1. The food was surprisingly delicious, but the accommodation was a bit of a mixed bag. Unless you’re staying at high-end places like Renaissance, most options are comparable to Home Inn… And don’t expect amenities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, slippers, or even cups—so it’s best to pack everything you’ll need for your stay.
2. Security used to be a concern, and I was often reminded not to use my phone outdoors. However, things seem to have improved in recent years, with a noticeable police presence on the streets. It’s generally safe to walk around and enjoy meals in busy areas as long as you keep your phone tucked away.
During one outing, the organizers took us on the subway, which, as a former city-dweller, struck me as much cleaner than those in New York, San Francisco, or Paris. Still, I wasn’t entirely comfortable riding it and opted for Uber for all my trips.
3. To my surprise, there were far more Japanese restaurants and supermarkets than I anticipated. If local cuisine isn’t your thing, you can always explore Japanese options. Forgot something essential? Look for Daiso, a Japanese store chain where you can find an array of daily necessities. São Paulo has plenty of Daiso locations.
For skincare and cosmetics, check out pharmacies like Drogasil or other stores with names starting with “drog.” And for groceries or bottled water, Carrefour is a reliable chain with convenient locations.
4. When it comes to shopping, popular picks recommended on platforms like XHS (Little Red Book) include Natura, Brazil’s version of L’Occitane, Skinceuticals, flip-flops, and coffee beans. But after visiting a few supermarkets, I discovered that the variety of coffee beans pales in comparison to what’s available in the U.S…
5. English proficiency is quite limited here. Outside of work settings, each day became a delightful yet challenging game of charades combined with heavy reliance on translation apps.
6. The distance is truly daunting. My two flights combined totaled over 25 hours, leaving me utterly exhausted. After such a grueling journey, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever make the trip again in the future…
