São Paulo is a city that operates at a scale hard to comprehend until you’re in it. The metro area holds 22 million people. The helicopter fleet is the world’s largest. Traffic can turn a 10 km trip into a 2-hour ordeal.
But the city rewards with world-class art, the best food in the Americas south of New York
an energy that’s uniquely Brazilian. Check the São Paulo weather by month guide before packing and the best time to visit for seasonal advice.
São Paulo Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
São Paulo Airports and Airport Transport
São Paulo has two major airports. Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is 25 km northeast of the city center in the city of Guarulhos. It handles all international and some domestic flights. Terminal 3 is the main international terminal.
The Airport Bus Service (Airport Bus Service, blue buses) connects GRU to Congonhas Airport, Tietê Bus Terminal, and several São Paulo hotels along Paulista for 45 BRL ($9) one-way.
The journey to Paulista takes 50-90 minutes depending on traffic. The CPTM train Line 13-Jade connects GRU to the Engenheiro Goulart station where you transfer to the metro, but the connection is slow and confusing with luggage. A taxi from GRU to Jardins costs 150-200 BRL ($30-$40) and takes 45-75 minutes. Uber is available from designated pickup zones at both terminals for 100-150 BRL.
Congonhas Airport (CGH) is 8 km south of the city center in the Campo Belo neighborhood, handling domestic flights. It’s far more convenient for the city than GRU. A taxi or Uber to Paulista/Jardins costs 40-60 BRL ($8-$12) and takes 15-25 minutes. If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic Brazilian destination, allow a minimum of 4 hours between arrival at GRU and departure from CGH (the airports are 35 km apart with heavy traffic).
Visa Requirements for Brazil
As of 2024, citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia need a visa to enter Brazil. The eVisa system was reintroduced in April 2024. Apply online at the official Brazilian government portal brazil.vfsevisa.com. The tourist eVisa costs $80.90 and processes within 5 business days. It’s valid for 10 years for US citizens and allows stays of up to 90 days per year.
EU citizens, UK citizens, Japanese citizens, and most South American nationals do not need a visa for tourism stays under 90 days. Your passport must have 6 months validity from your entry date. You must show proof of onward travel and accommodation at immigration.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended but not required for São Paulo city; it is required if traveling to rural São Paulo areas of São Paulo state or other Brazilian regions.
Getting Around São Paulo
The Metro (subway) and CPTM (commuter rail) form a network of 13 lines covering 377 km. The system is clean, safe, and efficient. Fares cost 5 BRL ($1) per trip with a Bilhete Único card (buy at any station, no deposit needed, load with credit). The metro runs 4:40 AM to midnight (1:00 AM on Saturdays). The core lines for visitors are: Green Line (Paulista, Jardins), Blue Line (Centro, Liberdade), Yellow Line (Pinheiros, Faria Lima).
Uber is the default for anything beyond metro range. A 5 km ride costs 20-30 BRL ($4-$6). Uber is safer and often cheaper than street-hailed taxis. The app works in English. Yellow taxis hailed on the street are metered but drivers rarely speak English. Avoid taxi queues at the airport that aren’t official cooperatives.
The city’s bicycle infrastructure has improved with 700 km of ciclovias (bike lanes), and the Itaú Bike share system (8 BRL/day, stations across Paulista and Jardins). Cycling on main avenues without separated lanes is not recommended for visitors due to aggressive traffic.
Safety in São Paulo
São Paulo’s reputation for crime is worse than the reality for most visitors, but precautions matter. Violent crime rates have dropped significantly since the 2000s. The main risk is opportunistic theft, especially phone snatching. Do not hold your phone in your hand while walking on the street, especially near traffic where motorcycle thieves can grab it. Duck into a shop or cafe to check your phone.
The Jardins and Paulista areas are safe to walk during the day and evening. The Centro Histórico is fine during weekday business hours but becomes deserted and sketchy after 6:00 PM and on Sundays. Avoid Praça da Sé and the Luz Station surroundings at night. The Cracolândia zone (around Rua Helvétia and Alameda Dino Bueno near Luz) should be completely avoided.
Flashy jewelry and watches attract attention. Leave valuables in your hotel safe. Carry a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash and an expired card for the unlikely event of an armed robbery, which is rare for tourists but does occur.
ATM skimming is common, use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours rather than standalone street ATMs. Tap water is technically treated but most paulistanos drink filtered or bottled water. Hotels and restaurants serve filtered water. Bottled water costs 3-5 BRL.
Tipping Customs in São Paulo
Tipping is less expected than in North America but common for good service. Restaurants: a 10% service charge (serviço) is typically included in the bill. If it’s not, 10% is standard. Bartenders: 1-2 BRL per drink or round up. Hotel porters: 5-10 BRL per bag. Housekeeping: 10-20 BRL per day left in an envelope.
Taxi/Uber: no tip expected, rounding up is appreciated. Tour guides: 50-100 BRL for a full-day private guide depending on quality. Tipping in Brazilian reais in cash is preferred.
Language Tips for São Paulo
Portuguese is the language. English is not widely spoken outside upscale hotels, high-end restaurants, and some tourist-facing businesses. In Jardins and Itaim, restaurant staff may speak basic English. In Centro, street markets, and local botecos, Portuguese is essential. Spanish is understood more than spoken and speaking Spanish slowly will get you further than English in many situations.
Learn key phrases: “bom dia” (good morning), “boa tarde” (good afternoon), “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you, male/female speaker), “por favor” (please), “quanto custa” (how much), and “a conta, por favor” (the bill, please). Download Google Translate with offline Portuguese. The camera translation feature works well for menus.
Suggested Hotels in São Paulo
Hotel Fasano São Paulo
A timeless luxury hotel in Jardins with 60 rooms, a rooftop pool, the celebrated Fasano restaurant, and the Baretto jazz bar, all in São Paulo’s best neighborhood. Best for luxury travelers and couples wanting the iconic São Paulo experience. Check rates and availability
Hotel Emiliano
A stylish boutique hotel on Rua Oscar Freire with 57 minimalist rooms, a rooftop lounge, champagne bar, and butler service. Best for design-focused travelers wanting a prime shopping street location. Check rates and availability
Ibis Budget São Paulo Paulista
A reliable budget hotel on Rua da Consolação with compact, clean rooms from 180 BRL, free WiFi, and a 3-minute walk to MASP. Best for budget travelers who want the Paulista location at no-frills prices. Check rates and availability
