Sao Paulo - Myths
Apr 25th, 2006 | 08:08 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Sao Paulo - Myths
Hi,
I am a foreigner living in Sao Paulo and thought it would be nice for you guys to get an insider opinion.
1.Sao Paulo is too dangerous.
No - its not. The majority of violence unfortunately is in the poorest arears. It is like any big city. You wouldn“t walk down a dark alley in New York with a camera - would you ? Just be sensible. Do not display signs of wealth. Keep cameras in a daypack and take out in sensible arears. I have never seen anyone attacked on public transport here.
2. There is no public transport.
Not true. Its just not so easy to understand.
The metro : There are lines connecting most major stations and the Tiete bus terminal.
It is the safest way to get from Paulista avenue to the centre Se (here you will find the Cathedral and more importantly the restored monks college is at the bottom of the hill and one street down). The history of Sao Paulo is there with models and a great outdoor coffee shop. Also ask for directions to Museum bank of Brasil.
At the end of each line tends to be a bus terminal. The metro is very very clean. Cost less than $1 per person. And is free with any documentation over 65 years of age.
Buses - Yes more complicated.
Firstly... there are two sections to a bus. You get in the front - you exit at the back after paying R$2 at the turnstyle. If you stay for a week find a loteria - they will give you a card that you can deposit money onto. Min is R$8. However you pay only once if you use more than one bus in 2 hours and your metro fee drops to R$1. Bargain.
Secoundly ask where to get off even in English - some friendly person will hear you struggling and come to your assistance. Always happens to me. Don“t get frustrated you will be helped - I promise. Don“t get embarassed if there is a little conference at the end you will be advised by pointing where to get off.
Access from the airports - For more than 1 person take a taxi to the closest metro train station. Tiete or Guarulhas. Then take metro. A taxi direct from the International airport (Always agree a flat rate) should be max R$85 to R$90 to Paulista.
3. Its boring. What !
With more restaurants then you can imagine, Brazilian football twice a week. Culture Dance etc that should not be possible. Just needs some planning.
Ask your hosts for a copy of the guia da folha (comes out every friday). Check out whats free etc. Find a friendly person - ask advice. Go.
For food - If in doubt go to Villa Madeleina (metro) or Moema (bus/taxi) (Jardims is for the rich). For Japanese food better than Japan go to liberdade. For Pizza I suggest the Bras chain. One pizza feeds 3 people. Villa madeilena - Empanadas bar is a must for hanging out. Villa Madeilena is a must for late night music and street bars. If you are 16 go to Villa Olympia - Everyone else goes to VM.
Car Hire in Sao Paulo - DON“T There are lots of one ways and congestion is bad. If you have the money for a car. You have money for Taxis. It WILL cost less and be much more peaceful - they can use exclusive bus lanes; just make sure the meter is turned on or better agree a price up front. No more than R$2,25 per kilometer (about $1.)
No 1 Place to VISIT - water melon hotel at night in Rua Brigadeiro. The views are WOW.
Changing Money.
Airport - Change about $100. The two best rates are from Independents. One is on the corner of Paulista and Augusta (Inside centre Conj. Nacional) and the other on the top floor of Shopping Iguatemi. Forget Banks. Don“t bother with Thomas cook or Amex - They rip you. Your credit card will give you a better rate then these bandits.
ATM“s in fact give you a better rate than a bank. HSBC, Citi Bank and 24 hour banks found in Supermarket Pao de Acucer work great.
Day Visit - Embu on Sundays.
Markets - For food go to the municipal market - unbelievable and great architecture.
Best museum - Pinocateca take metro to Estaçao luz ask for P.
Football - I support Sao Paulo and Morumbi Staduim is the safest staduim. However the atmosphere when Corinthians plays is the best. Tickets are between R$7 and R$20.
Language - try learn some basic words of Portuguese... but if not speak in English and sign language.
Til later
Mish
I am a foreigner living in Sao Paulo and thought it would be nice for you guys to get an insider opinion.
1.Sao Paulo is too dangerous.
No - its not. The majority of violence unfortunately is in the poorest arears. It is like any big city. You wouldn“t walk down a dark alley in New York with a camera - would you ? Just be sensible. Do not display signs of wealth. Keep cameras in a daypack and take out in sensible arears. I have never seen anyone attacked on public transport here.
2. There is no public transport.
Not true. Its just not so easy to understand.
