It’s easy to get lost in a big city, especially if you’re a tourist. This is why more and more travelers are relying on their smart phones to help navigate them through unfamiliar streets. By downloading the latest map or GPS application, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be able to get around like a local.

To help tourists find their way around Rio de Janeiro, officials are installing bar codes into the city’s famous black and white mosaic sidewalks.
All visitors have to do is download a special app and use it to scan a bar code. This will open up a map of the area along with special points of interest, such as things that maybe only the locals know.

In an effort to reach out to as many people as possible, the information is available in three languages: Portuguese, English and Spanish. The city began installing the first bar codes in January. There will be 30 bar codes in “areas of interest,” such as the most beautiful beaches and historic sites.

Why is Rio doing this? Well, the city is one of the world’s popular tourist destinations. Known for its famous beaches, iconic landmarks - such as the Christ of the Redeemer statue - and natural beauty, about 3 million tourists visit “The Marvelous City” every year. Millions of people are also expected to travel to Rio during the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

So if you’re planning to visit Rio de Janeiro, be sure to download the app before you go!