Getting around in Sao Paulo

Metro

When you begin planning your daily itinerary, keep in mind that Sao Paulo is the third largest city in the world.  Public transport although efficient, can fall apart during a sudden downpour.  And the traffic jams here are legendary.  Even so, you’ll find that getting around the main areas on your medical tourism holiday is remarkably uncomplicated.   

Sao Paulo’s subway system is clean, safe, and efficient.  If you want to be adventurous and travel the way the locals do, get yourself a Bilhete smart card.  You can get these free of charge at underground stations and then charge them at newspaper kiosks and other outlets. A single card is valid for a certain number of journeys though public transportation, usually four.  

Buses

The smart card can be used for buses as well.  The bus system in Sao Paulo is efficient, but the lack of major landmarks to guide you can make getting around a little stressful.   

Taxis

These are the best way to get around Sao Paulo, and can be found near malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls, and traffic intersections.  You can also order a taxi by phone.  These are called radio taxis, and they are usually more comfortable than regular taxis.  

Rental Cars

You would have to have to be incredibly patient, brave, or foolish to try to navigate Sao Paulo via car.  The traffic here is so appalling that wealthier residents actually rely on the world’s largest fleet of civilian helicopters to take them to their destinations.  To ease the pressure on the streets, the city has introduced a new rotating traffic system in which vehicles with license plates ending with certain numbers only are allowed inside city streets on certain days of the week.  This has taken the pressure off somewhat, but you’re still better off renting taxis – they’re convenient, inexpensive, and so much safer.

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