TRANSPORTATION:

Which transports can I take from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo?

A: There are three options: Taxi, executive bus and bus. Official airport taxis are prepaid, with fixed fares to destinations. Cash and credit card accepted. Executive bus service runs to established points, connection Guarulhos airport to Congonhas Airport, Praça da República, Tietê and Barra Funda bus stations, Itaim Bibi district and some hotels near Paulista Avenue. Cash and credit card accepted.  Public bus services connect Guarulhos International Airport to Tatuapé subway station. Cash only.

Which transports can I take from Congonhas Airport to São Paulo city center?

A: Taxis are available at the airport. Buses connecting the airport to Praça da Sé, Largo São Francisco, Paulista Avenue, and other points are also available. A toll free (156) gives detailed bus line information. SPTRANS Website is http://200.99.150.164/PlanOperWeb/.

What time does the subway open and close? How can I buy a ticket?

A: Subway opens every day at 04:40 in the morning and closes at different time at each station. If you need to change the line, limit time at block lines is midnight. On Saturdays, Subways closes at 01:00 in the morning on Sunday; transference among three lines is guaranteed to everyone embarking until 01:00 am in Lines 1-Blue, 2-Green and 3-Red. Line 5-Purple opens at 04:40 am and closes at midnight from Sunday to Saturday. There are eight different tickets, including a cheaper leisure ticket to be used on the weekends.
Go to: http://www.metro.sp.gov.br/informacao/tarifas/tetarifas.shtml

How to check bus lines in São Paulo?

A: There are two options: Go to SPTRANS Website: (http://200.99.150.164/PlanOperWeb/) or call 156. Just say or write the address you are leaving from and the address you are going to.


HANDICRAFT FAIRS

Where can I find souvenirs, gifts and handicrafts?

A: You can find souvenirs, arts and typical products in several points in the city. Handicraft fairs are an excellent option.

- Art and Handcraft Fair of Praça da República.
Praça da República, in front of República subway station.
Handicraft, painting and antiques.
Saturdays and Sundays. 09:00 am – 05:00 pm. 700 exhibitors.

- Art and Handcraft Fair of Praça da Liberdade.
Praça da Liberdade, in front of Liberdade subway station.
Japanese typical products, local handicrafts and also Japanese dishes. Saturdays – 09:00 am – 06:00 pm. Sundays. 10:00 am – 07:00 pm.

- Trianon Arts and Culture Fair
Paulista Avenue, 1509, in front of Trianon Park.
Local handicraft, painting and food. Sundays, 09h:00 am to 06:00 pm

- Feira de Antiguidades no MASP
MASP free area - Paulista Avenue, 1500.
Sundays. 10:00 am – 05:00 pm.

- Benedito Calixto Antique Fair
Praça Benedito Calixto – Pinheiros
Every Saturday, from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm, in Pinheiros district. 320 exhibitors showing varied handicraft, arts and antiques. A food court is available.


SHOPPING

What are the main shopping areas in São Paulo?

A: There are several shopping streets and specialized streets in São Paulo. The most famous are:

- 25 de Março Street and neighborhood:
(next to São Bento subway station)
Popular shopping area where you find everything. Fabric, clothing, toys, electronic devices, home appliances, school materials, and so one. One of the busiest streets in São Paulo. Common opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

-José Paulino Street and neighborhood
(next to Luz subway station)
Men and women clothing. Popular prices and wholesale and retail. Common opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

- Oscar Freire street.
(next to Consolação subway station)
One of the top ten luxury streets in the world gathering the main brands in Brazil and abroad. Common opening time: Mon – Sat: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.

- Brás district
(next to Brás subway station)

Popular shopping for clothing and accessories, sportswear, bags and purses, footwear, and so on. Several wholesale shopping malls and several shops around. Common opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

- Santa Ifigênia Street
(next to República subway station)

Electrical and electronic devices, computers and musical instruments to sell. Several galleries with number of shops spread on Santa Ifigênia Street and around. Opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.


CITY-TOUR

How can I get a city tour in the city?

A: There are several city tours available. You may contact a receptive tourism company or take a free tour.

Every Thursday, at 08:00 pm, a two-hour tour called “Night Walk” passes the main interesting points in Downtown. This free walking tour starts at Municipal Theater at 08:00 pm. Contact telephone:  (11) 3256-7909 or (11)3019-8831.

