A business traveller’s guide to Sao Paulo

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :10/03/2008 16:52:03

In the latest installment of our series of exclusive guides for business travellers, Exec discovers Sao Paulo, Brazil’s financial epicentre

Written by Sam Wright

Sao Paulo is everything you would expect from the financial capital of a burgeoning economy; bustling, hectic and more than a little driven. But what does come as a surprise in this city is its scope; not just in size – Sao Paulo is the largest in Brazil with over twelve million residents, or paulistanos – but the variety of what it has to offer.

Immigration has played a major part in Sao Paulo’s history, and those that came from all over the world to work the coffee plantations at the end of the nineteenth century have lent it a real multi-cultural air. In this sense, it has more in common with London or New York than Rio de Janeiro or Belo Horizonte, but, as in many large South American cities, crime can be a problem.

That said, the areas most business travelers will visit - Centro, Paulista and Jardins – are absolutely safe, providing you take the basic precautions you would in any large city. So, put its reputation to one side and, with the help of our guide, make the most of your stay in what is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

ARRIVAL

Guarulhos International Airport, also known as Cumbica, is a fair distance (40 kilometers) from the city centre, so the best bet is either shuttle bus or taxi. The former costs around R$25 one-way and runs frequently to all Sao Paulo’s main districts.

Taxis are also easily available. Expect to pay about R$75 for the journey, which should take around 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the time of day –or indeed, night.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Emiliano

This boutique hotel is a popular choice among Sao Paulo’s business travellers, largely down to its amazing attention to detail and superb location. Just a few moments away from some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, the Emiliano has given itself a hard task to compete. Yet, thanks to a fantastic Italian restaurant and exhaustive wine list (plus a well-stocked champagne bar); it manages to do just that. And if you do head there for a quiet night, make the most of the welcome massages, Egyptian cotton sheets and toiletries customized to your skin type.

Renaissance

Alameda Santos, 2233

Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01419-002 Brazil

Phone: 55 11 3069 2233

A little less opulent than the Emiliano, the Renaissance does what it sets out to do extremely well. In keeping with its reputation as part of the Marriott chain, it ticks all the five star boxes while keeping an unashamedly business-hotel focus; its business facilities are arguably the best in Sao Paulo and service is prompt for those in a hurry.

In fact, it’s the staff that are this hotel’s greatest asset; something that gives this hotel an edge over some of its more expensive counterparts.

WHERE TO EAT

Figueira Rubaiyat

Rua Haddock Lobo 1738,

Sao Paulo

Phone -1/3063-3888

Built around a 150 year-old fig tree, Figueira Rubaiyat is possibly the most visually impressive restaurant in Sao Paulo. Specialising in meat from the owner’s ranch, it’s also one of the best places in the city to sample Brazil’s national dish, feijoada; a stew of black beans, pork and beef. Seafood is a must too; the combination of fantastic oysters and a quality champagne list is as good as it gets.

Don Curro

More superb seafood here, as well as arguably the best paella in the whole of Brazil. The bullfighting memorabilia (the restaurant is apparently owned by a Spanish matador) might be a little tacky –especially after Figueira Rubaiyat – but the atmosphere is well worth it. For Sao Paulo, it’s pricy though, even if you do take in to account the valet parking. Expect to pay around R$160 a head, including drinks.

MONEY

Despite being one of the more expensive destinations in South America, Sao Paulo can seem remarkably good value to visitors from the west. At the current exchange rate, £1 is the equivalent to R$3.4, or reais, with a meal, including drinks, at a reasonable restaurant costing around R$25.

Cheques are a popular form of payment, but are only accepted from a Brazilian bank account. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but as always it’s worth phoning ahead if you’re unsure. A tip of ten percent is customary, and should be given as it often forms part of the staff’s wages. ATMs are frequent and accept all major international credit cards.

GETTING AROUND

Buses are the most popular way to travel, but they can be slow, crowded and at night, sometimes dangerous. It’s far better to travel by the distinctive white taxis, which run around the clock and are reasonably priced - around R$30 per ten kilometres.

It’s worth remembering that fares rise in the evening and weekends, and that travelling outside the city limits will incur an extra charge of 50 percent of the fare.

Click here to view the full Sao Paulo travel guide