São Paulo Warnings Or Dangers Tips by Elainehead Top 5 Page for this destination

Beware of Card Cloning

Be extra vigilant when using your credit card in Brazil because card cloning is more common than you may think.

NEVER lose sight of your card during a payment transaction!!!

If you have to type your PIN code, check if there's nobody hovering over your shoulder and cover the keypad to prevent from "indiscreet eyes".

If you need to withdraw money from an ATM, choose one inside a bank (preferably with traffic - making it more difficult to bad guys install their cloning paraphernalia) during banking hours.

Always check your bank account online in order to check any unusual movement/withdraw.

A good idea is having 2 cards, one with less money and another one for emergency purposes.

Traffic: Allow plenty of time for your trip. Traffic Review

Traffic is a real b**** here, so allow plenty of time for your trip whether you're taking the bus, taxi, subway or car. Things get worse when it rains and/or during rush hours.

Coach travel: I was on a coach and it took us one hour just to go from Tiete Bus Terminal to Dutra highway exit. A simple one-hour and half trip took almost 3 hours! Luckily we were prepared and had food and water with us, and no commitment in our destination.

Subway: We were at Liberdade station and had to wait 4 times to manage to get inside a wagon because it was so crowded! A little tip, the first wagons are usually less crowded.

Real-time traffic information (in Portuguese)

Website: http://www.cetsp.com.br

Prices have skyrocketed: forget shopping here

A few years ago (maybe 4 years ago), you could buy a lot of clothing and shoes without spending a lot, but since the local money Real got stronger, prices have skyrocketed. It's as expensive (sometimes even more expensive) as in Europe.
To give you an idea, T-shirts at C&A are about 15 €. Good luck finding bargains.
You won't find leather shoes under 42 € (US$ 60). Not too mention some Havaianas flip-flops prices which are outrageous.
So disappointed that I didn't buy many stuff/gifts.

There are pickpockets in... Watch your back! Review

There are pickpockets in Avenida Paulista and surroundings, so be attentive with your belongings. Another favorite place for pickpockets is in the centre of São Paulo (Praça da Sé and surroundings). Usually nobody helps you when someone is robbing you (if you shout for help or something). If you happen to take a bus or subway in rush hours, keep your belongings in front of you. Pickpockets do a trick when you enter a bus (they are also searching for victims in bus stops) and pretend to get on the wrong bus and suddenly decide to get off when you are entering. At this moment he/she takes the advantage to steal your wallet in your purse. If you decide to rent a car in São Paulo (air-conditioned car is better because you can keep the windows closed, also don't forget to lock the doors), be careful when you stop at traffic lights (at night is even worse that many drivers don't stop at traffic lights afraid of being robbed). Don't let bags or purses on the passenger's seat, try to hide them. If it happens that someone robs you, try to keep calm and give what the robber wants. It's advisable to keep a second wallet especially to give to robbers. If you go shopping, be attentive with your belongings, and when using credit cards keep an eye on them.