Book cheap flights to Sao Paulo

Blessed with a subtropical climate, Sao Paulo enjoys warm weather throughout the year, making any time an ideal time to visit. Winter time in Sao Paulo (June to September) is high-season due to comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. The best times to visit are autumn (March to May) and spring (October to November), when temperatures are at their mildest and the tourist crowds have dispersed. Take advantages of the low-season specials on offer and enjoy the city for less!

South Africans entering Brazil for business or tourism purposes are exempt from obtaining a visa, if they are staying for 90 days or less. Holidaymakers wishing to stay for longer than 90 days will need to apply for a tourist visa. For more information please contact the Brazilian Embassy in South Africa:

Physical address: 177 Dyer Road, Hillcrest, Pretoria

Tel: (012) 366-5200

Fax: (012) 366-5219

E-mail: visasection@brazilianembassy.org.za

As a city that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors per year, Sao Paulo can be affected by pick-pocketing and petty theft. Always remain vigilant of your surroundings and be aware of individuals around you. Keep a close eye on luggage and valuables, particularly in busy areas like bus stops and train stations. Be wary of individuals offering to carry your luggage or other goods. Do not walk the city streets at night; rather take a clearly-marked taxi cab. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants.

Visitors are advised to stay out of the Sao Paulo favelas unless they have a genuine interest in visiting. If so, it is safest to arrange a guided trip with an experienced tour guide.

Sao Paulo’s eclectic nature is reflected in its diverse range of neighbourhoods and accommodation options. Travellers wanting to be near Sao Paulo’s must-see attractions should look for accommodation in trendy Jardins where endless streets of stylish restaurants can be found, in addition to many of Sao Paulo’s most popular museums.

Those looking for a more bohemian atmosphere will feel right at home in Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo’s most artistic neighbourhood, filled with boutique shops, trendy coffee houses and traditional Brazilian Botecos, featuring live Samba bands.

Sao Paulo offers safe and convenient public transport for locals and visitors alike. The buses follow a multitude of routes mapping across the city and run from 4am to midnight every day. Keep in mind that traffic and congestion can sometimes slow buses in transit.

Sao Paulo’s metro rail is one of the finest in South America with local and national lines available to take passengers around and out of the city. It is not advised to take the metro at night if you are by yourself, rather use it in groups.

Taxis are also available, be sure to check that the taxi has the word “TAXI” printed on the vehicle and also be sure that the cab driver matches the vehicle’s identification sticker and license plate information.