Moving to Rio end of May - tips please (Rio de Janeiro)

Hello all,

I will be moving to Rio end of May and will be based in Santa Teresa for a year and would love to get some great tips.

Phone wise what is the best mobile phone network and is it more cost effective to get a year's contract on a monthly plan or to get a pay as you go contract if this exists?

Can anyone recommend a decent gym perhaps in the Santa Teresa area as I'm still figuring out if it makes sense time and location wise to go to a gym in Copa, Ipanema etc if living and working in Santa teresa.

Where is there a good shopping district (clothes)

Nightlife does anyone have any good recommendations bars, clubs etc?
Safety/security - please advise

If there is anything that you feel is important that I should know in addition to the above please do comment as I am open to suggestion.

Thank you in advance

Amaka