Currency and Exchange: Brazil’s currency is called Real (plural form: Reais). Foreign visitors should exchange their currency for Reais at banks or specialized houses since no other currency is accepted in Brazil. There are banks available at Guarulhos International Airport where tourists may exchange their money for Reais upon arrival.
Transport: for a fast trip around the city, the use of taxis and subway is recommended. The price from the airport to a hotel in downtown area is about US$ 30,00.
Working Hours: for services and stores it is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For banks, it is from 10 a.m. from 4 p.m. Shopping malls are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 2 p.m. from 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Shopping: São Paulo has about 30 shopping malls throughout the city, where you can find a big variety of imported and national products, including famous brands. In these places you can also find post offices and specialized stores and also taxis when you leave.
How to Pay: most places will accept credit cards, but just a few will accept traveler's checks (except hotels and a few jewelers). Some famous brand stores and good restaurants may accept American dollars, but usually the currency is not accepted.
Tips: It is usually included in the bill as 10% of the total amount therefore there is no need to extra tip your waiter/waitress. Valet drivers, bellboys, hair dressers and barbers may receive tips, but it’s entirely up to the client's will.
Health and Insurance: It may be difficult to find medicine sold in other countries here in Brazil. Therefore if you have to take medicine regularly, it is better to bring it from home and the prescription with the generic information of the medicine, so that a similar medicine can be found.
Weather: the weather varies in São Paulo and the four seasons of the year are not completely defined. However, rain is more often to happen in the Summer (January until March) and not common in the winter (July until September). Temperature varies from 35c in the Summer to 10c in the Winter.
Electric Force: The city operates at 110 volts and 60 Hz.
Emergencies: Military Police (phone number 190); Civil Police (Phone number 147) and Fire Department (phone number 193).
Time Difference:São Paulo is three hours behind Greenwich. From October to February, the city goes under the day light savings program, when clocks are set to one hour behind.
