São Paulo Travel Forum

Hi,
My sister is going at the end of April to Sao Paulo, Brazil. How is the town, how are people there? What she should and should not do? How is the weather there? Any nasty mosquitos?
Please let me know any tips you have as soon as possible....it is really urgent!!!!
Mitsumi

Sao Paulo is chaotic....imagine Mexico city....if you can't imagine, so let me try to describe


Lots of traffic, except on long Hollidays

The subway system is quite efficient, although it does not run after midnight, it cuts through most of the city.

Touris attractions are limited to historical buildings and museums, art museums and the richest gastronomy in the world cheap as well.

Nightlife is quite exciting if you like bars, restaurants and Disco.

Blend in, don't make yourself a tourist with cameras hanging on your neck, big purses, carry only the basic, hide your camera whenever not in use.
Don't wear jelwes, or a lot clothing.

Do not carry passport with (carry a copy) enough money for spending......I was never robbed in Sao Paulo, as matter fact in the entire country, however if you face this sort of unfortunate situation, do not react, do not play stupid or brave.

Have some hidden money (local money) in you socks in case you lose or pick pocketting.

do not use big bills....do not show money in public, do not use the ATM at nihgt nor withdrawl a lot money at once....

At the airport keep eye in you luggage at all timedon't let it go.


If you can get out of Sao Paulo go to Rio or other city, there isn't much for a tourist in Sao Paulo.

Very few people speak English, it is quite hard to find anyone that speaks English on the streets, thus make the most of the Hotel staff. But if you must try high end stores, may increase your chance of finding someone that speaks the language.

Cab/bus drivers, none will speak English, nor subway clercks....if you can get a GMS unlocked phone and buy a SIN card in Brazil call the hotel clerk to help you out in case you need.

The mosquitos--->quite silly, but just in case you are serious, you wish mosquitos were the problem you would face in Sao Paulo, but it is not.

There are some companies that will have rides to the rain forest, yes there is rain forest within Sao Paulo territory....it is quite a change of scneario the contrast may please you.

There are also tours to museums.....ask at the Hotel or search on line.

People are friendly once you get to meet them, but don't expect that they will start any chatting session.

The weather should be a little cool at night, so a light to medium sweater will keep you warm.

She should not walk at night alone.
She should not carry all her money and documents
She should research how to get around before she goes or else whe will waste a lot time.

She should learn how to take subway.....
She should not take buses as they are chaotic, she will get lost easily.

She should leaarn some Portuguese words or have them written down

such as "where is" aonde fica
How do I go to "Como faco para ir para ______"
How much "Quanto custa"


Last but not least....keep open mind even a city like Sao Paulo one can enjoy or else why go there???? I am there every two months many of my non Portuguese speaking friends have been there as welll without any incident whatsoever, but do take the advises seriously and enjoy it.

Sao Paulo is a monstruous 9 million inhab city.
Last place for tourism.
People come here just for work.

Your sister should learn some words in Portuguese or Spanish.
English may help just within hotels.

Dangerous city for lone walkers, mainly women.

If she comes as a tourist,,, walk in groups.
If she comes to work, ok she will have someone to help her.

Hi Sao Paulo-Dude,

Thank you very much for your information. It is of a great help.
I knew from my researches that Sao Paulo is not a city for tourists as Rio, but this doesn´t stop my sister.
I will share your information with her and see if she´ll change her mind.
Thank you for that mosquito info as well :-)(she´s allergic to insect bite)

Take care,
Mitsumi

Hi ubiratan,
Thank you for the quick reply. I appreciate all info you have provided to me.

Thanks again,
Mitsumi