being exposed to a culture that is very different to one's own without the right attitude and adequate preparation can cause feelings of confusion, anxiety, and alienation - this phenomenon is know as 'culture shock' and can potentially influence someone's stay in rio and get in the way of a meaningful engagement with the city.

on the other hand, cultural comparisons can also have a negative effect on interactions and new relations with locals, as they create a distinct seperation between 'us' and 'them', as well as running the risk of coming across as value judgments.

when done with consideration and in the spirit of learning and exchanging cultures, pointing out differences can help to process the challenges of being in a new environment - at the same time, the comparison may be understood as criticism or judgment if it is expressed in a mocking or disapproving way.