for a fact that at least one of these garotos did NOT give you permission to post his photo and never would do this. To say that he is not too pleased that you are doing this would be a gross understatement. And that’s just one. The others probably did not, either.

What you are doing is highly unethical and improper. It also makes it harder for us good clients to form trusting relationships with garotos that may not ordinarily do sex work due to fears of something exactly like what you did happening to them.

How would YOU like it if your photo and name were posted on a public site about sex tourism and prostitution without your permission? You’re still in Rio and still at the saunas. There’s still time. Trust and discretion are not just a one-way street.
 

[tassojunior]

1 hour ago, SolaceSoul said:

@tassojunior: Why are you posting face photos of sauna garotos on this and other publicly-accessible websites and message boards without their advance permission and approval?

I know for a fact that at least one of these garotos did NOT give you permission to post his photo and never would do this. To say that he is not too pleased that you are doing this would be a gross understatement. And that’s just one. The others probably did not, either.

What you are doing is highly unethical and improper. It also makes it harder for us good clients to form trusting relationships with garotos that may not ordinarily do sex work due to fears of something exactly like what you did happening to them.

How would YOU like it if your photo and name were posted on a public site about sex tourism and prostitution without your permission? You’re still in Rio and still at the saunas. There’s still time. Trust and discretion are not just a one-way street.
 

I have asked that both photos be removed but there is no edit after 1 hour. The photos are clothed and not suggestive of anything and were given to me by the guys in texts. I describe them as exceptionally nice and honest guys and suggest one would be good model material. The guys have a living to make and recommendation of honesty and being nice people are clearly meant to help them. But its up to the admin when they get off.