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Welcome to

Sao Paulo

Currency:

 
The Brazilian Real

Exchange Rate:

FXCheatSheet - Travelers Currency Cheatsheet
Click on link and go to :"Get my FXCheatSheet", a printable
wallet-sized version, provided by Oanda.com
Weather & Climate:

Getting Around Town:  Be cautious in Sao Paulo and use cabs called by the hotel bellman. The subway system is good but be wary of pickpockets. It is best to travel in groups and avoid late nights unless traveling in groups.

Restaurants We Like:
-Hotel restaurant offers crew discount
-Rascals - typical buffet - moderately priced - walk
-America - similar to a TGIF - walk
-There is a McDonald's just off of Paulista
-Mestizo - very good - reservations are a good idea (Thanks, Sondra C.!) on R. Fernando de Albuquerue,277- moderate - cab phone (11)3256-3156 or 3259-1539
-The White Horse - typical Brazilian churrascaria -expensive (cab)
-Brazilian restaurant - 3/4 block on the right

The local mixed drink "Caipirinha" is a concoction of sugar cane liquor (Cachaca), sugar,lime and ice. There is no "mix" in them to dilute them, in otherwords they are straight liquor. They look pretty and tempting like a Margarita, but pack a much stronger punch - people have been known to do some very weird things after enjoying a few of these. They are cheap, potent and deliver a nasty hangover, so watch out...don't say we didn't warn you.
Tipping:
- A 10% service charge is likely already included in the bill. In bars and cafes, 10% tipping is also normal if the service charge has not been already added.

Shopping Finds:
Coffee. Gem stones. ("Gepedras" is popular. phone:2178-9900)
Shoes, shoes, shoes, but are much more expensive than we remember. Native wooden crafts. Handloomed knitwear.
Across the street from "Extra" supermarket is Dr. Scholl's - great pedicures (no polish) for approx. $20 US for approx 45 min. There is a drug store on the corner. Music, books, videos 2 blocks away. Local art and craft markets close to hotel. Inquire with concierge for days and times.

What to See:

Museu Arte Sao Paulo (MASP) Antique Market by the MASP - Sundays 10-5
Ibirapuera Park - free concert on Sunday a.m. Asian market on Sunday - small but close

 

What's On Around Town:
Travel Time to the Hotel: 45 min.+
Flight Time from IAD: 10 hours (+ or -)
Nearest ATM : at the bank, near the hotel.
Nearest Grocery: small grocery "Pao de Asucar" - 5 min walk; large supermarket/superstore "Extra" - 10 min walk. Both take credit cards.
Closest Gym: There is a passable gym in the hotel. Pool available - bring your own towel.
Best Place to Run: In the gym
Good Walks: There are local parks close to the hotel, but we have to emphasis situational awareness here.
Easy Day Trips:
Safety: ***ALERT*** Dengue (mosquito) fever is a serious concern! See our sister site Realworldsafety.com and check the US State Department Travel Page at www.travel.state.gov
Hotel: Free internet. Fridge in room, gym- but have to bring your own towel as staff does not provide. Pool is ok.   Rooms big.  Room service with crew discount. (Thanks for the update info Charlie! We don't get to Sao Paulo very often.)

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Last updated 12/4/09
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