Going to Sao Paolo for business- end of June. Have heard all kinds of<BR> stories- both good and bad about the safety factor. Staying in the financial<BR> district. Can anyone help me out with some info on "safe" things to do, places<BR> to go? Would love to play golf on my weekend there. Can I change dollars to<BR> Real at the airport? Should I be concerned about the water? Someone I work<BR> with says start taking antibiotics before I leave the US. <BR> Would appreciate any info and/or assistance.<BR> Thanks<BR> Mike<BR>

Hi Mike, financial district you mean "Avenida Paulista area"? For brand-names shops you can visit a street (daytime) called Rua Oscar Freire in Jardins area. You can find good quality and big variety of restaraunts/bars in areas like: Itaim, Vila Olimpia, Jardins and Moema (you will probably have city guides at the desk of your hotel, for example). Yes, you can change US$ at the airport (and at the Hotel, depending on what hotel you are staying). This winter seems to be one of the hottest ones, today it was around 81F/27ºC during lunchtime, but it will probably get cooler soon around 68F/20C next days...About antibiotics, I think this someone was joking ? Dengue fever in Summer time only and in beach cities, not S&atilde;o Paulo ! I can assure that (I live here). Have a nice stay !

Thanks, Tania.<BR>

I am also going to Sao Paulo on business in mid August. Just wanted to know what kind of shopping is special for the area. I would like to pick up something nice for my wife and goodies for my kids that 1) aren't strictly tourist fare and 2) reflect the region's special interests. Anyone?

Mike <BR>Forget about the water and the antibiotcs. The best place for shopping is Iguatemi Mall, it's plenty o good stores for all ages.Other option is Oscar Freire street, this is the fashion street.<BR>Good advice for Sao Paulo weather. When you go out you should bring a umbrela and a sweater. Weather in Sao Paulo is very crazy, in a day you can have hot sun, rain and a short winter.<BR>Enjoy Sao Paulo, and its restaurants, there are many kinds and they are the best in the world

Jon, if you go to Iguatemi shopping center you can find nice Brazilian typical jewellery and probably not expensive also. For the kids (depending if they like sports), nothing is more brazilian than a five-times world cup champion T-shirt.

Hi Jon, <BR>The Transamerica Hotel has a 3 hole golf course. 3 holes might be enough to relax and unwind. Apparently the hotel is located in a nice green environment - a nice respite from the city.<BR><BR> I believe the location of the hotel is right near the business district.

First of all, do not wear any expensive jewelry so others can see it. The same goes for cameras, etc. Dress simply,<BR>not too flashy, see what people are wearing and blend in. Walk at a steady pace, not like a tourist.<BR>As for places to see, I personally enjoyed the Butanta Institue, a snake farm, right in the city, fascinating. There is a great museum of modern art, I think it is close to where you are staying. They have great shows and fantastic restaurants, a gastronomic delight.<BR><BR>If you have time, you should go to Campos de Jordao, although far from Sao Paulo, I think it is worth the trip. Ask about it at your hotel, they'll give directions or even direct you to a tour. Try to lelarn a few words in Portuguese, it might behelpful.Good luck. LARRY