São Paulo is a municipality in the Southeast Region of Brazil. The metropolis is an alpha global city (as listed by the GaWC) and the most populous city in Brazil, the Americas, the Western Hemisphere, and the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, São Paulo is the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world.
Warnings & Dangers in Sao Paulo
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Basically, you can move safely in the city if you keep track of your surroundings and not walk the streets late at night. Be wary of those who ask for or offer help.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is relatively safe. Be careful on buses late in the evening and during rush hour. Pickpockets can often be found there. Taxi is a safe way to travel if you use a licensed service.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpockets are common in Sao Paulo. Their victims are imprudent tourists who do not keep track of their belongings. The areas around Praca de Sé, the metro, bus, train stations, and crowded areas are the main pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
In Sao Paulo, flooding is possible due to heavy rainfall. They sometimes also cause landslides and house destruction—possible infection with the Zika virus. Take steps to prevent these risks.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Serious attacks and armed robberies are not uncommon in Sao Paulo. Unfortunately, there are still groups of bandits in the city who attack and even steal people. Stay only in tourist areas, on well-lit and crowded streets.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
There are no terrorist threats in the city, and tourists can sometimes face protests in the city center, which is nothing to worry about. Do not participate in mass gatherings on the streets.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Scams in Sao Paulo usually happen in crowded places like beaches and at ATMs. Fraudsters often use devices that read your card data at an ATM. Therefore, withdraw money only in ATM at banks with security.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women traveling alone should take certain precautions when traveling to Sao Paulo. It is best not to leave the tourist areas and avoid walking late at night alone.
How Safe Is Sao Paulo for Tourists?
Sao Paulo is not the safest city to travel to.
The crime rate here ranges from low to high.
The main problems are associated with the theft of things, vandalism, car theft.
The city also has a high level of bribery and corruption.
The city is known for its criminal past.
However, in recent years, the crime rate has been reduced.
Nevertheless, tourists need to be as careful as possible when traveling to this city.
Visitors should avoid walking in deserted areas at night or at least avoid walking alone.
Buses are relatively safe, but waiting alone at a bus stop at night is not safe.
The metro is always safe, but commuter trains to peripheral areas can be dangerous late at night.
Be extremely careful when using ATMs at night (or better, don’t use them if they are located in desolate and dark places; if you really need one, try searching in places such as shopping malls and theaters, cinemas, and gas stations).
If you are traveling in your car, you should be careful on the roads.
Drivers here can drive quite roughly and not follow traffic rules.
If you are driving at night, when you stop for any reason (even at traffic lights), check your surroundings.
Keep doors locked, and windows closed at night.
If possible, when returning late to your hotel, take a taxi or ride with a group of friends.
During the day, keep valuables out of the car’s window (even if you are using a taxi).
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Sao Paulo?
To enter Brazil, you need a valid passport, which is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Tourists visiting Brazil must have a return ticket and enough funds for their stay.
Which Currency Is Used in Sao Paulo?
The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil. It is subdivided into 100 centavos. The Central Bank of Brazil is the central bank and the issuing authority.
How's the Weather like in Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo is a city that can be visited throughout the year because winter temperatures range between 8 and 21 °C. In São Paulo, the summers are warm, muggy, wet, and mostly cloudy, and the winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Sao Paulo?
There are two main airports in Sao Paulo, São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport, and Congonhas-São Paulo Airport. The number of air passenger movements makes Sao Paulo one of the world’s top 15 busiest airports. Other alternative airports are Viracopos-Campinas International Airport, São José dos Campos Airport and Jundiaí Airport, which can avoid crowds.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Sao Paulo?
São Paulo, Brazil’s vibrant financial center, is among the world’s most populous cities, with numerous cultural institutions and a rich architectural tradition. Its iconic buildings range from its neo-Gothic cathedral and the 1929 Martinelli skyscraper to modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer’s curvy Edifício Copan. The colonial-style Pátio makes Colégio church marks where Jesuit priests founded the city in 1554.
Is the Water in Sao Paulo Safe to Drink?
The tap in Sao Paulo is drinkable; you can drink it safely.
Is Uber Safe in Sao Paulo?
There is an Uber taxi in Sao Paulo. The cost of the trip will depend on the time of day and distance. You can call a taxi from the application on your smartphone.
