São Paulo - has anyone been?

t6dpilot · t6dpilot's Garage

Going in a few weeks for a quick business trip. Never been and am wondering what your experiences are for those that have traveled there.

motion · 03-30-2013, 08:59 AM

I've explored a small bit around the airport when I had long layovers. But that was 15 years ago. My consensus: Nasty industrial city. Nothing like Rio. I'm sure there must be a few nice pockets here and there, though.

Hads930 · 03-30-2013, 09:18 AM

Stayed at The Fasano, the area this hotel was in was safe, walk around at night no problem. There is a good restaurant in the area with a giant fig tree growing through it. There is also a hotel that looks like a ship I think the name is Unique. Great bar on the roof. All fairly tourist oriented, not sure you want to hang out where the locals do.

kiwiokie · 03-30-2013, 06:09 PM

Just got back from my first trip to SP Friday morning. Great city. Good food. Nice people. Traffic bad. Spent most of my time around Avenida Paulista (finance district) and it seemed remarkably safe. Not many English speakers so getting around without a local could be a bit challenging.

Devil Dog Mosport · 03-30-2013, 06:16 PM

Been many times over the last 10-15years, and going again in 2-3 weeks. Like any big city, there are good spots and bad spots.. You have to know where they are, so ask your local contacts.

Food is excellent, night life is crazy...and women are beautiful and friendly.. Be careful of scams!!

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Hot bed for the IT world right now, avoid the scams as mentioned above. Late 2012 I was there last and people were trying to exchange dollars for local using some fast talk, and they would throw in these pre-paid cards for stuff.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devil Dog Mosport

. Like any big city, there are good spots and bad spots.. You have to know where they are, so ask your local contacts.

Food is excellent, night life is crazy...and women are beautiful and friendly.. Be careful of scams!!

+1

I've been, have friends living there now. Tough city, contrasts between favelas and well off is extreme. Petty street violence. Keep your wits about you, stay in good areas, all fine. Caipirinha muito bom. Oh, the girls are beautiful.

Nostril Cheese · 03-30-2013, 10:43 PM

Never been, but have many friends from there. If they are a reflection of the city, I imagine you'll have fun. And yes, gorgeous women.

Eric 951 · 04-01-2013, 09:43 AM

As others have already mentioned--traffic is insane. Keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings, there are some very bad areas--if you have a local contact/guide it would be beneficial.

Pros are the food, nightlife and the beautiful women.

jmaxwell · 04-01-2013, 09:58 AM

Ubatuba on the weekend!

shinrai · 04-01-2013, 04:08 PM

^ Ubatuba on which weekend. 'Hope it wasn't Easter

t6dpilot I live here. There are a lot of myths about SP and Brazil in general. Some things are awesome. Some not so much. I've met some great local Pcar guys on this board. Send me a PM

Damian in NJ · 04-02-2013, 05:22 PM

It's a city where they zip tie the ladies handbags to their chairs to try and stop them from being stolen. Don't think of taking a hail cab, leave your jewelry and watches home, and have eyes out the back of your head.

The women are the most beautiful I've seen on the globe, and I've been most everywhere, though.

t6dpilot · t6dpilot's Garage

OK, so I finally know the hotel and area that the conference is being held. It is the Pestana Hotel in a "privileged" area between Avenida Paulista and Ibirapuera Park, at the center of the capital. Anybody familiar with this?