Campinas Sao Paulo, Brazil Travel Guide
Vivo, Claro, and TIM are the main mobile providers in Brazil. Prepaid SIM cards (chip pré-pago) are widely available.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls throughout Campinas.
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist hotels, international businesses, or universities.
Olá (oh-LAH): Hello. Obrigado/a (oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah): Thank you (use "-o" if male, "-a" if female). Por favor (poor fah-VOHR): Please.
A local SIM card, offline translation apps, and essential Portuguese expressions will greatly aid your communication in Campinas.
Banks: Generally open Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Shops (non-mall): Typically open Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 6 PM; Saturday, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Many smaller shops close for lunch.
Shopping Malls: Generally operate Monday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 10 PM. On Sundays, stores generally open from 2 PM to 20:00, while food courts operate from 12 PM to 10 PM. Restaurants: Midday meal is typically served from 12 PM to 3 PM; dinner from 7 PM to 11 AT night or later.
Supermarkets generally open from 7 AM to 10 PM, sometimes later, including Sundays.
ATMs (Caixas Eletrônicos) are widely available at banks, supermarkets, and shopping malls. Many operate 24/7. Seek multi-bank networks like Banco24Horas for convenient access.
Brazil observes numerous national and regional public holidays. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close on these days. Public transport might operate on reduced schedules.
Be mindful of local business hours, public holidays, and based on the season closures to plan your activities and avoid inconvenience during your stay.
Formal: A handshake is the standard formal greeting. Informal: Women often greet close friends and family with a kiss on each cheek (starting with the right). Men might give a light hug or back pat.
General: Dress is generally casual and relaxed in Campinas. Religious Sites: For churches or cathedrals, modest dress is appropriate. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
A 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills. Refer to Section 2.3 for detailed tipping practices.
Politics, religion, and football can be passionate topics. Approach these subjects with caution and respect differing opinions.
Observe local etiquette, maintain a polite demeanor, and plan ahead for accessibility to ensure a smooth and respectful journey.
