while reviews may vary in accuracy and pertinence, what is truly important is the existence of the unit and the legitimacy of the advertiser - renters should always pay either apartment owners or real estate agencies via a credit card, bank account deposits, or better yet paypal - for visitors, it is best to never wire money or use cash.

paypal allows payments to be made without disclosing credit card information, thus adding a layer of security - when using paypal it is typical for some owners to charge an additional fee on the initial deposit required for the booking.

it is best not to wait to the last minute to book an apartment, the best units usually get booked well in advance by people who come to rio on a regular basis, or travelers who are familiar with the short term apartment market - potential residents should look around and explore all the possible options to see what is more convenient.