Airport
Guarulhos International Airport
IATA Code: GRULocation: The airport is located 16 miles (30km) northeast of Sao Paulo.
Time: GMT -2 (GMT -3 between the third Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March).
Contacts: Tel: +55 (0)11 6445 2945.
Transfer between terminals: The airport has two terminals, which are within easy walking distance of each other.
Transfer to the city: Taxis are available outside the terminals; visitors are advised to take the prepaid taxis, they are usually a little more expensive but give peace of mind. There is also an airport shuttle bus, which drops off at the main hotels. Public buses are also available.
Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis and Hertz.
Facilities: There are a number of bars, restaurants and shops at the airport. There are banks, currency exchange bureaux and ATMs. There is duty-free shopping before customs for Arrivals, as well as tourist information desks, business facilities and two conference rooms.
Parking: Long and short-term parking is available.
Departure tax: US$12 to US$36 depending on category
Website: www.infraero.gov.br
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Sao Paulo
Originally a mission station set up in 1554 by Jesuit priests on the banks of the Rio Tiete, the city of Sao Paulo is today an awesome megalopolis, the industrial and commercial powerhouse of Brazil. The city grew wealthy on coffee cultivation in the mid-19th century, thanks to the rich soil of the region, and the plantation owners took up residence in the bustling regional centre. Gradually the coffee barons diversified their interests and invested some of their wealth in local industry, resulting in a demand for labour and a resultant surge in immigrant population. Today 16-million proud 'Paulistanos' live in the congested, chaotic and cosmopolitan city centre and its sprawling surrounds. Lacking in natural attractions, the city's leisure pursuits are mainly cultural and artistic, and there are some impressive public buildings to delight sightseers, as well as some top-notch museums, theatres, bars, and some of the best shopping in Brazil. Neighbourhoods like Bela Vista and Bixiga are very photogenic, with both ornate mansions and impressive skyscrapers.
