When To Go
São Paulo is a city you can visit at any time of the year but if you’re looking for the best weather, spring and autumn may be the best time to visit. The weather is milder at these times and it is not as rainy as the summer months making it more pleasant to walk around the city. The months of November to March are the hottest but also the wettest months. June to September are the coldest months.
If you are off to the beach, the Brazilian summer may be the best time to go. In December, the beaches are packed and the weather is hot. Easter is also a very busy period at the beach when Paulistas flock to the beach. Prices for hotels in beach towns are higher at this time.
If you are going for the carnival, then February is be the time to go.
Money
The Brazilian currency is the Real (R$). Each real is worth 100 centavos. Notes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20,10,5 and 2 reais. Coins comes in R$1, 50,25,10 and 5 centavos.
Paying in Sao Paulo
ATMs are widespread in São Paulo. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, it is a good idea to tell your bank or credit card provider when you are going to Brazil before you go. ATMs often have a surcharge on taking out cash. It is a good idea to have a second emergency card or a small amount of cash in case the ATM is broken. ATMs are not all open 24h a day or may restrict the cash available at certain times.
Electricity – Voltage and Plug Adaptors
The voltage in Brazil is not standardised and ranges from 110V to 240V. In São Paulo, it is often 110V (127V) but it can vary so it is best to check with the hotel or accommodation you are staying in. Some hotels have sockets of both 110V and 240V. Other times, they may have adaptors to loan upon request. These days, many devices such as phones and laptops work on both voltages. The standardised socket in Brazil is the N type socket. Plugs of both N type sockets and C type sockets work.
Frequency is 60Hz.
Language
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. It is spoken by almost all Brazilians. English or Spanish is often taught in school or taken as private classes but is not widely spoken.