Turismetrô is also another option. Escorted tours visiting several historic and tourist points in São Paulo. During the weekends, go to Turismetrô desk at Sé subway station at least 20 minutes in advance. Choose one of the five tours available and buy the number of single tickets necessary. Saturdays and Sundays. 09:00 am and 02:00 pm. For further information on tours and number of tickets needed, call (11) 2958-3714 or go to: http://www.metro.sp.gov.br/cultura/turismetro/turismetro.asp

Many special city tour agencies provide services and different tours. For further information, go to: http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/dicas_city.asp .

Another option is the Military Police Cultural Tour ‘City of São Paulo’. Every Saturday in the morning and in the afternoon: 08:45 am to 12:00  pm and 01:45 pm to 05:00 pm; if you prefer, you can take the whole tour (08:45 - 05:00), 01:30 hour for lunch.
This tour visits Military Police headquarters (General Command Headquarters, 1st Battalion of Control Police – ‘Rota’, RPMon and 2nd Battalion of Control Police) and cultural locations (Pinacoteca – Art Gallery -, Museum of Portuguese Language, Museum of Sacred Arts; if you take the day tour, a visit to the museum of Bandeirantes Palace is added.  Book one week in advance. Groups must be minimum 15 and maximum 45 people. For further information, go to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call: (11) 3327-7062.


CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Where can I exchange money? And on the weekends?
A: There are a number of bureau of exchange and travel agencies with authorized exchange sector. Check the addresses on the following link: http://www.bcb.gov.br/?IAMCMUN. During the weekends, you can exchange money in the main shopping malls in the city.


CULTURAL PROGRAM

Where can I get information on cultural programs and hints for visits?

A: For cultural information in São Paulo, check the website Cidade de São Paulo http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/noticias.asp, the Secretariat of Culture website: (http://www.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/cidade/secretarias/cultura/) and also Tourist Information Centers located in strategic points in the city. Check locations on: ( http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/cits.asp ).

Is there free attractions in São Paulo?

A: Yes! São Paulo offers a number of free and low price attractions. It is important to say that people over 65 years old and children under 7 years old are free or get a discount.
For example, the Municipal Theater, downtown, offers free concerts on Sunday morning; São Paulo Cultural Center offers a wide range of free services and attractions, from cinema until a comic’s library. There are also free Sesi theater plays, at Fiesp Cultural Center; you must get your tickets in advance. There is also the project “Opera at midday”, every Tuesday, at São Pedro Theater, entrance free.
If you like museums, you will find excellent free options too. The Afro-Brazil Museum, in Ibirapuera Park, is free and holds a rich collection of the Brazilian culture. Also in Ibirapuera Park, every Tuesday and Thursday, at 05:00 pm, entrance is free at MAM – Museum of Modern Art. There is also the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Image and Sound and the program at Itaú Cultural (on Paulista Avenue) and Caixa Cultura (in front of Praça da Sé).
Other museums are free only one day a week.
Check the list of museums on the website: http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/lista_museus.pdf


DRINKING WATER

Is tap water good for drinking?

A: Tap water is clean, but we recommend drinking mineral water you find in bars, restaurants, bakeries, snack bars, etc.


VOLTAGE AND PLUGS

What is voltage in São Paulo? Where can I find an adaptor?

A: In São Paulo, voltage is 110 v, but there are also some 220-v plugs, generally they are identified. Electronic articles shops or electric materials shops are the best place to buy an adaptor.


HOSPITALS

Where can I find an emergency room and public hospitals?

A: Check on the Website: http://portal.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/secretarias/saude/organizacao/0005 or call 156 for the City Council service to be informed about the nearest hospital or emergency room.


LANGUAGE

Which language is spoken in São Paulo?

A: Portuguese is the official language. If you need information in other languages, go to one of our Tourist Information Centers (http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/cits.asp) or check the reception desk in your hotel.

TRANSPORTATION:

Which transports can I take from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo?

