Sao Paulo, Brazil
 

Any intel on this place? Am thinking about traveling there for a few weeks this winter. Heard lots of fun for Westerners, even just staying around the crew hotels.

Is this place safe? Easy to meet local women?

It is very fun but you need to be careful. Like most of Cent. and South America you are always need to watch out for danger. Cops will shake you down as easily as a gang member. Be smart, do not wear a watch outdoors, keep money in front pocket, and do not wear sandles you can not run in...wear shoes. Take cabs always at night, even if it is a block away.

Women are nice and easy to meet if you have a pocket full of dead american presidents (get my drift.)

HMMM... even cabs can be dangerous in Brazil. Meet woman during the day at the beach and try to avoid nightlife. I know, its square, but Brazil is becoming very dangerous day by day. PS, knew a guy who got shot in the foot in Brazil. Apparently got caught in some cross fire...

Wow. Thanks for the warning, taylorjets...

Unless you know people theres not a lot to do in Sao Paulo, but the night life is awesome if you're into that kind of thing. Girls are easy to talk to, at least if they speak English, and not all of them are after you just for your money, especially in Sao Paulo. Rio can be another story depending on where you go, but I've met plenty of nice girls there too. As for it being dangerous, its not as safe as most American cities, but its not really that bad as long as you don't venture into the really bad parts of town, and even then you'll be ok going most places during the day. Just be smart and stay aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. Mr Spooners advice is good, although a bit over cautious if you ask me. There are lots of places in Sao Paulo where I wouldn't have a problem walking after dark, but like I said, stay aware of your surroundings. I could tell you all kinds of things about Brazil, especially Sao Paulo (I lived there for most of last year), but I'd be writing for days and I don't have time now. Lemme know if you want to know more.

I agree with these guys. Its a very fun place to be, but you really have to be careful. Try going away from the city to other places.. like if you are into the beech, try Vitoria, Bahia, Floranopolis.. or my favorite- Porto Segundo. For night life, Sao Paulo is probably the best in Brasil, and Rio has the best day life. Try the food in Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte is the biggest and most easilly accessable city there.) You have to try the BBQ.
If you look American like me, you will be noticed, and you are a prime target for theives. It's usually some gang members working together, and you wont know whats going on until its too late. Dont go to Futbol games without some people who you really trust. Don't wear Puma or Nike, instead wear old shoes. (Wait 'till you see the prices of shoes in Brasil, youll see why they have to rob you!) I dont want to scare you away from Brasil, as its a great place to be, and most of the people are very welcoming. Where are you commuting in from? I try to go twice a month so I'm pretty well versed on getting there from anywhere in the US.

The woman are generally very friendly, and I suggest learning how to Samba. Sounds funny, but it works.

Well Purple Pilot, I'm a Brazilian first officer flying B737-300 based in São Paulo. For what aircompany do you fly?
Where are you based in the US?

Att. Gabriel.

Crime definitely an issue in SP. But cabs aren't a totally safe option either. My neighbor was in SP last week on a business trip and was robbed at gunpoint while in her cab. She had just left the 5 star Hilton Morumbi in a city cab. Just a few blocks away from the hotel while stuck in gridlock at a red light and in broad daylight, two motor scooters pull along side and draw pistols. One on her and one on the driver. They demanded her lap top case and then drove off between cars.

My friend proceeded to her business appointment where her clients, all high ranking Brazilian bankers, had their own version of the same story. She filed a police report and attitude of the local cops was "You were robbed? What, just once? What makes you think you're so special?

I've been to some pretty off the wall third world countries but SP always had me a little edgy. Call the US consulate and maybe check out some internet sites on travel security and see what they say. Think New York in the late 1970's and you have a pretty good picture of SP.

Brazilians are a lot like Americans. Very casual and friendly, like to work hard and then play hard, a generally positive sense of empowerment and destiny. They do like Americans and when you get in with a good group, you'll have a fantastic time.

Old Timer
 

It's been awhile but I spent over five years flying from JFK to Sao Paulo and "deep South America" and loved it.

A lot of good advice on this forum. Take precautions in Sao Paulo and Rio and try to "blend in" with the locals. Do NOT wear watches, jewelry or flashy clothing. You're making yourself a target. Don't carry much cash and my advice is carry a credit card and just enough cash for your evening plans in a sock or hidden on your person. Pickpockets are common in South America and I was 'fleeced" by the slickest operator ever in Rio. Thieves travel in gangs and believe me, they are good !

As for taxicabs, ask at the front desk of the hotel. Don't just take any cab on the street as Worldtraveler said.

I'm not trying to scare you. I loved South America but you have to know the rules and play by them or you will become a victim of petty crimes and robbed. Ask at your hotel where good places to meet people are and enjoy the trip !!

Just an experienced traveler....G'Day Mate:rolleyes:

I was in SP last Sept-Oct and loved it....stayed at the Marriott for one month and apt the next month. People were very friendly and helpful everywhere at I went and most places to eat have menu's in Portuguese and English.