Is going to Sao Paulo a good idea?

Question

Serious answers only please!

Answer 1

Hey, I am From Brazil, Sao Paulo I live in USA for 5 years and nothing compare, of course!

I strongly advice you to no give up of this opportunity. Just be carefull, dangerous is everywhere.

Take less money with you in the pocket, not take expensive things with you, not jewerly, cameras, try to be cheap on matters of fashion. Dress simple

Jardins is a great area, only people with money live there.

Enjoy the trip, take your mom with you and have some fun if you can! Maybe both of you are going to enjoy.

Make sure to get a visa after all. I heard can be challenge sometimes! ( if you are american).

Good trip!

Answer 2

Nowadays São Paulo is a safer city than 5 years ago. It's still not a very safe place but we have less violence than NYC in the early 90s and Washington DC in the present days. For instance, the SP murder rate is less than the half of the DC rate. The neighborhoods near Jardins have barely non-existent crime. But, of course, you shoudn't take much money with you and be careful.

Besides that, you'll know the brazilian (maybe latin american) cutural capital, with a lot of museums, theaters, shopping malls, restaurants (SP is known as the "world gastronomy capital"), bars, parks and people. People from every place (in the country and out of it).

It's certainly worthwhile to visit!

Answer 3

I am from São Paulo.

Jardins is a good area of São Paulo.

And if you have a friend that will be with you, don't worry.

Here there lots of girls with blond hair too.

I am sure you will like here! You are mostly welcome!

Answer 4

i am considering going to brasil as well.....and i can tell you, you need to hurry up with your visa!!!  the visa will cost you near 150 USD and you need to apply in person, at the nearest brasilian embassy.  also....have you checked out the plane tickets???  YIKES!  you did say you were a college student...

Answer 5

Jardins is one of the nicest/richest neighborhoods in Sao Paulo.  And don't worry about your blond hair standing out...  we have blonds in Brasil, too!  Just don't flaunt your money or expensive camera, jewelry, etc...  Bc like any large city, there is some crime, although not as bad as some years ago.  Make arrangements to get your visa soon, I don't know the closes embassy to Nebraska.  Unforntunately, you'll have to do this in person.  

People in Brasil are very friendly, you'll have a great time I'm sure!  Good luck!

Answer 6

I think if you are going to spend this time with you friend, that's not gonna be a problem, Sao Paulo is a danger city, but with some care, you can be all right, don't wear jewelery on the streets, don't walk with a camera visible, don't talk to strangers, if you need any help, ask in a hotel or a place that looks serious, not any place, and if your friend is going to be able to be with you almost all the time, then you'll be ok, don't miss the opportunity, I'm sure that you are going to like Brazil.

Answer 7

As a mother, I can understand your mom's concerns about your safety. Sao Paulo has an extremely high crime rate and tourists are more at risk in many areas. But, as long as you are constantly chaperoned by a local and you obey and respect local laws then you should be fine. I would highly advise being extra weary of discotecas and bars. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and keep your hands on your own drinks at all times. Also, I learned from my aunt, who has traveled throughout the world, to keep a zip tie on any handbags or backpacks to avoid pickpockets. Then, keep a nail clipper in your pocket to clip it as necessary and then rezip it afterwards.

Honestly, I use to go bar hopping in Mexico all the time and never had any problems. But, I was always weary of local laws and stayed out trouble. Good luck on convincing your mom, it would so cool to be able to travel to Brazil.

Answer 8

Yes, it's a good idea.  Try not to look too much like a tourist when you're out and about.  As for the blond hair, there are plenty of women who lighten their hair and enough people of German descent that you won't stand out too much.

Answer 9

But the cities of the interior ( JARDINS)  of São Paulo are pretty and the traffic is not so chaotic. .less violent. have care! I can gives some hints.

Answer 10

come on... Jardins is one of the richest neighborhoods in São Paulo... you'll be really safe... you'll see great things... it'll be a great experience for you... São Paulo is dangerous, but not as much as people portray.

Answer 11

V., above, is right.  Jardins is a nice neighborhood (bairro nobre) of São Paulo.  But, of the Brazilian cities, it is the most congested, the rudest (most Brazilians are warm and welcoming), and one of the most afflicted by violent crime.

So you have blonde hair.  Brazilians, like us, come in all sizes, makes, and models--although the skin tone averages a good deal darker than ours; São Paulo has a huge population of Japanese descendants, for example.

It comes down to how much you can trust your friend.  If you have any doubts, but if you want to get to know Brazil, consider an exchange program that you and your mother have checked out.