Experience in São Paulo, Brazil by Bianca

What is it like to live in São Paulo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

São Paulo is a huge city, full of big buildings and with an amazing diversity of people. While walking for five minutes down the Avenida Paulista you can meet all sorts of people. It is a perfect city for those who want to experience a "big city lifestyle". It has many restaurants, theatres, music events and museums. The subway is the best way to move around, but it is really full during rush hours. Among the grey colour of the buildings you can find an amazing green park, Ibirapuera, where you can visit art museums or walk around the big lake. Is is a city for someone who wants to experience a city that is alive 24 hours per day, full of lights and definitely not quiet.

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What is the student lifestyle like in São Paulo?

The city has many eminent universities, including one of the best in Latin America, which attract many students from different parts of Brazil and the whole world. In São Paulo many congresses, symposiums and cultural events are held.

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How much does it cost to live in São Paulo?

It is expensive. Unfortunately, we have a high life cost, as others huge cities around the world. You can rent an apartment for around R$ 2500 and share the costs with other students (I think you can find some for R$ 1000 or less but not in the centre area; however, I am not very sure, so it would be best if you asked your Brazilian university for university residence and advice to find accommodation). Better options are "Republicas" where many students share the house and the costs. Between R$ 400-500 is enough to eat per month, but you should take into account also some extra money to go to parties, theatres etc.

Recently we have adopted the monthly card for public transport (R$140), but I am not sure how it works for foreign people (more information here). There is also the weekly card for R$48 which can be used as many times as you want during one week (this weekly card doesn't seem to require any special registration, but the monthly one does). Students have 50% discount on public transport, so you must ask your university to get your student benefits. Basically, you will need around R$ 1500 - R$ 2000 to live in São Paulo (more information available here).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The most popular dish is "arroz com feijão", i. e. rice and beans which is a standard lunch or dinner meal for Brazilians.

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However, São Paulo has a rich gastronomy and you can find different kind of restaurants and many kinds of food at supermarkets, there are for example some Asian stores. My favourite dishes are: omelette, french fries and lasagna. For breakfast it is common to drink coffee or milk and eat cereals, fruit, bread, cheese and cooked lamb.

What places would you recommend visiting in São Paulo?

Ibirapuera Park, Ipiranga Museum, Paulista Avenue, Museum of Modern Art and many other museums, as well as the Municipal Theater and Symphonic Orchestra.