Sao Paulo Brazil

Humid subtropical

• Airport

  São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) · 25 km northeast of city center

• Transfers

  Airport Bus Service (45-90 min, R$60-75 ($12-15 USD)) · CPTM Train + Metro (80-120 min, R$5 ($1 USD)) · Taxi (40-90 min, R$150-200 ($30-40 USD)) · Uber/99 (40-90 min, R$90-150 ($18-30 USD))

• Transit

  Metro, CPTM Train, Bus

• Tips

  Metro extensive but doesn't cover all areas - 6 lines, expanding · Paulista Avenue very walkable - financial district, museums, cafes · Buses extensive but confusing for tourists - use metro when possible · Download Moovit or Google Maps for transit directions · Traffic horrendous - avoid taxis during rush hour (7-10am, 5-8pm) · Uber/99 affordable and convenient - most locals use apps · Safety: avoid empty metro cars late at night, don't display valuables

• Walkability

  moderate

• Language

  Portuguese (not Spanish!)

• Currency

  Brazilian Real (R$, BRL)

• Customs

  Late dining culture - dinner at 9pm+ · Kissing on cheeks for greetings (2 kisses) · Coffee culture - cafezinho everywhere · Soccer/football obsession · Carnival culture year-round · Multicultural - Italian, Japanese, Lebanese influence

• Etiquette

  Greet with cheek kisses or handshakes · OK hand sign is offensive - don't use · Don't make three with thumb and two fingers - rude gesture · Personal space smaller than US/UK · Being late 15-30 minutes is normal

• Visa

  Visa-free for US/Canada/Australia/UK/EU citizens for up to 90 days tourism.

• Power

  127V/220V (varies by area), 60Hz · C, N

• Healthcare

  Good private hospitals (Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sírio-Libanês). Public SUS system overwhelmed. Travel insurance essential.

• Safety

  MODERATE · Crime rates high - stay vigilant at all times · Keep phones and valuables out of sight - snatch theft common · Use Uber/99 rather than street taxis, especially at night · Avoid wearing jewelry or expensive watches · Some favelas (slums) dangerous - do not enter without local guide · Paulista Avenue area safer, periphery areas riskier · Don't resist if robbed - hand over valuables immediately · Traffic chaos - allow extra time for travel

• Emergency

  Police 190 · Ambulance 192