Brazil, sao paulo

[A1]

Hi guys
Got a business trip to Sao Paulo next month. Never been before and reading a fair few bad things about the city?

Anyone been? Any do's and dont's

Thanks

[Big E 118]

A1 said:

Hi guys
Got a business trip to Sao Paulo next month. Never been before and reading a fair few bad things about the city?

Anyone been? Any do's and dont's

Thanks

I've spent some time in Brazil but not Sao Paulo. I found the Brazilians very friendly, generous and really fun people but just remember you are in a city where there are a lot of very poor people and crime happens.

Just like any big city just be aware and don't stray from the busier areas at night. I'd just say don't "bling up" too much. I bought a cheap £5 Casio digital watch to wear while over there instead of my usual more expensive looking watch.

Enjoy!

[Tallow]

I'd echo that - there's a good chance you'll stand out whatever you do, just try to minimise it. If possible, try to go around and about with locals that you're working with. If that's not possible, avoid doing things that would be deemed "risky" - in particular going to ATMs at night and suchlike.

Brazil is a great country with a lot to offer - just keep your wits about you and you'll be sure to have a great time - enjoy!

[Matt Harper]

I've worked there twice, both times in Paulista business district, which is safe and attractive.
Don't use public transport. Taxis aren't particularly cheap, but busses and trains are somewhat risky, according to my company travel service.
Not many cabbies speak English either, so you need to be prepared for that.
One final observation, the airport is a long, long way from the city and traffic before noon is very heavy, so plan accordingly for flights etc.

[lockhart flawse]

I have been many times and been robbed twice - most recently by a guy with a gun in Jardins (one of the best suburbs) who relieved me of my Omega Speedmaster in April last year. You will be fine but leave your valuables at home and keep your taxi window closed.....

L.F.

[A1]

lockhart flawse said:

I have been many times and been robbed twice - most recently by a guy with a gun in Jardins (one of the best suburbs) who relieved me of my Omega Speedmaster in April last year. You will be fine but leave your valuables at home and keep your taxi window closed.....

L.F.

Bloody hell mate, robbed only twice and once at gun point?!!!

Thanks for the replies guys. Basically i am attending an exhibition at Parque Anhembi, Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 - Santana São Paulo, 02012-021. Goint to be in and out within 3-4 days

Interms of lcoation, where is that in sao paulo? also looking for a good 5 star hotel near by?

Your help is very welcome guys

[lockhart flawse]

Well the first time was in 1988 so it's only once every 22 years but a reminder not to get too complacent. SP is vast and the traffic is pretty grim so you might consider locating yourself on the ring road where you're going to be working. Otherwise the better suburbs are a bit of a drive - see if you can get too and from Higliopolis (sp?) which is OK with good shops and restaurants and the Jardins area where I stay is also good. But Brazil stopped being cheap 10 years ago and so you won't find anything cheaper than in the UK.

Brazilians are good people though - you'll enjoy it. Have a caiporinho(sp again - very alcoholic but very morish), a steak (picanha is the local speciality which is rump cap) and their wines are starting to become better known.

L.F.

[A1]

Hi
Any good recomendations for hotel in the JARDIM area. 4 or 5 star?

Thanks

[Matt Harper]

A1 said:

Hi
Any good recomendations for hotel in the JARDIM area. 4 or 5 star?

Thanks

When I was there in Feb, Sheraton was over $1000 per night. I ended-up at the Golden Tulip
http://www.goldentulippaulistaplaza.com/hotel-info...
It was perfectly OK in terms of cleanliness, spaciousness and convenience - not luxurious and still way over-priced for what it is.
Maybe there was something 'big' going on in town that week, but central hotels costs were somewhat inflated, I felt.

[lockhart flawse]

I usually stay where a supplier has booked me in or I book whichever hotel is on promotion through hotels.com.

L.F.