Anonymous wrote:I (American) used to live in the city of Sao Paulo. There is nothing to do or see there, considering there is so much in the rest of the country and state. But the city? No.

I lived there too.

And this is exactly on point as long as you don't like:

Fine Arts
Museums
Concerts
Historical sites
Cultural Centers
Shopping
Food and restaurants
Hiking
Botanica gardens
Day trips
Walking tours

among other boring things . . .

I (American) used to live in the city of Sao Paulo. There is nothing to do or see there, considering there is so much in the rest of the country and state. But the city? No.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Do not take public transportation. Only Uber or Taxi from hotels/ taxi points.

I am the Brazilian poster. I say this because I’m general Brazilian don’t speak English to help someone if they get on the wrong bus. You don’t want to end up in the wrong part of town.

Depending on the city public transportation can be safe, but not always.

I was in São Paulo this summer. It was fine. I take basic safety precautions like not having my phone out all the time on the metro and taking a cab/ Uber later

Anonymous wrote:Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. My friend had her phone snatched out of her hand by a guy passing by on a bike, but the rest of her trip was uneventful.

Yes to this - I was on a group tour - same thing to a fella in the group. The thief was on a dirt bike.

Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. My friend had her phone snatched out of her hand by a guy passing by on a bike, but the rest of her trip was uneventful.

Anonymous wrote:Skip São Paulo.

Not because of safety but because it’s dull and there’s so much better stuff to see.

Sao Paulo's awesome. The largest city in the western hemisphere can't suck by definition.

Anonymous wrote:
Do not take public transportation. Only Uber or Taxi from hotels/ taxi points.

Skip São Paulo.

Not because of safety but because it’s dull and there’s so much better stuff to see.

Brazilian here.

Safe, but be smart. Stay in the touristy areas.


Tips: Try not to standout with how you dress. Purse or bag in the front, close to you.
Do not talk or carry your phone outside. Need to look up where to go, enter a store and use your phone.
Do not take public transportation. Only Uber or Taxi from hotels/ taxi points.
Have 2 credit cards, leave one in the hotel with your passport.
When paying, do not give your card to anyone. They will bring a machine to you.

Anonymous wrote:Considering a last minute guided tour with a girlfriend that goes from São Paulo to Rio. I see the travel advisory is Level 2 but wondering if anyone has first hand experience. Thanks.

Sounds pretty awesome. I want to go to Sao Paulo so bad.

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to know!

I go pretty frequently and I wouldn't worry. Just use common sense, don't flash cash or wear flashy jewlry and you'll be fine. Guided tour from SP to Rio? Sao Sebastiao/Ilhabela, Ubatuba/Bertioga, Angra/Ilha Grande /Paraty, Rio? Should be an easy trip . . .Have fun!

Yep, I went to Rio a couple of weeks ago. Take ubers and keep a low profile (no nice jewelry, don't have your phone near an open car window, etc) and I think you'll be fine. It was an awesome trip and I never felt unsafe.

Considering a last minute guided tour with a girlfriend that goes from São Paulo to Rio. I see the travel advisory is Level 2 but wondering if anyone has first hand experience. Thanks.