Practical Guide for Conference Presenters
USP Butantã Campus – São Paulo, Brazil
Welcome to São Paulo! We are delighted to have you with us for the conference. This guide
provides a few practical tips to help make your stay comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
Getting Around
We strongly recommend using Uber
The easiest and most convenient way to travel between your hotel, the USP campus,
restaurants, and other destinations is by Uber (or other ride-hailing apps such as 99).
Although São Paulo has an extensive public transportation system, navigating buses can be
challenging for visitors unfamiliar with the city. Ride-hailing services are generally
inexpensive by international standards and are the most practical – and safest - option for
short trips.
Traffic in São Paulo
São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, and traffic can be heavy.
Travel times can increase considerably during peak hours (7am – 9h30am and 5pm –
7h30pm), so leaving a little earlier can help avoid delays.
Personal Safety
• Keep your phone stored away when walking on the street. Avoid walking while looking at
your phone.
• If you need to check directions or answer a message, step inside a café, shop, hotel lobby,
or another secure location.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash.
• Keep backpacks and bags zipped and close to your body.
• At night, prefer using Uber rather than walking longer distances.
Weather
São Paulo's weather can change quickly—even within the same day.
Remember to check the weather forecast as the date approaches – we recommend bringing
both a light and a heavier jacket. Do not forget your umbrella!
Sun Protection & Insects
Wear sunscreen and insect repellent (a good brand we recommend is Exposis).
Electrical Outlets
Brazil uses 127 V electricity in São Paulo and Type N electrical outlets. Most modern
chargers support 100–240 V but check your devices. Bring a Type N adapter if needed
(www.travel-adaptor.com/Types/en/type-N.php)
Payments
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted. Carrying large amounts of
cash is unnecessary.
Tipping
Restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge ("serviço") in Brazil. No additional
tip is expected.
Language
Portuguese is the official language. English is common at the university and many hotels, but
less so elsewhere.
Useful expressions:
Olá (Hello)
Bom dia (Good morning)
Boa tarde (Good afternoon)
Obrigado (masculine) /Obrigada (feminine) (Thank you)
Por favor (Please)
Com licença (Excuse me)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 190
Ambulance: 192
Fire Department: 193