Doing business
Portuguese, Italian and Spanish culture has left its impact in the way Brazilians do business – so if you’ve worked in these countries you’ll be well prepared. In contrast to other parts of Brazil, companies in São Paulo will expect and value efficiency and preparedness, and can be quite formal at first. Further down the line, expect relaxed and friendly relations.

Cool hotel
With only 57 rooms, Emilianos (doubles from £100) fills up fast with jetsetters from around the world. Stylishly appointed accommodations await travellers, with the discreet, attentive service one would expect at these prices. If you’ve got the budget, arrange for transfers to and from the airport in the hotel’s helicopter. There’s an extra charge, of course. See: www.emiliano.com.br

Hip restaurant
If you’re in Brazil you’ve got to go for a carnivorous churrascaria. Expect huge quantities of meat bought to your plate perfectly cooked over an open fire. Rodeio in the Cerqueira Cesar district is known as the best – and most plentiful with the portions. At £10 a head, it’s a cheap night for some of the finest food in all of São Paulo.

Happening bar
When socialising with native associates, the day is bound to conclude at Bar Brahma on Avenida São Paulo. It’s right in the heart of the hotel district and its antique surroundings are a friendly and relaxing hangout for many Paulistano professionals. Expect live music and good draft beer. The best tables are upstairs.

Must-see sights
The São Paulo Museum of Art has Latin America’s best collection of western art in what some might say is its ugliest building. At weekends, locals head to Parque do Ibirapuera to walk, gawp at monuments and museums and take part in games of pick-up football. A walk around the magnificent streets and monuments of the city centre is another great way to get one’s bearings – start at Praca da Republica.

Getting downtown
The easiest way to the centre is to take a taxi. These are generally of a good standard, but avoid unlicensed vehicles and look for a meter. Expect to pay £8-10. Cheaper minivans (around £5) run a circuit of large hotels from the airport.

The details
São Paulo is three hours behind GMT, or four hours behind in the British summer, and has very hot summers and warm winters. The currency is the Brazilian Real: £1=4.05R. Despite a bad reputation, São Paulo is generally a safe city, especially if you travel by taxi and stick with colleagues when out and about at night. Employers will need to sponsor any work permits, and paperwork can be laborious. See www.brazil.org.uk.

Getting there
Flights from the UK are to the city’s Guarulhos Airport. Best fares with European carriers start at around £500 including taxes – expect to pay £600 for a direct flight with British Airways or TAM. There are often good business class deal around, so shop around for £1,700 fares.

INSIDER’S TIP
“Most of São Paulo’s business class hotels offer dedicated airport transfers. Taking advantage of such a service makes transferring from the city’s hectic airport a much smoother process, and helps avoid any potential security risks. Although the majority of visits to São Paulo are trouble-free, you can help minimise risks by taking sensible precautions such as not wearing valuable jewellery and watches, and carrying laptops discreetly”
Roger Westwood, HRG

Compiled by Tom Hall on behalf of Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com

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