Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
STREETWISE IN
SÃO PAULO
Visitors must exercise
greater caution while trav-
eling in certain parts of the
city, including the district of
Luz, areas around the city's
main train station, Praça da
Sé, Praça da República, and
Praça Roosevelt. Be careful
in the city center late at
night, as well as in the cheap
accommodation area around
Rua Santa Efigênia.
Cameras, credit cards, and
cash should be kept out of
sight, preferably in a money
belt, with a few notes left in
a pocket or handbag. It is
wise to withdraw cash only
during the day and use ATMs
that are within the bank
premises rather than in a
crowded street.
The metro is safe for
commuting during the day,
but it is recommended to
use taxis after dark. These
can be booked through a
hotel or rented at one of
the many taxi stands.
Driving and navigation
in São Paulo is difficult.
Carjacking and red-light
robberies are common after
dark. The new traffic law
allows drivers to slow down
São Paulo has one of
the highest crime rates
of any city in the world.
However, most of the
violence is restricted to
the isolated areas dominated
by the
favelas
(shanty-
towns), which lie on the
periphery of the city far from
the upmarket areas more
frequented by visitors.
Though you are unlikely
to meet with serious trouble
in São Paulo, it is important
nonetheless to take all
adequate precautions.
Visitors are required to carry
their identification docu-
ments at all times.
Polícia Militar booth in São Paulo,
responsible for traffic checks
at red lights and continue
driving without stopping if
there is little or no traffic
on the roads.
If held up or driven
at gunpoint to an ATM
machine, avoid any provo-
cation that could prove fatal.
There have been many
incidents in recent years
of organized violence by
the PCC (Primeiro Comando
da Capital) against public
servants and police. In the
unlikely event of PCC
activity, it is advisable to
stay in your hotel.
"RÉS
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Place of interest
Other building
Train station
Metro
Bus station
Parking
Visitor information
Hospital
Police station
Church
Post office
Crowded shopping street lined with a selection of stores, São Paulo