The metro : There are lines connecting most major stations and the Tiete bus terminal.
It is the safest way to get from Paulista avenue to the centre Se (here you will find the Cathedral and more importantly the restored monks college is at the bottom of the hill and one street down). The history of Sao Paulo is there with models and a great outdoor coffee shop. Also ask for directions to Museum bank of Brasil.
At the end of each line tends to be a bus terminal. The metro is very very clean. Cost less than $1 per person. And is free with any documentation over 65 years of age.
Buses - Yes more complicated.
Firstly... there are two sections to a bus. You get in the front - you exit at the back after paying R$2 at the turnstyle. If you stay for a week find a loteria - they will give you a card that you can deposit money onto. Min is R$8. However you pay only once if you use more than one bus in 2 hours and your metro fee drops to R$1. Bargain.
Secoundly ask where to get off even in English - some friendly person will hear you struggling and come to your assistance. Always happens to me. Don“t get frustrated you will be helped - I promise. Don“t get embarassed if there is a little conference at the end you will be advised by pointing where to get off.
Access from the airports - For more than 1 person take a taxi to the closest metro train station. Tiete or Guarulhas. Then take metro. A taxi direct from the International airport (Always agree a flat rate) should be max R$85 to R$90 to Paulista.
3. Its boring. What !
With more restaurants then you can imagine, Brazilian football twice a week. Culture Dance etc that should not be possible. Just needs some planning.
Ask your hosts for a copy of the guia da folha (comes out every friday). Check out whats free etc. Find a friendly person - ask advice. Go.
For food - If in doubt go to Villa Madeleina (metro) or Moema (bus/taxi) (Jardims is for the rich). For Japanese food better than Japan go to liberdade. For Pizza I suggest the Bras chain. One pizza feeds 3 people. Villa madeilena - Empanadas bar is a must for hanging out. Villa Madeilena is a must for late night music and street bars. If you are 16 go to Villa Olympia - Everyone else goes to VM.
Car Hire in Sao Paulo - DON“T There are lots of one ways and congestion is bad. If you have the money for a car. You have money for Taxis. It WILL cost less and be much more peaceful - they can use exclusive bus lanes; just make sure the meter is turned on or better agree a price up front. No more than R$2,25 per kilometer (about $1.)
No 1 Place to VISIT - water melon hotel at night in Rua Brigadeiro. The views are WOW.
Changing Money.
Airport - Change about $100. The two best rates are from Independents. One is on the corner of Paulista and Augusta (Inside centre Conj. Nacional) and the other on the top floor of Shopping Iguatemi. Forget Banks. Don“t bother with Thomas cook or Amex - They rip you. Your credit card will give you a better rate then these bandits.
ATM“s in fact give you a better rate than a bank. HSBC, Citi Bank and 24 hour banks found in Supermarket Pao de Acucer work great.
Day Visit - Embu on Sundays.
Markets - For food go to the municipal market - unbelievable and great architecture.
Best museum - Pinocateca take metro to Estaçao luz ask for P.
Football - I support Sao Paulo and Morumbi Staduim is the safest staduim. However the atmosphere when Corinthians plays is the best. Tickets are between R$7 and R$20.
Language - try learn some basic words of Portuguese... but if not speak in English and sign language.
Til later
Mish
May 21st, 2006 | 07:26 AM
#5
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
The tragedy that occurred in Sao Paulo State was terrible, and I think once it finished, the total number of police officers slain was around 100. Definately not a good sign... however, it is important to note that the majority of incidents happened in areas that a tourist will never visit.
The gangs were also going after Police Officers, not tourists or local people.
One could say it was a type of terrorist attack against the police officers, led by the gangs. If I recall correctly there were many more innocent people who died in NY during 9/11.
I think it is important to keep in mind that these gangs werent running around robbing tourists and killing at random, they were after a specific group.
By no means does it mean that the situation was justifiable, but I would hate to see SP lose tourists bc of that incident.
The gangs were also going after Police Officers, not tourists or local people.
One could say it was a type of terrorist attack against the police officers, led by the gangs. If I recall correctly there were many more innocent people who died in NY during 9/11.
I think it is important to keep in mind that these gangs werent running around robbing tourists and killing at random, they were after a specific group.
By no means does it mean that the situation was justifiable, but I would hate to see SP lose tourists bc of that incident.