A: There are three options: Taxi, executive bus and bus. Official airport taxis are prepaid, with fixed fares to destinations. Cash and credit card accepted. Executive bus service runs to established points, connection Guarulhos airport to Congonhas Airport, Praça da República, Tietê and Barra Funda bus stations, Itaim Bibi district and some hotels near Paulista Avenue. Cash and credit card accepted.  Public bus services connect Guarulhos International Airport to Tatuapé subway station. Cash only.
* (Airport Bus Service company Website outdated).

Which transports can I take from Congonhas Airport to São Paulo city center?

A: Taxis are available at the airport. Buses connecting the airport to Praça da Sé, Largo São Francisco, Paulista Avenue, and other points are also available. A toll free (156) gives detailed bus line information. SPTRANS Website is http://200.99.150.164/PlanOperWeb/.

What time does the subway open and close? How can I buy a ticket?

A: Subway opens every day at 04:40 in the morning and closes at different time at each station. If you need to change the line, limit time at block lines is midnight. On Saturdays, Subways closes at 01:00 in the morning on Sunday; transference among three lines is guaranteed to everyone embarking until 01:00 am in Lines 1-Blue, 2-Green and 3-Red. Line 5-Purple opens at 04:40 am and closes at midnight from Sunday to Saturday. There are eight different tickets, including a cheaper leisure ticket to be used on the weekends.
Go to: http://www.metro.sp.gov.br/informacao/tarifas/tetarifas.shtml

How to check bus lines in São Paulo?

A: There are two options: Go to SPTRANS Website: (http://200.99.150.164/PlanOperWeb/) or call 156. Just say or write the address you are leaving from and the address you are going to.


HANDICRAFT FAIRS

Where can I find souvenirs, gifts and handicrafts?

A: You can find souvenirs, arts and typical products in several points in the city. Handicraft fairs are an excellent option.

- Art and Handcraft Fair of Praça da República.
Praça da República, in front of República subway station.
Handicraft, painting and antiques.
Saturdays and Sundays. 09:00 am – 05:00 pm. 700 exhibitors.

- Art and Handcraft Fair of Praça da Liberdade.
Praça da Liberdade, in front of Liberdade subway station.
Japanese typical products, local handicrafts and also Japanese dishes. Saturdays – 09:00 am – 06:00 pm. Sundays. 10:00 am – 07:00 pm.

- Trianon Arts and Culture Fair
Paulista Avenue, 1509, in front of Trianon Park.
Local handicraft, painting and food. Sundays, 09h:00 am to 06:00 pm

- Feira de Antiguidades no MASP
MASP free area - Paulista Avenue, 1500.
Sundays. 10:00 am – 05:00 pm.

- Benedito Calixto Antique Fair
Praça Benedito Calixto – Pinheiros
Every Saturday, from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm, in Pinheiros district. 320 exhibitors showing varied handicraft, arts and antiques. A food court is available.


SHOPPING

What are the main shopping areas in São Paulo?

A: There are several shopping streets and specialized streets in São Paulo. The most famous are:

- 25 de Março Street and neighborhood:
(next to São Bento subway station)
Popular shopping area where you find everything. Fabric, clothing, toys, electronic devices, home appliances, school materials, and so one. One of the busiest streets in São Paulo. Common opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

-José Paulino Street and neighborhood
(next to Luz subway station)
Men and women clothing. Popular prices and wholesale and retail. Common opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

- Oscar Freire street.
(next to Consolação subway station)
One of the top ten luxury streets in the world gathering the main brands in Brazil and abroad. Common opening time: Mon – Sat: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.

- Brás district
(next to Brás subway station)

Popular shopping for clothing and accessories, sportswear, bags and purses, footwear, and so on. Several wholesale shopping malls and several shops around. Common opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.

- Santa Ifigênia Street
(next to República subway station)

Electrical and electronic devices, computers and musical instruments to sell. Several galleries with number of shops spread on Santa Ifigênia Street and around. Opening time: Mon – Fri: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm Sat, 08:00 am to 01:00 pm.


CITY-TOUR

How can I get a city tour in the city?

A: There are several city tours available. You may contact a receptive tourism company or take a free tour.

Every Thursday, at 08:00 pm, a two-hour tour called “Night Walk” passes the main interesting points in Downtown. This free walking tour starts at Municipal Theater at 08:00 pm. Contact telephone:  (11) 3256-7909 or (11)3019-8831.

