Osasco Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers

Brazil's major mobile providers are Vivo, Claro, and TIM. Purchase a prepaid SIM card ('chip') at airports, shopping malls, or official stores.

Information

Activation generally needs a CPF (individual tax ID). Foreigners can obtain a temporary CPF at Correios or Federal Police.
Store staff might assist with temporary CPF for tourists.
Prepaid plans are affordable, with data, calls, and texts.

Internet Access and Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and some public spaces.

Connectivity Options

Reliable 4G coverage is available in Osasco and São Paulo with a local SIM.
Consider Airalo for eSIMs for seamless travel data.
Solis Wi-Fi offers portable devices for continuous connection.

Language Barriers and Translation Resources

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese (Brazilian Portuguese). English is not universally spoken, especially outside major tourist areas.

Translation Tools

Google Translate with offline Portuguese packs is highly recommended.
Phrasebooks are useful for quick reference.
Learning basic Portuguese phrases greatly aids communication.

Postal Services

Correios (Brazilian Post Office) branches are available throughout Osasco for domestic and international mail and parcel shipping.

Postal Services Available

Send postcards and packages.
Branches handle both domestic and international shipping.
Locations are easy to find in urban areas.

Important Portuguese Phrases

English Phrases

Hello
Thank you
Please
Excuse me (to pass)

Portuguese Pronunciation

Olá (oh-LAH)
Obrigado / Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
Por favor (por fah-VOR)
Com licença (koh le-SEN-sah)

Language Learning for Immersion

Consider starting a language learning journey with Rosetta Stone to truly immerse yourself in the culture before or during your trip.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigate Osasco's daily rhythm with information on typical operating hours and holiday schedules.

Shops & Malls

Non-mall shops: Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM, Sat 9 AM-1 PM. Malls: Mon-Sat 10 AM-10 PM, Sun 2 PM-8 PM.

Restaurants

Lunch: 12 PM-3 PM. Dinner: 7 PM-11 PM/midnight. "Comida por quilo" often only for lunch.

Supermarkets

Generally open Mon-Sat 8 AM-9 PM, Sun 8 AM-6 PM (hours may vary).

Banking Hours and ATMs

Banks operate Monday-Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Avoid visits on public holidays.

ATM Access

ATMs (Caixas Eletrônicos) are widely available 24/7.
Look for "Banco24Horas" ATMs for convenience with international cards.
Found at banks, supermarkets, and shopping malls.

Public Holidays Affecting Services

Be aware of national, state, and municipal holidays; many businesses close or have reduced schedules.

Holiday Impact

Banks, government offices, smaller businesses close.
Public transport may operate on reduced schedules.
Major shopping malls and some restaurants typically remain open.

Holidays and Closures

National Holidays

New Year's Day (Jan 1)
Carnival (Feb/Mar)
Good Friday (Mar/Apr)
Labor Day (May 1ST)
Independence Day (Sep 7)
Christmas (Dec 25)

Local Holidays

São Paulo City Anniversary (Jan 25)
Revolution of 1932 (Jul 9 – SP state)
Osasco Anniversary (Feb 19)
Seasonal closures are less common, but some small businesses reduce hours during major holiday periods.

Optimize Your Travel Around Holidays

Be sure to check a local calendar for specific holiday dates before your visit to plan accordingly and avoid unexpected closures.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience and fosters positive relationships.

Greeting Customs

A firm handshake is appropriate in formal settings. Among friends, women typically greet other women and men with a kiss on each cheek.

Politeness Tips

Address elders or people in formal settings as "senhor" (sir) or "senhora" (ma'am).
Close friends may hug as a greeting.
Men usually shake hands.

Dining and Tipping Practices

Wait to be seated in a restaurant. Avoid snapping fingers to get attention; a subtle hand gesture or polite "Garçom!" works.

Dining Etiquette

Refer to general tipping guidelines in travel guides.
A 10% service charge ("serviço") is often added to the bill.
It is customary to leave a small additional tip for exceptional service.

Photography Permissions and Restrictions

Photography is typically permitted in open areas spaces. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

Photo Courtesy

Religious sites or private establishments may have photography restrictions.
Watch for signs or ask staff before taking pictures.
Respect privacy if someone declines to be photographed.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Politics, religion, and football can be passionate subjects; approach these topics with caution and respect. Avoid making generalizations about Brazil.

Cultural Sensitivities

Brazilians are often more relaxed about time; "Brazilian time" (hora brasileira) implies a flexible schedule.
Public displays of affection are common for all couples.
Same-sex marriage is legal, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.

Important Considerations for Travelers

Safety and Awareness

Be aware of surroundings.
Avoid displaying valuables openly.
Exercise caution in crowded areas.

Local Respect

Always use polite language.
Be patient in dealings.
Seek to understand local customs.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Environment

Rights and Acceptance

Same-sex marriage is legal in Brazil.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law.
Major cities have visible LGBTQ+ communities.

Public Behavior

Public displays of affection are common for all couples.
Generally available and diverse society, especially in metropolitan areas.
Tourists are encouraged to respect local diversity.

Accessibility Information

Newer buildings, shopping malls, and some public transport (Metro, modern CPTM) in São Paulo and Osasco feature accessible infrastructure. Pavements can be uneven in older areas. Many major attractions have some accessibility. Contact lodging or tour organizers directly for specific needs.

Airport Services

Ensure a smooth travel experience with information on airport facilities and services around São Paulo.

Airport Lounges & Comfort

For frequent travelers, airport lounges present a quiet escape and amenities before flights.

Lounge Access

Priority Pass independent airport lounge access globally.
Access to comfortable waiting areas, Wi-Fi, and refreshments.
A great option for extended layovers or early arrivals.

Flight Disruption Compensation

Unexpected flight delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane can disrupt travel plans significantly.

Claiming Compensation

Compensair helps travelers receive compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
Services for flight delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane.
Assistance with the often-complex claims process.

Customs and Immigration

Efficient processing at São Paulo's international airports. Have your passport and visa (if needed) ready.

Entry Procedures

Automated gates in some cases nationalities.
Clear signage guides through the process.
Assistance available for travelers needing help.

Ground Transportation from Airports

Various options from GRU and CGH to Osasco and São Paulo city.

Transport Options

Airport buses to major city terminals and Metro stations.
Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber, 99) are widely available.
GRU Airport Train (Line 13-Jade) connects to CPTM system.

Urgent Travel Alerts

Always check for the latest travel advisories and airline announcements before heading to the airport.

Confirm departure/arrival times and gate information.
Review airline baggage allowances to avoid extra fees.
Be aware of any flight changes or cancellations.
Check health and entry restrictions for your destination.

Streamline Your Airport Experience

Utilize available airport services and be prepared for potential disruptions to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Osasco Travel Tips