Essentials
| 🏙️ City | São Paulo is Brazil's largest city, known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and economic importance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 12 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 65 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 5.30 BRL, local currency is Brazilian Real (BRL). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 127V, 60Hz, using Type N sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vivo, Claro, and TIM. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and digital wallets (PicPay, Nubank). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels and hostels to Airbnb and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but cash may be required in some areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available on Airbnb, Booking.com, and local platforms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Hostel São Paulo and The Cultural Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Avenida Paulista is highly recommended for its attractions and accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhoods of Vila Madalena and Pinheiros are popular among digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork and Nave are popular coworking spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café do Mercado in Mercado Municipal offers great coffee and a work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events at venues like Hub SP and São Paulo Tech Meetup are common. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the São Paulo Expat Meetup on Facebook for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and 99 are the best apps for getting around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike-sharing services include Bike Itaú and Yellow scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Santos, about 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | LATAM Airlines is a major carrier in Brazil. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Air Canada frequently fly to São Paulo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Marginal Tietê and Rodovia dos Imigrantes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estação da Luz is the main train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Bilhete Único card is used for buses and metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by companies like Viação Cometa connect to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital das Clínicas is the best facility for healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Flow and Centro de Yoga São Paulo are popular wellness spots. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular gyms include Smart Fit and Bio Ritmo. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many neighborhoods have local laundromats; Wash & Fold services are common. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | iFood and Rappi are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish, highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe da manhã e café com canela offers diverse vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Casa Mathilde is famous for its traditional pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Municipal Market of São Paulo for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Americanas.com and Mercado Livre are popular online shopping sites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local delivery from supermarkets such as Pão de Açúcar via their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vila Madalena is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervejaria Paulistânia is a popular local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca is a renowned wine bar with a wide selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant; try the pastel and coxinha from local vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Brás and Sushi Yassu offer popular international food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ibirapuera Park and Museu de Arte de São Paulo are top landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Instituto Butantan and Museu de Arte São Paulo (MASP) are must-visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The São Paulo Cathedral is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo is a historic church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The São Paulo Art Biennial takes place every two years. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Beco do Batman in Vila Madalena is known for street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal is a famed venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Feira da Liberdade is a popular market for Asian goods and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a vibrant music scene, especially in jazz and samba clubs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Vila Madalena district is famous for its street art murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Check out Casa do Pão for local cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Fortes Vilaça showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palácio da Justiça is a prime example of historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | São Paulo has a rich immigrant heritage visible in its cuisine and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Serra da Cantareira State Park offers hiking trails and nature views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | National Park of Iguaçu is a bit farther but is worth the visit. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bicycle paths are available along the Marginal Pinheiros. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirante do Vale offers a panoramic view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Parque da Juventude is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ibirapuera Park has designated picnic areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correios is the national postal service offering reliable delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many local shops provide tech repair; look for iPlace for Apple products. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Casa do Brasil offer classes in Portuguese. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Mário de Andrade is a central spot for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Sesc SP offers cultural activities and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Lounge is a popular place for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in São Paulo, but various entertainment venues are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$480,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$11,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$660,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Brazil operates a progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27.5% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT (ICMS) rate is around 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, stringent rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes vary by municipality, generally based on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% transfer tax applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads may benefit from Brazil’s relatively low tax on worldwide income, depending on residency. |