Turismetrô is also another option. Escorted tours visiting several historic and tourist points in São Paulo. During the weekends, go to Turismetrô desk at Sé subway station at least 20 minutes in advance. Choose one of the five tours available and buy the number of single tickets necessary. Saturdays and Sundays. 09:00 am and 02:00 pm. For further information on tours and number of tickets needed, call (11) 2958-3714 or go to: http://www.metro.sp.gov.br/cultura/turismetro/turismetro.asp

Many special city tour agencies provide services and different tours. For further information, go to: http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/dicas_city.asp .

Another option is the Military Police Cultural Tour ‘City of São Paulo’. Every Saturday in the morning and in the afternoon: 08:45 am to 12:00  pm and 01:45 pm to 05:00 pm; if you prefer, you can take the whole tour (08:45 - 05:00), 01:30 hour for lunch.
This tour visits Military Police headquarters (General Command Headquarters, 1st Battalion of Control Police – ‘Rota’, RPMon and 2nd Battalion of Control Police) and cultural locations (Pinacoteca – Art Gallery -, Museum of Portuguese Language, Museum of Sacred Arts; if you take the day tour, a visit to the museum of Bandeirantes Palace is added.  Book one week in advance. Groups must be minimum 15 and maximum 45 people. For further information, go to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call: (11) 3327-7062.


CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Where can I exchange money? And on the weekends?
A: There are a number of bureau of exchange and travel agencies with authorized exchange sector. Check the addresses on the following link: http://www.bcb.gov.br/?IAMCMUN. During the weekends, you can exchange money in the main shopping malls in the city.


CULTURAL PROGRAM

Where can I get information on cultural programs and hints for visits?

A: For cultural information in São Paulo, check the website Cidade de São Paulo http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/noticias.asp, the Secretariat of Culture website: (http://www.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/cidade/secretarias/cultura/) and also Tourist Information Centers located in strategic points in the city. Check locations on: ( http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/cits.asp ).

Is there free attractions in São Paulo?

A: Yes! São Paulo offers a number of free and low price attractions. It is important to say that people over 65 years old and children under 7 years old are free or get a discount.
For example, the Municipal Theater, downtown, offers free concerts on Sunday morning; São Paulo Cultural Center offers a wide range of free services and attractions, from cinema until a comic’s library. There are also free Sesi theater plays, at Fiesp Cultural Center; you must get your tickets in advance. There is also the project “Opera at midday”, every Tuesday, at São Pedro Theater, entrance free.
If you like museums, you will find excellent free options too. The Afro-Brazil Museum, in Ibirapuera Park, is free and holds a rich collection of the Brazilian culture. Also in Ibirapuera Park, every Tuesday and Thursday, at 05:00 pm, entrance is free at MAM – Museum of Modern Art. There is also the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Image and Sound and the program at Itaú Cultural (on Paulista Avenue) and Caixa Cultura (in front of Praça da Sé).
Other museums are free only one day a week.
Check the list of museums on the website: http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/lista_museus.pdf


DRINKING WATER

Is tap water good for drinking?

A: Tap water is clean, but we recommend drinking mineral water you find in bars, restaurants, bakeries, snack bars, etc.


VOLTAGE AND PLUGS

What is voltage in São Paulo? Where can I find an adaptor?

A: In São Paulo, voltage is 110 v, but there are also some 220-v plugs, generally they are identified. Electronic articles shops or electric materials shops are the best place to buy an adaptor.


HOSPITALS

Where can I find an emergency room and public hospitals?

A: Check on the Website: http://portal.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/secretarias/saude/organizacao/0005 or call 156 for the City Council service to be informed about the nearest hospital or emergency room.


LANGUAGE

Which language is spoken in São Paulo?

A: Portuguese is the official language. If you need information in other languages, go to one of our Tourist Information Centers (http://www.cidadedesaopaulo.com/cits.asp) or check the reception desk in your hotel.


FOOD

Where can I find information on bars and restaurants?

A: Information on food and cuisine are available on the icon "Eat” on the Website of São Paulo (www.cidadedesaopaulo.com) and also on guides provided at Tourist Information Centers.


Where can I find information on bars and restaurants?

A: Information on food and cuisine are available on the icon "Eat” on the Website of São Paulo (www.cidadedesaopaulo.com) and also on guides provided at Tourist Information Centers.